With the holidays fast approaching, it's time to start planning the work party -- maybe. In recent years, many workplaces abandoned end-of-the-year gatherings. But with companies pushing return-to-office polices and emphasizing the importance of culture and connection, the office party (and all that comes with it) may be making a comeback, at least according to one survey. 

What is your company planning for the holidays? Gifts? An on-site party? Off-site party? And what do you think is the best approach? Let us know.

Also in this issue:

✅ Hilton CEO's culture focus leads to industry-low turnover
✅ "Planxiety" leads to choice paralysis for young workers
✅ Wisdom blooms in the space of silence, suffering

Employers have gained the upper hand in the workforce, with "forever layoffs" and pressure to return to the office, according to a Glassdoor report. The report notes that employers are conducting smaller, serialized layoffs to avoid negative publicity, creating a culture of anxiety and resentment among workers. Additionally, employees who work in the office are more likely to be promoted, leading to dissatisfaction among remote and hybrid workers.

Hilton Worldwide CEO Chris Nassetta has focused on rebuilding the company's culture since joining in 2007, leading to a significant reduction in staff turnover. The company has added new programs and benefits, enhanced communication of Hilton's mission, and implemented robust listening mechanisms to ensure feedback is heard and acted upon. Nassetta's efforts have made Hilton the top company on Fortune's 2025 list of the World's Best Workplaces.

Zillennials, or people born in the years between the millennials and Generation Z, are experiencing "planxiety" and choice paralysis during open enrollment, with many lacking confidence in selecting health insurance according to a Justworks and Harris Poll report. Zillennials are increasingly turning to AI and social media instead of benefit managers, a trend that could raise employer compensation costs and decrease productivity. Justworks also highlights the underutilization of flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.

Trying to compare health insurance plans, particularly for the first time, can be a headspinning experience. I remember the first time I tried to decipher the difference between premiums and co-pays and coinsurance. I didn't feel like I was comparing apples to apples. Choice is great -- if you understand the differences between products. When I first saw this story about choice paralysis, it made me think of walking into the deodorant aisle at the supermarket. There's hundreds of options, dozens from the same brand even, with few differences among the products. Why?!?! -- Matt

I'm with you, Matt. Picking up Oreos used to be a quick chore. Now they take up a good third of the cookie aisle -- classic, dark chocolate, peanut butter, gluten-free, thin, etc. I'm not complaining. I'm just saying that with more offerings comes the responsibility to carefully consider and weigh your options. 

But such is the grown-up life, I suppose, where decisions come down to "FSA or HSA? Or both?" and "Birthday cake or lemon?" -- Kanoe

Humana initiated legal action against ChenMed in the Delaware Court of Chancery, claiming breach of contract and additional harms linked to their co-management of JenCare Senior Medical Center. The lawsuit alleges that in 2024, ChenMed unilaterally imposed "technology license fees on JenCare," without consulting Humana. These fees are described as "improper" and are at the heart of Humana's complaint regarding unauthorized financial practices.

Holiday party budgets are seeing a notable boost this year, with 51% of workplace decision-makers increasing their spending compared to last year and 41% holding expenses steady, according to a report from ezCater. Eighty-two percent of employees say they're planning to attend corporate holiday festivities, a year after nearly two-thirds said they had stopped attending after-work events. Budgets for holiday parties have also increased by 13% as companies view the events as crucial to fostering stronger workplace relationships and improving employee morale.

Moments of uncertainty and loss are not interruptions but essential parts of the journey, teaching leaders to let go of control and become more open and rooted, writes Patrick Boland. Examining the concept of "necessary suffering" and its role in personal and leadership growth, Boland draws from his own experience of losing his father and encourages leaders to embrace grief and loss as foundational experiences. By facing these unavoidable hardships openly and patiently, leaders can develop greater empathy, presence and the ability to support others through their own difficulties, marking the true beginning of transformative leadership.

Aloha dear friends! I'm so excited about Go Ahead, Call HR and for all of you to meet Matt. You're going to love him, I promise. You will appreciate how he can use wit and wisdom to make (usually) mundane topics worth reading. 

And for those of you who don't know me, I'm Kanoe Namahoe -- a Bible-reading, motorcycle-riding, basketball-watching mother and grandmother with a weakness for donuts. I am from Hawaii and I think of all of you as my extended ohana. I'm always here, I'm always listening. Let's enjoy this new chapter. Imua! 🌺