Human Resource Knuggets
Dec 19, 2025
- ** Dec. 18 – SHRM faces service dog lawsuit | How to create an ICE response plan**
- SHRM rescinded a job offer due to a candidate having a service dog, sparking a lawsuit.
- Ex-employee of Dave Ramsey dropped a claim of being fired for out-of-wedlock pregnancy; case reopened after related rulings.
- Guidance on creating workplace response plans for ICE visits to promote employee confidence.
- State Attorneys General launched a third lawsuit to block Trump’s H-1B visa order, citing risks to public institutions.
- HR Dive infographic highlights four benefits trends for 2026 to support employees and retention.
- Additional resources include webinars on H-1B strategy and mentoring programs, plus surveyed insights on GLP-1 benefit costs.
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Press release from Sogolytics reveals employee experience trends shaping future work environments.
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** Unstoppable AI Spending | 2025 in Review | Realistic Goal Settings**
- Despite slow financial returns, nearly 70% of CEOs plan to ramp up AI spending in 2026.
- The five biggest business shifts of 2025 include AI agents, tariffs, and “job hugging.”
- Saunas have become popular networking spots for young executives.
- Experts provide advice on setting realistic and meaningful goals for 2026 success.
- Emotional intelligence is critical; AI may expose leadership weaknesses, warns best-selling author Dan Goleman.
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Newsletter signup available for ongoing leadership insights from Korn Ferry.
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** How HR Leaders Are Building Talent From Within**
- Hiring freezes are leading HR leaders to pivot towards internal mobility and upskilling.
- Strategic development initiatives help build a future-ready workforce.
- The Trendline report covers best practices for talent development and identifying employees needing support.
- This approach aids HR in maintaining competitive advantage despite reduced external hiring.
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Sponsored content and advertising opportunities available for messaging to HR executives.
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** Dec. 18 – How to make feedback flow | Workers say companies can’t manage changes**
- Employees express that 75% of organizations poorly manage change efforts.
- Strategies include tailoring coaching vs autonomy to improve change success.
- Innovative ideas to improve feedback flow even in small teams.
- Overview of where top companies like Apple, Disney, and JPMorgan landed on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in 2025.
- Legal guidance on creating workplace response plans for ICE visits.
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Resources on remote work future, neurodiversity in entrepreneurship, and AI ambassadors in education.
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** Financial Anxiety in the Workplace Deep Dive**
- Financial anxiety affects 90% of employees, impacting work performance and engagement.
- Generational differences:
- Gen Z: highest anxiety about credit, inflation; optimistic about retirement; leveraging AI and crypto.
- Millennials: juggling housing, childcare, student loans; motivated to build stability.
- Gen X: lowest retirement confidence; managing caregiving and financial burdens.
- Boomers: delaying retirement due to healthcare costs and market concerns.
- 76% say benefits are more important than last year; 57% would leave jobs for better financial benefits like increased 401(k) matches and emergency funds.
- Remote employees feel least confident about benefits understanding.
- Paradox: employees manage day-to-day stress while maintaining long-term retirement optimism.
- Urges employers to view financial well-being as a strategic priority to improve retention, engagement, and productivity.
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Full Betterment at Work Annual Retirement Readiness Report offers detailed insights.
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** Dec. 18 – 5 benefits predictions for 2026 | Workers in the dark on rewards strategy**
- Rising costs will push employers to modify benefits offerings and accessibility in 2026.
- Only 25% of employers clearly communicate their rewards strategy; current practices may be inadequate for future challenges.
- Department of Labor barred a subcontractor for wage kickback violations.
- Many workers do not take vacation, citing workload, manager expectations, and culture.
- Skai Blue Cross Blue Shield spotlights a health plan designed to better serve frontline workers.
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Archived resources include a 4-trends infographic for 2026 benefits and additional healthcare and policy articles.
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** Quiz: Test your knowledge of global HR policies**
- An end-of-year quiz on international HR policies explores unique leave entitlements and recruitment rules worldwide.
- Preview on how gamification is reshaping recruitment in an AI-driven landscape.
- Guidance on maximizing mentoring relationships and recommended podcast episodes on HR leadership and impostor syndrome.
- AHRI newsletter taking a holiday break, resuming publishing in January 2026 with content moving under the ‘Insights’ tab on the AHRI website.
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Opportunities to join AHRI member lounge and access personalized HR assistance.
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** A health plan that shows up for every worker**
- Skai Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a health plan tailor-made for frontline workers, representing 70% of the US workforce.
- Focus industries include manufacturing, retail, hospitality, transportation, and telecom.
- The plan emphasizes flexibility, transparency, and cost-effectiveness to support employers and workers in demanding roles.
- Call to action to learn more about Skai’s approach to improving frontline worker health.
- Available advertising opportunities for reaching HR executives.
- HR Dive daily newsletter subscription information and privacy policy detailed.
Stay Well!
