Lunar New Year 2026: Year of the Horse

Honoring the holiday, strengthening people practices, and supporting the journey ahead 

Lunar New Year is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, observed across many cultures and communities. It follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar and marks a time of renewal, reflection, and setting intentions for the year ahead. 

In 2026, Lunar New Year begins the Year of the Horse—a symbol rich with meaning that translates surprisingly well into the everyday work of human resources. 

 

A Brief Look at Lunar New Year 

Lunar New Year is traditionally a time to: 

  • Reflect on the past year 
  • Clear away what no longer serves 
  • Prepare for growth, good fortune, and forward momentum 

It is also a deeply cultural holiday, often centered on family, respect, gratitude, and shared responsibility. In the workplace, acknowledging Lunar New Year is a meaningful way to recognize cultural diversity and reinforce a sense of belonging—without turning the moment into a performative exercise. 

Sometimes, awareness is the most respectful starting point. 

 

What the Year of the Horse Represents 

In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse is associated with: 

  • Energy and momentum 
  • Independence and confidence 
  • Endurance and resilience 
  • Purposeful forward movement 

This is not about reckless speed. The Horse is known for strength over distance, steady progress, and knowing when to push forward and when to conserve energy. 

That balance sounds a lot like effective HR. 

 

Translating the Year of the Horse into HR Practice 

🐎 Momentum with Intention 

The Year of the Horse invites organizations to move plans into action. In HR terms, this often means: 

  • Updating policies and practices that have been “on the list” for too long 
  • Moving compensation, classification, or equity conversations from discussion to implementation 
  • Turning values into observable behaviors, not just statements on a wall 

Momentum works best when direction is clear. 

 

🐎 Independence Supported by Structure 

Horses thrive when they understand the path. Employees do as well. 

HR plays a critical role in creating that structure through: 

  • Clear and accurate job descriptions 
  • Transparent performance expectations 
  • Pay practices that support fairness, retention, and trust 

When people know what is expected and how decisions are made, confidence grows—and independence follows. 

 

🐎 Endurance, Not Burnout 

The Horse reminds us that success is a long journey, not a sprint. Sustainable HR practices help organizations avoid cycles of exhaustion and turnover by: 

  • Supporting reasonable workloads 
  • Coaching managers to address issues early 
  • Designing systems that support people over time, not just during moments of crisis 

Resilience is built through consistency, not urgency. 

 

Why Holidays Like Lunar New Year Matter at Work 

Recognizing cultural holidays is not about adding one more thing to an already full calendar. It is about: 

  • Demonstrating awareness and respect 
  • Creating moments of shared learning 
  • Reinforcing that people bring their whole selves to work 

A short acknowledgment, a brief educational note, or a reflection tied to organizational values can go a long way toward strengthening culture. 

 

How HR Answers Supports the Journey 

The Year of the Horse is about forward movement with purpose—and that is where strong HR support makes a difference. 

HR Answers partners with organizations to: 

  • Set a clear HR roadmap for the year ahead 
  • Strengthen compensation, classification, and compliance foundations 
  • Support managers with practical tools, coaching, and education 
  • Provide ongoing, trusted guidance through our Advantage and Fractional support plans 
  • Deliver targeted education and project consulting when deeper work is needed 

Whether you are building momentum, recalibrating direction, or ensuring your pace is sustainable, we are here to support the full journey—not just the starting line. 

 

Looking Ahead 

Lunar New Year 2026 offers a thoughtful moment to pause, reflect, and move forward with intention. The Year of the Horse reminds us that progress is strongest when people feel supported, clear, and valued along the way. 

Here’s to a year of steady momentum, resilient teams, and HR practices that truly support the people doing the work. 

Tough Talk, Better Outcomes

Client: 
“I know I need to have a tough conversation with an employee, and I keep putting it off. I don’t want it to turn emotional or damage the relationship, and avoiding it doesn’t seem to be helping. How do I handle a tough conversation so it actually leads to a better outcome?” 

Consultant:
You’re not alone—this is one of the most common situations we hear about. Tough conversations are part of working with people, and avoiding them usually allows frustration, confusion, or resentment to grow quietly. When handled well, these conversations can actually strengthen trust and clarity—even when the topic itself is uncomfortable. 

