Companies reinvest AI productivity gains into more automation

In the search for greater ROI, businesses are using AI to further automate research and upskilling, according to EY.

10 California employment law changes on tap for 2026

The new year gives Golden State employers plenty to wrap their heads around, from new workplace notice requirements to pay equity and paid leave updates.

US Steel refused to accommodate pregnant mine worker, EEOC alleges

The steel manufacturer allegedly placed a pregnant employee on leave and assigned her undesirable jobs outside her role, according to an EEOC lawsuit.

CFPB shifts on EWA policy, again

Certain employer-partnered earned wage access products aren’t subject to U.S. lending laws, the bureau said, formally discarding a 2024 Biden-era rule.

Top 10 learning stories of 2025

Workers sounded off about the need for more training and just how great a role the onboarding experience plays in their retention.

How the learning leader role is changing amid AI adoption

“L&D leaders are facing a once-in-a-generation challenge,” said Chris Eigeland, CEO of Go1.

Nearly half of US workers say they’ll need $1M or more to retire, spurring stress

Workers’ retirement hopes generally surpass their savings, which leads to growing anxiety about the future, a report finds.

Senate restores quorum to beleaguered NLRB

The board has found itself at the center of a battle over its independence and enforcement authority.

Employer can’t enforce arbitration agreement manager never signed, 5th Circuit holds

The court explained that the agreement made clear that signatures were needed.

Dairy farm stuck Mexican workers with laborer jobs, calling Americans ‘lazy,’ EEOC says

United Pride Dairy allegedly told three Mexican nationals that they would hold professional or management positions upon hiring but instead assigned them laborer positions.

Employees say they’re fuzzy on their employers’ AI strategy

Workers who use AI tend to be most likely to use it to generate ideas and consolidate information, Gallup says.

NYU launches new certificate aiming to bolster remote work success

The program’s interactive modules focus on productivity, collaboration, leadership and long-term career growth in the remote economy.

Anti-DEI legal group asks EEOC to investigate Penguin Random House

While it is not clear that any previous appeal to EEOC has resulted in action from the agency, shifting priorities under the Trump administration may result in a different outcome.

One universal retention factor, according to EY

Contrary to other reports, where salary often comes out on top, EY findings highlighted a different key job factor that keeps workers coming back. 

Workforce policies could address talent shortages, report finds

Federal and state policies can strengthen work-based learning, leverage partnerships and address the digital skills divide, JPMorganChase says.

Coursera to acquire Udemy to create $2.5B MOOC giant

The companies pointed to their complementary offerings and demand for AI skills training.

Community colleges are training the next generation of manufacturing workers

Rutgers University explored how community colleges are responding to regional workforce training demands. Clark State College and Columbus State Community College are among those partnering with local manufacturers. 

EEOC chair solicits bias charges from White men

In light of a predicted uptick in what are often called “reverse discrimination” claims, attorneys recommend HR professionals review EEO and anti-harassment policies.

This week in 5 numbers: Nearly a third of corporate directors predict a recession is on the horizon

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including how many states filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s new H-1B visa fee.

Friday office occupancy is unlikely to rebound. Adjust accordingly, a specialist says.

Employees prefer to work from home or take time off at the end of the week, so schedule programming in the middle of the week, a CBRE consulting director says.

5 benefits predictions for 2026

Rising costs will force employers to make changes to offerings and access, experts predict.

How can feedback flow when every worker is also an owner?

Giving and receiving criticism is uncomfortable, even with only 27 employees. Defector Media’s quest to address that dilemma may prove useful to organizations of any size.

3 out of 4 employees say organizations can’t manage change

To keep transformation from falling flat, organizations can help team leaders recognize who needs hands-on coaching and who values autonomy, according to an Eagle Hill report.

SHRM rescinded job offer over candidate’s service dog, lawsuit alleges

The HR organization on Wednesday declined to comment on the case but confirmed it is reviewing the court filing.

Where Apple, Disney, JPMorgan, Target and more landed on DEI in 2025

AT&T, Costco and Meta also made notable changes to their DEI strategy.