Jan 26, 2026

Subject: Key insights from Recruiting Brainfood #485 – LinkedIn Market, AI in TA, and More

Sender: recruitingbrainfood@substack.com

• LinkedIn’s Labour Market 2026 Report highlights a 20%-35% drop in hiring across advanced economies compared to 2019, with AI’s long-term effects on employment still emerging.
• Randstad Workforce 2026 survey shows a disconnect between CEOs and employees and reveals 40% of employees have second jobs, hinting at gig economy complexities.
• Eightfold AI is facing a class-action suit over candidate data usage without consent, raising concerns around HR tech ethics.
• Glassdoor releases its Best Places to Work 2026, maintaining its role as an important employer branding tool despite challenges.
• The role of Talent Acquisition is evolving; some voices suggest dropping “Acquisition” to focus on talent capacity and outcomes in an AI-driven world.
• Upcoming Brainfood Live event on Jan 30 will dissect 6 AI frameworks for TA.
• Podcasts and analysis on economy, outsourcing shifts, and workforce automation round out the edition.

Subject: Special edition – Networking misconceptions & strategies to open doors

Sender: gary@kornferry.com

• A job seeker shared frustration after applying broadly without success until a neighborly conversation revealed untapped networking potential.
• Emphasizes that effective networking is about authentic, reciprocal relationship-building, not transactional just-in-time requests.
• Warm introductions through trusted contacts open significantly more opportunities than cold outreach.
• Notes that 70% of roles are filled internally or through referrals, underscoring the power of network leverage.
• Tips include focusing on genuine interest in others, validating your skills through existing relationships, and nurturing contacts over time.
• Highlights that opportunity flows through person-to-person connections; “It’s not what you know but who you get to know.”
• Recommends the new book “I Need a Job” for further guidance on career navigation through networking.

Subject: Managing misconduct & mental health, designing work for the people age

Sender: hrmonline@ahri.com.au

• HR faces growing challenges investigating misconduct allegations coinciding with employees’ mental health leaves, especially when conditions are undisclosed.
• Several Fair Work Commission cases illustrate complexities balancing fair processes with support for mental health.
• Experts argue it’s time to redesign work in the AI era as 40% feel current work structures are broken, calling for rewritten work rules.
• Small shifts in language can significantly boost influence, persuasion, and trust in the workplace.
• The rise of “silent workloads” where informal tasks become unspoken expectations is a growing concern needing management attention.
• 1 in 4 employees admit to hiding AI use from managers, implicating privacy and trust risks.
• Includes information about AHRI’s professional development programs and membership benefits supporting HR careers.

Stay Well!