
I Hate It Here
If HR is one of the most soul-crushing industries to work in, how come we’re not talking about it more? I Hate it Here is the unflinching podcast where People professionals to talk honestly and openly about HR, sharing best-in-class resources to make the hardest job in the world that little bit easier. Hosted by Hebba Youssef, Chief People Officer at Workweek and creator of the I Hate it Here podcast and newsletter, this show is for HR People who want to get things done right - even if they do feel a bit empty inside from time to time. You’ll hear from industry insiders, not just the same old voices, sharing all the things you’re secretly thinking but never said out loud, digging into real-life examples, and delivering practical solutions and strategies for your people team.
Latest episodes

Sep 6, 2023 • 51min
S2 E1: Why Employers Fail to Understand the Needs of Working Parents, with Kim Rohrer
Wait— we thought that parents just don’t understand. But as it turns out, workplaces don’t understand parents at all. So how can HR help to better support the working parent?Hebba engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Kim Rohrer, Principal Partner at Oyster, a global employment platform reshaping cross-border hiring. With 15 years in HR under her belt, Kim sheds light on the critical role HR plays in nurturing a compassionate workplace as they explore the challenges faced by working moms and parents. Kim delves into the essential ingredients for parental success, the need for robust childcare options, and how HR teams can foster a supportive environment. Plus, Kim and Hebba also delve into the impact of microaggressions on employees of color, the case for doing away with unpaid labor, and the value of women's time. For even more exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Kim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimrohrer/ Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef 15Five is the performance management platform that drives business results and gives HR teams a complete solution to deliver high employee performance, engagement, and retention while improving manager effectiveness. Find out more about 15Five here.

Jun 28, 2023 • 37min
New Stand Special: Creating an Environment for Connection
Alright— that’s it. We’re finally settling the debate of who wore it best: remote, hybrid, or in-person. Or uh… at the very least, we’re coming to some massively inconclusive conclusions about which work style reigns supreme.In this special series with New Stand, a startup company setting out to improve everyday employee experience— and bring a little bit of daily joy back into employees’ lives— CEO Dave Garcia chats with Hebba about how to cope with in-office mandates, the difficulties of conversational nuances over Slack, and how to chisel away at a person’s professional persona to connect with their juicy, human core (hint: snacks are always a good start). Plus: How many hours a day do people actually work, and how can workplaces strengthen the employer-employee relationship? But more importantly, why does Hebba despise eating at her desk so much? Thanks to our sponsors, New Stand, who partners with companies to deliver better work experiences, including onsite and virtual team hospitality, employee gifting and rewards, and pop-up events. New Stand helps bridge the onsite/offsite gap for distributed teams with their premium programs designed to enhance wellbeing, community, and recognition. Learn how to bring joy to your team by visiting newstand.com. And if you love HR Therapy, sign up to I Hate it Here, the newsletter for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration. https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/ Check Out New Stand: Website: https://www.newstand.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thisisnewstand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisnewstand/ Follow Dave: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nycddg/ Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Jun 21, 2023 • 26min
New Stand Special: Why Employees Stay or Go at Work
Work sucks, I know. And since we can’t all make it to Blink 182’s show… How exactly do we cope with the uncertainty of an insanely competitive, wildly unstable job economy? In this special series with New Stand, a startup company setting out to improve everyday employee experience—and bring a little bit of daily joy back into employees’ lives—CEO Dave Garcia chats with Hebba about the #problematic aspects of workplace culture. In this ep, they’re breaking down why the effects of a rapidly changing job economy have led to an epidemic of “quiet staying” and why employees have such difficulty staying engaged with, well… doing actual work. Plus, you might think you can do a better job than your manager… but can you really? Let’s be real—it’s not as easy as it looks.Thanks to our sponsors, New Stand, who partner with companies to deliver better work experiences, including onsite and virtual hospitality, employee gifting and rewards, and pop-up events.New Stand helps bridge the onsite/offsite gap for distributed teams with their premium programs designed to enhance employee wellbeing, community, and recognition. Learn how to bring more joy and satisfaction to your team by visiting newstand.com.And if you love HR Therapy, sign up to I Hate it Here, the newsletter for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration. https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/ Check Out New Stand: Website: https://www.newstand.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisnewstand/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thisisnewstand Follow Dave: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nycddg/ Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Jun 15, 2023 • 52min
