HR Jobs Boom Despite Massive AI Investments2 sources

HR jobs are booming despite massive AI investments, challenging long-standing narratives that automation will eliminate the function. Josh Bersin, an HR analyst and consultant with three decades of experience, notes that skepticism toward HR’s value persists because many managers believe they are already experts in the domain. Rather than shrinking, the sector is expanding as organizations navigate complex talent management needs. The industry’s resilience suggests that AI serves as a tool for augmentation rather than a replacement for human strategic oversight in people operations.

DHS to propose ending 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders

The Department of Homeland Security is proposing to eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders. If enacted, the rule would require workers who lose their jobs to leave the United States immediately. The agency has not yet published the rule’s text in the Federal Register. Consequently, few details remain known about the specific mechanics of the change. One attorney warned the shift may pose difficulties for employers managing visa compliance. Companies must prepare for stricter timelines regarding employee status and departure procedures under the new regulatory framework. The full scope of these operational challenges remains unclear until the official proposal is released.

44% of hiring managers struggle to fill open roles at highest rate in three years2 sources

Employers are struggling to fill open roles at the highest rate in nearly three years, signaling a deepening hiring crisis. New research from Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll reveals that 44% of hiring managers currently have positions they cannot fill, a sharp rise from 36% just six months ago. This figure marks the highest level of unfilled vacancies since 2023. The hiring process itself appears to be part of the problem. More than one in five open roles are being closed without a hire. Timelines are stretching significantly, with 43% of hiring managers stating the process now takes longer than it did two years ago.

Employers must follow new Trump administration guidance on accounts

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service released proposed regulations on Aug. 11, clarifying how employers can sponsor Trump Accounts. This guidance allows companies to let employees defer pretax dollars from their paychecks into accounts for dependents under 18. Jim Earle, a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke, notes the rules provide a clearer path for workplace benefits after months of employer hesitation. The federal government spent months building excitement around the tax-advantaged vehicle but failed to specify employer mechanics until now. While the new rules offer direction, significant questions remain for organizations navigating the implementation.

Nearly all workers rely on human judgment before using technology

A recent survey reveals that 97% of employed Americans rely on human judgment before consulting artificial intelligence for workplace decisions. Conducted in June among 1,006 U.S. adults, the study by Resume Now indicates that only 3% of workers turn to AI tools as their first step. Human judgment remains the default, with 74% of respondents prioritizing their own assessment and 23% seeking input from coworkers or managers. This reliance intensifies under pressure. When facing high-stakes, time-sensitive choices, 60% of workers stick to their own judgment, while 33% consult colleagues. Workers view AI as an additional information source rather than an authority, preserving personal accountability in the decision-making process.

Worker Sues Apple, Alleges Retaliation After Reporting Racist Comments to HR

A former Apple employee filed a federal lawsuit on August 13, 2026, alleging the tech giant retaliated against him after he reported racist comments to human resources. The worker, a Mexico-born Latino man, sued in Indiana, claiming race and national origin discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. He joined Apple in January 2019 as a technical program manager in Elk Grove, California, before moving to a regional supplier role at the Jeffersonville distribution center in April 2024.

Cybersecurity firm fired worker on medical leave and advertised her job

SentinelOne faces a federal lawsuit alleging it terminated a military veteran on medical leave while simultaneously advertising her position. The complaint details that the US Air Force veteran, who holds a 100% service-connected disability rating, was hired in June 2024 and performed her duties satisfactorily. After requesting reasonable accommodation and short-term leave in 2025, the company granted the time off. The lawsuit claims the employer then fired her during this approved absence. This action allegedly violates federal disability protections. The suit highlights a stark contradiction between the company’s stated accommodation and its subsequent termination decision. Legal proceedings are now underway to address these allegations.

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