The goal isn’t to say everything perfectly. It’s to approach the conversation with intention and care. 

 

Client: 
“Why do these conversations feel so hard, even when I know the issue needs to be addressed?” 

Consultant:
Because tough conversations usually come with emotion and perceived risk. You may be worried about how the other person will react, whether you’ll say the wrong thing, or whether the conversation will escalate. Add power dynamics—real or perceived—and it can feel easier to delay than to engage. 

That discomfort is normal. It doesn’t mean the conversation is wrong to have. 

 

Client: 
“So where do I start before I even open my mouth?” 

Consultant:
Start with preparation. Before the conversation, get clear on a few basics: 

  • What is the purpose of this conversation? 
  • What outcome am I hoping for? 
  • What facts do I know versus assumptions I might be making? 
  • Why does this need to happen now? 

Clarity upfront helps you stay focused and steady if emotions show up. 

 

Client: 
“What if the conversation gets emotional anyway?” 

Consultant:
It probably will—and that doesn’t mean it’s going badly. Emotion usually signals that the topic matters. 

Your job isn’t to eliminate emotion; it’s to stay grounded. Listen to understand, not to fix or defend. Acknowledge what you’re hearing before moving toward solutions. 

You might say:
“I want to make sure I understand your perspective before we talk about next steps.” 

That pause alone can lower defensiveness and reset the tone. 

 

Client: 
“I’m worried I’ll say too much or make things worse.” 

Consultant:
That’s where structure helps. Using a simple communication framework keeps the conversation focused and professional—especially when opinions differ. 

Structure helps you: 

  • Stick to observable behaviors instead of assumptions 
  • Avoid emotionally loaded language 
  • Focus on impact and solutions rather than blame 
  • Keep the conversation moving forward 

You don’t need a script. You need a roadmap. 

 

Client: 
“Does my role change how I should approach the conversation?” 

Consultant:
Yes. A supervisor, a peer, and an employee all enter tough conversations with different responsibilities and influence. 

Supervisors balance empathy with accountability. Peers focus on collaboration and shared impact. Employees often need to practice self-advocacy while staying professional. Adjusting your approach based on your role helps reduce misunderstandings and power struggles. 

 

Client:
“What happens after the conversation? Is that it?” 

Consultant:
Not quite. Follow-through is where many conversations fall apart. 

A productive tough conversation includes: 

  • Clear next steps 
  • Shared expectations 
  • Follow-up or check-ins 
  • Attention to repairing or strengthening the working relationship 

Without follow-through, even a well-handled conversation can lose momentum or create confusion. 

 

Client:
“So the goal isn’t to avoid tough conversations—it’s to handle them better?” 

Consultant:
Exactly. Tough conversations are a normal part of working with people. When handled with preparation, structure, and follow-through, they build trust, clarity, and stronger working relationships. 

 

The Foundations Behind Tough Conversations 

If you want to understand why these approaches work—or build this skill more intentionally—this situation draws on several foundational practices that show up again and again in effective organizations: 

  • Psychological safety – People are more open to feedback and problem-solving when they feel respected and heard. 
  • Intentional communication – Clarity around purpose and outcomes keeps conversations focused and productive. 
  • Active listening and empathy – Understanding before responding reduces defensiveness and builds trust. 
  • Structured communication – Simple frameworks support clarity, fairness, and consistency. 
  • Role awareness – Knowing whether you are acting as a supervisor, peer, or employee shapes how the conversation should unfold. 
  • Follow-through – Clear next steps and check-ins turn conversations into progress. 

You don’t need to master all of these at once. Strengthening even one or two can change how tough conversations play out. 

 

Want to Go Deeper? 

If tough conversations are something you want to approach with more confidence and less stress, join us for our live, instructor-led training: 

Turning Tough Talks into Productive Results 
March 18, 2026 

This interactive session explores the mindset, tools, and practical strategies behind effective workplace conversations. Participants practice real scenarios and leave with a clear, repeatable roadmap they can use immediately. 

Ready to learn more or register? Visit hranswers.com to save your seat and continue building skills that lead to better outcomes. 

HR Operations & Maintenance: A Year in Review (and What’s Ahead)

HR Operations & Maintenance: Compliance Tune-Ups 

Compliance is one of those HR responsibilities that feels invisible when it’s working—and painfully visible when it isn’t. 

