Atlanta worker was demoted because of conduct, not FMLA leave, 11th Circuit holds

The city had multiple reasons to back up the demotion decision, the court found.

1 in 4 employers say they’ll eliminate degree requirements by year’s end

Companies that recently removed degree requirements reported a surge in applications, a more diverse applicant pool and the ability to offer lower salaries.

AI will change recruiting in the next 6 months, recruiter says

Both employers and applicants can expect to demonstrate more transparency about AI use during the hiring process, per the LinkedIn Talent Blog post. 

HRCI, Deloitte partner on upskilling academy for HR professionals

CHROs and their teams can build technical skills and pursue leadership development, the companies said.

Walmart cuts 1,500 jobs in US retail, global tech teams

The retailer said it is slashing some roles and adding others in an effort to become more agile and innovative.

Judge vacates portion of EEOC rule requiring accommodation for elective abortions

The commission must revise the Biden-era regulation, the judge said, finding it didn’t properly interpret the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Few companies feel effective at skill validation, survey shows

Despite an increasing focus on skills-based hiring, most organizations still rely on resumes and job titles to evaluate talent, Hirevue says.

‘Everywhere is a workplace’: JLL leaders say office operators need to adapt

Commercial real estate operators should create dynamic environments to draw workers back to the office, the company says.

9 in 10 companies lack ‘future-ready’ talent strategies, Adecco says

Leaders should act as role models and develop their own artificial intelligence capabilities, researchers recommended.

Among those in skilled trades, high hopes for a renewed focus on apprenticeships

A push by the Trump administration to put more money into hands-on training is seen as a good start to addressing a long-standing, bipartisan concern: the persistent labor shortage in skilled trades. 

Employer will pay $42K to settle EEOC allegations it called pregnant bartender a ‘liability’

The agency claimed a manager told the plaintiff that the Texas-based bar was concerned that “something bad” would happen to her prior to terminating her.

ICYMI: 4 stories from Workhuman 2025

Resilience in the face of uncertainty emerged as a major theme at the conference.

New York contractors boost pay, benefits to fight labor shortages

A report that surveyed more than 200 contractors in New York also highlighted workforce development programs, flexible work options and mental health resources.

Remote work offers a lifeline for older workers with disabilities

Hybrid work consultant Gleb Tsipursky explains how remote work can be a game changer for older people with disabilities.

A ‘pivotal’ moment for HR departments: Balancing budget constraints and hiring challenges

Two recruiting professionals offer best practices to support competing needs.

Gen Z willing to forgo remote work to secure jobs, study finds

Job seekers’ demands for location flexibility and four-day workweeks appear to be changing as economic pressure and layoff anxiety increase, Flexa reports.

Home Depot is ‘laser focused’ on elevating customer service through associates

A localized training program and generative AI knowledge tools for workers are expected to boost the in-store experience, a company executive said.

DOJ opens investigation after Chicago mayor touts Black hires

The department took issue with comments the mayor made at a public event Sunday, in which he identified six high-level positions held by Black workers.

Culture — not policy — drives whether workers disclose mental health concerns, study shows

Supportive workplaces have lower absenteeism and anxiety, as well as higher productivity, performance and retention, Canadian researchers found.

In need of talent but with training deprioritized, HR pros are stuck in a catch-22

Training as a top priority dropped from 12% in 2024 to just 5% in 2025, those in the industry told HR Dive.

Randstad: Employees appear more likely to make trade-offs as bargaining power weakens

Workers value employability, time autonomy and well-being and would give up a higher salary and remote work in exchange, Randstad says.

Almost 7 in 10 companies now use AI for work, survey finds

“For the first time, we’re seeing employees being actively encouraged to use AI,” OwlLabs’s CEO stated in a post.

Judge allows Workday AI bias lawsuit to proceed as collective action

“Allegedly widespread discrimination is not a basis for denying notice,” the judge ruled — even if the class involves “hundreds of millions” of members.

Updated May 20, 2025

A 2-point rating scale can reduce racial bias in customer feedback, research finds

Employers should audit their rating systems for bias and offer other ways for customers to provide more detailed reviews, researchers said.

Federal consumer watchdog drops lawsuit against Walmart

The CFPB sued the mass retailer and Branch Messenger at the end of last year, claiming the companies illegally opened accounts for Spark drivers and then deposited their pay into them without consent.