There is theory and practice. Some of the theory applies well to their target market: Fortune 500 companies and consulting firms.
I would not try to apply HBR to a startup. Spending your time on implementing a full-fledged flexible maternity policy, sustainability team, or employee resource groups when you are a two person startup that isn’t profitable is a terrible investment of time. Those become critical (and will cost you key hires) after the company has matured.
I’d also argue they should be on the roadmap - don’t build your team or culture in a way that those programs become bandaids or are incompatible with those ideas. Or you will end up with lawsuits and
The MVP of a diversity program is don’t be racist, sexist, or an asshole. The MVP of a sustainability program is don’t waste resources. The MVP of a flexible maternity policy is unlimited PTO or a flexible work arrangement.
A startup founder reading HBR articles to figure out more on those topics is a waste of time for a new startup. Just like a Fortune 500 CEO watching how to start a startup might find some ideas, but it’s not the best investment of time.
It becomes more relevant and useful when you move into their target market.
I would not try to apply HBR to a startup. Spending your time on implementing a full-fledged flexible maternity policy, sustainability team, or employee resource groups when you are a two person startup that isn’t profitable is a terrible investment of time. Those become critical (and will cost you key hires) after the company has matured.
I’d also argue they should be on the roadmap - don’t build your team or culture in a way that those programs become bandaids or are incompatible with those ideas. Or you will end up with lawsuits and
The MVP of a diversity program is don’t be racist, sexist, or an asshole. The MVP of a sustainability program is don’t waste resources. The MVP of a flexible maternity policy is unlimited PTO or a flexible work arrangement.
A startup founder reading HBR articles to figure out more on those topics is a waste of time for a new startup. Just like a Fortune 500 CEO watching how to start a startup might find some ideas, but it’s not the best investment of time.
It becomes more relevant and useful when you move into their target market.