CAHRS Top 10 November 2025

1. Architecting a Skills-First Future of Work

Moving from Talk to Execution
Workday
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HR and L&D leaders are moving from conversation to execution on a skills-first, AI-first, human-led workplace. Priorities include leadership role-modeling, psychological safety, connecting AI adoption to daily work and skill development, redesigning roles, using internal gigs, and preparing employees to manage AI agents. Organizations with structured programs have significantly increased AI adoption and seen measurable gains in collaboration and customer engagement.

Interested in more on this topic?
CAHRS Partners can register for the CAHRS Virtual Working Group | The Impact of AI on Learning & Development on November 7, 2025 at Noon ET.

2. Federal Shutdown Impact on HR

Lack of Labor Market Insights
HR Executive
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The ongoing federal shutdown has paused Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting, leaving HR teams without current labor market and compensation data. HR leaders are increasingly relying on alternative data sources, such as job-board analytics and internal applicant tracking systems, to guide hiring, pay decisions, and workforce planning.

3. Cracking the Code

What Makes a Leader Inspirational
Bain & Company
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Inspirational leadership is one of the most trainable and high-impact leadership capabilities. Research shows that using even one distinctive leadership strength nearly doubles a leader’s likelihood of inspiring others, while multiple strengths dramatically increase engagement and productivity across teams.

For more on building leadership capabilities, register for an upcoming CAHRScast later this month.

4. Agentic AI

Strategic Ascent
IBM
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Most organizations use AI to optimize existing processes, but greater value comes from redesigning work around agentic AI. Success depends on workforce readiness, transparent decision-making, and trust-building mechanisms alongside strong data foundations.

5. New Immigration Rules

Create Concerns for Employers
HR Brew
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Recent U.S. immigration policy changes, including new fees and stricter visa requirements, are creating uncertainty and compliance challenges for employers. HR leaders are encouraged to strengthen legal partnerships and support systems for foreign-national employees.

6. Does Your Company Need a Chief AI Officer?

A Hot New C-Suite Role
Kellogg Insight
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Not every organization needs a Chief AI Officer. A three-part test helps determine fit, and for those that qualify, the role should be designed around outcomes rather than pilots. Smaller firms may achieve more impact through targeted AI initiatives tied to specific business problems.

7. Skill-Based Hiring

Walmart’s Vision
HR Executive
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Walmart’s skills-based hiring approach emphasizes valuing on-the-job skills alongside formal credentials. Through shared skill taxonomies and cross-industry collaboration, the company is helping set a foundation for scalable, skills-first talent systems.

8. Money vs. Perks

Which Do Workers Value More?
Chicago Booth Review
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Research shows workers often trade higher pay for worse job amenities such as stress, security, flexibility, and purpose. While pay still matters most, improving job quality meaningfully enhances attraction and retention.

9. Post-Merger Unity

Integrating Culture After the Close
Kearney
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Post-merger success depends on intentional culture design. Leaders must define the desired culture early, align decision-making norms, and foster belonging through communication, shared identity, and cross-organization collaboration.

For more on HRBPs and building an Employee Value Proposition, register for the CAHRScast on December 17, 2025.

10. Reputation Does Matter

What Workers Value Today
HR Dive
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Employer reputation plays a significant role in job choice. Workers increasingly expect organizational values to align with daily practices, reinforced by transparent communication, consistent leadership behavior, and accountability.