Today's Human Resources Pulse
Lateral Associates Now Dominate Biglaw Hiring
In 2025, lateral‑hired attorneys accounted for roughly 48% of associate hires, overtaking new law‑school graduates for the first time. The shift reflects firms’ growing appetite for experienced talent amid heightened client demand and billing pressures, tightening the market for recent graduates.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Benefits Design
Clients pour millions into competitive benefits, yet 61% of employees say offerings miss the mark and high‑value utilization rarely exceeds 30%. The article labels this disconnect "altitude sickness," a cognitive bias where C‑suite priorities ignore frontline security, growth and significance needs. AI‑driven job uncertainty amplifies the gap, creating up to $330 M in annual productivity loss for a 10,000‑person firm. Brokers who diagnose and treat altitude sickness can shift from transactional plan sales to strategic advisory roles.
The Curious Case of Professional Employer Organizations | Out-Of-Pocket
Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) act as co‑employers, taking over payroll, HR, and benefits for small businesses. By aggregating thousands of workers, they secure large‑group health‑insurance rates that would be unavailable to individual firms. Clients pay a flat fee of roughly...
Leadership Selection Methods: Why Random Selection Outperforms the "Best" Approach
Australian National University researchers compared four ways to pick group leaders—formal assessment, informal choice, no leader, and random assignment. In two survival‑task experiments, randomly selected leaders consistently produced the highest-quality decisions, while formally appointed leaders performed no better than groups...
Culture at Scale: Building a Sports Team with a Heart
The article argues that culture is the invisible operating system that separates sustainable high‑growth firms from fleeting successes, using sports teams as a metaphor. It stresses that culture is built through everyday leader choices, not slogans, and that internal talent...
IWD Voices: Deepthi Adimulam – ‘Policies Are Easy. Signals Are Everything’
Deepthi Adimulam argues that while gender‑equality policies are commonplace, their impact hinges on the signals leaders send. She likens justice to an unfinished bridge—without active crossing, policies remain symbolic. Adimulam calls for workplaces to embed flexibility and empathy as structural...
Meta Faces Lawsuit Alleging Age Bias in Layoffs; Senior Leader Claims Losses
Meta Platforms is being sued over its 2025 layoff round, which the plaintiff alleges disproportionately targeted employees aged 40 and older. Former senior director Nicolas Franchet claims he was given a low performance rating to justify his termination, resulting in...
Thailand Activates Crisis War Room to Support Overseas Citizens Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Thailand’s Ministry of Labour has opened a 24‑hour war room to monitor escalating Middle East tensions and safeguard the roughly 77,500 Thai workers stationed in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The facility will coordinate with the Ministry...
Disability | When Duty of Care Fails: Lessons From the BAFTAs Incident
During the BAFTAs, an involuntary tic linked to Tourette syndrome produced a racist slur that aired nationwide, sparking outrage in the Black community and misconceptions about Tourette syndrome. The BBC acknowledged a missed opportunity to intervene, exposing a broader failure...
Bruton Knowles Reaffirms Commitment to People Development Through Investors in People Reaccreditation
Bruton Knowles has renewed its Investors in People accreditation, a benchmark it has held since 2000, confirming its dedication to workforce development. The three‑year reaccreditation evaluates nine people‑management indicators, from leadership to sustainable success, through surveys and confidential interviews with...
Two in Five UK Employers Say They Don’t Have Enough Staff to Get the Work Done
The SD Worx survey of 305 UK employers shows that 43.3% lack enough staff to meet workload demands, highlighting a widening labour shortage. Workforce planning has risen to a top priority, with 59.7% of organisations rating it critical and 30.4%...
From Engagement to Alignment: Closing the Gap Between Activity and Outcomes
Employee engagement has fallen to a historic low of just 21% worldwide, prompting many firms to launch more surveys without addressing the underlying issue. The article argues that the real problem is a breakdown in role clarity and alignment between...
Half of Singapore Employees Surveyed Spend at Least an Hour Weekly Reworking AI Outputs, Limiting Productivity Gains
Workday’s survey of 3,200 employees shows that half of Singapore workers spend at least an hour each week reworking AI‑generated content, eroding the expected productivity boost. Despite this friction, 70% say they feel more productive overall and AI tools are...
BlackRock Appoints Dipeeka Walvatkar Pendurkar as VP–HR, Employee Relations (APAC)
BlackRock has appointed Dipeeka Walvatkar Pendurkar as vice president of human resources, employee relations for the APAC region. In this role she will lead complex, high‑risk workplace matters, ensuring alignment with global frameworks and local regulations. Pendurkar brings over 13...
Act Now to Prepare for BiK Changes, Urge Experts
Employers must register with HMRC by 5 April 2026 to test voluntary payrolling of benefits in kind (BiK) ahead of a mandatory rollout in April 2027. The new regime will require real‑time payroll processing of most non‑cash perks, replacing the annual P11D filing...
IWD Voices: Yanyan Froud – ‘Fairness Is Not Just About Effort. It’s Also About Access’
Yanyan Froud argues that fairness in the workplace hinges on both effort and access to opportunities. She notes that two equally diligent employees can achieve different outcomes if one receives greater exposure to leadership or larger projects. The piece emphasizes...
