Laboratory for Values-Based Workplace Innovation.

HR is dusty.

WE HAVE SWIFFERS!

WSS HR Labs is redefining HR with creative and innovative solutions. Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all, nor do we necessarily continue working on the same aspect of this work again — it's dynamic, iterative, and designed to specific situational needs.

We’re a team of practitioners who form hypotheses, test ideas, and share our learnings. We collaborate with companies to explore new ways to center values in policies, practices, and offerings, striving for solutions that support thriving workplaces.

“WSS HR Labs is like the IDEO of workplace and organizational design innovation.”

Regenerative HR

Thriving Workplace infographic. 1. Nurturing Values-Based Mindsets, 2. Aligning Org Vision & Actions, 3 Wisdom from Experiences, 4 Embracing Curiosity & Innovation, 5. Cultivating Regenerative Futures.

We’re moving beyond traditional HR to cultivate thriving, resilient workplaces; co-creating systems and practices that actively support people, promote growth, and aid accomplishments. By prioritizing adaptability and equitable practices, Regenerative HR transforms workplaces into dynamic environments where people feel valued, aligned, energized, and empowered.

“WSS calibrates at the implementation level, answering the question: How do you actually do that thing?”

Solutions Generator

We know that sometimes you have time and interest to read about it in a 300-page book. Other times you need quick answers via a video, or want to explore the topic through an online course, or prefer spicy podcast conversations. Other times, you just want to ask an HR expert or find someone to do it for you.

Whether it’s Recruitment & Hiring, Policy Creation, Leadership Development, Team Conflict, Interim HR Assistance, Change Management, Comp & Benefits Models, Culture Building, Thought Partnership, or the thousand other related things, we’re collaborating, experimenting, and sharing solutions.

“WSS’s team reminds us that joy and fun can be a part of this important work.”

The Core Four

WSS leverages the Core Four framework — Policies, Practices, Language, Offerings — to calibrate this work at the implementation level. By slicing and dicing the work and workplace in this way, we can identify moments to pause that are ripe for re-imagination.

“If you work with humans to achieve goals, there’s something to assist you at WSS.”

Shared Adventures

Think Weeks: Idea Exploration and Learning flowering lightbulb
Brain Dates a values based org design Community of Practice

Popular Courses

Race-based caucusing and affinity groups course
Employee onboarding course
Compensation assessment course
Job descriptions course
Annual performance reviews and self-assessment course
Inclusive Hiring Course
Shared Leadership Course
Advance candidate sourcing course
Aligning team goals course

The Podcast

Exploring “the how” of thriving workplace design—one conversation at a time. Conversing with change makers who are reimagining the status quo; sharing stories, practical insights, and a little laughter along the way.

Fun Videos

The Team

  • LAUREN RUFFIN

    SHE/HER

  • TIM CYNOVA

    HE/HIM

  • COURTNEY HARGE

    SHE/HER

  • KATRINA DONALD

    SHE/HER

  • NICO CARPENTER

    HE/THEY

  • ERIN WOODS

    SHE/HER

  • JILLIAN WRIGHT

    SHE/HER

Kind Reflections ❤️

  • "The generative nature of the WSS approach and care throughout our work together helped us address HR needs of today and anticipate those of the organization we aim to become in the future."

    Christy Bolingbroke, Artistic & Executive Director, NCCAkron

  • "WSS's training was not only engaging, constructive, and informative but also enjoyable. I left feeling inspired and motivated to implement what I learned.”

    Daljeet Meet, HR Specialist, University of British Columbia

  • "WSS created an opportunity for leadership, staff, and managers to be on the same page about priorities, challenges, and opportunities improving overall clarity and employee engagement.”

    Julie Mae Lopez, Director of People & Culture, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

  • "WSS's desire, commitment, and rigor in designing and sustaining working environments where all staff is seen, valued and heard are real."

    Lisa Yancey, Founder, Yancey Consulting; Co-Founder, The We’s Match & SorsaMED

  • "If you are open to rethinking everything in the pursuit of co-creating leaderful and liberatory workplaces, WSS's approach is for you."

    Jenna Ringelheim, Facilitator, Coach, Network Weaver, and Designer of Human-Centered Workplaces

  • "WSS's unwavering commitment to centering anti-racism, their kindness and care and their patience with us as we navigated a new process and workflow were exemplary."

    David Devan, General Director & President, Opera Philadelphia

  • "WSS gave us perspective on what was and wasn't working, and offered us new ways of working together and organizing and approaching goals as a team."

    Edith Meeks, Executive & Artistic Director, HB Studio

  • "My work with WSS changed the way I think about culture, hiring, and leadership. I appreciated their challenging (yet gentle) guidance and expertise to help us get closer to our mission and vision.”

    Bryan Miller, Chief Financial Officer, BBMG

Collaborations