Category: Fun

Today, we raise our tiny, jittery mugs to the boldest little brew around—espresso. Whether you’re a double-shot diehard or someone who side-eyes the office espresso machine like it owes you PTO, this day is worth a quick sip of celebration.

A little espresso history:
Espresso was born in Italy in the early 1900s as a way to serve coffee faster (sound familiar, HR folks?). It’s strong, efficient, and gets straight to the point—basically the coffee equivalent of a well-written policy.

Espresso fun facts to stir into your next team meeting:
-A single espresso shot has less caffeine than a full cup of drip coffee—but try telling that to your nervous system.
-The word espresso comes from the Italian for “expressed” or “pressed out,” not “express” as in fast (though let’s be honest—it is both).
-The foamy top of a fresh espresso is called crema, which might also describe how HR pros look after reading 87 leave requests in a single afternoon.

So, what’s the HR Answers connection? Well, like espresso, we’re all about delivering quick clarity, strong support, and lasting impact—without the bitterness.

Whether you take your espresso straight, foamy, iced, or with a side of email catch-up—we hope today perks you up in the best way possible.

Avast Ye, It’s Talk Like a Pirate Day! HR Lessons from the Seven Cubicles

Every September 19th, we at HR Answers polish our hook hands, dust off our eye patches, and brace ourselves for *Talk Like a Pirate Day* — a completely unnecessary and totally delightful occasion that gives us a perfect excuse to drop “Arrr!” into our strategic planning meetings.

This year, in honor of our 40th anniversary, we’re sailing into the archives of swashbuckling HR tales to bring you:
Five Pirate-Inspired Workplace Lessons (That Actually Make Sense)

1. The Code is More What You’d Call Guidelines.
Translation: Your employee handbook won’t cover everything.
We’re big fans of policies that provide direction without turning managers into parrots reciting procedures. The best handbooks give a strong compass heading, then trust the crew (managers) to navigate stormy waters using good judgment. If you’re overdue for a refresh, consider adding a companion guide. Or better yet, let us help you chart one.

2. Dead Men Tell No Tales… But Documented Conversations Do.
When a conflict arises, it’s tempting to bury the treasure (a.k.a. the issue) and pretend the map was lost. Don’t. Conversations that are timely, documented, and anchored in expectations are worth their weight in doubloons. Remember: coaching first, discipline only when necessary, and never skip the part where you write it down.

3. Walk the Plank? Nah. Offer Feedback First.
Even the saltiest of sea dogs deserves to know where they stand. If you’re about to make a major shift in someone’s role or responsibilities, start with a conversation — not a cannon blast. Feedback, when given with clarity and care, can keep your team from abandoning ship.

4. Keep Yer Hands Off Me Booty (a.k.a. Compensation Strategy)
Fair pay practices aren’t just about the treasure chest. They’re about transparency, internal equity, and meeting legal standards (we see you, Oregon Pay Equity Act). Whether you’re building a pay structure or making individual offers, you need a plan more reliable than a tattered map.

5. X Marks the Spot… But Only If the Job Description is Accurate
You wouldn’t launch a voyage without a map. So why launch a recruitment without a current job description? Outdated or vague descriptions lead to mutiny (read: poor hires, performance issues, and disengaged crew). Review yours at least once a year. Or better yet, let’s co-write one that actually reflects the job and the culture.

We may not have a parrot on our shoulder or a spyglass in the break room (yet), but we do know the secret to keeping your organization afloat: a strong HR foundation, built with heart, humor, and a clear-eyed view of what’s next.

So today, toss on a bandana, raise your mug of cold brew, and give a hearty:
“Here’s to smoother sailing — with HR as your first mate.”

National Day of Relaxation is designed to remind us that stress is optional and deep breaths are free. While many workplaces resemble a high-speed treadmill with a missing stop button, HR knows that relaxation isn’t just a luxury—it’s a strategy.

Contrary to popular belief, HR doesn’t thrive on chaos. We don’t wake up in the morning and think, Let’s make today as stressful as possible! In fact, our job is to create a workplace where relaxation isn’t just a once-a-year holiday but an actual, everyday possibility.

So, while the world scrambles to figure out how to relax today, HR is over here already implementing the blueprint.

HR’s Guide to a Frenzy-Free Culture
HR doesn’t just survive in the storm; we prevent the storm from happening in the first place. Here’s how:

1. Clear Policies = Fewer Fire Drills
Ever notice how workplaces with clear expectations and well-communicated policies tend to have fewer meltdowns? That’s not a coincidence. HR makes sure PTO isn’t a mystery, workloads are manageable, and nobody has to “check with three different people” just to take a lunch break.

