👀 Love Languages at Work

Hey People Leaders! 💜 On this spooky Friday the 13th, let’s decode the love languages at work —because while tomorrow is Valentine’s, showing appreciation shouldn’t be just once a year!

On today’s agenda:

👀 Decoding workplace love languages

🧰 Valentine’s HR toolkit

💰 The first antitrust whistleblower award

THE HR SPOTLIGHT

👀 Love Languages at Work: 4 Keys to Engagement

The widening personalization gap reports tell us employee engagement isn’t one-size-fits-all. Today we’re spotlighting a smart, human approach to appreciation that actually speaks to your people (even before Valentine’s chocolates arrive).

🔍 The Situation: One Perk Doesn’t Fit All - People value appreciation in very different ways — some thrive on meaningful recognition and feedback, others on flexible schedules or professional growth. These are what workplace psychologists call the “love languages” of work: 

• Recognition (words that matter)

• Flexibility (the gift of trust)

• Growth (learning and upward momentum)

• Feedback (clear, ongoing direction)

• Autonomy (room to own the outcome)

With engagement at decade lows in many organizations, a broad perks strategy often ends up just… perky. Not effective.

🔑 What HR Can Do: Decode Their Language 

1. Ask & Listen: Use pulse surveys or 1:1s to uncover what type of appreciation each employee values.

2. Personalize Recognition: Pair words of praise with tangible actions — public kudos for the recognition-oriented, extra PTO for flexibility lovers, learning stipends for growth seekers.

3. Continuous Feedback: In 2026, real-time feedback beats annual reviews every time — and it shows employees you’re paying attention.

4. Align Rewards with Values: Not everyone wants the same “gift.” Make autonomy, flexibility, and growth part of how your culture deploys appreciation, not just how it advertises perks.

Because in HR, the secret sauce isn’t fancy bells and whistles — it’s understanding how people feel appreciated. And that’s something even AI can’t fake. 

Ready for engagement that truly resonates? 

📍 Decoding Workplace Love Languages »

WEEKLY STEAL

🧰 Valentine’s HR Toolkit: Work Faster, Worry Less

QUICK POLL

🧑‍⚖️ SEC Starts Hiring Back — U.S. News

• What’s unfolding: The SEC plans to restore some roles after staffing dropped nearly 20% following buyouts ordered last year, Chair Paul Atkins told Congress.

• Why it matters: HR leaders should expect ripple effects in talent markets and morale, and double down on workforce planning and clear communication during restructuring cycles.

• What’s unfolding: IBM will triple U.S. entry-level hiring in 2026, reshaping roles to focus on human skills as AI automates routine work.

• Why it matters: HR teams should take notes and rethink job design and early-career pipelines, balancing automation with skills that drive engagement and long-term growth.

• What’s unfolding: Nurses at most major NYC hospitals reached agreements after striking over staffing and pay, though one system remains unresolved.

• Why it matters: For HR, it’s a reminder that staffing levels and wellbeing directly impact retention, trust, and the risk of collective action.

WEEKLY GOODY

COMPLIANCE CORNER

• What’s unfolding: A DHS funding lapse could furlough TSA workers and cause airport delays if Congress misses the deadline.

• HR implications: HR teams should prep for travel disruptions and remote-work contingencies, and communicate early to reduce employee stress.

• What’s unfolding: A judge ruled a supervisor sexual harassment case against DC’s fire department will move to trial.

• HR implications: Review investigation protocols and reporting channels now—poor response to complaints can quickly become public, costly litigation.

💰 The First Antitrust Whistleblower Award — The NatLaw Review

• What’s unfolding: DOJ’s Antitrust Division paid its first whistleblower award after a tip led to criminal charges and fines.

• HR implications: Strengthen internal reporting and non-retaliation policies, as external financial incentives may increase employee reporting.

BREAKROOM

📬 Missed Wednesday’s issue on ‘Workplace Wellness Rituals’? Read it »