Human Resource Knuggets
Feb 26, 2026
Subject: Feb. 25 – The factors behind a global labor shortage | Why is L&D engagement low?
Content:
– Global labor shortage driven by aging populations, decreased immigration, and rigid education requirements.
– Pay alone insufficient to keep workers engaged; HR leaders are using new tactics to boost employee engagement.
– Despite workers’ desire for learning, many companies face low engagement due to infrastructure problems.
– DOJ sues University of California over antisemitism allegations; UCLA vows to vigorously defend efforts.
– President Trump claims “we ended DEI” during State of the Union; some employers have rolled back DEI initiatives while others maintain them.
– Featured resources: Survey report on maximizing GLP-1 benefits, infographic on workspace productivity gaps, and trendline on factors driving employee engagement.
– Upcoming webinars including “Proven Strategies to Scale HR” (Feb 26) and “High Impact of Women’s and Family Health Benefits” (Mar 3).
Subject: What I Got Wrong About Connections
Content:
– Adam Grant announces his new book “VIBE” exploring how to build faster, stronger, and longer bonds.
– Reflects on surprising findings about connection: chemistry does not require similarity or large time spent together.
– Shares an anecdote about quickly connecting with a conversation partner he barely knew, highlighting the role of practicing conversational rhythm and interaction style.
– The book dives into the science and art of relationships, studying diverse groups who excel in bonding.
– Emphasizes that quality of interaction time matters more than quantity.
– Invites reader engagement on surprising insights about building connections.
Subject: Feb. 25 – “We ended DEI in America” | Gen Z is interviewing with parents in tow
Content:
– Coverage of Trump’s State of the Union statement claiming DEI initiatives have ended in America amid ongoing debates and employer rollbacks.
– DOJ lawsuit updates against University of California regarding antisemitism allegations.
– A new study shows some Gen Z candidates bring parents to job interviews, with parents playing a supportive role through the job search process.
– News on settlement of pregnancy bias lawsuit involving HR director’s lack of familiarity with PWFA.
– Court ruling that obesity was not plausibly argued as a disability in a weight loss medication coverage case.
– HR Dive’s annual Identity of HR survey now open for HR leaders’ participation.
– Upcoming webinars on scaling HR and women’s health benefits scheduled.
Subject: How ANZ Bank is protecting human-centric capabilities
Content:
– ANZ Bank’s Learning & Development lead explains use of AI to enhance workforce skills, such as AI-driven scenarios for high-risk skill training, while safeguarding essential human capabilities.
– Guidance on managing annual leave dilemmas, including when it is appropriate to decline requests even with zero leave balance.
– Sponsored content highlights the 2026 Global Culture Report on recognition, collaboration, and connection fueling productivity.
– Additional insights on overcoming executive resistance in HR, mitigating legal risks during employee departures, and addressing psychosocial risks like work addiction.
– Webinar on supporting working families reflects evolving workforce priorities and WGEA expectations.
– Promotion for professional AHRI membership benefits.
Subject: How HR Leaders Are Scaling Strategy With Business Growth
Content:
– Invitation to webinar on Feb 26 at 2 p.m. ET focused on evolving HR from an administrative role into a strategic business partner.
– Webinar topics include aligning HR with business growth goals, HR strategic challenges, and practical ways to develop HR strategy benefiting both HR and the broader business.
– Content produced by Studio Expert Network, HR Dive’s content studio specializing in compelling storytelling and ROI-driven content.
– Encouragement to register for this event to gain expert insights on scaling HR strategy alongside business growth.
Stay Well!