S1 E8: How to Build a Better Community
Let’s face it— not everyone wants to be at work. So how do you build a better sense of community without feeling like you’re pulling out teeth? In this live virtual event featuring a panel of HR experts, Hebba and crew discuss the ways in which you can create a better workplace community. How can you foster more virtual interactions? How do you rebuild trust after massive layoffs? And how should you respond to a workforce that doesn’t want to attend work-sponsored events?Plus, stay tuned at the end as they field a rapid-fire round of audience questions, including how to mesh clashing divisions together and whether or not you should attempt to pry a hermit out of its shell. And if you love HR Therapy, sign up to I Hate it Here, the newsletter for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration. https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/ Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef Follow Alex: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexseiler/ Follow Suraiya:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suraiya-kara-peopleandculture/ Follow Adrienne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrampaul/

May 10, 2023 • 56min
S1 E7: Managing Relationships At Work
Over 50% of all employees are stressed out at work. Could it have anything to do with the fact that in the same survey, 69% of managers said they felt uncomfortable actually managing them? In this live virtual event, Hebba chats with the co-founder of the employee-centric HR suite, Skillcycle, about the role that power dynamics play in the managing workplace relationships. How do you show empathy to employees who feel powerless in the workplace, and what can you do when the people without power have no one that looks like them in those positions of power? Hebba and Rebecca talk about managing conflict with difficult coworkers, some of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to navigating relationships at work, and how to handle a leader with a low EQ. Plus, stay tuned at the end as they field audience questions. And if you love HR Therapy, sign up to I Hate it Here, the newsletter for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration. https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/ Follow Rebecca: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccataylor2/ Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Mar 22, 2023 • 52min
S1 E6: WTF Is Going On In The Talent World?
The job market and talent world feels way too confusing right now, so what’s going on? In this series finale, Hebba is joined by Rie Grant, a Recruiting Manager, Anessa Fike, CEO and Founder of Fike + Co, and Cassandra Smith, Technical Talent Acquisition at NPR, for this last virtual event.They discuss five questions that get right to the heart of talent acquisition, including how to help candidates stand out in a crowded marketplace, red flags to look for during interviews, and what recruiters are focusing on right now.Plus you’ll hear the panel’s responses to questions from the live audience.Thanks to our sponsors New Stand - partnering with companies to deliver better work experiences, including onsite and virtual team stores, employee rewards, and pop-up events. New Stand helps bridge the onsite - offsite gap for distributed teams with their premium wellbeing, community, and recognition programs. Learn how to bring joy to your team by visiting newstand.comAnd The Predictive Index. Bonus payouts around the corner? Don't panic. The Predictive Index gives you (and your managers) the tools you need to create a more engaging culture. Go to trypi.com/hrt to get started for free.And if you love HR Therapy, sign up to I Hate it Here, the newsletter for jaded, overworked and emotionally burned out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/Follow Rie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rie-grant/Follow Anessa:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anessafike/Follow Cassandra:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassiesmithrecruiter/Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Mar 8, 2023 • 52min
S1 E5: The Feedback And Wellbeing Connection
How can you give (and receive) feedback in a way that puts wellbeing firmly at the center?Hebba is joined by Nesa K. Johnson, Global Chief People Officer at GCI Group. They get into how trauma can affect how you receive feedback, the best approach to take when blame becomes an issue, and how to think of feedback as a strategic input.Plus Hebba and Nesa answer questions from the audience at this virtual event.Thanks to our sponsors New Stand - partnering with companies to deliver better work experiences, including onsite and virtual team stores, employee rewards, and pop-up events. New Stand helps bridge the onsite - offsite gap for distributed teams with their premium wellbeing, community, and recognition programs. Learn how to bring joy to your team by visiting newstand.comAnd The Predictive Index. Bonus payouts around the corner? Don't panic. The Predictive Index gives you (and your managers) the tools you need to create a more engaging culture. Go to trypi.com/hrt to get started for free.And if you love HR Therapy, sign up to I Hate it Here, the newsletter for jaded, overworked and emotionally burned out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/Follow: Nesa:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nesajohnson/Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Feb 15, 2023 • 50min
