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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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.
Determining What you Are Worth
Throughout my career, I’ve had employees come to me with their resignation, catching me completely off guard. It’s always frustrating when someone decides to leave without giving us a chance to discuss their concerns or preferences. In many cases, their reasons for leaving were issues we could have addressed or at the very least discussed.
Building Trust and Credibility: A Key to Success in Any Career
In my career, I’ve had to be scrappy. I started in accounting, realized it wasn’t the right fit for me, and pivoted to a new role as an administrative assistant where I worked my way up to Director of People Operations by the time I was 30. Looking back on my journey, I can confidently say that one key element has kept me on track…
Building Resilience In Your Career
Resilience is a characteristic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—especially when it comes to career development. Some people seem to have it naturally, while others develop it over time. Some harness resilience as a superpower to navigate challenges, while others struggle and risk losing their drive altogether.