CAHRS Top 10 October 2025

1. Modern ER/IR Working Group Notes

Continuing the Conversation
ILR School
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This CAHRS virtual working group followed the Employee Relations in a Modern World consortium held in New York City in March 2025. The session explored the evolving psychological contract at work, with discussion centering on two themes: increasing expectations for employee voice and discretion, and growing demand for work-life balance that works. Participants examined the drivers of these shifts and shared examples of how their organizations are responding.

2. Hybrid Work in Retreat?

Barely.
Gallup
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Hybrid work remains the dominant model, with employees averaging 2.3 days per week in the office. Gallup finds hybrid schedules are most effective when set by teams, fostering fairness and reducing burnout. Outside of recent federal government policy changes, hybrid work has remained stable since 2022, with trust, communication, and coordination as key success factors.

3. Strengthening Digital Security

Four Actions for CHROs
Gartner
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As HR functions adopt AI and automation, cyber risks are becoming more frequent and damaging. Gartner highlights four priorities for CHROs: embedding cyber and data security into HR strategy and technology planning, partnering with IT and cybersecurity teams, strengthening third-party risk management, and fostering a culture where employees feel safe raising security concerns.

4. People

Supply-Chain Pros Forget About Them
Korn Ferry
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A global survey shows companies are sidelining supply-chain workers, with limited investment in skills and working conditions. Leaders’ focus on AI and cost control has left teams underprepared for growing complexity. Experts warn that long-term supply-chain resilience depends on pairing technical expertise with leadership and collaboration.

5. Want Women Leaders?

Money Talks
Chicago Booth Review
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Linking executive bonuses to gender diversity targets can meaningfully increase women’s leadership ambitions. In a study of 2,000 women at a global telecom company, diversity goals alone had no impact, but pairing those goals with financial incentives increased interest in management roles by nearly 12 percent.

6. Innovation Teams

Building Them Across National Borders
MIT Sloan Management Review
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Tightening immigration policies are disrupting how multinational organizations allocate R&D talent, pushing firms toward more geographically dispersed innovation teams. Research tied to U.S. H-1B visa restrictions shows declines in both patent quantity and novelty, particularly in tacit-knowledge industries.

7. C-Suite Playbook

Three Simple Steps for AI Success
Workday
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AI is now a business imperative, but success requires more than technology. Organizations should begin with a clear vision tied to business goals, pilot small initiatives for quick wins, and prepare teams through training, reskilling, and strong data management. Agile execution and clear KPIs help sustain momentum.

8. Supporting Gig Workers

How HR Can Boost Financial Wellness
HR Executive
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Gig and nontraditional workers are an increasingly important part of the workforce, yet many face financial stress due to limited access to benefits and income stability. Employers that listen to these challenges and innovate policy for nontraditional employment are better positioned to retain talent and support workforce well-being.

9. Clarity Over Charisma

Taking a Closer Look at Leading AI Teams in 2025
The HR Digest
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As AI agents become embedded in teams, leaders are being asked to prioritize clarity over charisma. Clear goals, roles, and expectations enable effective human–AI collaboration, accountability, and trust.

10. Welcome Aboard

Four Tips for Improving Employee Onboarding
eCornell
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Effective onboarding can increase new-hire productivity by more than 60 percent and reduce turnover risk by nearly half. JR Keller, Associate Professor of Human Resource Studies at Cornell ILR School, and Beth Flynn-Ferry, Executive Director of CAHRS, share insights on how strong onboarding supports engagement and well-being.

Related insight:
Will AI Replace HR? Q&A With JR Keller