Filter Results: (80) Arrow Down

EmployeesRemove Employees →

New research on personnel management from Harvard Business School faculty on issues including dealing with toxic workers, effective recruiting, and increasing employee engagement.
Page 1 of 80 Results →

Are Management Consulting Firms Failing to Manage Themselves?

by David Fubini

In response to unprecedented client demand a few years ago, consulting firms went on a growth-driven hiring spree, but now many of these firms are cutting back staff. David Fubini questions whether strategy firms, which are considered experts at solving a variety of problems for clients, are struggling to apply their own management principles internally to address their current challenges.

Rapport: The Hidden Advantage That Women Managers Bring to Teams

by Kara Baskin

Lack of communication between managers and their employees can hurt productivity and even undermine the customer experience. Female managers are more adept at building rapport among mixed-gender teams, which can improve an organization’s performance, says research by Jorge Tamayo.

Why Work Rituals Bring Teams Together and Create More Meaning

by Michael Blanding

From weekly lunch dates with colleagues to bedtime stories with children, we often rely on rituals to relax and bond with others. While it may feel awkward to introduce teambuilding rituals in the workplace, the truth is, the practices improve performance, says Michael Norton in his book The Ritual Effect.

Employees Out Sick? Inside One Company's Creative Approach to Staying Productive

by Michael Blanding

Regular absenteeism can hobble output and even bring down a business. But fostering a collaborative culture that brings managers together can help companies weather surges of sick days and no-shows. Research by Jorge Tamayo shows how.

Let's Talk: Why It's Time to Stop Avoiding Taboo Topics at Work

by Avery Forman

Few people enjoy talking about succession plans, performance problems, and pay, but sometimes you must. Christina Wing offers five rules for navigating thorny conversations in the workplace, and makes the case for tackling even sensitive topics, like age, health, and politics.

Do People Want to Work Anymore?

by James Heskett

Surveys indicate that US employee engagement and job satisfaction are down. To what degree are attitudes toward work to blame? asks James Heskett. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Why Companies Should Share Their DEI Data (Even When It’s Unflattering)

by Shalene Gupta

Companies that make their workforce demographics public earn consumer goodwill, even if the numbers show limited progress on diversity, says research by Ryan Buell, Maya Balakrishnan, and Jimin Nam. How can brands make transparency a differentiator?

How to Keep Employees Productive: Support Caregivers

by Kara Baskin

Three-quarters of US employees are balancing caregiving with their careers. If companies could prevent five of them from quitting, they could save $200,000. Joseph Fuller offers a seven-point plan for supporting the sandwich generation and beyond.

10 Trends to Watch in 2024

by Rachel Layne

Employees may seek new approaches to balance, even as leaders consider whether to bring more teams back to offices or make hybrid work even more flexible. These are just a few trends that Harvard Business School faculty members will be following during a year when staffing, climate, and inclusion will likely remain top of mind.

The Network Effect: Why Companies Should Care About Employees’ LinkedIn Connections

by Ben Rand

What do Honeywell, IBM, and Pfizer have in common? Employees with strong professional networks. A study of 2 billion employee relationships on LinkedIn probes the power of such connections—and potential benefits for companies. Research by Frank Nagle.

Layoffs Can Be Bad Business: 5 Strategies to Consider Before Cutting Staff

by Ben Rand

Many companies are quick to reduce headcount when economic headwinds appear, but they risk weakening their businesses. A case study by Sandra Sucher explores the hidden costs of layoffs.

Working Moms Are Mostly Thriving Again. Can We Finally Achieve Gender Parity?

by Kara Baskin

The pandemic didn't destroy the workplace advancements moms had achieved. However, not all of the positive changes forced by the crisis and remote work have stuck, says research by Kathleen McGinn and Alexandra Feldberg.

How Workplace Wellness Programs Can Give Employees the Energy Boost They Need

by Hise Gibson

At a time when many workers are struggling with mental health issues, workplace wellness programs need to go beyond providing gym discounts and start offering employees tailored solutions that improve their physical and emotional well-being, says Hise Gibson.

The Rise of Employee Analytics: Productivity Dream or Micromanagement Nightmare?

by Ben Rand

"People analytics"—using employee data to make management decisions—could soon transform the workplace and hiring, but implementation will be critical, says Jeffrey Polzer. After all, do managers really need to know about employees' every keystroke?

Part-Time Employees Want More Hours. Can Companies Tap This ‘Hidden’ Talent Pool?

by Kara Baskin

Businesses need more staff and employees need more work, so what's standing in the way? A report by Joseph Fuller and colleagues shows how algorithms and inflexibility prevent companies from accessing valuable talent in a long-term shortage.

Money Isn’t Everything: The Dos and Don’ts of Motivating Employees

by Avery Forman

Dangling bonuses to checked-out employees might only be a Band-Aid solution. Brian Hall shares four research-based incentive strategies—and three perils to avoid—for leaders trying to engage the post-pandemic workforce.

How KKR Got More by Giving Ownership to the Factory Floor: ‘My Kids Are Going to College!’

by Avery Forman

KKR turned around a struggling door company and sold it for 10 times its investment—giving factory workers a life-changing cut of the returns. A case study by Ethan Rouen and Dennis Campbell offers lessons for companies trying to instill an owner's mindset in employees.

How One Late Employee Can Hurt Your Business: Data from 25 Million Timecards

by Ben Rand

Employees who clock in a few minutes late—or not at all—often dampen sales and productivity, says a study of 100,000 workers by Ananth Raman and Caleb Kwon. What can managers do to address chronic tardiness and absenteeism?

Are Your Employees Passing Up Incentives? Try Promoting the Programs More

by Scott Van Voorhis

Employees who bow out of a company's wellness program or retirement savings plan might not know these perks exist. Leslie John offers advice for motivating workers to participate in incentive programs.

8 Trends to Watch in 2023

by Avery Forman

Quiet quitting. Inflation. The economy. This year could bring challenges for executives and entrepreneurs, but there might also be opportunities for focused leaders to gain advantage, say Harvard Business School faculty members.