Today's Human Resources Pulse
Greenhouse completes acquisition of Ezra AI Labs, adding voice‑AI interviewing
Greenhouse announced the completion of its acquisition of Ezra AI Labs, a voice‑AI interviewing platform. The technology enables on‑demand, role‑specific conversations that are scored against a uniform rubric, delivering transcripts and explainable evaluations. The deal expands Greenhouse’s structured hiring methodology to the earliest stage of the recruiting funnel.
New FAR Clause Bars Racially Discriminatory DEI Activities for Federal Contractors
Starting April 24, all new federal solicitations must include FAR clause 52.222‑90, prohibiting contractors from any racially discriminatory DEI activity. Agencies must bilaterally amend existing contracts over $15,000 by July 24, reshaping compliance and DEI program design across the federal supply chain.
Aviation Staffing Company Used ‘per Diem’ Scheme to Avoid Paying Overtime, Lawsuit Says
A Georgia‑based aviation staffing firm, Complete Aviation Services and Modification (CASM), is accused in a proposed collective and class‑action lawsuit of using a per‑diem scheme to classify most of workers’ wages as untaxed per diem, thereby paying only straight time...
Federal Push to Eradicate Corporate DEI Programs Escalates with New Settlements and Lawsuits
Federal officials have intensified efforts to dismantle remaining diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs after a $17 million IBM settlement, a $500,000 Planned Parenthood settlement and lawsuits against Disney and Nike. The moves signal a broader regulatory sweep that HR leaders...
I Got a B in 3rd Grade—And It Quietly Sabotaged My Leadership
Mike Sharrow recounts how a third‑grade B, reframed as an F by his mother, seeded a self‑critical narrative that later sabotaged his leadership. Decades later, a candid exchange with his boss exposed the internal "tape" driving his fear of failure...
These Are the Fastest-Growing Jobs for New College Graduates — Even in Th...
New college graduates face a tough post‑inflation job market, with the unemployment rate for 22‑27‑year‑olds rising to 5.6% in Q1 2026—well above the 4.2% overall rate. AI adoption and higher interest rates have slowed entry‑level hiring, cutting the seasonally adjusted hiring...
Alona Talykova: How Multicultural Experience Drives Business Performance
Alona Talykova leverages her Eastern European, Western European, and U.S. experience to turn underperforming projects into profit drivers. She reclaimed a lost client with a $3.5 million program and boosted conversion rates by up to 26 % while lifting customer retention 35 %....
Professional and Business Services Sector Led on Hirings, Firings in March
Job openings slipped to 6.9 million in March, while hires jumped to 5.6 million, a gain of 655,000 from February. The professional and business services sector recorded the steepest drop in openings (down 318,000) and the largest layoffs (527,000), yet it led...
Only Adaptable, Hands‑on Leaders Survive in Agent-Driven Work
Strong agree -- "The two types of people that will not survive are pure people managers, and people that are rigid and don't want to change and evolve." A ton of managers couldn't do the work of their direct reports and...
Layoff Watch ’26: RSM Trims Down in Audit
RSM, the fourth‑largest U.S. audit firm, announced a wave of layoffs that began in early May, primarily affecting employees hired in 2023. The term “Business Update” meetings was used to deliver termination notices, a practice that has become industry shorthand...
HR's Buzzword Hunt Leaves Great Resumes Unnoticed
The HR Lady after Ctrl+F'ing your resume for her favorite buzzwords and getting zero results
Celebrating the Success of Restaurant Industry Apprenticeships
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation marked National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting its registered apprenticeship programs for the restaurant sector. The initiative, run through the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center, blends on‑the‑job training with classroom instruction, culminating in nationally recognized...
The 3 Questions I Use to Audit My Leadership — and Keep My Team Moving Forward
University of Nevada, Las Vegas president introduced a three‑question Leadership Impact Audit to gauge real‑time effectiveness. The framework focuses on trust‑building relationships, elevating team members, and generating genuine momentum instead of busywork. By mapping stakeholders, publicly crediting contributors, and pruning...
Culture Is Built in the Field, Not the Boardroom
The piece contends that corporate culture is forged in the field, not in boardroom declarations. While executives craft values and mission statements, real culture emerges when frontline staff make decisions under pressure. Consistent standards, reinforcement, and accountability translate abstract values...
HubSpot’s Early Culture Code Inspires AI‑native Playbooks
One thing that really worked for HubSpot in the early days was that we published our "culture code" which, at the time, was quite unique. I'm waiting for someone to create a version of that for a truly ai native company....
Asking People to Do a One-Week Work Trial Before Offering Them the Job
A growing number of firms are requiring candidates to complete a three‑to‑five‑day paid work trial before extending an offer, arguing that on‑the‑job performance provides a clearer signal than traditional interviews. While the approach can reveal hidden strengths and cultural fit,...
HCA’s Mission Health to Pay Hourly Workers in $1.56M Wage Settlement
HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health agreed to a $1.56 million settlement to resolve a class‑action lawsuit alleging time‑rounding and automatic meal‑break deductions that shortchanged hourly staff. The settlement, approved by U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn, covers current and former non‑exempt employees...
