Business

THE GOOD WORKPLACE BLOG

Elizabeth Fuss Arnott, SPHR I have been working in Human Resources for 19 years. Since 2011, I have been certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). I have a BA in English and a Master of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law from Tulane Law School. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband Luke. I write about HR, non-profits, the art of managing people and Neurodiversity in the workplace. I'm available for consulting remotely and in the Portland, OR area. Please email me at for more information.

Head over to workingwithaspergers.com, where Luke and I write about Autism in the workplace.

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

May 8, 2019
2 min

Whose Side Are You On, Anyway?

"Do you consider yourself to be on the employees' side or on the company's side?" From the way they asked the question, I already knew the answer they wanted...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Apr 30, 2019
2 min

Automation Can Complement People Ops, Not Replace It

The hot topic of the year, maybe. Automation replaces HR. Automation can hire and fire. Automation can tell you when your employees are going to leave. It se...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Apr 29, 2019
3 min

How to Build Trust and Earn Respect as an HR Leader

HR has a bad reputation. You can't trust HR. HR just does whatever the company wants. HR sets employees up for retaliation and failure by not handling compla...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Jan 7, 2019
3 min

Can Non-Profits Have a Toxic Culture?

We often think of non-profits as altruistic islands of do-gooders. Pure in intent with dedicated, passionate workers and leaders. Is it even possible for n...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Oct 13, 2018
1 min

The Most Important Question to Ask Your Employees

I watched a new television show the other night. It was about a hospital that hired a new director, who comes in and makes radical moves to improve things. ...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Jul 6, 2018
3 min

Five Common Mistakes Non-Profits Make

Working for a non-profit can be great. If you are dedicated to the mission, it can give purpose to your work, which is key in being engaged in your job and ...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Jul 1, 2018
3 min

The Benefits of a Neurodiverse Culture

One of the things I love about working in human resources is seeing how different people operate, think and solve problems. It's pretty awe-inspiring that a...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Jun 21, 2018
3 min

Showing Compassion with Accountability

I've read a lot of things in the last few days encouraging HR professionals and business executives to have compassion while dealing with employees. 100% - ...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Jun 19, 2018
2 min

Steps to a Thriving Neurodiverse Culture: Provide Explanations

"Do what I say." "Why?" "Because I said so." Remember those exchanges between you and adults when you were a kid? Did you joyfully then do what you were a...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Jun 14, 2018
2 min

Steps to a Thriving Neurodiverse Culture: Forget About "Normal"

My mom used to buy half and half to eat with our cereal. I don't know why. But that's how we ate cereal. Once, my sister had a friend stay overnight and whe...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

May 22, 2018
1 min

What is Neurodiversity?

You may have heard it buzzing around the business world lately. Neurodiversity. Diversity in thought, right? Yes. But it's more than that. Dictionary.co...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Apr 18, 2018
2 min

Five Tips for Managing Someone with Asperger's Syndrome (High-Functioning Autism)

Managing someone with AS can be a challenge, especially if your employee isn't communicating to you what they need. With a little preparation and strategy, ...

Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR

Apr 17, 2018
3 min

The Fallacy of the Employee Who "Takes Advantage" by Asking for an Accommodation

In my years as an HR Consultant and working in HR for various organizations, I have heard more than once the complaint about the employee who is taking advan...