From rising healthcare costs to new compliance challenges to social unrest, you’re juggling way more than just people operations.
The one thing everyone needs right now? Better communication, connection, and community.
Here’s what we’re covering in this edition:
Plus, news you might have missed.
Let’s dive in.
This past Monday was International Women in Engineering day—a reminder to celebrate the women who are building, designing, and innovating in spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented. It’s also a reminder that empathy isn’t just about how we treat others—it’s about how we support ourselves, especially in environments where we might feel like the “only.” Trusting our voice, our perspective, and our place at the table is powerful.
We think Kelly C., VP of Engineering at Businessolver summed it up best when we asked her advice to other women in STEAM:
“Take risks and opportunities that will stretch your abilities; be comfortable with the unknown.”
Trusting our voice, our perspective, and our place at the table is powerful. And for HR teams, it’s a chance to reflect on how we’re creating space for women in STEM to thrive—not just through programs, but through culture. Let’s keep building workplaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to lead.
Vanessa G., VP of Data Science and Innovation at Businessolver breaks down why empathy is a non-negotiable for our engineers:
“Engineering with empathy means taking the time to truly understand the people you’re building for. It’s about stepping into their shoes, seeing problems from their perspective, and thinking through how every feature or solution will affect their experience. It’s easy to get caught up in technical challenges, but the most impactful engineering happens when you pause and ask: Who is this for? How will it make their life better?”
Read more about how women in engineering have built our tech-forward world as we know it
Compliance might not sound like the most heart-driven part of HR—but it’s one of the main areas where empathy shows up in action in the workplace. When we build systems that are clear, consistent, and compliant, we’re creating environments where employees can trust the process and focus on what matters most.
Staying up to date on compliance can be at least two full-time jobs alone, but when you have a team of partners and experts in your corner, it can become a powerful strategy.
Compliance isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about protecting people. And when we trust ourselves to lead with both precision and compassion, we build workplaces that are not only safe, but human. Because at the end of the day, service is about people—and people thrive when they feel supported.
Need help unravelling your compliance to-dos? Check out our Q2 compliance round up.
Speaking of compliance, did you know that a lack of empathy might be the next biggest financial risk factor?
Our 2025 State of Workplace Empathy research proves this out—to the tune of $180 billion in attrition costs that organizations are leaving on the table.
One of the biggest contributors to employees wanting to leave is that they don’t feel heard, supported, or understood. And it’s no surprise—nearly 6 in 10 CEOs still think that empathy is just a perk.
More realistically, though, it’s HR’s best business strategy.
“You cannot look at empathy as an option. It is not optional. It should be understood that it’s a necessity of business… we’re now talking real money. People may not see the ROI or not want to see the ROI, but the ROI is 100% there.” – Anton Gunn, President & CEO of 937 Strategy Group, Former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama
Here’s a look at what businesses risk when empathy isn’t present:
Need a business case for empathy to bring to your CEO? Read the 2025 State of Workplace Empathy report.
Your watchlist for the proposed employee benefits changes in OBBA