Finding Good in the Hardest Moments with James Ferguson
In this episode, host Brandon Laws talks with James Ferguson about his new book, *Seek the Good and Celebrate*, which grew out of Ferguson’s 2021 cancer journey. Ferguson shares how the mantra of seeking good and celebrating—even during chemotherapy—led to...
Why Managing AI Is An Inclusion Problem
In this episode, Dr. Jonathan argues that managing AI should be framed as an inclusion problem rather than just a technology issue. He highlights how AI reshapes work, often replacing repetitive tasks, and notes that HR leaders are still using...
Remote DevOps Role Fully Paid for Argentinians
If you live in Argentina and want a remote job in DevOps there is a fully paid role for you and you get to work remotely.
🚀 1-Year Gig for 3MTT Fellows + MIT AI Programme
3MTT announced two exclusive opportunities for its fellows in Nigeria. Pika Insights is hiring Digital Infrastructure Agents for a 12‑month gig across multiple states, open to fellows under 30, with applications due May 9, 2026. MIT, via a partnership, is offering a...
How to Decide When to Keep Record in Personnel File or Store It Apart
California employers must now place education and training records in each employee’s personnel file as of Jan 1 2026, adding specific data points such as trainer name, dates, and competencies. Existing guidance still recommends storing applications, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions in...
Investigations Key as Employers Navigate Rising Psych Comp Claims
Workers‑comp claims for mental injuries are climbing as more states adopt pure "mental‑mental" coverage, expanding employer exposure. The shift is driven by new legislation—such as Kentucky’s 2025 law—and a changing workforce, with Gen Z poised to become one‑third of employees by...
A Shift in Retirement: Why More Companies Back Guaranteed Income
Employers are increasingly redesigning 401(k) plans to include guaranteed lifetime income options, reflecting a broader shift away from lump‑sum withdrawals. MetLife’s 2026 Lifetime Income Poll shows 90 % of defined‑contribution sponsors view income generation as the plan’s core purpose, with 59 %...
14th Annual Brewers Briefing
Littler Milwaukee is hosting its complimentary 14th Annual Brewers Briefing, a half‑day conference at American Family Field that runs from 8:15 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. on a day when the Milwaukee Brewers face the San Francisco Giants. The agenda covers employment and labor‑law...
HR Tech Asia Awards 2026: Celebrating Innovation, Inclusion, and the Future of Work in Asia
The HR Tech Asia Awards 2026 recognized leading HR innovators across the region. The ceremony in Singapore saw Changi Airport Group and Cambridge University Press & Assessment Philippines each win three categories, highlighting culture, wellbeing, diversity, talent retention, and hybrid...
An IBM Settlement Is Reshaping How Contractors Look at DEI Compliance
IBM agreed to a $17 million settlement with the Department of Justice over its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, marking the first enforcement action under the Trump-era Civil Rights Fraud Initiative. The deal, which spans conduct back to 2019, includes...
After Coinbase, Prediction Market Traders Forecast More Tech Layoffs Ahead
Coinbase announced a 14% workforce reduction, blaming AI and a crypto price slump, marking the latest wave of tech layoffs. Prediction‑market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket now assign 92% and 87% probabilities, respectively, that 2026 layoffs will exceed the 447,000 cuts...
REI Reports Flat Sales, Narrower Losses as Store Workers Call for a Boycott
REI reported flat net sales of just over $3.5 billion for 2025 while cutting its net loss by 65% to $54.3 million, aided by a $122 million boost in profit‑sharing and employee incentives. The retailer now serves more than 26 million members after adding...
KPMG Cuts ~400 Advisory Jobs as Consulting Demand Slows
KPMG announced it will cut roughly 400 U.S. advisory consultants, about 4% of its advisory headcount, citing weaker demand for regulatory risk, customer operations and financial‑services work. The layoffs target lower‑performing staff while the firm continues to grow in transactions,...
March 2026 JOLTS Report: Stable, Depending on What You Do
The March 2026 JOLTS report shows job openings steady at 6.9 million, while the hires rate rose to 3.5% and quits edged up to 2%. Layoffs ticked higher to 1.2%, driven largely by a surge in the tech sector where the layoff...
Rethinking Global Hiring: Choosing the Right Remote Alternative for Modern Teams
Global hiring has moved beyond simple Employer of Record services toward comprehensive remote‑work platforms that combine compliance, payroll, and HR technology. Companies now seek partners that can deliver rapid, scalable onboarding while maintaining transparent pricing and local legal expertise. Multiplier,...
IBM Study Finds 59% of CEOs Expect CHRO Influence to Rise with AI
IBM’s Institute for Business Value surveyed 2,000 global CEOs and found 59% anticipate a stronger CHRO role as artificial intelligence becomes a core strategic driver. The study also notes a surge in Chief AI Officer appointments, underscoring a broader re‑engineering...
(Comic) The OKR Trap
The comic "The OKR Trap" satirizes how Objectives and Key Results can become counter‑productive when leaders set impossible targets. Two stylized figures argue that stretch goals are often unattainable, highlighting a common frustration in many organizations. By visualizing the disconnect...
