🦖 Is Your Company an AI ‘Dinosaur’?

Presented by

Good Morning!

HR leaders continue to be on the front lines. From legal battles over DEI policies to rising healthcare costs the challenges (and opportunities) ahead are bigger than ever.

Staying ahead of these trends is essential for building resilient, future-ready workplaces.

Upcoming in this issue 📰

• 🚨 It’s A Battleground: Costco’s DEI Policies Face Political Pushback

• 🏥 HR Benefits in 2025: What’s Changing?

• 🤖 AI Disruption, Legal Challenges & Virtual Recruiters

• 🧓 The 'Caregiving Cliff' Is Here—And It’s Only Getting Steeper

🎭 The Return of the Boomerang Boss: A Mixed Bag for Employees

Read the full 526-word article here

Boomerang employees—those who leave a company only to return—are nothing new. But what about boomerang bosses? A new report reveals that while 66% of returning bosses are invited back, not everyone is thrilled about it.

This isn’t just a corporate trend—big names like Steve Jobs, Howard Schultz, and Bob Iger have all been high-profile boomerang bosses.

Key Takeaways:

• 🔄 Employees aren’t always on board – Only 36% of employees support a former boss returning, while 21% openly oppose the idea.

• 💰 Boomerang bosses get paid more – On average, they receive a 15% salary increase, along with perks like bonuses and flexible work.

• 🚪 Some employees walk away – 15% of employees quit after their former manager returns, and 25% consider leaving due to workplace tensions.

• ⏳ Regret sets in fast – 14% of returning bosses regret coming back, with 68% considering leaving again within nine months.

🏳️‍⚧️ How HR Can Support Transgender Employees Under Trump’s New Policies

Read the full 1,320-word article here

One of Trump’s many executive orders, “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” limits federal recognition of transgender identities. As fears rise, HR can take action.

Key Takeaways:

• 💼 HR must lead with empathy – Transgender employees are facing heightened stress; leadership should provide clear policies and emotional support.

• 📜 Trump’s policies have sweeping effects – New orders could impact passports, healthcare, and workplace protections, creating uncertainty for transgender workers.

• 🏢 Companies are stepping up – Some employers now offer relocation aid, gender-neutral facilities, and trans-inclusive HR policies to support their staff.

• 🗣️ Listening is key – HR should partner with trans-led organizations to navigate challenges and ensure meaningful, lasting support.

 👇️ Latest in HR  

• 🎉 Leaders, Take Note: Taylor Swift and the employee appreciation era

• 🗣️ Time to Speak Up: Shark Tank star advocates for 'loud quitting' in toxic work environment

• 🤐 No Money in the Bank: More than half of American adults have less than $500 in savings

• 🔍️ Keep Yourself Updated: 10 big employment law trends to watch this year

🦖 Is Your Company an AI ‘Dinosaur’?

Read the full 714-word article here

Companies slow to adopt AI might have bigger problems than inefficiency—their own employees see them as outdated relics. A new survey from i4cp found that more than two-thirds of workers at companies not using AI believe their employers are falling behind. For businesses stuck in the past, the message is clear: Adapt or risk extinction.

Key Takeaways:

• 📉 Most companies aren’t ready for AI – Only 11% have fully integrated AI, while 79% admit their workforce isn’t prepared for GenAI.

• ⏳ AI training is still lagging – Just 25% of employees have received training, even though AI boosts productivity by one hour per day.

• 🚀 AI-ready companies on the other hand, are 2.5x more likely to train executives and expect a 30% productivity increase.

• 🦖 Employees see AI-lagging companies as dinosaurs – More than two-thirds of workers believe their employer is falling behind by not embracing AI.

💊 Health Plans Face Tough Choices on Ozempic Costs and AI in 2025

Read the full 923-word article here
Article published: February 3, 2025

Health plans are in for a challenging year, with rising drug costs and fast-moving AI adoption shaking up the industry.

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, popular for weight loss, are driving up Medicare spending—costing $41 billion last year alone. While doctors see their long-term health benefits, many insurers and employers are cutting back on coverage due to high costs. The Biden administration wanted Medicare to cover obesity treatments, but it's unclear if Trump will follow through.

Meanwhile, AI is changing health plans at record speed. Insurance companies are using AI to process claims and approvals faster, but experts warn new regulations could force them to rethink their investments.

With uncertain policies, financial pressures, and public scrutiny, 2025 will be a make-or-break year for health insurers.

Key Takeaways:

• 🤖 AI is moving fast – Health plans are using AI to speed up approvals, but new rules could disrupt these efforts.

• 💰 Weight-loss drugs are expensive – Ozempic and similar drugs now make up 14% of Medicare’s drug spending, forcing insurers to rethink coverage.

• ⚖️ Medicare rules may change – Biden wanted Medicare to cover obesity treatments, but it’s unclear if Trump will keep that plan.

• 📉 Big decisions ahead – Rising costs and shifting government policies mean health plans must adapt quickly in 2025.

Why It Matters

As HR professionals, we’re navigating a workplace that’s being reshaped in real time—by legal battles, economic pressures, and technological shifts. Will organizations adapt, resist, or transform? One thing is clear: HR’s role has never been more critical.

Sophia Bennett
Editor-in-Chief
HR Insights Today