We're counting down the top stories from 2025 -- as determined by you (and the rest of the CHRO SmartBrief readers.)

Today, we're looking at the top stories from the first quarter. Enjoy!

High-performing teams need a "Couth Code" or a formal agreement outlining what they expect from one another in the way of professional courtesies in communication and actions, write Karin Hurt and David Dye. Begin the process by identifying behaviors that cause friction, listing habits that will help the team succeed and leading by example after the code is created, Hurt and Dye write.

Melinta CEO Christine Miller says business leaders can "add margin" to life by creating space to think, breathe and grow. By focusing on purpose, making room for failure and setting clear boundaries, Miller has found a balance that improves personal well-being and professional effectiveness. "So get clear on what matters most to you, create the space to recharge and trust your team to step up," Miller writes.

Return-to-office mandates are correlated with a rise in workplace incivility, according to a Society for Human Resource Management report. Employers that have announced such mandates have seen a 63% increase in uncivil acts, the research found. "Employers must recognize that stress during this period is natural and stems from both logistical adjustments and social dynamics of more in-person interactions," says Derrick Scheetz, SHRM's lead researcher.

HR leaders should work together with other departments, gain a strong understanding of their company's industry and have the courage to offer ideas that will drive the business toward success, says Susan Podlogar, former chief HR officer at MetLife. "You have to think about how the components interact and overlap," says Podlogar, who points out HR no longer merely works in a support role.

As always, let me know if there's a subject area or topic you want to see covered more.

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