S1 Ep4: How To Manage Employee Stress And Wellbeing
How do you manage the wellbeing of employees when everyone seems stressed?A pandemic, economic downturns, and the general challenges of life have left so many people feeling burnt out. How can employers handle the stress of their employees? Hebba is joined by a panel of People and HR experts - Amande Halle, Founder of People Tech Guru, Jomana Elwenni, Head of People at Community.com and Charkie Quarcoo, Program Manager at the Predictive Index.They get straight into discussing what work factors cause the most stress for employees, the most effective mechanisms of support, and how HR professionals can (and should) take care of their own health.Join Hebba and the panel at this virtual event discussing how to manage stress and wellbeing the right way, plus fielding Q&As from viewers.Thanks to our sponsors New Stand - partnering with companies to deliver better work experiences, including onsite and virtual team stores, employee rewards, and pop-up events. New Stand helps bridge the onsite - offsite gap for distributed teams with their premium wellbeing, community, and recognition programs. Learn how to bring joy to your team by visiting newstand.comAnd The Predictive Index. Bonus payouts around the corner? Don't panic. The Predictive Index gives you (and your managers) the tools you need to create a more engaging culture. Go to trypi.com/hrt to get started for free.And if you love HR Therapy, sign up to I Hate it Here, the newsletter for jaded, overworked and emotionally burned out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Feb 8, 2023 • 50min
S1 Ep3: What We Get Wrong About Parental Leave
What are companies getting wrong about parental leave? Well, quite a few things actually!Allison Whalen the Co-founder and CEO at Parentaly joins as a guest this episode to discuss parental leave and how to support expecting parents! Her company Parentaly helps turn parental leave into a competitive advantage through coaching, planning and support services to expecting and new parents. Hebba and Allison discuss what companies get wrong about leave, how to think about leave as a competitive advantage and how to support all expecting parents regardless of how a family was formed. Join Hebba and Allison at this virtual event, discussing how to do parental leave right and fielding Q&As from viewers.Thanks to our sponsors New Stand - partnering with companies to deliver better work experiences, including onsite and virtual team stores, employee rewards, and pop-up events. New Stand helps bridge the onsite - offsite gap for distributed teams with their premium wellbeing, community, and recognition programs. Learn how to bring joy to your team by visiting newstand.comAnd The Predictive Index. Bonus payouts around the corner? Don't panic. The Predictive Index gives you (and your managers) the tools you need to create a more engaging culture. Go to trypi.com/hrt to get started for free.And if you love HR Therapy, sign up to I Hate it Here, the newsletter for jaded, overworked and emotionally burned out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/Follow Allison:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-whalen-7824168/Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussefTimestamps:00:00 Intro03:45 Coming Back Strong09:14 The Aha Moment15:03 Communication On Your Terms16:26 Getting Adoption Leave Right18:30 Struggling With Terminology22:13 Diving Into The Stats27:07 Life And Work Past Birth29:54 Giving Companies The Competitive Advantage34:09 Support For Pregnancy Loss

Feb 1, 2023 • 51min
S1 Ep2: Do Your Employees Feel Like They Belong?
When your team is fully remote, can you really create a sense of community?Hebba’s guest on today’s episode is Jessica Winder, SVP of People at Refine Labs, and CEO and Founder of Hidden Gems, the career coaching service helping underrepresented job seekers through every stage of their career development.Jessica and Hebba get straight into why Jessica felt moved to help others move upwards in their careers, the importance of putting in and sticking to boundaries in the workplace, and a Q&A session from listeners at the I Hate It Here virtual event where this episode was recorded.Thanks to our sponsors New Stand - partnering with companies to deliver better work experiences, including onsite and virtual team stores, employee rewards, and pop-up events. New Stand helps bridge the onsite - offsite gap for distributed teams with their premium wellbeing, community, and recognition programs. Learn how to bring joy to your team by visiting newstand.comAnd The Predictive Index. Bonus payouts around the corner? Don't panic. The Predictive Index gives you (and your managers) the tools you need to create a more engaging culture. Go to trypi.com/hrt to get started for free.And if you love HR Therapy, sign up to I Hate it Here, the newsletter for jaded, overworked and emotionally burned out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/Follow Jessica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/refinelabsjessica/Follow Hebba: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssefTwitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef
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