When You're a Department of One

Hey Besties!

It’s Wednesday, and this week, we’re talking about boy bands, overused corporate lingo and surviving when you're an HR department of one. You know the drill - grab your go-to drink (I’m reaching for a coffee today) and give it a listen.

In This Episode:

• Intro Story: The time Ashley had her dream day at the office: the Backstreet Boys came to visit (Listen to what went wrong, and check out our Instagram for pics)

• Corporate Cringe Speak: Today’s phrase is one of those that makes you think, “Are you just telling me to be more like you?” (And other cringy ways to say it)

• Hot Topic: Being an HR department of one? It’s like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle. You’re handling everything - recruiting, benefits, employee relations, payroll (oh, and don’t forget planning the next company event, maybe next time try bringing in the Backstreet Boys!). It’s a lot. So how do you stay sane and actually get things done? We give you tips to help navigate the chaos.

• Questions & Comments: We’ve all had those days when it feels like the weight of the world (or at least your entire organization) is on your shoulders. And when you’re in HR, especially running it solo, it can feel even lonelier. But that’s where the HR Besties community comes in. We’re here to remind you - you’ve got backup.

Discussion Guide – For Your Next HR Besties Meetup or Team Chat:

• Backstreet Boys Moments: What’s the most unexpected (or fun!) thing that’s happened at your workplace? How did you balance being a “professional” while being excited?

• Lean Teams: What are the benefits of being in a large team versus a small team? What do you like, and wish was different?

• Support Group: How do you feel more connected at work? When you’re feeling low, who or what makes it better?

We hope this week’s episode gives you a few laughs (and some practical advice to boot). Thank you for giving us love on the podcast apps - if you love what we’re doing, let us know with a rating or review. It’s what keeps us going!

Here’s to “I Want It That Way” now being stuck in your head,
Your HR Besties

Click here to reach out to is with your questions and comments. We love anonymous intro stories!