Why Project Management Training Deserves a Seat at the L&D Table
Project management remains one of the most under‑invested areas of L&D, despite PMI reporting that 55% of projects suffer scope creep and waste an average of 11.4% of their budget. The UK talent shortage is deepening, with demand for project...
Doing What?
The article highlights a growing mismatch between Learning and Development (L&D) job titles and actual responsibilities. Many organisations label roles as "Consultant" while the day‑to‑day work centers on content creation, LMS administration, and user support. This title inflation creates expectation...
CFOs Prioritize Rapid AI Talent Development as Competitive Edge
Finding and developing AI talent has become a top priority for CFOs. The challenge is not just hiring, but building the right capabilities fast enough to keep up with how quickly AI is reshaping business. Demand is rising faster than supply. In...
WPP Hikes Cindy Rose’s Potential Package to £11m a Year to Close Pay Gap on Rivals
Advertising giant WPP announced it has increased chief executive Cindy Rose’s potential compensation to £11 million per year, roughly $14 million, to bring her pay in line with rival agency CEOs. The revised package, which includes performance‑based bonuses and long‑term incentives, reflects...
POV: Is the “Open Door Policy” Actually Effective—Or Just Symbolic?
The article argues that an open‑door policy is only as effective as the leaders who practice it. While the policy signals inclusivity, employee trust hinges on leaders’ humility, responsiveness, and consistent accessibility. Psychological safety cannot be mandated by a handbook;...
Indian Railways Revises Kilometrage Allowance for Running Staff
Indian Railways has raised the kilometre‑based allowance (Kilometrage Allowance) and the Allowance in lieu of Kilometrage (ALK) for all running staff, effective Jan 1 2024. The increase follows a 50 % rise in Dearness Allowance and applies to loco pilots, firemen, guards and...
Selling or Lying? There’s No Grey
The article breaks down the "DNA of a great recruiter," emphasizing a relentless hunter mentality and a near‑perfect fill rate—nine out of ten placements. It contrasts elite recruiters’ competitive drive and ethical rigor with average practitioners who settle for modest...
Trainer Hiring Is Structured. Why Does Supervisor Selection Seem So Random?
Manufacturers rigorously certify trainers but often fill supervisor openings through ad‑hoc promotions, typically choosing the strongest operator rather than the strongest leader. This shortcut can mask leadership gaps, leading to inconsistent onboarding, varied shift standards, and rising turnover. Billups cites...
Find USD-Paid Remote Jobs on My Portal
Just remember, if you're looking for a Remote Job that pays in USD, check out the Remote Role Portal on my website. I have a list of job boards that just deal in Remote jobs. A list of companies that...
Webcast: Workplace Discrimination Update
A new webcast reviews recent federal court rulings that finally reach a hearing on workplace discrimination, delivering practical guidance for employers. It dissects how judges interpret statutes across direct and indirect discrimination, disability accommodations, age, race, and sexual harassment. The...
Shunto Provides Little Evidence For BOJ To Hike Rates
Japan’s spring wage negotiations (Shunto) project a 5.26% headline increase for unionized workers, translating to roughly a 3.5% rise in base pay. Across all employees, the average wage gain is about 2.3%, well below the Bank of Japan’s 3% target...
AI and Cloud Demand New, Stronger Leadership
The rise of AI and cloud adoption calls for evolved leadership. If the old ways aren't working, it's an opportunity to bring in stronger, more effective leaders who can guide the way forward. #Leadership #FutureOfWork https://t.co/yNROGay3dk
From Fear to Resilience: How Today’s Leaders Can Build Cultures that Actually Change
Senior leaders often feel powerless as DEI initiatives seem to stall, fearing they are merely performative. The article argues that building resilience—trust in DEI’s purpose, patience, and consistent small actions—can shift that mindset. It outlines practical steps, from inclusive hiring...
Thousands of Care Leavers in England ‘Locked Out’ of Work as Firms Slow to Adapt
A Drive Forward Foundation survey reveals that thousands of care‑experienced young people in England are effectively locked out of work despite most employers claiming willingness to hire them. Only about 40% of care leavers aged 19‑21 are in employment, education...
Labour Market Growth Continues but Sunny Outlook Could Be Temporary
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) reported that active job postings rose 5% in February 2026, reaching 1.53 million, while new postings slipped 1.4% month‑on‑month but were up 12% year‑on‑year. Growth was strongest in blue‑collar, hospitality, manufacturing and engineering roles, with...
Working when the Clocks Go Forward: How Should Employers Handle Losing an Hour?
The UK moves clocks forward one hour on 29 March 2026, reducing night‑shift hours for employees. Employers must review contract language—whether shifts are defined by clock time or total hours—to determine pay obligations. Hourly workers may receive reduced pay if contracts specify...
Lidl Worker Unfairly Dismissed with ADHD Awarded £45k
A UK employment tribunal ruled that Lidl unfairly dismissed deputy store manager Ryan Toghill, who has ADHD and associated rejection sensitivity, awarding him £45,150 (approximately $57,000). The tribunal found Lidl failed to make reasonable adjustments during the disciplinary process, despite...
