Remote teams, asynchronous communications and teams spread across the globe can make infrequent meetings a slightly awkward affair. At times like this it makes sense to have a list of questions that can spark debate but not send tempers soaring.
In this blog, we’ll take you through 31 questions that are spicy enough to spark debate but are not controversial.
#1 Hot-Take Questions: What is the Best Way to Unwind after a Long Day at Work?
While remote and hybrid work has allowed us to do away with long commutes, it has become exceedingly hard to keep work life and home life apart. With this question, employees can share their hobbies with each other and also swap notes on what helps them unwind.
One of the best and most common answers is watching TV shows on streaming platforms which then jumps on to different genre recommendations. There won’t be a single employee who won’t dive headfirst into this discussion.
#2: Hot Take Questions: Is it Better to Work Independently or as Part of a Team?
While fairly innocuous, this question can let employees know a lot about each other’s working styles. There are no right or wrong answers to this question, only those that are defended with heart.
#3 Hot Take Questions: What is the Most Important Quality for a Leader to Have?
This is the question that managers should sit up and take notice of. Answers can range from empathy to negotiation skills but whatever the answer, leaders must take note and try to learn these skills. Because when it comes to employee satisfaction, these are the soft skills that will really help improve those numbers.
#4 Hot Take Questions: Should Companies offer Unlimited Vacation Time?
Paid time off is a perk that most employees around the world take for granted. But nothing says intrinsic trust like a truly unlimited time off policy. By posing this question, HR can take notes on leave policies to improve employee morale.
#5 Hot Take Questions: What is the most Important Skill to have in Today’s Job Market?
The post-pandemic job market with all the rigorous layoffs has shifted to an employer-centric market. Gone are the days when applicants were price makers and could command large salaries due to scarcity of talent. With this in mind, it makes sense to be constantly upskilling. With this question, employees can learn from their peers what skills they may need to hone before making their next shift.
#6 Hot Take Questions: Should Employees be able to Work Remotely Full-Time?
As a completely remote business that focuses on asynchronous communication and trust, it makes sense that we are proponents of full-time remote work. But this has been quite a hot-button topic within upper management for quite a few years. So let this question lose and enjoy a lively debate.
#7 Hot Take Questions: What is the Best Way to Manage Stress in the Workplace?
Work can be in turn invigorating and stressful. Every person has their own way of managing stress. For instance, this writer enjoys a quick kickboxing session to get those endorphins rushing. This question is a great way to build hobby groups at work.
#8 Hot Take Questions: Should Companies have a Four-Day Workweek?
The four-day workweek has been a hot-button topic this year. Employees at 61 companies across Britain worked an average of 34 hours across four days between June and December 2022, while earning their existing salary. Of those, 56 companies, or 92%, opted to continue with the experiment, and 18 of these permanently made the switch.
This question is sure to spark an energetic debate on the benefits and demerits of a 4-day workweek.
BRB need to pop this in our monthly meeting!
#9 Hot Take Questions: What is the Best Feedback System for Work?
Feedback in all forms, positive or constructive is integral for the growth of any individual. But in the workplace, there needs to be a time, place, and medium for feedback. Feedback can come in many different forms, such as verbal feedback, written feedback, performance evaluations, and 360-degree feedback.
There are so many ways that feedback can be given and received, so it makes sense that this question will have many answers with really interesting explanations.
#10 Hot Take Questions: Should Companies Provide On-Site Childcare for Employees?
Childcare was never a family issue, it was always a business issue. It affects how, when, why, and for how many hours we work. With companies looking to shift back to offices or approach a hybrid style of work, it makes sense that they dive into what employees will do about childcare.
#11 Hot Take Questions: What is the Best Way to Handle a Micromanager?
Micromanagement is one of the most annoying characteristics of a superior. They do not allow employees to be innovative and find unique solutions. In such a situation, there are a number of ways an individual can deal with a micromanager. Go to HR, work around the micromanager, shift teams, and what else? We’re sure to find out!
#12 Hot Take Questions: What is the Best Way to Ensure a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace?
Diversity and inclusion needs to go beyond just mere buzzwords. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace requires a commitment from leadership, a focus on creating an inclusive culture, and ongoing evaluation and adjustment of initiatives.
This question can allow HR to introduce new and unique initiatives while also evaluating what may not be working for the employees.
#13 Hot Take Questions: Should Companies have a Dress Code for Employees?
This is sure to be a fascinating debate. We can already visualize the laid back short wearing Design team saying that it is useless and the suited Sales team taking clear sides. While this isn’t question that should inform company policy but it’ll certainly be entertaining.
#14 Hot Take Questions: What is the Best Way to Handle Difficult Clients?
A question that service companies have been trying to deal with diplomatically for years. Often the key to handling difficult clients is to stay calm, listen actively, and focus on finding a solution that meets their needs. But sometimes de-escalating the situation may not be enough and clear boundaries have not been set. In this case, employees may have some unique approaches to dealing with the same situation. This question can be a great way to understand how empathy should be the first approach but sometimes there needs to be a line drawn in the sand.
#15 Hot Take Questions: Should Companies Provide Free Snacks and Drinks for Employees?
The question that start-up bros have asked for years and always answered in the affirmative! But the answer isn’t always clear, some employees may prefer perks like an employee wellness plans, upskilling opportunities and other benefits over a Friday night networking party. By asking this question in an informal forum, HR will be able to gauge what kind of benefits employees may be looking for.
While we are limiting ourselves to 15 questions for the purpose of this blog, here are some bonus questions that are just as interesting:
- Should companies mandate employees breaks during the workday?
- What is the best way to build a strong company culture?
- Should companies allow employees to bring their pets to work?
- What is the most effective way to handle conflicts with coworkers?
- What is the most important factor when choosing a job?
- Should companies offer paid paternity leave?
- What is the best way to recognize and reward employee achievements?
- Should companies offer wellness programs for employees?
- Should companies offer flexible work schedules?
- What is the best way to handle workplace gossip?
- What is the best way to encourage creativity and innovation in the workplace?
In conclusion, sparking debate and engaging in healthy discussions at work can be beneficial for both individuals and the organization as a whole. By discussing non-controversial topics, you can promote critical thinking, encourage creativity, and foster a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.
Remember to approach these discussions with an open mind, listen to others’ perspectives, and be respectful of their opinions. By doing so, you can help create a culture of mutual respect and understanding, which can ultimately lead to better communication, improved relationships, and a more productive and enjoyable workplace.