Relaxation thrives in a culture where people aren’t constantly putting out fires they didn’t start.

2. Boundaries Are the Ultimate Stress-Reducer
HR is the department that gently (or firmly) reminds everyone that urgent doesn’t mean immediate, and work-life balance isn’t just a trendy phrase—it’s a necessity.

• It’s 10 PM? That email can wait.
• Working through lunch again? Let’s talk about sustainable workloads.
• PTO guilt? No, absolutely not. Take the vacation, and don’t check your email.

Frenzy is optional. Boundaries are policy-backed relaxation.

3. Conflict Management = Preventative Relaxation
Few things disrupt the calm like unresolved tension. That’s why HR doesn’t let issues simmer until they become a full boil. We create open-door cultures where concerns are addressed early, not when they’ve snowballed into “HR needs to get involved” territory.

(Translation: Relaxation is a lot easier when you’re not dreading running into “that person” from Accounting in the breakroom.)

4. Normalizing Breaks & Mental Health Days
The best workplaces normalize relaxation year-round, not just on a designated holiday. HR makes sure:

• Employees actually take their PTO instead of hoarding it like gold.
• Work isn’t a competition of who can look the busiest.
• Nobody has to whisper the words “mental health day” like it’s a secret.

HR sets the expectation that rest isn’t earned through burnout—it’s part of doing good work.
While Others Scramble, HR Steadies the Ship.

While some departments spend National Day of Relaxation trying to squeeze in five minutes of mindfulness between frantic meetings, HR is the steady hand on the wheel.

We’ve seen what an unrelaxed workplace looks like—and we’re committed to building something better. Not just today, but every day.

So, if you’re feeling frazzled, overworked, or like relaxation is a nice idea for someone else, take a page from HR’s playbook:

• Set clear expectations.
• Respect your boundaries.
• Address problems early.
• Take your PTO.
• And for the love of all things good, stop answering emails at 10 PM.

Happy National Day of Relaxation—or, as HR prefers to call it, “Tuesday.”

Work is more than just deadlines and meetings—it’s where we spend a big chunk of our time, and the best part? The people we share it with. Enter: the Workplace Bestie, the one who makes every workday smoother, more enjoyable, and full of inside jokes.

While we celebrate friendship in all forms today, let’s take a moment to appreciate the coworker-turned-friend who makes even the busiest days better.

Signs You’ve Found Your Workplace Bestie

1. Your Silent Meeting Language is Perfected
Who needs words when a well-timed eyebrow raise or side-eye says it all? You and your work bestie can sit across the room and have an entire conversation like:

“That was a bold idea—let’s see how this plays out.”
“We are 10 minutes over, but I know you’ve got my back if I make a ‘wrap-up’ comment.”
“Lunch after this? Obviously.”

2. The Instant Debrief Partner
Big news? Funny email? Unexpected policy update? They’re the first person you tell. Whether it’s a Slack message, a quick hallway chat, or the classic “Meet me in the breakroom,” your bestie is always ready for a recap and a good laugh.

3. The Unofficial Snack & Coffee Sponsor
Need a caffeine boost before the next meeting? Out of your favorite snack? Your work bestie already knows your go-to order. And when they come back from a coffee run with an extra one just for you? That’s true friendship.

4. The Productivity and Fun Balance
Workplace besties keep each other on track while making sure there’s room for fun, creativity, and those much-needed laugh breaks. Whether it’s tackling a project together or keeping the mood light with a funny GIF, work just feels better when you’re in it together.

5. The “We’ve Got This” Attitude
Challenges? Tight deadlines? Surprise assignments? It’s all manageable when you have the right people around you. Your work bestie is the one who says, “Okay, let’s make a plan,” and just like that, you’re back on track—with teamwork and a positive mindset.

Celebrate Your Work Bestie Today!
Having a friend at work makes everything more enjoyable—whether you’re collaborating, brainstorming, or just sharing a quick joke in between tasks. So today, give a shoutout to your workplace bestie with a coffee, a high five, or just a simple, “I appreciate you.”

Because work isn’t just about the job—it’s about the people who make it great. Happy International Day of Friendship!

Ah, Best Friends Day—a time to celebrate the one person who knows all your secrets, has seen you at your absolute worst, and somehow still claims you in public. On June 8, 2025, we honor the besties, ride-or-dies, and emotional support humans who make life infinitely more entertaining.

