Dec 08, 2025

Subject: Recruiting Brainfood – Issue 478

Sender: recruitingbrainfood@substack.com

Summary:

– Highlights include the Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 revealing decline in trust toward employers, with authenticity becoming key to Employer Branding in 2026.

– Analysis of 5-year hiring trends across HV Capital portfolio’s tech startups showing the evolution from Covid collapse through 2021 boom and into 2022 adjustments.

– Insights on redefining Time-to-Fill metrics and Talent Advisor roles with calls for elevating TA’s organizational influence.

– Lattice’s State of People Strategy 2026 report shows DEIB prioritization dropped from 30% in 2023 to 16%, with AI-enablement becoming central to HR priorities; optimism diverges by industry sector.

– Discussion around global AI talent, particularly Chinese researchers split between US and China, highlighting geopolitics and DEIB.

– Research on recruiter bias against men preferring part-time hours emphasizing gender stereotypes.

– Employee pushback on workplace AI is nuanced; companies encouraged to share AI productivity rewards with employees.

– McKinsey’s report on AI agents, robots, and humans details future skill partnerships.

– Microsoft abandoning traditional Diversity & Inclusion reports, possibly signaling shifts in DEIB transparency.

– Podcasts cover AI bubble concerns, human advantages of AI, and developer population growth to 47 million in 2025.

– End note on FIFA World Cup 2026 draw and community poll on potential winner.

Subject: Special Edition: Our Gift We Leave Behinds

Sender: gary@kornferry.com

Summary:

– Reflective piece on leadership legacy inspired by Richard Ferry’s advice: “continue building legacy.”

– Legacy is framed as a present and ongoing investment impacting others daily rather than a distant endpoint.

– Story shared of a 92-year-old grandfather who routinely reminded people they are valued, illustrating the power of recognition.

– Encourages leaders to consider the kind of impact they leave—do people feel appreciated, seen, and better after interacting with them?

– References Winston Churchill’s quote highlighting life is shaped by what we give.

– Introduces the launch of “Love, Hope & Leadership,” a special edition collection of reflections designed like a coffee table book capturing how we live and lead.

– Emphasizes that love, leadership, and legacy all begin with the heart—linking personal values to professional influence.

Subject: When can you decline an annual leave request?

Sender: hrmonline@ahri.com.au

Summary:

– Addresses common annual leave dilemmas employers face, especially during peak periods like Christmas.

– Presents 5 key factors that can justify refusal of leave requests according to employment law expertise.

– Discusses practical strategies for managing last-minute leave demands while balancing business needs.

– Explores how inclusive work design integrates Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to create equitable, safe workplaces.

– Highlights upcoming studies and leadership programs such as the University of Sydney’s Employment Relations and the Law series.

– Shares success stories like Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads improving leadership capability by 93%.

– Features advice from HR leader Liana Reinhardt FCPHR on positioning HR as strategic business partners.

– Case study on Bank First’s people-centered performance culture built by mapping employee personas.

– Promotes AHRI membership benefits, supporting HR professionals with development, networking, and career advancement opportunities.

Stay Well!