Most organizations don’t struggle with compliance because they ignore it. They struggle because compliance drifts. Laws change. Guidance evolves. Roles shift. Documentation habits loosen. What was accurate two years ago can quietly become outdated without anyone doing anything “wrong.” 

That’s why compliance work fits squarely within HR Operations & Maintenance (O&M). It isn’t a one-time project or a once-a-year scramble. It’s a recurring system check that helps organizations stay aligned, consistent, and confident. 

 

What We Mean by a Compliance Tune-Up 

A compliance tune-up is not a full audit, and it is not a reaction to a problem. It is a deliberate pause to confirm that foundational HR requirements still match how work is actually being done. 

At a high level, a compliance tune-up looks at: 

  • Whether required laws and regulations are being met 
  • Whether policies and documentation reflect current practice 
  • Whether managers understand their role in compliance 
  • Whether obligations are being tracked intentionally across locations 

This work applies to every organization—regardless of size, industry, or how HR responsibilities are structured. 

 

The Federal Baseline: Where Most Compliance Starts 

For most employers, federal law establishes the minimum requirements for compliance. These often include: 

  • Wage and hour standards 
  • Leave protections 
  • Anti-discrimination requirements 
  • Work authorization and verification 
  • Recordkeeping and documentation expectations 

Understanding these requirements is essential, and it is rarely sufficient on its own. 

Federal compliance is the floor—not the ceiling. 

 

State and Local Layers: Where Complexity Grows 

States and local jurisdictions frequently add requirements that go beyond federal law. These may include: 

  • Additional or expanded leave entitlements 
  • Broader protected classes 
  • Pay transparency or equity obligations 
  • Specific posting and notice requirements 
  • Different thresholds, timelines, or definitions 

For organizations with employees in multiple states or jurisdictions, compliance becomes less about memorizing rules and more about maintaining systems: 

  • How updates are identified 
  • How changes are communicated 
  • How consistency is maintained across managers and locations 

A compliance tune-up asks whether those systems are still working as intended. 

 

Where Compliance Commonly Drifts 

Compliance gaps rarely start with major violations. More often, they begin with small, reasonable assumptions that quietly pile up over time. 

Some of the most common drift points include: 

  • Job classifications that no longer align with actual duties 
  • Required notices or postings that haven’t been updated 
  • Policies written for old rules or past practices 
  • Inconsistent application of leave or pay practices 
  • Documentation that exists, but is not used consistently 

These issues are not usually signs of neglect. They are signs that maintenance is due. 

 

Quick Self-Check: Compliance Tune-Up 

You do not need all the answers right now. This is simply a snapshot. 

Ask yourself: 

  • Do we know who is responsible for monitoring compliance updates? 
  • Have our job classifications been reviewed against actual duties in the last 12–18 months? 
  • Are required posters and notices current for every location where we have employees? 
  • Do managers understand their role in compliance, not just HR’s? 
  • If a regulator, auditor, or attorney asked for documentation tomorrow, could we locate it confidently? 

If most of these feel solid, your compliance system is likely being maintained.
If several give you pause, that’s not a failure—it’s a signal that a tune-up may be due. 

 

Best-Practice Guardrails for Ongoing Compliance 

Organizations that manage compliance effectively tend to approach it as routine operational work rather than crisis response. 

Helpful guardrails often include: 

  • Scheduled compliance check-ins, even if brief 
  • Clear ownership for monitoring and tracking updates 
  • Centralized documentation and version control 
  • Manager education focused on practical responsibilities 
  • A willingness to correct course when something no longer fits 

Compliance systems work best when they are intentional, repeatable, and understandable. 

 

A Note for Those Wearing the HR “Hat” 

If HR is one of many responsibilities you manage, compliance can feel overwhelming—especially when changes come from multiple directions at once. 

A tune-up approach helps shift the goal from “knowing everything” to: 

  • Knowing where to look 
  • Knowing when to ask questions 
  • Knowing what needs attention now versus later 

That shift alone reduces risk and stress. 

 

A Reminder for Experienced HR Professionals 

If you’ve worked in HR for years, you already know compliance is ongoing. What often gets overlooked is how much compliance knowledge lives in people instead of systems. 

