"Give me your tips on..."

Hey Besties!

We’re baaaaack! We took last week off for Thanksgiving, but are back with a vengeance - or some secondhand embarrassment to start off the episode. This was going to be our last Wednesday episode of 2025, but we have a surprise… you’ll find out if you just read ahead.

First things first, what you’ll hear today:

• Intro Story: Why did Ashley end her dream of becoming a screenwriter? She realized exactly why, and is sharing her workplace embarrassment for all to hear (Leigh and Jamie each gained an ab from cringing on her behalf).

• Corporate Cringe Speak: This week’s phrase may not be something you want to do if it’s chilly outside (and we have a suggestion of what to do instead).

• Hot Topic: Questies for the Besties: This week, it’s all about YOU! We asked for your burning (or simmering) questions and had a blast doing it. Some of what you’ll hear:

  • Funniest HR Stories: One involves a lunch vendor and an apparently ill-advised poor drink choice (pro tip: err on the side of water).

  • Episodes We Recommend: If you’re catching up or sharing with a friend, these are the ones we think are must-listens.

  • How We Cope with Stress: Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but we have a variety of healthy tips, and vices.

  • Work Policies That Work: From flexible schedules to the perks that actually make a difference, we’re dishing on the best ones.

Discussion Guide (Questions for your team meeting or podcast discussion club):

• What’s your funniest workplace story (that you can share amongst the team without resulting in an HR complaint)?

• What productive, stress-busting trick do you recommend to others (same caveat as above)?

• If you could create one new workplace policy, what would it be?

We told you scrolling was worth it! This is our official last episode of the season! But don’t worry - we’re not leaving you hanging. We’ve got Happy Hour episodes coming the next two Fridays and a bonus Wednesday episode next week, where we’ll moderately-dive into the age-old question: HR as the Complaint Department.

P.S. What’s Coming Next?

You still have us for two more weeks of 2025. We have Happy Hour episodes this Friday and next - they’re more casual and fun, so grab a drink and join us. And don’t miss our bonus episode next week where we “unpack” the realities of HR being looked at as “the complaint department” (including how to handle that productively).

As always, your stories and feedback make this so much fun for us. Did we show up in your Spotify Wrapped? Do you have a funny moment or favorite episode to share? We’re working to keep growing the show, and the best ways you can do that are all free! Follow, listen, review, rate and/or share on social media!

XOXO,
The HR Besties

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