Combating sexism in the workplace. Negotiating a better salary. Navigating the return to office. Improving productivity. Attracting the right talent. These were the topics of greatest interest in 2022 – to HR practitioners, business leaders, managers, and of course employees in every industry and at every level.

As 2022 draws to a close, we bring your our top picks – 10 of the most widely read stories we carried this year.

#1: How to spot sexism at work – and fight it

Signs of sexism in the workplace can be subtle but recognising these instances can help lessen the challenges faced by those at the receiving end.

#2: You Call, I Quit: Gen Z, millennials could leave if asked to return to office

As most business owners expect their workforces to be full-time in-person next year, 1 in 3 are worried about the impact that announcing their return-to-office decisions could have on retention, says a report.

#3: How to negotiate a better salary

Negotiating for a better pay package makes so many of us uncomfortable that we end up accepting the first offer without much thought. The challenge is to assert oneself and push for higher pay.

#4: The problem with Marvel's female superheroes

These women have powers, but are they just token female representation?

#5: Boost your productivity with the 15-minute work-life model

Commute avoidance will lead to the rise of the 15-minute work-life model – a new reality where people choose to work, live and play within 15 minutes of their home.

#6: HR’s role is beyond fun and games and attracting the right talent

Every organisation has its own approach to culture, depending on its size, vision, goals, and several other factors. Any organisation should have a four-pronged ‘People First’ approach towards building its culture.

#7: Five in six employees feel disconnected at work: Accenture study

The study also delves into the concept of ‘Omni-connectedness’ where employees can experience a level playing field of full participation and equitable connection with their work.

#8: What did the six best F.R.I.E.N.D.S teach us?

Joey, Chandler, Ross, Phoebe, Rachel and Monica have not just been entertaining people with their friendship since years, but also been teaching us life lessons. Here are some such lessons we learnt from Friends!

#9: Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter: A twisty tale

The flamboyant Tesla owner's acquisition of Twitter is a stormy tale full of twists and turns.

#10: The dangers of office romance

Beware: some relations at work can lead to instances of sexual misconduct and harassment.

Did you enjoy these stories? Keep browsing our site for more!

2022 brought us chaos, but also the opportunity to review, renew, and advance. Read the end-2022 issue of People Matters Digital Magazine for a look back, and some key takeaways to bring forward.