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New research on human resources from Harvard Business School faculty on issues including organizational design, compensation, incentive plans, hiring practices, and recruitment.
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How Bonuses Get Employees to Choose Work Over Family

by Rachel Kim Raczka

Working late again? Research by Ashley Whillans and colleagues shows how incentive pay encourages workers to think of downtime as wasted time. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

How a Company Made Employees So Miserable, They Killed Themselves

by Michael Blanding

Aggressive downsizing at France Télécom culminated in 19 employee suicides. Case studies by Cynthia Montgomery and Ashley Whillans show how mistreating workers can have deadly consequences. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Can Our Parenting Struggles Make Us Better Leaders?

by Ranjay Gulati

Like parents, leaders must know when to impose control and when to step back. Ranjay Gulati reflects on the benefits of authoritative leadership, and what it takes to achieve it. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

The Simple Secret of Effective Mentoring Programs

by Jay Fitzgerald

The employees who need guidance most rarely seek it out. New research by Christopher Stanton sheds light on what companies stand to gain from mentorship programs that include everyone. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

How to Tap the Talent Automated HR Platforms Miss

by Joseph B. Fuller

Companies are struggling to fill open positions, but the job platforms they use often screen out promising candidates just because they don't tick every box. Joseph Fuller probes the challenges—and opportunities—of "hidden workers." Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Fed Up Workers and Supply Woes: What's Next for Dollar Stores?

by Christine Pazzanese, Harvard Gazette

Willy Shih discusses how higher costs, shipping delays, and worker shortages are putting the dollar store business model to the test ahead of the critical holiday shopping season. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Reunited and It Feels (Not) So Good: Tips for Managing a Rocky Return

by Kristen Senz

For many companies, returning to the office has felt like a rollercoaster of worry, excitement, and uncertainty. Members of the Harvard Business School faculty offer advice to help managers restore calm. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Managers, Your Employees Don’t Want to Be Facebook ‘Friends’

by Rachel Kim Raczka

Want your colleagues to see your Vegas vacation photos? Research by Lakshmi Ramarajan and colleagues offers reasons to think twice about connecting with people you manage on social media. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

The Growth Engine Too Many Companies Overlook: Employees

by Michael Blanding

Companies trying to innovate or acquire their way to growth should consider another strategy: economic engagement. Dennis Campbell says five steps can help organizations cultivate an ownership mindset among employees. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

How Much Is Freedom Worth? For Gig Workers, a Lot.

by Lane Lambert

In the booming gig economy, does the ability to set your schedule outweigh having sick leave and overtime? Felix Oberholzer-Gee and Laura Katsnelson turn to DoorDash drivers to find out. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Can We Train for Trust?

by James Heskett

A culture of trust can improve employee—and company—performance. But can leaders be trained to foster trust among those they lead? asks James Heskett. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

How Women Can Learn from Even Biased Feedback

by Francesca Gino

Gender bias often taints performance reviews, but applying three principles can help women gain meaningful insights, says Francesca Gino. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Don't Ignore Your Employees' Misery—TAKE Control

by Hise O. Gibson and MaShon Wilson

Many workers are unhappy with their companies' return-to-work policies. Rather than risk losing productive people, managers should confront employee dissatisfaction head on, says Hise O. Gibson. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Managers, Here’s How to Bond with New Hires Remotely

by Lane Lambert

Worried about engaging interns and new employees in a hybrid world? Research by Iavor I. Bojinov and Prithwiraj Choudhury shows how "virtual watercooler" sessions can make all the difference. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Worried About the Great Resignation? Be a Good Company to Come From

by Sandra J. Sucher and Shalene Gupta

Some employees are just ready to move on. Rather than wave perks and bonuses at them, companies should focus on becoming great places to learn—and eventually leave, say Sandra J. Sucher and Shalene Gupta. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

What If Closing the Wage Gap Means Everyone Earns Less?

by Avery Forman

Companies are under pressure to share more data about employee salaries, but research by Zoe Cullen reveals how pay transparency doesn't always help workers. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Readers Ask: Which Companies Are Transforming Work?

by Kristen Senz

Joseph Fuller answers readers' questions about automation, virtual internships, and the future of work on Working Knowledge’s “Office Hours” series. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Keep or Cut Workers? How Companies Reacted to the COVID-19 Crisis

by Lane Lambert

Analysis by Ethan Rouen and colleagues reveals the true factors behind leaders' choices during the pandemic's painful early months, when survival was at stake for many businesses. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

The COVID-19 Mutiny: When Teams Leave and Take Their Clients

by Robin Abrahams, Boris Groysberg, and Steven L. Manchel

Remote work and pandemic turbulence have made it easier to poach star teams. Boris Groysberg and colleagues offer advice for companies trying to retain or recruit high performers, and for professionals considering a move. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Are Employers Ready for a Flood of 'New' Talent Seeking Work?

by James Heskett

Many people, particularly women, will be returning to the workforce as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes. What will companies need to do to harness the talent wave? asks James Heskett. Open for comment; 0 Comments.