Compliance tune-ups create opportunities to: 

  • Reduce reliance on institutional memory 
  • Document decision-making logic 
  • Build continuity during transitions 

This is quiet work, and it pays dividends over time. 

 

How Support Can Help 

Compliance maintenance does not have to be done alone. 

Support may include: 

  • Targeted compliance reviews instead of full audits 
  • Policy and handbook updates focused on clarity and usability 
  • Classification and documentation check-ins 
  • Ongoing advisory support for real-time questions and decision-making 

Often, the most valuable outcome of a compliance tune-up is not just risk reduction—it’s confidence. 

 

Looking Ahead 

Compliance is one part of HR Operations & Maintenance. In the next post, we’ll shift from rules to structure and explore job descriptions as living documents, and how they quietly support compensation, performance, and accountability systems. 

Maintenance doesn’t eliminate risk entirely.
It makes risk visible, manageable, and intentional. 

— HR Answers 

Remembrance to Responsibility: Keeping the Work Alive

Martin Luther King Jr. Day has traditionally been a moment of reflection—and that matters. Remembrance anchors us in history. The invitation for 2026 is to also ask a forward-looking question: How do we keep the foundational concepts of Dr. King’s work alive in our organizations and communities today? 

Below are practical, human-centered ways to move from honoring the legacy to living it—every day, not just on a holiday. 

 

  1. Recommit to Dignity at Work

Dr. King spoke often about the dignity of work and the dignity of people. In today’s organizations, this shows up in everyday practices: 

  • Clear, accurate job descriptions that reflect real work and value contribution 
  • Fair and transparent pay practices grounded in equity and consistency 
  • Respectful workplace standards that apply to everyone, regardless of title 

Dignity is not a poster on the wall. It is how decisions are made, how concerns are heard, and how people are treated when things get hard. 

 

  1. Practice Courageous, Respectful Conversations

Dr. King’s work required courage paired with discipline and humanity. Keeping that alive means creating space for: 

  • Thoughtful dialogue, not performative agreement 
  • Listening to understand, not listening to respond 
  • Addressing conflict early, with professionalism and care 

This is not about avoiding discomfort. It is about learning to move through it with respect and purpose. 

 

  1. Focus on Systems, Not Just Intentions

One of Dr. King’s lasting teachings is that good intentions alone do not create justice—systems do. 

  • Are your policies clear, applied consistently, and regularly reviewed? 
  • Do your pay, promotion, and hiring processes reduce bias rather than rely on goodwill? 
  • Are accountability and follow-through part of your culture? 

Equity lives in structure. Systems quietly shape outcomes long after intentions fade. 

 

  1. Make Service a Year-Round Commitment

Dr. King believed deeply in service and community responsibility. Organizations can honor this by: 

  • Supporting employee engagement in service and volunteerism 
  • Connecting organizational values to real community impact 
  • Encouraging leadership behaviors rooted in stewardship, not authority 

Service strengthens culture and reminds us that organizations do not exist in isolation—they exist in relationship. 

 

  1. Teach, Reflect, and Revisit

Keeping Dr. King’s work alive is not a one-time training or annual message. 

  • Build reflection into onboarding, supervisor development, and team discussions 
  • Revisit values when policies are updated or decisions are made 
  • Ask regularly: Does this align with who we say we are? 

Progress is sustained through repetition, reinforcement, and reflection. 

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day invites us to pause—and then to proceed with intention. The most meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy is not only to remember his words, and to embody his principles in how we lead, manage, and support one another. 

At HR Answers, we believe this work lives in the details: fair systems, clear expectations, respectful communication, and a consistent commitment to people. If your organization is ready to turn values into daily practice in 2026, we are here to help—through ongoing HR support, education, and project-based consulting that keeps the work alive all year long. 

Introducing the 2026 FUN Series

Feelings · Understanding · No Pressure 

In every organization, FUN must exist. 

Not the forced kind.
Not the “everyone smile, this is fun” kind.
And not the once-a-year event that no one talks about again. 

The kind of FUN we are talking about is quieter, steadier, and far more impactful. It shows up in how people treat each other, how leaders respond on hard days, and how connection is allowed to happen without a script. 

For 2026, our FUN blog series is built around a simple framework that reflects how work really happens: 

 

F · U · N 

F = Feelings 

Emotional awareness belongs at work. 

