The September Slump | September 2025
Welcome to the September edition of the PI Post – your trusted source for HR news, updates, and insights from the world of talent optimization. We aim to provide you with valuable resources for improving the employee experience, empowering your people leaders, and boosting retention.
In this edition:
Turning the September Slump into a September surge: Navigating seasonal shifts for business growth
For HR teams, it’s key to understand the factors behind the September slump, so you can better predict – and positively respond to – how it might manifest at your organization. Check out this post to learn more.
Reading Corner
What if your team's biggest barrier isn't skills, but fear? Marine Corps veteran Jill Schulman tackles this in The Bravery Effect—a positive psychology science-backed parable about conquering fear to achieve breakthrough results. Schulman observes that bravery isn't fearlessness but deliberate action despite fear.
Her framework (brave mindset, bold action, brave relationships) offers talent optimization practitioners compelling insights into team dynamics. Rather than heroism, she explores workplace courage, which includes a willingness to speak up, initiate tough conversations, and pursue goals despite uncertainty. In Schulman’s view, "brave relationships" offer encouragement and support rather than simply promote comfort.
Industry News
Companies should not mistake low turnover for a healthy, engaged workforce. Many employees are "quiet stayers" who remain in their jobs due to economic factors rather than job satisfaction, leading to a "minimum-effort culture."
Many employees are hesitant to take PTO due to factors like "hustle culture" and fear of being seen as less committed to their job. To combat this, the article suggests that companies should encourage a culture that values breaks, with clear policies, easy request systems, and managers who set an example by taking their own time off.
Singapore Institute of Management achieved high employee retention by focusing on purpose, inclusion, and continuous learning. Their approach, which includes linking work to a larger purpose and investing in skills development, has resulted in 35% of their employees having over a decade of service.
Connect with the Community
Monthly Perspectives Webinar: October 8 at 2:00 pm ET | The Business of HR
Please join Matt Poepsel, PhD , and other panelists to discuss transforming people strategy into measurable business value. Register.
Tomorrow: Monthly Perspectives Webinar: September 17 at 2:00 pm ET | The September Slump
Please join Matt Poepsel, Ph.D., and other panelists to discuss how to understand and prepare for the seasonal shift that impacts every HR team. Register.
Did you miss the August session? View the recap here.
Insider Exclusive: Tips, Tricks & Resources
Check out these free resources for hiring managers, people managers, and HR professionals.
Explore everything to know about company and workplace culture, including real-world examples of highly engaged company cultures.
Discover how cultivating gratitude at work can boost employee engagement, enhance team collaboration, and improve retention. Share this with your team!
Successfully integrating Gen Z employees isn’t just a matter of good faith - it’s good business. That begins with not judging people purely on traditional factors like resume and tenure.
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Relationship Manager | Specializing in High-Value Client Retention | Building Trust through Personalized Service
1moSo many excellent takeaways in this month's newsletter. Saving for future repeated reference.