Issue 131: Our Worst HR Horror Stories

While we’re working hard to make work a smooth experience, HR folks handle a lot of downright spooky things in the background, and most have a long list of scary stories up their sleeve. For this week’s issue asked our team to share their best ones.

"I once worked for a company with a fun culture that used to ask on our job applications what the candidate's favourite snack was– sometimes we'd buy it for their interview as a surprise. We reconsidered it after someone answered "the tears of my vanquished foes"

“An organization I worked for hired an inexpensive French translator for our employment agreements, and didn’t know until several had been issued that the translation expressing our enthusiasm was phrased as “we’re aroused to present you with this offer”

"Someone brought their girlfriend to an interview. She stayed in the reception area, but he did excuse himself midway through the meeting to use the washroom and gave her a kiss (on the mouth) on his way"

“In one of my old jobs HR had to receive deliveries through a freight elevator in an old office building. Sometimes the freight elevator would stop working and we would just be stuck between floors. Sometimes cell service wasn't working, so we'd just be stuck in there for a long time until it started working again.”

"Perfectly lined up wall of boogers in the washroom. Kept appearing."

"Finishing a layoff by writing my own termination paperwork"

Terrifying! If you celebrate, don’t forget to dress up in a (sigh, appropriate) costume this week. Yes, it’s silly, but it can bring a bit of fun and joy to work– even on Zoom.

-Team Bright + Early

Bright Reads 🌞

• Support for splits: Companies are adding divorce assistance to their benefits packages

• A Black Workday employee has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging racial and disability bias after police were sent for a wellness check during their medical leave

• It takes a 'manly' man to hold a grudge! Study finds employees that place a high value on manliness are less likely to forgive their coworkers

• 73% of German companies that tried a four-day workweek plan to keep it

• This NYT article explores how perspectives on menopause in the workplace are evolving.

• Can I ask why my coworker was fired?

What’s New at B+E 🍏

Here’s a list of a few organizations transparently sharing their compensation philosophies. Want to follow suit, but don’t have the time/expertise? We’re booking new clients into our custom compensation design program for January onward- just send us an email at [email protected] to set up a chat. Want to do it yourself? You can also check out our own open source how-to guide here.

NEW: Bright Jobs ☀️

Every week, we’ll share a curated list of exciting jobs at Bright + Early partners. Bright + Early organizations are all committed to building human, inclusive places to work. Note that we’re not involved in hiring– please apply directly!

• Arts festival organizers Luminato are looking for a Director of Philanthropy and an Executive Coordinator

• ZayZoon is doing a lot of hiring for remote positions across Canada

• The sleep people at Endy are looking to fill three roles: Bilingual Copywriter, Development Manager, and a Senior Developer for hybrid roles in Toronto

• Passionate about travel? CrowdRiff is looking for a Sales Manager in Toronto; the role is hybrid

• Wealthsimple is hiring a Senior Human Resources Business Partner on a 14 month remote contract

Coming Up 👀

• 🦇🎃October 31 is Halloween, Diwali and Samhain🎃🦇

• November 3 is when Daylight Savings Time ends. Move those clocks back! ⏰

• On November 6 and 7 QueerTech is hosting their third annual QT Qonference where you can catch Bright + Early’s Clea Arrieta on the stage 🌈 

• Also, November 6 is take your kids to work day. Are we supposed to do that remotely, too?

• November 8 is National Indigenous Veterans Day

• November 11 is Remembrance day 

• Wondering whether to ask for an accommodation or share health info at work? Check out this webinar on November 19, put on by the folks at the Institute for Work and Health

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