Work involves people. People have emotions. Pretending otherwise does not create professionalism—it creates distance. 

This part of FUN is about recognizing that employees bring their full selves to work: pride, stress, excitement, frustration, and everything in between. FUN organizations do not demand positivity. They make space for reality. 

The FUN Challenge: 
Acknowledge feelings without fixing, minimizing, or rushing past them. 

 

U = Understanding 

Assume positive intent. Lead with curiosity. 

Misunderstandings happen. Tension happens. Bad days happen. FUN organizations choose curiosity before conclusions. 

Understanding does not mean agreement. It means slowing down long enough to ask questions, listen, and seek context before reacting. 

The FUN Challenge: 
Replace one assumption with a question. 

 

N = No Pressure 

Connection and fun are invitations, not obligations. 

This might be the most important letter. 

FUN is not mandatory. Participation is not performance. Connection cannot be forced—and when it is, it stops being fun. 

FUN organizations offer opportunities to connect and enjoy work without expectation, tracking, or judgment. 

The FUN Challenge: 
Create space for connection with zero requirement to participate. 

 

What This FUN Series Is About 

This year-long series is a call to action, not a checklist. 

Each FUN post in 2026 will: 

  • Focus on one letter of FUN 
  • Offer simple, realistic challenges 
  • Encourage small moments of humanity 
  • Leave room for imperfection and laughter 

This is not about doing more.
It is about doing one thing differently. 

 

The 2026 FUN Invitation 

Try it.
Adapt it.
Skip it on the weeks when everything feels heavy. 

FUN works best when it is offered with care, curiosity, and zero pressure. 

Because when people feel understood, allowed, and human at work—
FUN tends to show up all on its own. 

Welcome to the 2026 FUN series. 

January is National Blood Donor Month

The Foundation: Giving Without Knowing Who It Will Help 

National Blood Donor Month exists for a very simple and powerful reason:
to recognize the lifesaving impact of blood donors during a time of year when donations are historically low and medical need remains constant. 

At its core, blood donation is about quiet service. Donors give without knowing the name, role, age, or story of the person who will benefit. There is no spotlight, no guarantee of recognition, and no expectation of return. Just trust that helping now matters later. 

That foundational concept—contributing to the greater good without needing immediate visibility—translates directly into organizational life. 

 

What This Looks Like Inside an Organization 

Every organization relies on people who: 

  • Step in when things get busy 
  • Cover gaps without being asked 
  • Share knowledge freely 
  • Support colleagues behind the scenes 

Much like blood donors, these contributions often happen quietly and consistently. They keep the organization functioning, even if they are not always formally recognized. 

National Blood Donor Month is a reminder that not all impact is visible, and not all value shows up on a dashboard. 

 

How Organizations Can Support the Core Concept 

Supporting this recognition does not require pressure or pageantry. It requires removing barriers and reinforcing values. 

Organizations can support the foundation of National Blood Donor Month by: 

  • Providing flexibility
    Allow reasonable schedule adjustments for employees who choose to donate blood, recognizing that recovery time varies. 
  • Sharing accurate information
    Offer neutral, factual resources from trusted organizations like the American Red Cross so employees can make informed personal decisions. 
  • Normalizing community contribution
    Acknowledge blood donation as one of many valid ways employees contribute to their communities—without ranking or comparison. 
  • Respecting choice
    Participation should always be voluntary. Support means enabling, not expecting. 
  • Modeling support at all levels
    When managers demonstrate respect for community service commitments, it reinforces trust and organizational values. 

 

National Blood Donor Month is not about how many people donate at work.
It is about recognizing the importance of giving quietly, supporting consistently, and valuing contributions that may never be seen. 

 

 

New Year, New Focus: Planning Your HR Priorities for 2026

A new year has a way of showing up with equal parts optimism and pressure. Fresh calendars. Big goals. And that quiet HR voice in the back of your head reminds you that everything seems to be due in January. 

Instead of letting 2026 happen to you, this is the perfect moment to step back and intentionally plan your HR focus for the year ahead. Not a 40-page strategy document. Just a clear, practical roadmap that keeps you compliant, aligned, and a step ahead. 

Let’s get the year going. 

 

Step 1: Look Back Before You Look Forward 

Before diving into what’s new, take a quick look in the rearview mirror. 