The Stages of Best Friendship
Best friendships don’t happen overnight. No, they are built through a series of trust exercises (intentional or accidental) that prove your loyalty, including:

The “Will You Lie for Me?” Phase
You casually test the waters with something minor—like “If I leave this party early, will you tell everyone I got food poisoning?” The best friend response? “Of course. I’ll even add dramatic details for realism.”

The “I Need You to Validate My Terrible Decisions” Phase
Whether it’s a questionable haircut, a toxic ex, or the third iced coffee of the day, your best friend supports you 100%. Maybe with a slight side-eye, but support nonetheless.

The “We Communicate in Glances Now” Phase
No words are needed. A single look across the room says everything: “This meeting should have been an email.” “That person is lying.” “We need to leave immediately.” Telepathy achieved.

The “I’ve Seen You Ugly Cry and I Still Love You” Phase
If someone has held you while you sobbed over a failed work project, a canceled TV show, or an online shopping mistake, congratulations—you have a true best friend.

How to Celebrate Best Friends Day (Without Getting Arrested)

• Reminisce About Your Most Embarrassing Moments – Preferably in public. Loudly.
• Exchange Gifts That Make No Sense to Anyone Else – A rock from a trip five years ago? A photo of that one waiter who looked like that one movie star? Peak bestie energy.
• Coordinate Your Outfits (Badly) – Whether it’s matching pajamas or a recreation of your questionable fashion choices from high school, go all in.
• Send an Unhinged Text at 2 AM – Best friends don’t judge middle-of-the-night thoughts like “If tomatoes are fruit, is ketchup a smoothie?”

A Final Word to Best Friends Everywhere
Best friends are a rare and precious breed—the only people who will call you out on your nonsense while simultaneously hyping you up. So, on June 8, send that dramatic “I couldn’t survive without you” text, plan a day of chaos, and remind your bestie why they’ve made the (possibly regrettable) choice to stick with you.

And if you’re reading this thinking, Wait… do I have a best friend?—good news! It’s never too late to start annoying someone into loving you. Happy Best Friends Day!

May 31, 2025 – Mark your calendars, HR pros, because today we celebrate National Smile Day! Yes, a whole day dedicated to showing those pearly whites and pretending that inbox of unread emails doesn’t exist.

If you work in HR, you know smiling isn’t just about looking friendly—it’s a survival skill. We smile when someone says, “We don’t need HR; we’re like a family here.” We smile when a manager insists, “We don’t have a morale problem—people just don’t want to work anymore.” And we definitely smile when an employee asks, “Can I take my emotional support ferret to the company retreat?”

But today, let’s talk about the science of smiling and why HR professionals are basically the Olympians of the practice.

Why Smiling is Your Secret HR Superpower
Smiling has all kinds of benefits—reducing stress, improving mood, and making you seem 37% more approachable when delivering bad news (okay, I made that stat up, but it feels true). Studies show that even a fake smile can trick your brain into feeling happier. This explains why we all instinctively grin when someone asks, “Got a minute?” (which, in HR language, always means at least an hour and probably a lawsuit).

HR’s Greatest Smile Challenges
HR professionals have developed highly specialized smiling techniques to survive our daily reality. Some of the most common include:

• The “I’m Listening” Smile – Used in meetings when someone says, “I just don’t understand why we can’t pay everyone whatever they want.” This smile is warm but conceals deep existential exhaustion.
• The “I Swear I’m Not Judging You” Smile – Required when an employee asks if they can expense their dog’s grooming because “technically, she’s my emotional support animal.”
• The “Absolutely Not” Smile – This is the one you use when a manager wants to fire someone on the spot, but you have to remind them that, no, Tim’s bad vibes are not grounds for termination.
• The “Please, Please Read the Handbook” Smile – Deployed when an employee insists, “But I thought unlimited PTO meant I could take the whole summer off?”

How to Celebrate National Smile Day in HR
Now that we’ve identified the smiles of the trade, let’s talk about how to celebrate:

• Send a Memo About Smiling – Because nothing says authentic joy like a company-wide email encouraging forced happiness!
• Hand Out Mirror Self-Checks – A helpful tool for those employees who claim, “I’m totally smiling,” but actually look like they’re plotting revenge.
• Create a “Try Not to Smile” Challenge – Tell employees HR is reviewing job descriptions and compensation. Watch as they nervously smirk through the panic.
• Implement a New Policy: Smile or Else! – Just kidding. That’s how HR gets investigated.

Of course, none of these are realistic and, admit it, you actually smiled while reading those.

