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Delayed leave payout. Issues with health insurance. Incomplete out-processing that stalled his new job. These are just some of the nightmares "Paul," a former CDC employee, says he endured since getting laid off earlier this year, according to our Leadership & Development story. My heart aches for him and other ex-CDC workers who cite similar frustrations, the result of a gutted HR department. Also in this issue:

πŸ§‘ Developing leaders boosts retention
β˜• What Starbucks is doing for salaried staff
🏒 Building business resilience 
πŸ’Š Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drug Co. 
πŸ‘© Gen Z faces tough job market due to layoffs, AI
πŸͺ– GE HealthCare draws culture lessons from Marines
Workers are going rogue with AI -- and they want AI managers
The woman is interacting with an AI-powered chat assistant on her laptop screen. The setting conveys productivity, innovation, and digital communication. Perfect for themes such as artificial intelligence, remote work, tech-savvy users, virtual assistants, and the future of human-computer interaction.
(Narumon Bowonkitwanchai/Getty Images)
A CalypsoAI survey shows 38% of workers would prefer an AI manager to a human, and 45% trust AI more than their colleagues. Half of C-level executives would rather have AI managers, though 34% are unsure they could distinguish between AI and humans. The survey also finds that 52% of employees would break company AI policies to make their jobs easier, 28% have used AI to get sensitive data, and another 28% have submitted proprietary information to AI tools. Leaders need to pay attention to this dramatic shift in workplace dynamics and the integration of AI, says CalypsoAI CEO Donnchadh Casey.

“These numbers should be a wake-up call," Casey says. "We’re seeing executives racing to implement AI without fully understanding the risks, front-line employees using it unsupervised, and even trusted security professionals breaking their own rules. We know inappropriate use of AI can be catastrophic for enterprises, and this isn’t a future threat -- it’s already happening inside organizations today.”
Get the pulse on what HR pros are saying about the benefits of offering pet insurance. Our study of HR leaders reveals long-lasting impact of pet-inclusive policies on employee satisfaction and engagement. Download the full report.
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Recruiting & Retention
Training leaders boosts productivity, retention
African businessman stands at the front and engaging with colleagues seated for a meeting, fostering collaboration in an open coworking office.
(Luis Alvarez/Getty Images)
Leadership development is foundational for organizations seeking to enhance overall effectiveness. Prioritizing comprehensive leadership programs not only improves employee engagement and productivity but also empowers companies to navigate change, foster innovation and build a positive work culture. Financially, companies with strong leadership training report a 17% rise in productivity and a 21% increase in profitability.

Leadership & Development

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Benefits & Compensation
Study: Cost Plus Drug Co. not always cheaper than insurers
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JULY 10: Mark Cuban speaks onstage during Global Citizen NOW at Hudson’s Detroit on July 10, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Global Citizen)
(Jeff Schear/Getty Images)
A team of neurologists analyzed the prices of 79 generic drugs commonly used to treat neurologic disorders such as migraines, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. Their study, published in JAMA Network, found that only a minority of these medications were both available and cheaper through the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company compared to commercial health insurance. The findings highlight potential cost implications for patients choosing between pharmacy options for neurologic medications.

Path to Workforce
Gen Z faces tough job market due to layoffs, AI
Online application form for modish registration on the internet website
(Ralf Hahn/Getty Images)
Members of Generation Z are struggling to find jobs as AI tools are making it easier for companies to downsize, leading to mass layoffs and a flooded job market, says Taylor Telford, a Washington Post business reporter. Many entry-level positions require several years of experience, putting Gen Z at a disadvantage.

The HR Leader
GE HealthCare draws culture lessons from Marines
A drill instructor stands as United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, work together to complete a rope obstacle course during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
(Patrick T. Fallon/Getty Images)
GE HealthCare has cultivated a highly rated corporate culture, drawing on lessons from the Marine Corps, according to Chief People Officer Adam Holton. Holton emphasizes translating values into specific behaviors, training employees to practice these behaviors, and simplifying processes. The approach has led to high employee satisfaction, with workers feeling respected and having growth opportunities.

About the Editor
Reflections
Reflections
(Kanoe Namahoe)
AI is making friends in the workplace, according to our top story today. Some folks are still wary about AI taking their jobs, but apparently, many find AI tools useful for getting work done -- so useful that some say they'd leave their company if the tools went away.

Wow! Is the tide changing for AI integration in our organizations? Are folks getting more comfortable playing with the smart new kid in the neighborhood? Let me know!
 
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Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground.
Theodore Roosevelt Jr.,
politician, 26th president of the United States

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