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Adaptability is a key trait for any successful CHRO. As AI is rapidly adopted in organizations, CHROs are taking on the brunt of managing that change and ensuring employees are on board. Today, we'll look at different strategies to mitigate qualms and motivate employees to boost company success. Also in this issue:

🛃 Online payment for H-1B visas
🧑‍⚖️ Legal standing for religious accommodations
🌲 Dollar Tree's modernization strategy

Here's a look at what we're seeing, what it means, what we're anticipating, what's resonating and what you think about today’s workplace. Let's get SMART!

CHROs are positioned to lead organizational transformation by focusing on people rather than just technology. These leaders need to clarify their evolving role, act as connectors across departments, and lead efforts to upskill the workforce, argues Brandon Roberts, group vice president of people insights at ServiceNow. Focusing on building workforce skills, fostering engagement, and investing in employee growth are key ways CHROS can drive sustainable change that keeps employees front of mind.

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Layoffs are difficult for everyone involved, but managers, especially, need training in how to deliver the news and take time to empathize with those losing their jobs, according to those responding to a Preply survey. The majority wanted managers to explain the reasons for termination more clearly, especially when it involved performance, so that they could improve for their next position, the survey found.

Burnout among US workers has hit a six-year high, with 72% reporting "moderate to very high stress at work," according to the Aflac WorkForces Report. A four-day workweek is emerging as a solution, with 40% of employees now viewing it as an effective strategy -- up from 28% last year.

Bank of America faces a class-action lawsuit alleging it required hundreds of hourly workers to perform up to 30 minutes of unpaid computer setup work on a daily basis for years. Former business analyst Tava Martin claims employees had to log into multiple security systems and download necessary files before their paid shifts began, with technical issues often extending this process. The plaintiff argues this widespread practice violates federal labor law and seeks to represent all similarly affected remote hourly business analysts.