The HR Lady® Newsletter - August 2025

The Workplace Is Not A Place—It’s A Feeling. Employee Experience Matters!

I just returned from vacation in Portugal. It really is true that "Portugal is not a place, it is a feeling". I found these stairs (in photo above) with that saying in Porto.

This quote points to saudade—that uniquely Portuguese word for a bittersweet sense of longing and belonging that doesn’t translate neatly into English. That quote reminded me that workplace isn’t about place—it’s a feeling.

On the flight home, I kept thinking: 

• Do my client's employees feel that way about their companies? 
• If someone left tomorrow, would they truly miss your culture? 
• What would the team left behind miss and long for?

When a workplace becomes a feeling (a good feeling, that is), people stay longer, refer great talent, and do their best work—because they’re connected, not just hired or contracted. As an HR consultant focused on attraction, retention, and development, here’s how I help leaders build a workplace culture that’s more than policies and perks—it’s a feeling. 

Here are some tips to make that a positive feeling:

✔ Make purpose vivid. Tell the story of why you exist, often.

✔ Design belonging. Rituals, traditions, and moments that include—not just events that entertain.

✔ Grow people by default. Clear paths, learning budgets, internal mobility.

✔ Coach your managers. Consistency, candor, care—taught and practiced.

✔ Recognize specifically. Frequent, timely, and tied to values.

✔ Close the loop on feedback. Ask, act, and show what changed.

If you’re wondering, “Do my employees feel this way about our company?” - let’s ask them with an employee poll or survey.

🚨Public Law 119-21 Has Massive Affects On The Country, Including HR/ Benefits

While there are many negatives in the new law (Nicknamed: One Big Beautiful Bill), there are a few positives:

• No Federal Taxes on Overtime Pay - Tipped and hourly workers will be able to deduct portions of their tip and overtime income from federal taxes
• Telehealth & Direct Primary Care changes - High Deductible Health Plans/ HSA changes
• Dependent Care FSA increases, as well as changes to Dependent Care Assistance Employer Programs  
• Childcare Expense Credits for small businesses (including pooling together with other businesses)
• Tax Free School Loan - Employer Programs
• So much more...

My advice is to lean on your healthcare agents/ brokers & tax accountant for assistance. Helpful resource links at my downloads page.

😇 What's One Way An HR Team Can Ensure They Do Not Cross Into Unethical Territory When Resorting To Positive Manipulation Tactics at the Workplace?

I was recently asked this question by a reporter. Let’s be real: “manipulation” sounds like something a cartoon villain does while petting a cat, but we all do it—convincing friends, family, even partners to see things our way. HR isn’t immune. 

The trick to keeping it ethical? Transparency. 

If your “positive manipulation” (read: influence) benefits both the company and the employee, and you’re upfront about intentions, you’re in safe territory. Motives matter. Sneaky spin to get compliance will backfire faster than a bad Zoom connection. But guiding someone toward a win-win? That’s just leadership with better branding. 

Own it, keep it honest, and drop the guilt trip.

🌟Recent Client Wins & Highlights

🔥August Training Bundle - Save $213

Get all 4 courses for one low price, each also individually on sale:

1. Communication Strategies During a Natural or Man-Made Disaster
2. Anxiety, Stress, PTSD: Understand Employee ADA Rights
3. Immigration, ICE Raids and Audits 
4. Introduction to Workplace Investigation

• View These On-Demand Courses. 
• Regular price $817, On sale for $604 as a bundle.

💼 The HR Lady® Has Expanded Services

📗Featured Resource: "Suck It Up, Buttercup. Be a Leader People Will Follow!"

Have an awesome day,

Wendy Sellers

The HR Lady®: Speaker, Trainer, Consultant, Podcast Host, Author