Former IBM VP Sues Over Alleged Firing of Black Executives to Meet Trump DEI Restrictions
Annette Brooks, a former IBM vice president, filed a Title VII lawsuit claiming IBM terminated five of its seven Black executives after the Trump administration issued anti‑DEI directives. IBM denies the allegations, saying race was not a factor in the terminations....
AI Agents Emerge as Enterprise Workforce Layer
AI agents are becoming a new enterprise workforce layer. @IrenaCronin and I write this newsletter every week. AI agents are becoming a new enterprise workforce layer because they can move beyond simple chatbot tasks and operate inside real business workflows. They can...
How to Avoid ‘Skillfishing’ Traps
Employers are grappling with a surge of AI‑generated résumés that game applicant‑tracking system keywords, a phenomenon dubbed “skillfishing.” Dice president Paul Farnsworth warns the volume problem will persist, forcing recruiters to rethink screening. Experts recommend rebuilding hiring pipelines with skill‑based...
Coinbase Layoffs Today: Crypto Giant Cuts Hundreds of Jobs as CEO Says AI Is ‘Changing How We Work’
Coinbase announced a 14% workforce reduction, laying off roughly 700 employees, as part of an AI‑driven restructuring. CEO Brian Armstrong said volatile crypto markets and rising operating costs forced the cuts, but emphasized that artificial intelligence will offset labor expenses....
Salomon Further Strengthens Its Ranks with Talent From New Horizons
Salomon, the Amer Sports‑owned outdoor brand, announced three senior hires to accelerate its shift toward a broader lifestyle positioning. Valérie Loh joins as senior vice‑president of brand and marketing, bringing luxury experience from Moncler, Bottega Veneta and Dior. Olivier Benon is appointed director...
AI Trims Workforce, Keeps only Cleaners, Nanny
Big news from the Huber house: We have elected to make our team 50% smaller. The chef and gardener did not make the cut. AI has made our ability to do those jobs way easier. The cleaner and nanny get to stay. Thank...
CEOs Tighten Ops While Tech and Marketing Thrive
Native Mode CEOs tech teams and marketing seem to be on point. They are having to push hard on ops: HR - Wider pay bands, narrower promotion criteria. CFO - Bigger token budget, smaller planning cycle IT - More legible, less budget
IFS Connect - How Poka Connects the Shopfloor Workforce, Improves Quality and Saves Time at Trivium Packaging
Trivium Packaging has rolled out the Poka shop‑floor communication platform to 45 manufacturing sites across its 57 global locations, saving thousands of labor hours each year. The digital solution replaces paper forms, PowerPoint work instructions and Excel checklists with real‑time,...
Xbox Revamps Leadership to Blend Legacy and Fresh Expertise
Microsoft's Xbox chief says today's Xbox platform changes are all about "promoting leaders who built Xbox and bringing in new leaders with consumer and technical expertise we do not yet have." https://t.co/w1w8EJy23P
Labor Dept Drops Defense of Biden Overtime Rule
"The US Department of Labor is ending its legal defense of a Biden-era regulation that widened the eligibility for overtime pay for millions of workers" https://t.co/4J1oWYdNXc @parker_purifoy
US Hiring Soars Most In 25 Years. Allegedly.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest JOLTS report showed hires climbing to 5.554 million in March, the strongest monthly increase since 2020 when COVID‑related rebounds are excluded. Total job openings slipped to a year‑to‑date low of 6.866 million, but the hiring rate...
SAP SuccessFactors Streamlines I‑9 and E‑Verify Compliance
1H 2026 #SAP #SuccessFactors #Onboarding: Enhanced I-9 and E-Verify Compliance Process https://t.co/82AT49euQt >lots of great enhancements for the I-9 and E-Verify processes. #EnSw #HRTech #HR #HCM
Key Highlights From SAP SuccessFactors 1H 2026 Release
#SAP #SuccessFactors Release 1H 2026, Important notes on EC, Platform, Time Management, my view https://t.co/Dy9N9cozdX
Person‑Centric Model Leads SAP Learning’s AI‑Driven Upgrade
From Tracking to Acting: Strategic Insights from the #SAP #SuccessFactors #Learning 1H 2026 Release https://t.co/eBlDul0qL9 by @snahata >lots of #AI features, but the person-centric model is a big enhancement. #EnSw #HRTech #HR #HCM #LMS
SuccessFactors
1H 2026 Release: Streamlining Data after Employment Terminations in #SuccessFactors Employee Central https://t.co/ziJejLz3eW >a good feature for cleaning up data. #SAP
AI Will Dismantle Middle Management, Empower Value Creators
AI is enabling companies to replace managers Middle-management bureaucracy is going to be eliminated. Intelligence at the center, AI-powered value-creators at the margins.
Leadership Accountability Drives True Culture Transformation
Accountability: The Non-Negotiable in Culture Transformation - CX Journey™ https://t.co/q8EEonrIvP Culture changes when leaders model values – and hold each other to them. Leaders are the culture. If they can’t hold each other accountable, no one else will. https://t.co/BecMw1B6ZK