Managing Up, Listening Deeply, and Balancing Metrics with Humanity with Jonathan Fedak

CONNECT WITH JESSI ON LINKEDIN >>> HERE!What happens when HR is grounded in psychology, business strategy, and humanity?In this episode of At Work, Under Pressure, Jessi Beyer sits down with Jonathan Fedak to talk about industrial-organizational psychology, human resources, workplace culture, managing up, mental health, mergers and acquisitions, and what it means to lead people through the gray areas of work.Jonathan’s background in psychology shaped how he approaches HR today. From testing and selection work with police and fire agencies to compensation, payroll, government, retail, manufacturing, and executive-level HR leadership, he brings a rare combination of analytics, psychology, and people-centered judgment to the workplace.In this episode, Jessi and Jonathan discuss:How industrial-organizational psychology shaped Jonathan’s HR careerWhy words from leaders create psychological contracts with employeesWhat it means to manage upward and advise executives on communicationWhy “good concept, better words” can be one of HR’s most useful toolsThe difference between checking the policy box and understanding the person in front of youWhy great HR requires judgment, flexibility, and contextHow to balance metrics, performance, and humanityWhy culture is built in micro-moments, not just big eventsHow mental health has become more visible in the workplace since COVIDWhy employee mental health affects the bottom line whether leaders want to talk about it or notHow to communicate with employees during mergers, acquisitions, and major transitionsWhy the word “why” can feel threatening during organizational changeWhat Jonathan’s tattoo — “We think we have time” — means in work, life, and leadershipThis episode is for HR leaders, executives, managers, business owners, and anyone who has ever wondered how to balance business needs with real human lives.Because HR is not just about resources.It is about the humans that make up your workforce.CONNECT WITH JONATHANLinkedInOregon Corners Florist (his wife's newly acquired flower shop!)