The Reality of Firing People – How to Make the Most Difficult Decision a Leader Can Make
Every leader eventually faces the painful task of terminating an employee, a decision that tests both competence and compassion. The author recounts personal experiences—from firing a COO during the dot‑com boom to replacing an entire senior team at Vivo Energy—highlighting...
Staff From NSW Universities Strike for Better Pay
Union members at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Newcastle staged 24‑hour strikes demanding a 20% pay rise, expanded reproductive leave, and protection from involuntary redundancies. UTS rejected the union's demands, offering modest parental‑leave enhancements while...
Upcoming Webcast: Appealing FWC Decisions
Dentons partner Paul O'Halloran will host a pre‑recorded webcast on appealing Fair Work Commission (FWC) decisions, offering a fireside‑style discussion with HR Daily editor Jo Knox. The session covers eligibility criteria, the public‑interest test, evidence preparation, hearing formats, cost orders,...
Hong Kong: Developing Skills for AI, Data, and Emerging Tech
Hong Kong is intensifying its talent strategy within the national development framework, emphasizing science, technology and innovation as pillars of economic competitiveness. The government highlights soaring demand for specialists in AI, advanced data analytics, biotechnology, robotics and digital infrastructure. Policy...
ABC Staff to Strike on Wednesday
ABC staff will strike on Wednesday after unions rejected the latest enterprise offer by 395 votes. The 24‑hour walk‑out, scheduled for 11 am AEDT, will affect ABC News and other divisions. The offer included a $1,000 “sweetener” from managing director Hugh...
AI Personal Agents Now Communicating Between Employees and CEOs
“Employees have started using personal agent tools such as My Claw that have access to their chat logs and work files and can go talk to colleagues—or their colleagues’ own personal agents—on their behalf, the people said” Mark Zuckerberg is building...
HR Recognition Platform: Accolad Modernizes Employee Years of Service Programs Across Canada
Accolad, a Canadian HR‑tech firm, launched a modernized recognition platform that automates employee years‑of‑service programs across Canada. The solution delivers a fully personalized digital storefront, scheduled gift delivery, and real‑time analytics, while integrating natively with major HRIS, Microsoft Teams and...
Lead With What You’ve Got
Recent research using the Big Five personality model shows that no single trait defines an ideal leader. Extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness each predict leadership emergence and effectiveness in different ways. Effective leaders amplify their natural strengths and...
2,400 Kaiser Therapists Strike Over AI Replacement Fears
Approximately 2,400 mental‑health clinicians at Kaiser Permanente walked out for a 24‑hour strike in Northern California, citing fears that artificial‑intelligence tools will replace licensed therapists. The action, joined by more than 23,000 nurses, pits workers and their union against a...
AI Agents Give Workers Extra Hour without Pay Cut
Smart, bigger companies will enable their employees to create and use agents (within security guardrails ), improve their productively but MOST IMPORTANTLY, they will reduce their work day by an hour to start. Same pay. Reward...
Exciting Opportunity? Expect a Marathon Interview Process
When the recruiter says “I have an exciting opportunity” and suddenly you’re in a 7 round interview loop
Why Smarter Benefits Are Now Key to Protecting UK Competitiveness
UK employers face record staffing costs as National Insurance rises to 15% and income‑tax thresholds remain frozen, widening the gap between labour expenses and productivity. Simultaneously, benefit costs such as private medical insurance and pension contributions are climbing, pressuring payroll...
Lean Startups Win by Hiring Freelancers, Not Full‑time Staff
Startups fail when they copy Fortune 500 playbooks. Early on, full-time hires drain cash with salaries and benefits you do not need. Hire 3 freelancers for one task, pick the best work, and move fast at 30 to 50% lower cost. Build a...
Young Workers Reshape Careers, Embracing AI and Hands‑on Roles
Young workers are already adapting to an AI-shaped job market. Some are moving toward hands-on roles that are harder to automate, while others are leaning into AI itself by learning how to use and work with it. The shift is less...
AI Threat: Losing Jobs to Better AI Users
The most dangerous thing about AI isn't that it takes your job. It's that it gives your job to someone who uses AI better than you. Andrej Karpathy just published a tool that maps every job in America by AI exposure.
Confidence Swings Our Preference: Looks vs Pure Competence
When confidence is high we value appearance and equate it with competence. We celebrate pretty people doing pretty things in pretty places. When confidence is low, we crave competence pure and simple. When a pipe bursts, nobody ever hires a plumber...
AI Fails to Transform Culture and Leadership in Finance
#AI is Not Changing Culture and Leadership in Financial Institutions @TEBReview https://t.co/Hr0XF7vlZA #HCM #HRM #HumanResources #HRTech #CHRO #FutureofHR
Recruiters Post Phantom Jobs, Wasting Applicants' Effort
the recruiter after you spend 2 hours updating your resume and completing an application for a job that doesn’t exist https://t.co/ibNBcOWLnD