It’s Veterans Day, Culture Champions! 🎖️ As we honor our vets, let's talk about another battle ground: getting your staff off Excel after launching new software. Why do they habit-hug old workflows? That’s what we’re going to find out.
In this issue:
🌟 Earn L&D a seat at the table
🗓️ AI Leadership Summit
◉ WEEKLY GOODY
The Employee Complaint Form
This week’s HR goody — turn '“we need to talk” into clear first steps.
Only available for download to subscribers.
◉ TOGETHER WITH - iSpring
L&D Doesn't Need Better Processes. It Needs a Seat at the Table.
Most L&D teams didn't choose to be order takers, and a sharper intake form won't change that. In this free webinar on November 17th at 10:00 AM EST, Jess Almlie, 2026 Learning Guild Master and author of L&D Order Taker No More!, shows how to spot the thinking patterns that keep teams stuck in reactive mode, build the credibility that gets L&D brought in earlier, and change how you work with the business starting the very same week.
◉ THE HR SPOTLIGHT - People problems, solved
Workflow Relapse: When Employees Revert to Old Habits
An October 2026 TalentLMS survey found 42％ of employees still use tools or processes their managers believe were replaced. Reports dub it “habit hugging,” where familiar routines outlast the rollout.
Break the Loop: Make Change Easier to Use — Employees aren’t necessarily resisting progress. Familiar methods can feel faster, especially when deadlines leave little room to practice. But HR can help managers turn the rollout into everyday practice:
Find the sticking point. Ask, “Where does the new process slow you down?” Watch them complete a real task before doing more training.
Make practice part of work. Protect time to repeat common tasks using the new system, with a short guide nearby.
Have managers onboard visibly. Have leaders use the same tools they expect staff to adopt. Spreadsheet exceptions send mixed messages.
Show one useful benefit. Demonstrate a shorter approval path or less duplicate entry.
Follow up after launch. Review barriers weekly and adjust expectations while people learn.
Training completion marks a starting point. Consistent use needs support beyond launch.
◉ CULTURE CUE - Try this with your team
Make a Permission Slip 🎟️ — Ask everyone to finish: “Learning this would be easier if we could…” Then, agree on one permission, such as slower practice or asking basic questions.
🔎 Nvidia CEO Affair Sparks Spy Probe — HCA Mag
What’s unfolding: Nvidia opened a suspected foreign intelligence probe after CEO Jensen Huang admitted an affair.
Why it matters: Leadership scandals test workforce trust. Review executive conduct policies and succession plans.
📉 US-China AI Race Faces Layoff Risks — EconomicTimes
What’s unfolding: An S&P Global report highlights AI investments and further layoff risks over the next three years.
Why it matters: Uncertain AI returns can disrupt staffing plans. Map alternative scenarios and retraining options before restructuring.
📈 US Productivity Rises Fastest in a Year — Bloomberg
What’s unfolding: US labor productivity grew at a 3.6％ annualized rate in the third quarter, while labor costs per unit of output fell.
Why it matters: National gains aren’t a benchmark for every team. Assess output alongside quality and workload before raising targets.
◉ WEEKLY GOODY - Less starting from scratch
The Employee Complaint Form: Turn “We Need to Talk” Into a Clear Next Step
Good listening needs a paper trail. Use this free Employee Complaint Form to capture concerns, organize key details, and give follow-ups a clear starting point.
Only available for download to subscribers.
◉ FLASH VOTE - The community weigh-in
Where does role clarity break down most often?
◉ UPCOMING EVENTS - To learn, network & thrive
| NOV |
| 15 |
Nov 15-18, In-Person (Tennessee) - SHRM
SHRM All Things Work 2026
Brings HR professionals, org leaders, and inclusion specialists together.
Grab a spot »
| NOV |
| 17 |
Nov 17-18, In-Person (New York) - The Conference Board
AI Leadership Summit
Learn what people leaders need to keep pace with AI in the workplace.
View agenda »
| NOV |
| 19 |
Nov 19, In-Person (New York) - From Day One
LIVE 2026: People HR
Explore new frontiers in talent acquisition, skills-based workforce planning, L&D, and more.
See event details »
◉ BREAKROOM - Your virtual watercooler
◉ SMART READS - Worth bookmarking
💡 HR Software & Data-Driven Decision-Making
☕ 30 Must-Have Office Breakroom Supplies
✍️ How to Write a Compelling Job Description
A note from the editor
Before the week becomes a blur of pending approvals and unanswered emails, notice a process or conversation you’ve made easier. Small improvements deserve acknowledgment, too. We hope this issue helps you carry that perspective into the rest of your week.
P.S. Your L&D team isn’t a drive-through. Don’t just take the order, learn to shape the brief at iSpring’s webinar.