Ask yourself: 

  • What HR issues consumed the most time last year? 
  • Where did managers struggle the most? 
  • What kept getting pushed to “next quarter”? 

Those pain points are your clues. If something lingered in 2025, it likely deserves priority in 2026. 

 

Step 2: Re-Anchor to the Basics 

Every strong HR year starts with a solid foundation. Early in the year is an ideal time to: 

  • Review policies and handbooks for accuracy and legal updates 
  • Check job descriptions for clarity, alignment, and equity 
  • Confirm pay practices still support compliance and internal consistency 

These aren’t glamorous tasks, and they prevent bigger issues later. Think of this as tightening the bolts before the road trip. 

 

Step 3: Pick 2–3 Strategic Focus Areas (Not 12) 

HR planning works best when it’s realistic. Choose a small number of focus areas that truly matter this year, such as: 

  • Strengthening supervisor skills and confidence 
  • Improving hiring and onboarding processes 
  • Addressing compensation structure or pay equity planning 
  • Building consistency in performance feedback and accountability 

You don’t need to do everything. You need to do the right things well. 

 

Step 4: Put Education on the Calendar 

Good intentions fade quickly without structure. One of the most effective HR moves is scheduling learning in advance. 

Whether it’s supervisor training, HR fundamentals, or deeper dives into specialized topics, planned education: 

  • Reduces reactive decision-making 
  • Builds confidence across the organization 
  • Creates shared language and expectations 

Future-you will be very thankful you booked it now. 

 

Step 5: Decide What You Don’t Have to Do Alone 

Here’s the honest truth: HR can be complex, nuanced, and time-consuming. And it doesn’t all need to live on your shoulders. 

This is where support matters. 

At HR Answers, we meet organizations exactly where they are—whether that’s day-to-day guidance, structured support, education, or project-based expertise. 

 

How We Can Help in 2026 

  • Advantage & Fractional Plans – Ongoing HR support, trusted advice, and practical tools when questions arise 
  • Education Services – Training that builds confidence, competence, and consistency 
  • Project Consulting – Focused support for compensation, classification, compliance reviews, and more 

No judgment. No one-size-fits-all solutions. Just experienced HR partners who understand your reality. 

 

A Fresh Start, With Backup 

A new year doesn’t require perfection. It benefits from intention, clarity, and knowing help is available when you need it. 

If 2026 is the year you want HR to feel more manageable, more strategic, and less reactive—we’re here to help you make that happen. 

Let’s make this a year that works. 

National Bacon Day

December 30th is National Bacon Day, and if you didn’t know—now you do. Consider it a public service announcement from your friends at HR Answers, where curiosity is always welcome and breakfast opinions are taken very seriously.

Some things you may not know about bacon:

  • The phrase “bringing home the bacon” dates back to 12th-century England, when men who could go a year without fighting with their wives were awarded a side of bacon. (We suspect there were very few winners.)
  • There’s an International Bacon Film Festival. No, we’re not kidding.
  • The average American eats 18 pounds of bacon per year. Some of that might be emotional support bacon, and that’s okay.

And just for fun…If bacon were an HR task, what would it be?

  • “Employee recognition—because it makes everything better.”
  • “Exit interviews—surprisingly honest and occasionally smoky.”
  • “Rewriting job descriptions for the fifth time—chewy, satisfying, and someone always wants more.”

At HR Answers, we love a good tradition (and a good laugh). We’re not in the bacon business—but we do appreciate what it stands for: bringing people together, creating moments of joy, and occasionally stealing the spotlight.

So today, whether you’re starting your morning with a strip, a sizzle, or a smile—enjoy it. You’ve earned it.

Show Me The Money?

Client: One of my employees came in waving job postings they found online. They’re saying those jobs pay more and are demanding I match it with a raise. How do I handle this without losing them—or caving just because they saw an ad?

Consultant: This comes up frequently. Online postings can be misleading—sometimes inflated to attract candidates, or tied to roles with very different responsibilities, requirements, or locations. The key is to acknowledge the concern, explain how your pay structure works, and redirect the conversation toward their role and growth.

Client: So, I can’t just say, ‘That’s not how this works’?

