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:
WEEKLY GOODY
Employee Engagement Checklist
This week’s HR goody — spot engagement gaps and take action.
Only available for download to subscribers.
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
Ask & Listen: Use pulse surveys or 1:1s to uncover what type of appreciation each employee values.
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.
Continuous Feedback: In 2026, real-time feedback beats annual reviews every time — and it shows employees you’re paying attention.
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?
TODAY’S CULTURE CUE
🙏 Appreciation Swap — Randomly pair teammates. Ask each person to deliver one appreciation gesture tailored to their partner’s preference (public praise, help on a task, resource share, etc.).
WEEKLY STEAL
🧰 Valentine’s HR Toolkit: Work Faster, Worry Less
Streamline your HR workflow and save hours with this all-in-one HR toolkit. Perfect for startups, growing businesses, or HR pros seeking efficiency without the extra stress.
✅ 150+ templates, from checklists and policies to essential forms.
✅ Time-Saving Efficiency: Ready-to-use templates designed to simplify your HR tasks.
✅ Fully Customizable: Edit to fit your company’s size, industry, and style.
Upgrade your HR game today.
Promo ends Feb 16 MN EST
QUICK POLL
Which section did you enjoy most?
THE HR PULSE
🧑⚖️ 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.
🤖 IBM Triples Entry-Level Hiring — Firstpost
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.
🩺 NYC Nurse Strike Winds Down — NBC NY
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
💡 Spot Gaps, Spark Action: Your Employee Engagement Checklist
Keeping your team motivated can feel like juggling flaming torches. This Employee Engagement Checklist breaks it down step by step to help you spot gaps, boost morale, and take action before small issues turn into big problems.
Ready to make engagement effortless?
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
OHCA
Workplace Love Language Quiz
Find out your love language at work and invite your colleagues too. No wrong answers.
Take the test »
Paycor
2026 Payroll Calendar Templates
Stay on top of pay periods with these biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly templates.
Download the templates »
COMPLIANCE CORNER
🛫 DHS Funding Fight = Travel Turbulence — The Tennessean
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.
⚖️ DC Fire Dept Heads to Harassment Trial — HCA Mag
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Feb 18, Virtual - HRDQ-U
Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture
Discover how cultivating kindness as a learnable leadership skill can boost engagement.
Sign up for the webinar »
Feb 24, In-Person (London, UK) - Employee Experience UK
Employee Xperience Expo 2026
Discover more about employee experience, inclusion, and engagement.
Register for the event »
BREAKROOM
SMART READS
💻 How to Mentor in a Remote Workplace
🌟 10 Important Qualities of an Effective Intern
📋 The Headhunting Process: Tips & Techniques
—Created with care by Vivienne Ravana
