Looking for guidance or inspiration? The Now What blog is packed with free advice, tips, and real-world insights to help you navigate work and life with confidence.
As one reader shares, "Amanda embodies what an ideal HR professional should be—empathetic, understanding, and solution-focused. She stands out by prioritizing needs while creating a truly unique and supportive approach."
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You’re Doing PIPs Wrong
Let’s get this out of the way: Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) have a terrible reputation.
They’re the HR equivalent of “We need to talk.” Everyone tenses up. Anxiety skyrockets. People start dusting off their resumes and replying to those LinkedIn recruiters.
And honestly? I get it.
Curiosity Over Credentials
“What do you do?” asks the man in the hot tub.
I wanted to scream.
What an annoying question. Of all the things you could ask me, this is the one you go with? Please get out and leave me to soak in peace. I’m bored, you’re boring, and you’re ruining my relaxation time.
.. is what I said in my head.
How Employers Can Protect Their Teams During ICE Raids
What’s happening in Los Angeles right now is extraordinary.
The recent ICE raids across the city—targeting worksites and neighborhoods—have left communities reeling. And while these actions are being challenged at the state and federal level, the reality is that many businesses and employees are feeling scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next.
Navigating Return to Office Mandates
On January 20, 2025, the White House released a Presidential Action mandating that all government departments and agencies return to full-time, in-person work, eliminating remote work flexibility and pre-existing hybrid arrangements. I recently spoke with someone directly affected by this mandate, and the first thing they said was, “Well, I absolutely am not going to be answering calls when I’m not in the office anymore.” This got me thinking—is anyone discussing how employers are adjusting?
Key Legal Updates for Employers in 2025
As we enter 2025, there are several important updates to employment laws that employers and employees should be aware of. These changes impact everything from wage and hour laws to leave policies and COVID-19 regulations. Staying on top of these updates is crucial for maintaining compliance and fostering a fair workplace.
You've Received An Employee Complaint - Now What?
I recently had a client reach out to me with a dilemma: “I just had an employee share an uncomfortable and inappropriate situation that has happened to them involving a colleague, and I don’t know how to handle it.” Here's the situation:
The Value of a Trusted Consultant
In today’s fast-paced professional world, having a trusted consultant can make all the difference. As someone who has spent over a decade in HR, I’ve seen firsthand how pivotal guidance and support can be in shaping one’s career.
The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth
Early in my career, I realized how invaluable mentorship was to my growth and success. Mentors have shaped my journey in countless ways—some were people I knew personally, others were thought leaders I admired from afar. Some came from my professional circles, some from my family, and others I met serendipitously along the way.
The Importance of Social Awareness and Values at Work
As the workforce evolves, so do the priorities of employees and job seekers. Today, one of the most important considerations for individuals choosing where to start and grow their careers is a company's social awareness—its values, commitments, and contributions to the community.
The Importance of EQ at Work
Did you know that most people achieve success in their careers because of their Emotional Intelligence (EQ) rather than their IQ? This initially surprised me. Like many, I assumed that technical skills were the ultimate keys to success.
Strategic HR Leadership in Scaling Organizations
I once wrote an entire thesis on how Human Resources (HR) contributes to company growth. Lucky for you, I revisited this topic and distilled it into key insights! With my firsthand experience in scaling HR departments, here’s what I’ve learned.
Sitting in the Uncomfortable
We’ve all experienced moments of discomfort, whether it’s asking for a raise, giving critical feedback, or tackling a challenging conversation. As an HR professional with over a decade of experience, I’ve learned that enduring these moments of unease can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Performance Reviews and Compensation
As the end of the year approaches, many companies are gearing up for performance reviews and compensation adjustments. Whether you’re anticipating a review for your annual performance or preparing for a discussion about your compensation, being well-prepared can make a significant difference in the outcome.
One Person Can Tear Down a Whole Culture
It’s a tale as old as time. If I asked you to name the one person in your workplace who undermines company culture more than anyone else, a name likely pops into your head immediately. Let’s be honest—they might be mean, rude, and generally unpleasant to work with, yet they’re a top performer who brings in significant business for the company.
Networking Strategies for Introverts
You’re in a dilemma: You’re an introvert and you’re registered for a networking event. Now what? As a fellow extreme introvert, I can deeply relate to the mix of anticipation and anxiety this brings.
Navigating Internal Job Opportunities
Recently, a friend of mine faced an exciting opportunity to transition into a different role within their organization. At first glance, this new position seemed like a perfect fit: it aligned with their long-term career aspirations, offered stimulating challenges, and had the potential to boost their visibility and influence within the company.
Mastering Productivity in Remote and Hybrid Work
One of the most common mistakes young professionals make early in their careers is underestimating their power to lead and influence, even without an official "leadership" title. Many assume they must wait for a promotion to a position like "manager" or "supervisor" before they can step into leadership roles. However, the truth is that leadership begins long before any formal title is granted.
Leading and Influencing Without a 'Leadership' Title
One of the most common mistakes young professionals make early in their careers is underestimating their power to lead and influence, even without an official "leadership" title. Many assume they must wait for a promotion to a position like "manager" or "supervisor" before they can step into leadership roles. However, the truth is that leadership begins long before any formal title is granted.
I Work Remotely… Now What?
Someone recently asked me how to manage a team successfully in a remote environment and I thought I knew the answer until I started working at a fully remote company. I worked remotely at my previous company but we didn’t start that way, so I had a lot of credibility and relationship equity built up by the time I started managing people remotely.
Effective Time Management For Career Success
One of the keys to career success is setting strong boundaries. If you need a refresher on how to establish these, check out our blog, “Boundaries That Work, at Work.” Once you have clear boundaries in place—like when you will and won’t be working—you can focus on maximizing the time you do spend working.