CAHRS Top 10 eNews

1. Employee/Employer Dynamics
   Employee Relations in a Modern World
   CAHRS
   The ILR School's 2025 report explores the evolving dynamics between employers and employees amid shifting expectations and global disruptions. Key findings highlight a transformation in the psychological contract, with employees now seeking greater alignment between organizational values and personal beliefs, including advocacy on social and political issues.

   2. The New World of Work
   CHRO Roundtable Looks at Transformational Trends 
   LinkedIn
   Three prominent CHROs discuss the need to rethink traditional career trajectories, emphasizing the importance of accommodating longer, more flexible career paths and addressing the challenges posed by an aging workforce and declining birth rates. Additionally, they highlight the shift in the employer-employee relationship towards a more transactional model, advocating for open conversations about career expectations and transitions to foster mutual understanding and retention.       

   3. The Human-Centric Imperative
   Why Your Talent Strategy Needs a Heart
   Workday
   CAHRS Partner Company Workday’s blog explores the importance of integrating human-centric values into talent strategies in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). It emphasizes that while AI can automate tasks, the need for human connection, empathy, and ethical decision-making remains crucial for organizational success.  HR leaders should prioritize these human elements to foster trust, collaboration, and innovation within their teams.

   For a look at the human-centered design & culture shift trend as it relates to performance management, have a look at this CAHRS report. 

   4. PTO Purchase and Conversion Programs
   A Look at the Increase in Their Popularity     
   HR Brew
   The number of companies offering Paid Time Off (PTO) conversion programs is on the rise. , These programs aim to provide greater flexibility for employees, especially as many have been taking less time off due to remote work and financial pressures. However, experts caution that such programs should be carefully structured to ensure employees still take adequate time off and to comply with regulatory requirements.            

   5.HR’s Next big Challenge
   Can Boomers and Gen Z Really Work Together?
   HR Executive 
   Integrating Baby Boomers and Gen Z employees in today's diverse workforce entails looking at generational differences in work expectations, communication styles, and values. To bridge these gaps, HR leaders are encouraged to implement initiatives such as cross-generational mentorship, tailored communication training, and team-building activities that promote mutual understanding and collaboration.       

For tips on how younger leaders can manage more senior employees, take a look at this Cornell Executive Summary. 

     6. AI in Human Resources       
       Examining the Risk Involved in the Integration
       HR Dive
       Integrating artificial intelligence into human resources functions can raise concerns such as AI-induced bias, potential harm to employee well-          being, and the spread of misinformation – particularly in sensitive areas like mental health support. HR leaders must exercise caution and           maintain human oversight to mitigate these risks and ensure ethical AI usage in the workplace.     

       7. U.S. Immigration Challenges
          CAHRS Partners Share Ways to Address Executive Orders 
          CAHRS
          CAHRS partner company Bloomberg human resources executives shared learnings on the challenges of stricter immigration enforcement and             visa-vetting procedures with other CAHRS members at the “U.S. Immigration Challenges in the New Administration” working group. Improving          communication, updating systems to stay compliant with unannounced inspections; and empathic employee support were among the key       takeaways from the discussion. 

        8. Overcoming Disruptive Pressures
            Five Areas to Focus on to Address Business Uncertainties
            Kearney
           To overcome unprecedented business uncertainties, human resources leaders should focus on five critical areas in 2025: transforming        offices into meaningful collaboration hubs; building organizational resilience amid economic uncertainty; guiding transparent artificial intelligence (AI) implementation that augments rather than replaces workers; enhancing HR processes with AI-driven personalization and reduced bias; and evolving talent strategies with better technology integration and sustainable hybrid models.       

          9. Culture Clashes at Work 
             The Importance of Translating Company Culture 
             Kellogg Insight
            When a manufacturing company expanded from Asia to the United States, both sides faced unexpected challenges despite initial        enthusiasm. Leadership expected productivity levels similar to their home operations without recognizing different cultural expectations around work hours, safety standards, and compensation. After struggling financially, the company succeeded by creating cultural exchange spaces, hiring bilingual staff, and adapting policies to local norms. 

           10. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
                 Navigating its Evolving Landscape
                 CAHRS 
                As a result of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives increased among corporate companies. The    2023 Supreme Court decision on college admissions, along with new administration orders, have resulted in many companies changing DEI policies and practices. This summary identifies key themes that came up during the discussion among CAHRS partner companies in the working group.