Feb 13, 2026

Below is a concise summary of key points from the first 10 provided emails relevant to HR professionals:

1. Email 1: Korn Ferry Leadership News
2. Raises might be granted to fewer employees this year due to tight hiring.
3. Korn Ferry’s World’s Most Admired Companies favor long-term investment and in-office presence.
4. Meetings volume has doubled recently, reversing earlier trends.
5. Tips on resetting 2026 goals if off-track.
6. Importance of emotional intelligence in working with AI.

7. Podcast advice against insincere praise to avoid hidden career/business harm.

8. Email 2: 145+ New 2026 Compliance Requirements

9. Over 145 new employment law requirements effective January 2026 across 20+ states and many localities.
10. Areas affected include minimum wage updates, leave rights, AI in employment, benefits, and taxes.

11. Resource guide available for organizations to ensure compliance.

12. Email 3: HR Responsibilities and Regulatory News

13. Guidance on HR’s role when leaders misbehave; holding executives accountable.
14. Kaiser settlement with Department of Labor over mental health care provider network issues.
15. EEOC will focus on “reverse bias” issues in 2026.

16. AI adoption is lowering demand for HR roles, with job posts increasingly emphasizing AI and machine learning skills.

17. Email 4: Talent and Diversity Trends

18. Skills gaps may be worsening; AI adoption creates hiring challenges.
19. Fewer workers feel positive about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives than in prior years.
20. 60% of Generation Z plan to pursue skilled trade careers in 2026, likely influenced by AI concerns.

21. Opportunities to participate in a 2026 HR identity survey.

22. Email 5: RIS Conference Offer

23. Recruitment Innovation Summit (RIS) offers “buy one, get one 50% off” ticket deal until Feb 20, 2026.
24. Event focuses on real-time talent acquisition strategies, incorporating AI, workflows, tech, and leadership.
25. Includes speaker Q&A sessions and expanded networking opportunities.

26. Conference dates: May 5-6, Atlanta.

27. Email 6: Hiring Processes and ATS

28. Many organizations have flawed hiring processes treating talent acquisition as secondary.
29. Hiring systems either build “talent dynasties” or create “dumpster fires.”
30. Sales-led orgs often hire reactively, risking rushed bad hires.
31. Marketing-led orgs may sell a polished brand but have disorganized candidate experience.
32. Talent-led orgs prioritize long-term impact hires and invest in better hiring technology.
33. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) vary from hindering hiring to empowering teams; great ATS systems increase collaboration, speed, and candidate experience.

34. Teamtailor is promoted as a leading ATS that supports talent dynasty building.

35. Email 7: AI and Workforce Resilience Report

36. New Careerminds report: 57% of HR leaders expect layoffs linked to AI adoption within 12 months.
37. 90% of employees feel job security remains high, showing disconnect between management and workforce views.
38. Emphasizes the importance of focusing on skills over fixed roles.

39. Report offers recommendations to support employees through AI-driven changes.

40. Email 8: Compensation & Benefits Updates

41. Many workers lack employer-provided retirement savings options, leading to poor retirement preparedness.
42. “Heartbreak leave” (time off for breakups) is desired by about 33% of workers; 43% would likely use it if offered.
43. Kaiser’s settlement with DOL on mental healthcare access issues is noted.
44. Gen Z increasingly interested in skilled trades, possibly due to AI fears.

45. Target is shifting investment towards store payroll after recent corporate cuts.

46. Email 9: AI Risks and HR Accountability (from AHRI)

47. 10 strategic questions HR should consider before scaling AI to address wellbeing, capabilities, and judgement risks.
48. Guidance on building a culture of accountability in daily work.
49. Promoting an “HR as a product” operating model to measure HR impact.
50. Identifies barriers middle managers face and how HR can support them.

51. Offers courses, webinars, and membership benefits for HR professional development.

52. Email 10: Smart Glasses and Vision Benefits

    • Smart glasses combining AI, audio, cameras, and displays are emerging as important wearable health tech.
    • EyeMed integrates these innovations (e.g., Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta AI) into vision benefit plans.
    • Smart glasses enable hands-free workflows, voice commands, real-time learning, and more.
    • Vision benefits plans are evolving to be future-focused around these wearable technologies.

This summary reflects leadership, regulatory, hiring, workforce, and technology trends shaping HR practices in 2026 as described in the provided emails.

Stay Well!