This issue of HR News includes items about HR burnout, supporting middle managers, a new way to foster healthy teams, Trump’s English Executive Order & more. Plus, don’t miss our selections from “the lighter side.”
Pouring from an ‘Empty Cup’: Why HR Burnout Needs to Be a People Priority
Jen Colletta, HR Executive
Managing employee stress is nothing new for HR leaders, particularly in the last few years, as the pandemic, social unrest, economic uncertainties, new ways of working and more have catapulted employee mental health to the forefront of HR discussions. A recent report from Indeed found that more than half of American workers surveyed reported they’re burnt out. And it’s up to HR to mitigate the effect on the workplace.
In many organizations, that responsibility—coupled with other emerging stressors—could be driving up HR burnout. HR Executive’s recent What’s Keeping HR Up at Night? survey of HR professionals found that 48% of respondents said their level of stress increased somewhat during 2024, while more than one-quarter said it shot up “dramatically.” Just 4% reported stress levels dropped last year.
Why Middle Managers Struggle and 9 Ways to Help
Claire Swinarski, HR Daily Advisor
Middle managers occupy a unique and often challenging position within organizations. They are the bridge between upper management’s strategic directives and the operational realities faced by their teams. Despite their critical role, middle managers frequently encounter numerous obstacles that can hinder their effectiveness. Since they can often be one of the most important roles in the company, however, it’s essential to help middle managers grow and thrive within their role. Below are some reasons why middle managers struggle—and nine strategies for improvement.
Why Top Talent Says ‘No’ — How To Turn The Tide On Offer Acceptance
Rebecca Skillbeck, Forbes
In today’s competitive talent market, securing a candidate’s “yes” feels like winning a lottery. Even after a rigorous interview process and a seemingly perfect fit, the offer can land with a thud. Interestingly, even with rising application numbers and fewer advertised positions, offer acceptance rates remain stubbornly below 70%. Why are so many candidates, particularly top performers, declining job offers? It’s a question that plagues recruiters and hiring managers alike. Understanding these reasons isn’t just about avoiding disappointment; it’s about optimizing your recruitment strategy to attract and retain the best.
Josh Bersin Explains: A strategy That Breaks Down Workplace Silos
Jill Barth, HR Executive
According to Bersin, AI technology changes this paradigm by enabling real-time, organization-wide integration of data and processes. With AI-driven analytics and intelligent automation, he said, companies can seamlessly connect insights across departments, driving more effective decision-making and operational efficiency. “What is AI going to do at the organizational level? AI is going to bring this all together,” said Bersin.
AI technologies can analyze information across previously disconnected departments, identifying patterns and connections that humans might miss—Bersin expects that this will be made possible through agents. This capability enables organizations to develop truly holistic views of their operations, facilitating more informed decision-making and seamless workflows that transcend traditional departmental boundaries, as Bersin described.
Just 1 in 4 Employees Believe HR Will Address Toxic Behavior at Work
Dexter Tilo, HRD
Nearly half of employees in the United States don’t trust their HR leaders to address toxic behavior in the workplace, according to a new report.
Findings from iHire showed that 45.9% of employees said ‘no’ when asked if they trust HR to address toxic behaviors within their current or most recent workplace.
Only 25% of the respondents said they trust their HR when it comes to addressing toxic behavior.
Go, Teams: When Teams Get Healthier, the Whole Organization Benefits
McKinsey & Company
How can leaders support teams at all levels to augment value creation? The first step is to understand that while building great teams involves leadership experience and intuition, sometimes that intuition can be wrong. In this article, we use new data to debunk common myths about how teams operate and examine the elements of team effectiveness that have the biggest impact on performance. We also delve into team archetypes and how context determines whether certain behaviors matter more for better functioning. Building effective teams across the organization is a crucial move for leaders as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Adjusting to Workplace Laws Under Trump
HR Daily Advisor
As the Trump administration focuses its priorities, employers need to be aware of several new, proposed, and potential changes to workplace laws, regulations, and federal agency enforcement initiatives. Here is a preview of some of the likely changes.
Trump’s English Executive Order: Clarity or Confusion for HR?
Bryan Driscoll, SHRM
When President Donald Trump signed an executive order (EO) making English the official language of the United States, HR professionals sat up straight. Executive orders aren’t suggestions — they’re directives with legal teeth.
This one leaves employers facing tough questions: Can you still publish employee handbooks in Spanish? Is your inclusion and diversity initiative suddenly at odds with federal policy? And just how far can — or should — companies go in enforcing English-only rules? Understanding what changed (and what didn’t) is essential for ensuring compliance and avoiding lawsuits.
HR News Roundup: Quick Takes
- You’re a Bad Listener: Here’s How to Remember What People Say
- AI, ‘Digital Fluency’ Top Workers’ Skills-Building Wishlist
- Surviving and Thriving with a 4-Day Workweek
- Here’s What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Measles.
- Do Adults Need a Measles Booster?
- Poor Communication Is Holding the Workforce Back, Survey Says
- 4 Key Strategies to Elevate Workplace Wellness
- How to Stay Open and Curious in Hard Conversations
- This Is What 30 Grams of Protein Actually Looks Like
- If You’re Known for These 5 Habits, Your Leadership Skills Are Off the Charts
- Lowering Stress in Turbulent Times
From the Lighter Side …
HR folks, do you ever feel like your job is something like herding cats? If you are also scientist with a passion for research? Here’s what may be the perfect job!
What kind of hobbies do you have to detach from work at the end of the day? Here’s a lawyer by day, 6-foot-tall, 7-foot-long illuminated dinosaur by night. Check out the story behind the Doloresaurus, see some pictures of his hand-made creation, learn how he got started, and see how he delights the residents and neighbors in his local San Francisco park .
What kind of office do you work in? The favored style today seems to be open office, but many of us who are on the older spectrum remember the era of the cubicle, some with fondness and others with horror. Here’s a video on Office Spaces through the Years: A Surprising History of the Way We Work.
HR News – Blog posts you may have missed
- April Key Dates & Events for Employee Communications
- HR Compliance Toolkit: Updates for Federal Changes
- Workplace Immigration Resources for Employers & Employees