Dec 12, 2025

1. Email1 Summary:
2. A jury awarded $103M in an age discrimination case against Liberty Mutual, possibly the largest such verdict in the U.S.
3. Employers are planning mostly flat pay increases in 2026 despite market demands, signaling a disconnect per Mercer.
4. President Trump promised an executive order to unify conflicting state AI laws after Congress did not act.
5. AT&T’s plan to end DEI initiatives has been widely criticized as short-sighted.
6. AI is expected to reshape leadership and future of work; a webinar is available on how AI could eliminate over half of middle management by 2026.

7. Additional resources and news on compliance, employee development, and emerging HR trends provided.

8. Email2 Summary:

9. Discussion on the rising mention of an “AI bubble” in earnings calls and its implications.
10. Introduction of “boreout” (employee boredom) as a significant and emerging workplace challenge possibly linked to AI integration.
11. Advice on modest workplace gift-giving amid economic stress.
12. Several other topics of interest include the “30-Minute Economy” impacting retail and leadership legacy.

13. Korn Ferry provides leadership-related insights and invites readers to subscribe to their ongoing newsletter.

14. Email3 Summary:

15. Workers face an “autonomy crisis” that contributes to burnout; growth opportunities should be viewed as essential.
16. Job search complexities and AI barriers contribute significantly to candidate burnout.
17. 70% of employers express confidence in higher education, contrasting public skepticism on college value.
18. Mercer reports that most pay increases are spread evenly in 2026 plans despite the need to target high-demand skills.

19. HR Dive offers resources on AI skill testing, employee development, and upcoming webinars on AI’s impact on leadership.

20. Email4 Summary:

21. HR leaders need to rethink employee benefits by focusing on ROI rather than just cost amid rising expenses and legislative changes like SECURE 2.0.
22. Resources tailored for large organizations offer strategic insights on talent and financial wellbeing.
23. Emphasis on workforce resilience as a business driver and integrating data analytics with human insight for better people strategies.

24. Various guides, whitepapers, and infographics available to support HR and finance teams in adapting benefits and workforce strategy.

25. Email5 Summary:

26. 2026 may include an extra biweekly pay period (27th pay day), a rare occurrence requiring employer preparation.
27. Mercer highlights a disconnect as most companies plan flat pay raises despite competitive talent needs.
28. Health insurance and paid time off remain top benefits preferences among employees.
29. Issues like FLSA misclassification remain costly and avoidable; NYC moves forward with pay data reporting despite mayoral veto.

30. Additional insights on employee financial wellness and pay equity legislation advances.

31. Email6 Summary:

32. Addressing challenging annual leave dilemmas, including how to handle requests when employees have zero leave balance.
33. Guidance on optimizing AI strategies for 2026 within organizations.
34. Clarification on when unexplained absences might equate to job abandonment, based on recent Fair Work Commission rulings.
35. Strategies to boost job satisfaction highlight variety, autonomy, and fair pay process as more important than salary alone.

36. Promotion of HR professional development tools, networking opportunities, and personalized HR guidance through AHRI.

37. Email7 Summary:

38. By 2026, 20% of companies will use AI to cut over half of middle management roles, leading to organizational flattening.
39. Webinar available to help HR leaders navigate AI-driven leadership changes and manage gaps from reduced management layers.
40. Insights include the cost of thinning management, practical strategies to adapt, and how to capitalize on AI benefits in HR.
41. studioID, HR Dive’s content studio, produced the webinar in association with a sponsor.

42. Invitation to register for the webinar and access more content on AI’s role in workforce transformation.

43. Email8 Summary:

44. Samsung Semiconductor and Zscaler HR leaders shared real-world experiences using AI to transform benefits support.
45. 40% of employee benefits questions take place after hours, prompting new strategic support approaches.
46. Insights from a pilot program with 61% utilization, considerations on build vs. buy for AI solutions, and security review experiences.
47. Practical lessons from AI adoption for open enrollment support and operational improvements.
48. Webinar recording available for viewing, offering candid advice for benefits leaders exploring AI adoption.

Stay Well!