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Employee Perks Beyond the Paycheck
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The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.
Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.
Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.
📊 HR Trends: Building an AI‑Ready Workforce
The shift to AI is not just about new tools — it requires rethinking workforce skills. In Australia, most organisations now list AI as a business priority, yet only about one in three believe their company is truly ready.
Many employees want to learn AI tools, but training remains weak: on average, AI training scores just 4 out of 10, while AI‑skill levels sit at around 5. Organisations that invest in human‑centred AI training, not only in technical teams, but across finance, marketing, HR, and management, report higher confidence in scaling AI initiatives, stronger ethics frameworks, and better project outcomes. Read more.
🎧 HR Insights: Employee Perks Beyond the Paycheck
A new report from The Conference Board of Canada shows that perks and benefits beyond salary are no longer extras. With tight labour markets and rising costs, perks like wellness accounts, home‑office support, professional memberships, or flexible scheduling are becoming expected rather than optional. What matters now is not just what organizations can offer, but how those perks match employee needs: home‑office allowances may matter more to remote workers, while wellness or career‑support perks may appeal to professionals balancing work and personal commitments. Understanding which benefits resonate with different segments helps employers stay attractive and retain talent. Read more.
💡 HR Tips & Tricks
Tip of the Day: Set up a “Skills Swap Day”: once a month, let employees from different departments pair up to teach each other non-job skills. For example, a marketer shows basics of data analysis, HR walks a sales team through compliance basics. This cross-pollination builds empathy, collaboration, and skill diversity, and can help prepare for cross-functional work in an AI-driven future.
Trick of the Day: Create a “Perk‑Wishlist Program.” Instead of HR deciding perks top-down, ask each employee to submit a small wish — it could be a subscription for mental-wellness, a home‑office allowance, extra leave for volunteering, or a one‑time training stipend. Aggregate these and offer a “perk budget” each quarter. This gives employees agency, improves satisfaction, and helps HR understand what truly matters to people now.
🧾 HR Case Files: When Leadership Fails — Lessons from NJ Transit’s HR Chief Suspension
The transit agency recently suspended its Chief Human Resources Officer following allegations of inappropriate relationships with employees. An external investigation has been launched while the HR chief remains off duty.
Key Takeaways
Accountability starts at the top, even senior HR leaders must adhere to ethics and conduct standards.
Transparency and outside review help maintain trust when allegations involve people in power.
HR missteps can ripple through large organisations, affecting operations, morale, and reputation.
🧰 HR Toolbox
Stay equipped with the latest HR events and resources.
Resource of the Day
When vacation calendars fill up and inboxes overflow, how do high-performing teams keep projects moving forward? This eBook reveals proven tactics to manage workloads, maintain momentum, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks during even the busiest of out-of-office seasons. Download this eBook to learn how connected, collaborative workspaces and modern communication tools make restful time off possible for everyone. Download Your Copy.
Event of the Day
The upcoming International Conference on Society for Human Resource Management (ICSHRM-2025), happening at Los Angeles on Nov 25th, will gather HR practitioners, academics and organisational leaders to discuss how changing generational values are influencing culture. The agenda includes sessions on engagement, leadership behaviour, workforce expectations, and approaches for building trust with younger employees entering long-term career paths.
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