Good morning!

Today, we're exploring the challenges of open enrollment and educating employees on the benefits available to them. Also in this issue:

🧑‍⚖️ SCOTUS hearings
⬆️ Rising health care premiums
💉 Covering GLP-1s

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!

AI disruptions, growth pressures and workforce shifts are among the top concerns for CEOs entering 2026, according to experts from the 2025 Gartner HR Symposium. HR leaders are being urged to assess workforce skills and roles strategically to support sustainable growth and navigate change, while fostering AI literacy and unity among leaders to ensure organizations adapt effectively.

Teuila Hanson, LinkedIn's CHRO, highlights the increasing importance of collaboration between HR and IT as organizations integrate more technology into their operations. Hanson describes how the traditional boundaries between tech and HR are dissolving, with HR leaders working closely with IT to ensure data quality, select appropriate technologies and develop technical skills across teams. Hanson also describes the temptation to pursue every new tool and initiative but advocates for a "laser-focused" approach, concentrating on initiatives that provide clarity and stability, such as ensuring data quality before adopting new AI solutions.

Charlie Curson, author of "Be More Strategic," argues that strategy is a mindset and skillset accessible to everyone, not just CEOs. Curson differentiates strategy from planning, emphasizing that strategy is about making deliberate choices and focusing on what matters most. He outlines that being strategic involves curiosity, decision-making amid uncertainty and inclusive collaboration. Curson encourages individuals to clarify ambitions, diagnose challenges and remain adaptable to achieve strategic mastery.

The influence of combative public discourse has seeped into organizations, creating tension and inhibiting open communication. It's important for organizations to take proactive steps to build a culture of respect, honesty, safety, support and empathy. By modeling respectful behavior from leadership, empowering people and encouraging open conversations, organizations can foster a positive environment that promotes engagement and collaboration, despite societal divisions.

Citi is focusing on employee engagement to drive its AI strategy, with 180,000 of its 230,000 employees now using AI tools, said Tim Ryan, the bank's head of technology and business enablement. Ryan attributes the bank's AI momentum to employees' willingness to embrace and implement new strategies, and he said the approach leads to an "innovation dividend," with employees identifying fresh opportunities for efficiency and growth.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, which requires employers to provide employees with an annual written notice of their rights, including workers' compensation and protections against immigration-related actions. The Labor Commissioner will provide a template notice in multiple languages to assist employers in complying.