The worker engagement downward spiral continues

Since 2020, an estimated 8 million fewer workers were actively engaged, Gallup found.

FTC hearing offers much hate for noncompetes, but a ban isn’t on the table

The agency’s Republican chair said the commission seeks “education through enforcement” rather than the blanket ban pursued by Democrats.

The CHRO paradox: Is HR’s top role as secure as we’d hope in 2026?

The CHRO role is evolving fast, but not always in ways that align with its growing strategic importance, warns global industry analyst Josh Bersin.

2026’s DEI priority? Making talent programs scrutiny-proof

HR can improve opportunities for all without making illegal promises or instituting policies that won’t age well when the pendulum swings back, DEI advocates said.

Why does it take so long to hire technical talent?

A constantly shifting skills landscape has made hiring tech talent a long-term problem, but employers can do more than simply “post and pray,” experts said.

Few executives demonstrate the ability to navigate change

Top-level leaders struggle with empathy, influence and engagement, according to a report from DDI.

Citi’s HR department ‘spearheaded’ a harassment campaign, former managing director alleges

The department allegedly opened two “baseless” investigations into the worker’s conduct that ruined her reputation and left her no choice but to leave.

5 hiring trends recruiters can expect in 2026

The job market may favor employers at the moment, but that doesn’t mean recruitment has gotten easier, one expert told HR Dive.

5 minutes with New York Life’s CHRO

A former securities regulator, Joanne Rodgers is ready for a new challenge: artificial intelligence.

90% of US companies say they missed their hiring goals in 2025

The hiring market is under “unprecedented strain,” increasing time-to-hire, according to a report from GoodTime.

Most EEOC lawsuits now subject to commission approval

A new resolution could help the agency’s Republican majority push forward the Trump administration’s civil rights agenda, one attorney said.

Target’s incoming CEO co-signs letter calling for ‘deescalation of tensions’ in Minnesota

Michael Fiddelke joined about 60 other CEOs, including Best Buy's Corie Barry, in signing a letter about “recent challenges” in the state.

Job applicants can’t bring disparate impact age bias claims, Workday argues

The lawsuit against Workday has spotlit the potential dangers for employers in adopting AI-based hiring tools.

‘Fear’ and ‘chaos’ threaten employers’ 2026 immigration plans

Even the attorneys to whom HR departments look for guidance are vexed by the Trump administration’s enforcement plan — which is expected to escalate.

Teaching employees to use AI could add up to $6.6T to US economy

Adding more training to artificial intelligence implementation, rather than replacing workers, could help drive the ROI companies have been missing, according to a Pearson report.

Week in review: The traditional career ladder has collapsed

We’re rounding up last week’s stories, from the status of RTO acceptance to which jobs are showing the fastest salary growth.

Feds tout reopened wage-and-hour violation self-reporting program

The Payroll Audit Independent Determination program, or PAID, now allows employers to voluntarily resolve Family and Medical Leave Act violations.

Why cover GLP-1s? They’ll lower employer healthcare costs, study says

While the medications may be pricey, a multiyear study by Aon found consistent use correlates with lower medical cost growth and fewer hospitalizations for cardiovascular events.

Eightfold AI sued for alleged covert candidate ranking

As hiring tools evolve, AI companies need to comply with the legal safeguards provided by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, former EEOC Chair Jenny Yang said.

‘Stark divide’ emerging in pay for in-demand roles versus stagnating jobs

Artificial intelligence-related skills are driving compensation growth, according to Aquent’s 2026 Salary Guide.

As a ‘potentially historic’ winter storm approaches, how can HR prepare?

As much of the U.S. prepares for intense winter weather, employers may need to consider a variety of adjustments for workers in affected areas.

‘We need to understand our place’: EEOC scraps harassment guidance protecting transgender workers

Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal pushed back against the decision in her remarks, arguing the agency was “throwing the baby out with the bathwater” by rescinding the entire guidance.

University of Pennsylvania rebuffs EEOC demand for employee records

The Ivy League institution said it is objecting to creating lists of workers that would “reveal their Jewish faith or ancestry” over safety and other concerns.

This week in 5 numbers: Less than half of workers say they want a traditional career path

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including how much time employees lose correcting artificial intelligence-driven mistakes.

Small business health insurance coverage at risk as costs rise, EBRI finds

Even as overall employer-based coverage increased in the U.S., small companies pulled back.