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In Today's Issue
UPS breathed a sigh of relief when a federal judge ruled in its favor in a lawsuit filed by a former supervisor who claimed he was fired due to age and sex discrimination just before his retirement plan vested. The judge found that UPS had a legitimate reason for the termination, citing an investigation that found the supervisor sexually harassed a female co-worker during a training session. The judge noted that the supervisor did not provide direct evidence of discrimination and that UPS had offered him a part-time position until his benefits vested, which he declined. Also in this issue:
🏥 NY Life hub lets workers build skills through gig projects ✨ How to build experience when the stepping stones vanish
👏 From HR Tech: Walmart CPO says HR must avoid "AI for AI's sake" |
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Top Story
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US District Judge William Alsup held that the Office of Personnel Management went beyond its authority in directing federal agencies to fire probationary employees, who Alsup said were terminated under false pretense. The decision does not order the reinstatement of the fired employees, but it says their personnel records must be updated to reflect that their firings were not for misconduct or poor performance.
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Recruiting & Retention
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New York Life has introduced the NYL Career Hub, an AI-powered platform aimed at enhancing internal mobility and skills development. The initiative, spearheaded by CHRO Joanne Rodgers, has seen 40% of employees create profiles since its August launch. The platform includes gig projects and curated upskilling opportunities, reflecting the company's commitment to modernizing the employee experience. Rodgers emphasizes the importance of change management and cross-functional collaboration in the program's success.
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Free eBooks and Resources
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Strategies for Success from TrainingMag.com
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Generative AI is rapidly transforming knowledge work, introducing a 'leveling effect' that affects professionals at every career stage. Entry-level workers are most at risk, as foundational tasks that once built expertise are now easily automated, potentially disrupting traditional career ladders and prompting organizations and individuals to rethink how expertise and professional growth are cultivated. Marketri's Debra Andrews outlines five ways to navigate this shifting landscape and keep skills sharp in this AI era.
How many of us owe our career success to the experience earned in the trenches? I know I do. Andrews makes a good point about AI taking away some of those experiences, the ones that build real professional muscle. How do we outsmart that? What can we do to give our newer colleagues the opportunities we had, albeit in different forms? -- Kanoe
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Benefits & Compensation
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Robust employee benefits are crucial for attracting, retaining and motivating top talent, especially in small businesses, writes Nick Martin, founder of Cyber Guardian Consulting Group. By making benefits the foundation of its culture, his company has achieved impressive retention rates and improved employee morale. Unique perks at Martin's company include mortgage rate buydowns, substantial discounts on Apple products, Uber Eats credits and unlimited snacks and drinks.
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Technology
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Walmart Chief People Officer Donna Morris emphasizes the importance of strategic planning in AI integration, urging HR leaders to define clear goals and collaborate closely with digital teams. Speaking at the HR Technology Conference, Morris highlights the need to avoid implementing "AI for AI's sake," advising purposeful investment to maximize efficiency and maintain credibility.
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The HR Leader
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Personality traits, such as openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability, play a significant role in leadership success, according to Eva Asselmann, a professor at HMU Health and Medical University, who emphasizes that while there is no single best personality type, self-awareness and adaptability can enhance your overall skills. Asselmann offers exercises to help you stay authentic while developing personality traits, such as setting boundaries if you're too agreeable and practicing speaking last if you're always talking first.
Asselmann's words, "Great leadership doesn’t follow a template," resonated with me. I've experienced that truth. The best leaders I know shine with authenticity. They have different personalities -- some vivacious, some tempered -- but all are truthful about their character and integrity. Always be you. -- Kanoe
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| An actor is unfortunate if he doesn't get to spend a lot of time on stage. When you're on stage, you get to practice every night. |
Polly Holliday,
actor
1937-2025 |
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