Hey there,

Nonprofits have always been powered by purpose—but today, that’s just the starting point. The real question is: how do we create workplaces where people feel connected, supported, and proud to stay? 

As the world shifts, so do the needs of the people doing the work. This week, we’re diving into what makes a strong nonprofit culture, how leadership sets the tone, and what it really takes to attract and keep great talent in 2025.

Because when your people thrive, your mission does too.

🌱 Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast

Organizational culture is like the invisible engine of any nonprofit—it quietly shapes how people work, connect, and stay motivated. A strong culture truly aligns teams around your purpose and ensures your mission is lived, not just beautifully framed on the wall.

✨Hire for Purpose, Not Just Skills: Culture genuinely starts right at the door. Recruiting people who truly align with your values ensures that your mission stays right at the heart of the work—across every role, every team, and every time zone.

✨Make Leadership the Culture-Carriers: Culture isn’t HR’s responsibility alone. When leaders genuinely model shared values through their actions and decisions, it builds trust and wonderfully sets the tone for the entire organization.

🔎 Culture Tip:
Check in often—not just with metrics, but with your people. A quick pulse survey or open conversation can reveal if your culture is thriving, or if it needs a refresh.

🧘Talent Is the Engine. Are You Fueling It Right?

According to The NonProfit Times, many organizations are struggling to retain skilled workers—particularly younger professionals and those in tech, finance, and program development. The issue isn’t just about salary; it’s about purpose, flexibility, and growth.

What You Can Do:

• Offer meaningful work. Employees want to see their impact.

• Support flexible work models. Hybrid is here to stay.

• Prioritize wellness. Burnout is real—and preventable.

• Invest in leadership pathways. Clear growth opportunities can improve retention.

👉 Tip: Conduct regular “stay interviews” to understand what motivates your team—and what might drive them away.

⏳ Time, Toxic Productivity & Urgency Culture in Nonprofits

In the rush to deliver impact, are nonprofits losing their ability to pause, reflect, and care? In this powerful piece, Leila Billing explores how the sector’s obsession with urgency, speed, and productivity is eroding wellbeing, strategy, and equity.

⚡Urgency ≠ Efficiency
Relentless pace is often mistaken for effectiveness—but it can lead to burnout, poor decision-making, and shallow impact. 52% of nonprofit workers said they lack time for strategic thinking.

⚖️Time Isn’t Neutral
Billing unpacks how time pressure disproportionately affects women, people of colour, and disabled staff—revealing deeper power dynamics behind whose time is valued, and whose is stretched thin.

🧭 Reflection Insight:
As Billing notes, “The times are urgent, let us slow down.” Building space for rest and reflection isn’t indulgent—it’s mission-critical.

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🏆What topics do you want for HR Playbook 3.0?

We’re building HR Playbook 3.0—dropping July 16—and this time, you’re in the driver’s seat.

We’re curating no-fluff, high-impact sessions tackling the most urgent HR themes of 2025—but before we lock it all in, we want your input.

👉 Register now to save your spot.

📆 The HR Spotlight
A thriving nonprofit culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through connection, reflection, and community.

That’s why our upcoming HR meetups are focused on the real conversations shaping the future of work These gatherings are your space to learn, share, and strengthen the people side of impact.

✅TSOW HR Meetup in Bangalore, Saturday, June 28

An evening of HR insights awaits. Join us for networking, inspiration, and growth. Plus, complimentary snacks, coffee, and a digital certificate. What are you waiting for? Register now!

✅TSOW HR Meetup in Chennai, Saturday, July 12

Join us for an insightful evening focused on the future of HR. Connect with like-minded professionals, gain valuable perspectives, and walk away with new ideas—and a digital certificate. Enjoy complimentary coffee, snacks, and engaging conversations. Seats are limited. Register today!

✅TSOW HR Meetup in Ahmedabad, Saturday, July 19

Be part of an inspiring evening dedicated to where HR is headed. Meet professionals who share your passion, discover new ways of thinking, and leave with fresh strategies—and a digital badge to show for it. Sip on coffee, grab a snack, and dive into real conversations that matter. Spots are limited—grab yours now

And that’s a wrap on this edition! ✨

Here’s to lightbulb moments, real conversations, and building nonprofit workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and proud to stay. Whether you're rethinking policies, checking in with your team, or just taking a moment to reflect—every action moves the mission forward.

As always, we’re cheering you on. 💖
Catch you in the next one!

— Team TSOW