PFunc Introduction

Message From Our CEO’s Desk

So how do we solve for that? We need to stop policing the tool, and start elevating the standards. Your focus should be on creating standards where generic AI output is simply unacceptable. We need to turn AI Slop into a high-effort activity—not the easy way out.

Here’s how to encourage your people and your managers to deliver something a machine can’t:

• Make Your IP the Barrier. Require that team members include proprietary company data, unique client context, and internal insights in their work. Chatbots can’t churn that out!

• Mandate the 'Value-Add' Rule. Any work using AI must include additional context of what the human value-add was. How did you manipulate or change the output to incorporate your unique thinking? This forces a shift to thinking and analysis.

• Upgrade Managers to "Editors-in-Chief." Stop treating managers like coordinators. Train them to demand nuance and context. Their job is to stop asking "Did you use AI?" and start asking, "Where is the proprietary insight I haven't seen before?"

• Zero Tolerance for Data Leaks. Prohibit the input of any confidential, proprietary, or PII data into public AI tools. The risk of a security breach to save five minutes of typing is too high to tolerate.

The ultimate measure of a team member is no longer how well they can type, but how well they can think and how effectively they partner with a machine to prove their unique worth! It’s not the quantity, it’s the quality! And that’s what we need to be driving towards as leaders.

—Emma
CEO & Founder, People Function

Have an HR-related question you’d like to see answered by Emma or featured in our “Ask the Experts” section? Submit it here. You may see it question in our next edition! 

ICYMI Compliance Tips

Below are the latest HR regulatory and compliance updates, published within the last month:

• Federal (eff. 9/30/2025) - The US. Equal Employment Opportunity Office (EEOC) increased the penalty for violating the posting requirements under federal anti-discrimination law from $680 to $698 per violation to account for inflation. The increase went into effect retroactively on September 30, 2025.

• California (eff. 1/1/2026) - California will soon allow victims, and their family members, of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking to take leave for court proceedings. They can also use sick leave for related issues, including testifying in court.

• New Jersey (eff. 1/1/2026) - The statewide minimum wage will increase to $15.92 per hour for most employees in New Jersey, beginning Jan. 1, 2026.  

PFunc Recommended Resources

Check out these vetted and recommended resources by us!

Last week, Emma hit the road for Let’s Talk Ops Summit 2025 in New Orleans! Between beignets and strolls through the French Quarter, she soaked up a whirlwind of inspiring sessions, from confidence-building workshops and skills-beyond-the-9-to-5 talks to a marketing survival guide and the latest on AI. She also met tons of incredible people (seriously, networking level: expert), and she’s giving two inspiring newsletter creators a well-deserved shoutout below! 💫

• Looking to break into VC Platform? The #SoYouWantToWorkInPlatform Newsletter has you covered. Every Sunday, Allie Mullen, Antler’s Director of Platform, rounds up open non-investing roles and shines a light on the Platform pros shaping the venture ecosystem. Sign up here!

• Every Monday, Cliff Notes brings you Cliff Worley’s no-fluff take on what the world’s leading VCs should know about AI. If you’re looking for a clear, smart entry point into AI, this is it.

On the PFunc Market

Here’s what’s happening in the PFunc ecosystem. ⋒

Open Roles in Our Network

• Bedrock, PFunc Client: Director of People Operations - This role partners closely with the executive team to shape Bedrock’s organizational structure, performance frameworks, and company culture across the U.S. The ideal candidate will ensure Bedrock’s people systems and practices enable its mission to accelerate ocean exploration through advanced robotics and technology.

• Bedrock, PFunc Client: Business Development and Sales Director, Europe - As Bedrock’s first business development leader in Europe, this role will own the full sales cycle end-to-end, partnering with commercial, government, and research stakeholders.

• Coder, PFunc Client: Senior Software Engineer (AI Tools) - This role will partner with product and design teams to build the next generation of AI-powered developer tools, which will be seamlessly integrated into workflows and backed by enterprise-grade security.

• Serenity Kids, New PFunc Client: People and Culture Manager - This role will work closely with the VP of People to help the company build out its HR systems, recruitment and onboarding, compensation and benefits, policies, and more as the startup continues to scale.

If you have an open role at your company you want us to highlight, please reply to this email!

PFunc News

Here’s what’s happening at People Function.

Team Member Spotlight

People Function is growing! Please join our talent community to be the first to learn about open roles.

PFunc Highlights

No Q4 scaries at PFunc, we’re having way too much FUN! October has been packed in the best way:

• We signed a new client and welcomed back a former one (more below!).

• A few PFunc team members are taking the mic at tomorrow’s “AI in Action: Transforming Engineering, Business, and People” breakfast event in NYC. (Tickets may still be available if you’re interested!)

• We’re getting ready to host our second PFunc Hooky event later this month! On Oct. 30, our team’s logging off early to catch a train to Tarrytown for apple picking and a cider tasting, followed by a festive happy hour, dinner, and a spooky tour to wrap up the night. 👻 Sorry if we ghost you for the day! Reply to this email if you’re interested in joining the waitlist.

Client Corner

Meet the newest additions to our growing client roster! They’re innovative companies spanning diverse industries, stages, and locations.

• Serenity Kids - This Austin-based startup is crafting nutrient-dense baby foods made with ethically sourced meats, organic veggies, and healthy fats from regenerative farms to nourish babies and support a healthier planet. (They’re also hiring—see above!)

• Coder (Returning Client that is also hiring!) - Coder is a developer-built platform that enables teams at top organizations to move faster, work smarter, and maintain full control.

We’re thrilled to be working with their teams and can’t wait for what’s next! ✨

Stay in Touch!

Are you interested in fractional HR support for your team? Reply to this email or contact us to learn more about our offerings, pricing, and how we can support your growing company.

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