💬 Small Talk Scripts, DEI Policy Scrutiny, HR as Thought Police - Nov 24, 2025

On today’s agenda:

💬 Small talk scripts

🤝 Simpler HR in 2026

🕵️ HR: The new thought police

🧭 DEI policies under scrutiny

THE HR SPOTLIGHT

💬 Small Talk Scripts for People Who Hate Small Talk

If you feel that making chit-chat is more like preparing for a performance, you’re not alone — and there are smart ways to help your team bridge that gap.

🧐 The situation (why small talk feels awkward) - A recent survey found that 74％ of employees struggle with light conversation in shared spaces like the break room or elevator. At the same time, small talk is no filler —it can boost positive emotions, trust, and even “go above and beyond” behavior. But in today’s hybrid or remote work world, casual social cues are fading. Without those micro‑moments, people feel less connected — and that hurts engagement.

📍 What HR can do (small talk, big impact)

• Build in buffer time: Encourage managers to open meetings 5 minutes early just for informal banter. It’s a low-stakes way to break the ice and replicate “water‑cooler” connection.

• Initiate small talk: Start simple starter lines like “What surprised you this week?” or “Seen anything good on TV lately?” can get the conversation going. You can also try the FORM technique.

• Normalize “micro-chats”: Carve out time or virtual spaces for unstructured check-ins. These moments help new or introverted employees feel seen — which supports engagement and psychological safety.

• Make it part of the onboarding playbook: As your team grows, give new hires a few quick scripts or prompts so they don’t feel lost trying to start a conversation — especially if they’re remote.

By guiding your people toward genuine micro-connections — not forced icebreakers — you can create a more inclusive, engaged, and collaborative culture.

✅ 50 Small Talk Questions to Try » 

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🏥 Nursing Degree Shake-Up Hits Hiring — WKYT

• What’s unfolding: Advanced nursing programs may lose “professional degree” status, limiting access to federal loans and potentially reducing the pipeline of qualified nurses.

• Why it matters: HR teams in healthcare face a potential talent crunch as fewer nurses may pursue advanced degrees. Organizations may need to expand internal training, upskill current staff, or enhance retention strategies to maintain staffing levels.

📈 Job Market Slows — HR Dive

• What’s unfolding: September’s delayed jobs report shows modest payroll growth but rising unemployment, hinting that the labor market may be cooling.

• Why it matters: HR leaders may need to recalibrate hiring plans, strengthen retention efforts, and prepare for slower talent movement across industries.

⚠️ Healthcare Layoffs Surge — WSWS

• What’s unfolding: Major healthcare employers are announcing large-scale job cuts, with over a million roles impacted across 2025.

• Why it matters: HR in healthcare should brace for workforce instability, higher burnout risk for remaining staff, and increased pressure on communication and change-management practices.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

• What’s unfolding: The U.S. State Department is flagging certain global DEI policies as possible human-rights concerns, prompting closer review of how companies apply them abroad.

• HR implications: HR teams with international operations should reassess DEI language and rollout plans to avoid compliance issues and ensure programs align with evolving global standards.

• What’s unfolding: Eric Schmidt is being sued over alleged secret access to employee Google accounts and unauthorized digital monitoring.

• HR implications: This case highlights major risks around privacy and tech misuse. HR leaders should review monitoring policies, tighten data controls, and make sure executive access is transparent and auditable.

• What’s unfolding: A new proposal would expand and extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, raising credit rates and adding military spouses to eligible groups.

• HR implications: If enacted, HR teams could see lower hiring costs for targeted workers. It’s worth monitoring now so recruiting and budgeting plans can adjust quickly once timelines are set.

HR TECH WATCH

💪 A Review of Sloneek®: The HR System That Does the Heavy Lifting

Why we selected it: It’s a modern, AI-powered, all‑in‑one HR platform that’s gaining traction for handling everything from hiring to payroll — all in one chat.   

HRAddict rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6
For HR teams ready to ditch spreadsheets and duplicate tools, Sloneek streamlines your full HR lifecycle into one intelligent, chat‑driven platform.

This is an independent review using aggregated insights and publicly available data.

BREAKROOM

📬 Missed Friday’s issue on ‘Cozy Work Culture’? Read it »