When it comes to learning and development (L&D), HR leaders talk the talk. But do they walk the walk?

It seems not. Despite recognizing that L&D is critical to HR strategy—these programs are not only wanted by workers, but can boost employee engagement and retention—people leaders often fail to prioritize them for themselves and their teams.

It’s important that everybody in an organization invests in their own growth, Rishad Tobaccowala, the author of Rethinking Work, said at an HR Brew event. As HR leaders navigate a constantly changing workplace, he stressed the importance of taking control of their own careers to proactively address challenges.

“Carrie Underwood has a song, ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel.’ I say, ‘No, you take the wheel,’” he told the audience. “I tell everybody, including who are not in HR, I say, ‘You happen to be the head of HR and learning and development for your own career…you have to do this yourself.’”

For more on the importance of HR leaders prioritizing their leadership and development, keep reading here.—PM

It can feel like remote work is disappearing as more companies return to five-day, in-person workweeks.

But in-office work hasn’t made that much of a comeback in the last two years. Last month, office visits across the US were 32.2% below March 2019 levels, just a slight change from being down 35.9% in March 2024 and 37.9% in March 2023, according to data from location analytics platform Placer.ai.

The biggest change with in-office visits happened during the height of the pandemic, when a drop of 78.9% in March 2021 from the March 2019-level changed to 53.4% in March 2022 as more people returned to physical work locations.

What this data showcases is a steady return to the office and not a return to pre-pandemic levels, R.J. Hottovy, Placer.ai’s head of analytical research, told HR Brew.

For more on this latest return-to-office data and how big cities compare, keep reading here.—MC

Many employers dangle stock options for their highest-tier employees, but more companies, including e.l.f. Beauty, are offering a new carrot by expanding who gets equity in the company.

Founded in 2004, e.l.f. Beauty shot to fame over the last six years thanks to products like Whoa Glow sunscreen and the Poreless Putty Primer, along with its loyal Gen Z fanbase. The company also attributes its growth to its employees and ability to recruit talent consistently, according to SVP and chief people officer Scott Milsten. That starts not only with a foundation based on poreless skin and inclusion for everyone, but attractive benefits.

When TPG Growth acquired the company in 2014, e.l.f. was a team of roughly 150, but it has grown to almost 650 employees across the US, China, India and the UK.

For more on e.l.f. Beauty’s equity program for employees, keep reading here.—KP

HR has evolved from behind-the-scenes support to a strategic powerhouse. Explore 25 years of transformation in hiring, compliance, DEI, and leadership in HR Brew’s interactive timeline.