Getting personal, rising above and avoiding lawsuits: 8 stories from SHRM25

Former U.S. President Joe Biden was among the speakers at the massive convention for HR professionals, held in San Diego.

Widening AI training gap ushers in ‘birth of a new digital divide,’ BambooHR says

Although most employees say they want to improve their AI-related skills, only about a third have received formal training from their employer, according to a new report.

The supervisor crisis — and why companies should be worried

Without a pipeline of future supervisors, companies may experience a leadership vacuum in coming years, a new report found.

TikTokers promote the construction trades to young workers

Online influencers are reaching members of Gen Z via the popular social media site.

Congressional Dems blast EEOC acting chair for alleged coercion leading to $1B in pro bono law services

The lawmakers accused Andrea Lucas of leveraging the agency’s power on behalf of President Donald Trump.

This week in 5 numbers: Nearly a quarter of companies offer GLP-1 drug coverage for weight management

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including the percentage of managers who use AI to help determine terminations. 

Caregiving benefits will take center stage as the ‘sandwich generation’ expands, expert says

“Employers do really need to be thinking about how to retain that part of their workforce” and investments that can aid in doing so, said Sparrow CEO Deborah Hanus.

Cash is king — until a certain level, SHRM reports

Workers say they’ve had to sacrifice their time and health to advance, but organizational support can play a role in mitigating those trade-offs, the survey finds.

Flexible work is ‘non-negotiable’ for gender equality, UN Women report says

“For the first time, gender equality ranks alongside healthcare and climate change as a top global concern,” according to the report.

EEOC sues Chrysler manufacturer for allegedly firing a worker for not working during Passover

FCA US allegedly revoked the religious accommodation of the worker, who practices orthodox Judaism.

11th Circuit OKs firing of public-sector media aide who authored ‘off-color’ piece

In its second opinion of the last week dealing with the First Amendment and LGBTQ+ issues, the court again outlined the limits of free speech for workers.

Mailbag: The EEOC sent us a letter about our DEI programs. What should we do next?

Experts question whether the agency possesses the authority to issue such letters. But ignoring an agency notice or request is typically not a good tactic, an attorney told HR Dive.

US authorities unmask North Korean IT workers and their American accomplices

Federal officials said businesses should carefully verify the identities of remote employees to avoid falling prey to similar scams.

AI-using managers rely on the tool to decide who gets promoted or fired, survey shows

Yet only a third of the leaders using AI said they’ve received formal training on how to do so ethically when managing people.

How immigration crackdowns, ICE raids will affect recruitment in 2025

A decline in the foreign-born workforce “will keep the potential pool of workers historically tight,” Wells Fargo economists found.

Job cuts driven by AI may be underreported, report finds

Only 75 job cuts by U.S.-based employers in the first half of the year were explicitly attributed to AI, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The outplacement firm suspects the number is higher.

Healthcare, retirement and leave benefits top employer priorities for 2025, SHRM says

Notably, nearly one-quarter of employers now provide coverage for the expensive GLP-1 diabetes and weight loss drug, SHRM’s annual benefits survey found.

Trans teacher can be made to keep pronouns quiet, 11th Circuit says

Reversing a district court decision that found the Florida law violated the teacher’s First Amendment rights, the appeals court said her role as a government employee allowed for limitations.

EEOC: Workers with vision impairments couldn’t access education company’s training

As a result, employees used their personal time to complete required training by asking a sighted person or manager to help them, EEOC said.

Finding time for innovation is key to worker retention, SHRM speaker says

One expert recommends HR leaders find time to be creative, even if it means turning to a coloring book.

Skill development opportunities influence job choices, survey shows

“Employers who invest in training and development will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent in this evolving landscape,” an Aerotek leader said.

‘Very mid-90s’: HR professionals offer mixed reactions to SHRM swapping ‘Inclusion’ for ‘Blueprint’

The majority of HR practitioners, however, seemed to view SHRM’s shift as misguided.

Updated July 8, 2025

DOL tosses Biden effort to end subminimum wage for workers with disabilities

The agency said workers rely on the program, despite the previous administration’s conclusion that it was no longer needed.

Las Vegas resort settles lawsuit alleging widespread failure to accommodate religious beliefs

Venetian Resort Las Vegas allegedly violated Title VII by discriminating against employees of diverse faiths, the EEOC said in a July 2 announcement.

Job numbers show employers and workers are ‘waiting for clearer signals’

Jobs mentioning AI skills are holding strong, a ManpowerGroup executive said — “signs that strategic priorities are shifting, not stalling.”