Consultant: Tempting, and not the best approach. That could make them feel dismissed. Instead, you could say something like:
I appreciate you bringing this up. Job postings don’t always reflect the full picture—responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits matter too. Let’s talk about how our pay structure works here and review where your current role fits within it.

This acknowledges their point while keeping the discussion grounded in your organization’s practices.

Client: What if they push back and say, ‘I could go get this job tomorrow and make more’?

Consultant: Stay calm and don’t turn it into a dare. You might respond:
I understand you’re seeing opportunities out there. Our goal is to keep pay competitive and fair within the market and our budget. If you’d like, we can review the career paths here and what it would take to increase your earnings with us.

This shifts the focus from a threat to a constructive conversation.

Client: What if the posting really does show higher pay for a similar job?

Consultant: That’s worth noting. Sometimes market conditions change faster than pay ranges are updated. If you hear the same trend from multiple employees or notice turnover risks, it may be time for a market review. You could say:
Thanks for sharing that. We regularly review our pay to ensure competitiveness, and I’ll take this into consideration. For now, let’s talk about your role, your goals, and how you can continue to grow here.

That shows you take their input seriously without making a knee-jerk promise.

Client: What if they won’t let it go and keep saying, ‘I deserve more now’?

Consultant: That’s when you set boundaries. Be clear about process:
I hear your concerns, and compensation reviews happen at [specific time—annual cycle, performance review, etc.]. I’ll make sure your input is considered, and in the meantime, let’s focus on your development goals.

This reinforces structure and fairness.

Client: What if they start telling coworkers about the job postings and stirring things up?

Consultant: Pay rumors can spread quickly. Be proactive. Consider sharing general information with the team about how pay ranges are set, the difference between postings and actual offers, and your commitment to reviewing pay structures regularly. Just remember—stay high-level and don’t reference specific employees.

Client: Okay, so the steps are: listen, explain the process, redirect to their own role, and review if needed?

Consultant: Exactly. You don’t want to dismiss the concern, and you also don’t want to let a single job ad dictate your pay structure. Acknowledge, explain, redirect, and—if a real market shift is happening—address it strategically.

And if you’d like help reviewing market data or creating messages for employees about how pay is determined, we’re here to support you.

“A Christmas Poem” Enjoy

As the year draws to a close, Christmas offers a chance to pause, connect, and share gratitude for the people who make our work meaningful. Whether your organization celebrates with a holiday luncheon, a Secret Santa gift exchange, or simply by giving the gift of time off, this season is about more than lights and decorations—it’s about kindness, connection, and carrying that goodwill into the year ahead.

In the HR world, December often brings a flurry of activity—year-end wrap-ups, benefit renewals, and the occasional last-minute payroll correction (because nothing says “season of giving” like making sure paychecks are right). Still, it’s also a perfect opportunity to spread cheer and acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and resilience of employees across the organization.

So, in the spirit of the season, here’s an HR take on a classic holiday poem…

‘Twas the Week Before Christmas (An HR Holiday Poem)

‘Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the place,
Not an email was stirring, not even from Space* (*the Zoom room, of course).
The policies were posted with diligence and care,
In hopes that compliance would always be there.

The staff were all nestled in sweaters of red,
While visions of holiday treats danced in their head.
And I at my desk, with cocoa in hand,
Had just closed the file on the year’s final plan.

When out by the copier there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the hallway I moved like a flash,
Hoping no one had caused a supply room crash.

The glow of the tree cast a warm little light,
As I peeked ‘round the corner to check on the sight.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But the whole staff together, all brimming with cheer.

With smiles and cards and a plate piled high,
Of cookies and fudge and fresh pumpkin pie,
They spoke all at once in a chorus so true:
“This year wouldn’t have worked half as well without you!”

They thanked us for hiring, for keeping things fair,
For guiding with patience and showing we care.
For training, for listening, for keeping our cool,
For knowing the handbook and following the rule.

My heart gave a leap, my cheeks felt the glow,
As I realized they just wanted us to know—
That HR’s not just policies, forms, and reviews,
It’s people, it’s trust, it’s the culture we choose.

And I heard them exclaim, as they turned out the light,
“Merry Christmas to all—and to all, a good night!”

From our HR Answers family to yours, may this Christmas bring you joy, rest, and connection. May your days be merry, your inboxes be light, and your celebrations reflect the warmth and togetherness that truly define this season.