HR professionals are the glue holding the workplace together, and sometimes that means smiling through chaos. Today, let’s celebrate the real smiles—the ones that happen when someone gets a well-deserved promotion, when a conflict is resolved peacefully, or when an employee finally reads the PTO policy before booking a month-long trip to Bali.

So go forth, HR warriors, and spread those smiles. Just…maybe not the “I’m about to lose it” smile. That one scares people.

Mark your calendars, set your alarms (or snooze them), and prepare to roll out of bed straight into professionalism—April 16, 2025, is National Wear Your PJs to Work Day! That’s right, it’s the one day of the year when you can swap your stiff dress pants for cloud-soft flannel and no one (well, almost no one) will judge you.

Now, before you start drafting an email to HR about “proper workplace attire,” let’s break this down.

Why This Day Exists (And Why We Should All Embrace It)
Originally intended to give post-tax season accountants a break from their suit-and-tie shackles, Wear Your PJs to Work Day has become a movement. A revolution. A battle cry for those who have always suspected they do their best work in penguin-print pajama pants.
And honestly? It makes sense. Studies (probably) show that employees perform better when they aren’t constantly adjusting an itchy blazer or worrying about whether their belt is too tight after lunch.

The Do’s and Don’ts of PJ Workwear
Before you waltz into your office in a full-blown onesie, let’s establish some ground rules:

✅Do wear comfy yet appropriate pajamas. Think joggers, matching pajama sets, or those bougie silk ensembles that make you feel like a movie star.
❌ Don’t wear the raggedy t-shirt from 2006 that’s seen things from your high school or college party days.
✅ Do accessorize with cozy socks, a tasteful robe, or even a sleep mask as a headband for dramatic effect.
❌ Don’t show up in anything that could double as “beachwear” or “what I accidentally wore to answer the door that one time.”
✅ Do own it. Confidence is key when explaining to your boss why your Snoopy slippers enhance productivity.

PJ Workday Perks:

The Unofficial Benefits Package
1. Comfy Clothes = Peak Efficiency – Without the distraction of stiff collars and pinching shoes, you’ll be free to focus on, you know, actual work.

2. Stronger Office Camaraderie – Nothing builds team spirit like a group of professionals holding a strategy meeting in matching plaid pajama pants.

3. The Ultimate Test of Company Culture – If your workplace embraces this day, you know you’ve found a good one. If they don’t… well, maybe it’s time to reconsider your career path.

For Remote Workers: No Change Necessary
If you’re already working from home, congratulations—you’ve been preparing for this holiday all year. The only real adjustment you might need is actually turning on your camera for once.

A Future of Pajama Productivity?
While Wear Your PJs to Work Day is officially only one day, maybe—just maybe—it’s the start of something bigger. A world where “business casual” finally recognizes the beauty of a well-fitted loungewear set.

So, on April 16th, embrace the coziness. Celebrate the absurdity. And for once, don’t stress about what to wear to work—just grab whatever’s on top of your laundry pile (as long as it’s clean…ish).

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some very important nap—I mean, strategy—planning to do.

Mark your calendars! March 20, 2025, is International Day of Happiness, which means it’s time to break out the balloons, throw some confetti, and pretend that performance evaluations are actually fun.

For HR professionals, happiness is an interesting concept—one that usually competes with compliance deadlines, last-minute payroll adjustments, and the annual “Why Can’t I Have Unlimited PTO?” email. But today, we take a stand! Today, we embrace joy! Today, we… well, at least try to get through the day without muttering “I swear, I’m going to HR myself.”

So how can HR (and workplaces in general) spread happiness without violating any workplace policies, breaking the budget, or setting unrealistic expectations that every day will be filled with free snacks and spontaneous karaoke? Here are a few HR-approved ways to celebrate International Day of Happiness:

1. Declare “No Passive-Aggressive Email” Day
You know those emails that start with “Per my last email…” or “Just looping back on this…” or the dreaded “As previously discussed in the meeting…”? BAN THEM. Today, if someone wants to passive-aggressively remind a coworker of something, they must do it with interpretive dance or in the form of a haiku.

2. Introduce “The 3-Minute Dance Break”
A recent study (conducted in my imagination) shows that impromptu dance breaks improve workplace morale by 137%. So, at an unannounced moment in the day, blast an upbeat song over the intercom and force—I mean, encourage—everyone to take three minutes to shake off their stress. Bonus points if your CEO starts a conga line.

3. Replace All Meetings with “Walk & Talk” Sessions
Nothing kills happiness faster than a meeting that should have been an email. Today, challenge teams to ditch the conference room and hold their discussions while taking a walk around the building. Fresh air, movement, and the possibility of escaping into the parking lot if things get too serious—it’s a win-win!

