Jan 22, 2026

Email 1:

Subject: See how your data comes together

Summary:

Korn Ferry Talent Suite offers a unified view of people data across the talent lifecycle, helping HR teams understand where to act. Data shows clients improve fit-to-role by 24%, close up to 64% of critical skills gaps, and speed talent decisions by 30%. A webinar on Feb. 3 will cover these insights.

Email 2:

Subject: 5 Ways to Harness the Power of Recognition

Summary:

Employee appreciation significantly boosts morale, so HR should encourage managers to recognize staff efforts. Additional topics include managing performance reviews with defensible documentation, aligning cross-functional teams to reduce risk in hiring, and using AI confidently at work. A guide on employee discount programs and a compliance check for the new tax law are also offered.

Email 3:

Subject: Jan. 21 – Insurrection Act preparedness | Trans worker’s ERISA lawsuit fails

Summary:

This HR news covers several topics: preparation for workplace disruption if the Insurrection Act is invoked, a trans worker’s ERISA lawsuit failing because facial surgery was deemed cosmetic, and the 5th Circuit reconsidering challenges to Texas’ Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Other insights include shifting trends in career paths favoring portfolio careers and strategies to improve workspace productivity.

Email 4:

Subject: 📓 More effort, same results

Summary:

Despite recruiters working harder and sourcing extensively, the majority of successful hires still come from online applications. The pressure on recruiters to source faster without improving candidate funnel processes is viewed as unsustainable. Key points include the flawed conflation of busyness with effectiveness, the motherhood career “tax,” and nearly 40% of top executives considering quitting due to burnout despite “golden handcuffs.” Suggestions include improving offboarding interviews to learn how to enhance retention.

Email 5:

Subject: Jan. 21 – HR pros often redo AI’s output | Tech hiring intentions are down

Summary:

HR professionals frequently spend significant time revising AI-generated outputs, sometimes up to 1.5 weeks annually. Tech hiring intentions are shifting toward precision roles despite strong demand for tech skills. Additional coverage includes preparing for workplace disruptions due to possible Insurrection Act invocation and workers moving away from traditional career ladders.

Email 6:

Subject: 1099 Reporting Standards Under Current Enforcements

Summary:

HR and payroll must closely review their 1099 reporting processes amid increased audit scrutiny driven by new interpretations related to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This 90-minute interactive session covers updating 1099-NEC and 1099-K filings, impacts on contractor classification, identifying discrepancies that attract regulatory attention, and preventing reporting errors to minimize penalties.

Email 7:

Subject: Jan. 21 – DEI, a year after Trump’s inauguration | Paid family leave outlooks

Summary:

A year into the Trump administration, HR faces challenges navigating anti-DEI stances from the White House and EEOC. The paid family leave landscape is evolving in 2026, with complexities arising from multiple state plans. Reports also note a transgender woman’s ERISA lawsuit failure and shifting EEOC power dynamics. The newsletter highlights how working parent resources particularly affect women and includes curated readings on DEI changes and challenges.

Email 8:

Subject: 4 ways to make your language more influential

Summary:

Effective communication is a critical leadership skill impacting trust and results. This issue outlines four ways to enhance communication impact. It also highlights HBF’s approach to embedding boldness into their culture by rewarding smart risks. Additional topics include the hidden strain on high performers expected to always be flexible, employee reluctance to openly use AI tools due to stigma, and KPMG’s data-driven approach to workforce planning. AHRI offers professional development and community support for HR practitioners.

Stay Well!