This week in 5 numbers: Time-to-hire was up in 2025

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including how many leaders say they feel prepared to guide change at their companies. 

By Ginger Christ • Jan. 29, 2026

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.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 28, 2026

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.

By Emilie Shumway • Jan. 27, 2026

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.

By Emilie Shumway • Jan. 26, 2026

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.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 26, 2026

‘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.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 26, 2026

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.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 23, 2026

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.

By Natalie Schwartz • Jan. 22, 2026

‘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.

By Ryan Golden , Emilie Shumway • Jan. 22, 2026

1 year into Trump 2.0, HR professionals are ‘caught in the middle’ of the DEI debate

As the White House and EEOC solidify their anti-DEI stances, here are a few things HR can keep in mind.

By Caroline Colvin • Jan. 21, 2026

Transgender woman’s ERISA lawsuit fails as facial surgery was deemed ‘cosmetic’

Under ERISA, the relevant question is not whether an employer’s provider group “should cover certain procedures, but only whether it actually did agree to cover them,” the judge in the case said.

By Emilie Shumway • Jan. 20, 2026

Employee who seemingly told work he would misuse FMLA leave still gets jury trial

The decision shows just how thoroughly a court may scrutinize an employer’s handling of intermittent Family and Medical Leave Act leave.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 16, 2026

EEOC’s recent move will consolidate power in chair, past commissioners warn

Republican commissioners voted to rescind a procedure that allowed time for commissioners to review proposed actions and discuss their concerns. 

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 16, 2026

This week in 5 numbers: Companies see 50 more applicants per role

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including how likely candidates are to score an interview from an online application.

By Ginger Christ • Jan. 15, 2026

Butterball piece-rate employee can’t revive wage claim, 4th Circuit says

The turkey loader’s claim of withheld pay was invalid, the North Carolina federal court and 4th Circuit agreed.

By Caroline Colvin • Jan. 15, 2026

State paid family leave benefit changes in 2026

An Epstein Becker & Green attorney noted that navigating the logistics of multiple state leave plans can get tricky.

By Ginger Christ • Jan. 15, 2026

EEOC, Tesla head to private mediation in race-based harassment lawsuit

The parties are in the process of selecting a mediator and expect mediation to start in March or April.

By Ginger Christ • Jan. 14, 2026

Walmart settles EEOC charge it illegally revoked a worker’s disability accommodation

A change in management can be a common time for employers to run afoul of discrimination laws, particularly when an accommodation is suddenly revoked.

By Emilie Shumway • Jan. 13, 2026

SCOTUS asks White House to opine on shipbuilders’ no-poach dispute

Employees in the case alleged that several companies maintained an “unwritten rule” not to hire each other’s naval engineers and conspired to suppress wages.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 13, 2026

Staffing agency pays $185K to settle EEOC claims it fired workers for pregnancy

Eastridge Workforce Solutions told HR Dive it denied the charges and said the company had admitted no wrongdoing.

By Emilie Shumway • Updated Jan. 15, 2026

Feds caution employers about bonuses, pay structures in overtime compliance

The U.S. Department of Labor also addressed exemptions for “learned professionals” and commission-earning employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 12, 2026

EEOC wins retaliation case for Black dental assistant in Louisiana

A CEO’s statements were direct evidence the dental assistant was placed on unpaid leave and fired because she complained about race discrimination, a federal district court held.

By Laurel Kalser • Jan. 9, 2026

New DOL independent contractor rule arrives at Trump White House

The administration may decide to return to the “economic reality” standard it articulated in a final rule released at the tail end of the president’s first term in office.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 9, 2026

DOL back-wage recovery hit 5-year high in 2025, despite closing fewer cases

The Wage and Hour Division released an analysis of its 2025 data, also drawing attention to two updated video series on the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

By Caroline Colvin • Jan. 8, 2026

This week in 5 numbers: Lonely workers say they miss more work

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including the number of companies who cite a lack of relevant experience among candidates as a major barrier to hiring.

By Ginger Christ • Jan. 8, 2026