4. Issue One-Time “HR Happiness Passes”
An “HR Happiness Pass” is a golden ticket that employees can cash in for one workplace-related favor—no questions asked. Need an extra-long lunch? Want to borrow the CEO’s ergonomic chair for a day? Want to wear pajamas to work just this once? HR Happiness Pass granted! (Just don’t ask for a raise… HR isn’t that magical.)

5. Surprise People with the Greatest Workplace Gift of All—Silence
Instead of flooding inboxes with “Happy International Day of Happiness!” emails, take a different approach: Send an email that simply says, “As a gift to you, we will not be sending any additional emails today. You’re welcome.”
Instant employee satisfaction score increase. Guaranteed.

6. Remember That Happiness Is More Than Just One Day
Sure, it’s fun to celebrate with goofy activities, but real workplace happiness comes from a culture of respect, recognition, and balance. So, while we’re all for confetti cannons, let’s also commit to making workplaces where people actually want to be, not just tolerate because of direct deposit.

Happiness isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about the little things. Like someone refilling the coffee pot instead of leaving one sad, cold sip. Or IT resetting a password without a 20-minute lecture. Or that one rare moment when everyone actually reads the HR memo the first time.

So, go forth, HR heroes, and spread joy! Just remember—if someone gets too happy and starts trying to implement unlimited PTO, you might have to bring them back down to Earth.

Happy International Day of Happiness!

National Dress Up Your Pet Day – the real holiday we’ve all been waiting for. Forget Valentine’s Day or Halloween. January 14th is when your pugs, golden retrievers, and sassy cats can strut their stuff like the supermodels they clearly believe they are.

Whether your pet loves the spotlight or just tolerates your antics for treats, this day is your official green light to unleash their inner fashion icon. Let’s be honest: *it’s for us, not them*, but let’s pretend they’re thrilled.

Step One: Choosing the Perfect Look

What vibe do you want your furry friend to give off this year?

Business Casual Bulldog: A snappy bow tie or blazer says, “I’m late for my quarterly nap report.”

Princess Pug Perfection: A tiara and fluffy tutu, because someone needs to feel fancy on a Tuesday.

Grumpy Cat in Pajamas: For those pets who’d rather not participate but will humor you. Bonus points if they side-eye you like you’ve ruined their life.

And then there’s the “Where did you even find that?” tier. Hotdog suits, tacos, lions, dinosaurs. If it exists, someone’s made a pet costume for it. Somewhere in a basement, someone’s Yorkie is dressed as Baby Yoda, and we are here for it.

Step Two: The Reality of Dressing Up Your Pet
Let’s pause for the reality check. This is how it really goes:

1. You hold up the outfit with excitement. “Who’s ready to be a cute little taco??”
2. Your pet stares back, blinking once. Judging you.
3. You wrestle them into the costume like you’re auditioning for a WWE match.
4. They freeze. Completely. Like wearing a pumpkin suit suddenly made them forget how to move.

The moment they’re dressed, you whip out your phone to snap a pic, while they mentally plot revenge. (That pile of socks you haven’t found? Gone forever.)

Step Three: Bragging Rights on Social Media
If a pet wears a costume and no one posts it, does it even count?
Upload those pics to Instagram with captions like:

 “My dog’s cooler than yours, and he knows it.”

“Mood: Over it but still cute.”

“Dress for success? No. Dress for snacks.”

Pro tip: Put your pet’s name on it for maximum effect. Sherman the Business Bulldog sounds like an icon. (Qi’ra the Princess Pug? A vibe.) Bonus points if they accidentally make a face that rivals the Mona Lisa.

Step Four: The Aftermath
Once the photoshoot is over, your pet will do one of two things:

1. Wiggle out of the outfit at a speed you didn’t think possible.
2. Collapse dramatically on the floor like they’ve just run a marathon.

Either way, they’ve earned a treat. Probably more treats than you want to give, but guilt is a powerful motivator. It’s their world, we just provide the snacks.

Some people may say, “Dressing up pets is silly.” To that we say: Of course it is. That’s the point. For one day, we get to have a laugh, celebrate our furry family members, and see what they’d look like as firefighters or tacos. Life’s too short not to. So grab that bow tie, tutu, or lobster costume. Snap the pics. Post the proof. And know that for this one glorious day, your pet – and their slightly embarrassed face – brought joy to the world.

Happy National Dress Up Your Pet Day! 🐾(Tag us when you post those pics. We need to see them.)