Crystal Spraggins

Crystal Spraggins, SPHR, is an HR consultant and freelance writer who lives in Philadelphia. She also writes at her blog, HR BlogVOCATE. For the past 15 years, Crystal has focused on building HR departments in small- to mid-sized companies under the philosophy that "HR is not for wimps." She is also the CEO and Founder of Work It Out! and partners with HRCVision, a full-service HR consultant practice specializing in leadership and diversity training. Contact her at crs036@aim.com.

Is It Age Bias or Just Good Customer Service? You Decide

Crystal SpragginsMay 1, 2014

A new poll conducted by SHRM claims that the average HR professional spends less than five (5) minutes reviewing each applicant resume. Personally I was … Read more

The Astoundingly Simple Truth About Employee Engagement

Crystal SpragginsApril 24, 2014

There have been more articles written about how to engage workers than you can shake a stick at, and yet the sad reality remains — most people hate their … Read more

What Do You Do When Your Boss Is Unethical?

Crystal SpragginsApril 17, 2014

The other day, someone asked me about the last time my ethics had been tested at work and how I reacted. I wasn’t sure how to respond. It’s a good … Read more

When Saving Face Leads to Poor Decisions and Bad Leadership

Crystal SpragginsApril 10, 2014

The importance of saving face in Asian cultures has been well documented, and Americans planning to work in Asia are often advised to get familiar with the … Read more

Over the Line: Why Pressuring Employees to Donate Is a Bad Idea

Crystal SpragginsApril 3, 2014

I used to work for a woman named Linda, who reported to a woman named Lisa. I didn’t care for Linda too much, and I cared even less for Lisa. I thought … Read more

The Dirty Little Secret of Talent Sourcing No One Ever Talks About

Crystal SpragginsMarch 27, 2014

Yesterday I read yet another article about how to catch a Purple Squirrel, and right on cue, it got on my damn nerves. Of course, employers want to hire … Read more

Managing Emotions on the Job: The Best Reaction is Usually No Reaction

Crystal SpragginsMarch 20, 2014

Back in the days when I made my living as an editor, I used to go to a good number of conventions. One afternoon, while on the phone with an author (let’s … Read more

Why Does It Seem There Are So Many Bad Bosses Out There?

Crystal SpragginsMarch 13, 2014

A good friend texted me the other day about his job, specifically about how much he hates it. Why does he hate it? I’ll give you one guess … go ahead, … Read more

Things Your Employees Won’t Tell You That You Need to Know Anyway

Crystal SpragginsMarch 6, 2014

Here are “Nine Things Your Employees Won’t Tell You That You Need to Know Anyway.” How many of them apply to you? 1. “If you can’t be a good … Read more

Still Addicted to Details? Here Are More Reasons to Quit Cold Turkey

Crystal SpragginsFebruary 27, 2014

My mother, God rest her soul, once cautioned me to understand that not everyone takes work as seriously as I do. I was telling her about some workplace … Read more