Human Resource Knuggets
Dec 09, 2025
Here is the summarized content of the 6 emails based on the provided text:
Email 1: 4 New Ways OBBBA Will Reshape Employee Benefits
– The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is impacting employee benefits beyond overtime pay and tax relief.
– Important to prepare for 2026 HR compliance changes (employment laws, payroll, benefits reporting) with a free webinar on Dec 10.
– Tips on attracting and retaining new employees to reduce turnover.
– Financial stress remains a concern; employers can support employees with benefits addressing inflation and housing cost challenges.
– A multi-stage life benefits approach can better engage employees and improve retention.
– Sponsored resources and tools available to improve HR strategies in 2025.
Email 2: EEOC Updates, NYC Pay Data Reporting, and AI in Hiring
– EEOC clarifies ADA protects those with past addiction, including methadone treatment.
– NYC overrides mayor’s veto to move forward on pay data reporting for pay equity.
– State and local laws increasingly regulate AI in hiring; tension exists between state and federal rules starting in 2026.
– Upcoming webinars on AI’s impact on leadership and work future, plus compliance in driver hiring.
– Various resources and reading materials on workplace nepotism, new employee housing, telework rules for disabled employees.
– Encouragement to share newsletter and participate in HR Dive community.
Email 3: Companies Lower Tolerance for Change & 2026 Top Skills
– Hiring freezes prompt HR to focus on internal talent development and upskilling for future-readiness.
– CEO exits moderate, but job cuts remain high unusually for November.
– Hard and soft skills for 2026 highlighted; professionalism is key among soft skills.
– Education Dept. proposes Workforce Pell eligibility for short training programs (as short as 8 weeks).
– New immigration rule: H-1B visa applicants subject to social media scrutiny.
– AI skills are increasingly important across all roles; resources available to test for these competencies.
– Links to additional articles and webinars on HR development and AI impact on jobs.
Email 4: The Importance of Boundaries to Manage Urgency & Energy at Work
– Reflection on the heavy year-end workload and a reminder not to overcommit.
– Boundaries help reduce false urgency in workplaces where everything is often labeled “ASAP” or “critical.”
– False urgency stems from poor planning, unclear priorities, emotional stress, inconsistent leadership, and panic-driven communication.
– Boundaries are crucial to protect personal energy, improve focus, and create sustainable work culture.
– Cultural conditioning makes boundary-setting difficult but necessary to avoid burnout.
– Practical scripts offered to set boundaries effectively with colleagues and managers.
– Closing note about upcoming discussion on rest, PTO, and avoiding burnout in 2026.
Email 5: Compliance Weekly – Recent ADA Lawsuits & H-1B Social Media Reviews
– Coverage of 6 recent ADA violation lawsuits, emphasizing employer obligations for reasonable accommodations.
– New requirement for H-1B applicants’ social media scrutiny under Trump’s administration policies.
– Lawsuit alleging illegal firings related to DEI roles under recent federal directives.
– Guidance on employee handbook updates for 2026 via expert Q&A.
– Sexual harassment settlement by a restaurant chain involving hiring vulnerable workers.
– Various labor settlements and lawsuits concerning hiring practices and workweek violations.
– Upcoming webinars on mentoring programs and AI reshaping leadership.
Email 6: 3 Practices That Drive Job Satisfaction
– Salary is not the main driver of job satisfaction; three key practices foster long-term engagement.
– Case study: Bunnings retailer successfully promotes age inclusion and leverages skills of older workers.
– Legal advice on when HR can reasonably refuse annual leave requests.
– Government department example of future-proofing leadership pipeline in a complex environment.
– Strategies to address leader indifference toward DEI and promote wellbeing.
– Sponsored offerings for leadership development funding and corporate gifting solutions.
– Invitation to join AHRI membership for professional HR support and community.
If you want me to generate specific action items or deeper analysis for any email, just let me know!
Stay Well!
