It's hero time.

Hello subscribers. All 23,000 of you. Summer is upon us. The sun is shining. Graduates are cheering. New interns are grabbing you a coffee… and we’re here to keep you up ?? to ?? date ?? on all things HR.?

Why don't people take PTO???? ?? ?? ??

Did you know that the average American had 10 days of unused PTO at the end of 2022?

Some of you might find this mind boggling. Others might relate. Maybe taking time off makes you feel guilty and behind? Maybe you’ve had a negative experience asking a manager for PTO.?

Whatever the reason, it’s time to make a change. Taking time off is SO essential to help with employee burnout, wellbeing, mental health, positive company culture… the list goes on. Here’s a guide on how to create a successful time off policy your employees will actually use.

61% of Americans think AI is coming for them. ??

Fortune ’s new survey reports that 61% of Americans think AI is coming for them… which definitely sounds like a sci-fi, horror film. But rest assured that HR + AI can actually be the stuff of fairy tales with new and easy ways to gauge employee engagement and recruit top talent. More in this article from Forbes .

We bid goodbye to The Great Resignation as Gen Z embraces job stability.

What is the graduating class of 2023 prioritizing as they enter the job market? ??Stability. Amidst economic uncertainty, news of layoffs and the not too distant memory of The Great Resignation… Gen Z is looking to put down some roots. This could be a huge benefit to your organization as you hire employees who want to stay! Set them up for success with these 3 tips for the perfect onboarding experience and more in this guide...

1. Onboarding should last longer than 1 week. The ideal experience should take anywhere from 3-12 months.
2. Help your new employees find formal or informal mentors, “onboarding buddies.” Everyone needs a friend at work.
3. Make benefit info, training materials, the company directory, etc. easy to find. An #HR software can help with that.

What is your company doing to celebrate Pride month? ??

June is #PrideMonth and a great time for companies to take a look at how they’re working to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Here are a few ideas on how to celebrate this month:

? Invite employees to participate in local Pride celebrations.

? Educate your team on LGBTQ+ topics and create a supportive environment.

? Allow employees to wear Pride-themed attire.

? Show your support by sharing LGBTQ+ content on social media.

Bambooligans in the Wild: Portugal

This month, we travel all the way to Portugal to join Bambooligan, Jolyn Metro, MPA, MSF , on her adventures. Book that plane ticket and follow these tips...

Top 3 things to see/do:

1. If you're a hiker, spend some time hiking along the coast. You'll see the most stunning views. (Check out the Fisherman's Trail!)

2. The Douro Valley

3. Sintra

The BEST thing to eat:

Pastel de Nata--a crisp, puff pastry filled with custard! ??

Know before you go...

You're going to want to move there after visiting, so get your affairs in order so you can just stay...forever.

The big cities, Lisbon and Porto, are incredibly hilly! While there is public transport or tuk tuks that can help you get up them, truly the best way to get a feel for the city is to walk those streets. Pack good shoes and have a sense of adventure on those hills!