💼 Rattled—And Ready to Quit

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Hey there! 👋 

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Today, we’re tackling a workplace shift you can’t ignore—employees are disengaged, layoffs are brutal, and AI might be more empathetic than humans? 😬

58% of workers feel “rattled” and half are considering quitting. Meanwhile, tech layoffs are gutting jobs, and ageism is hitting both young and older workers.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening.

Upcoming in this issue 📰

• ❤️ Is AI More Empathetic Than Your Employees?

• 💪🏽 Why Fighting for Better Treatment at Work Is Always Worth It

• 💻 Tech Layoffs in 2025: The Human Cost of an AI-Driven Future

• 💼 Employees Are ‘Rattled’—And Ready to Quit

❤️ Is AI More Empathetic Than Your Employees?

Read the full 1,034-word article here

AI might be outcompeting humans in something unexpected: empathy.

Allstate, an insurance company, is using OpenAI's GPT models to handle customer claims communications, and the results are surprising. AI-crafted emails, have reportedly improved interactions, making customers feel more understood.

Not everyone is convinced, though. While Allstate is pushing full steam ahead, other insurers like Nationwide argue that human agents still provide the best empathy.

Key Takeaways:

• 🤝 AI might be the kinder communicator – Allstate’s AI-generated emails remove jargon, ensuring messages are clearer and more empathetic than human-written ones.

• ✍️ Claims agents no longer draft emails – AI writes the majority of Allstate’s 50,000 daily claims emails, with human agents only reviewing for accuracy.

• 🏆 AI assumes the best in customers – Unlike frustrated human reps, AI gives customers the "benefit of the doubt," neutralizing tense interactions with a calm, understanding tone.

• 📊 AI is gaining ground in decision-making – A study found GPT-4 outperformed human analysts in predicting earnings, highlighting AI’s growing role beyond customer service.

💪🏽 Why Fighting for Better Treatment at Work Is Always Worth It

Watch the full 57-min episode here

HR pros know that building a great workplace isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. But how often do we stop to ask: Are we really creating environments where employees feel valued, heard, and supported?

In this episode of I Hate It Here, host Hebba Yousef sits down with Torin Ellis, a talent strategist and DEI expert, to unpack the biggest challenges facing HR today. From bias in hiring and AI’s role in recruitment to the impact of transparency on trust, this conversation is a must-listen for HR leaders looking to drive real change.

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders:

• 👥 Employees are more than job titles – Understanding their full story leads to stronger teams, higher engagement, and better leadership decisions.

• 🤖 AI in HR: A tool, not a threat – AI can reduce bias in hiring if implemented thoughtfully, but it can also reinforce inequalities if left unchecked.

• 💬 Transparency drives retention – Clear, honest communication about company decisions—especially layoffs and AI integration—builds trust and stability.

• 🚀 Reskilling should be proactive, not reactive – The best HR teams are preparing employees now for the shifts AI and automation will bring.

💻💔 Tech Layoffs in 2025: The Human Cost of an AI-Driven Future

Read the full 1,182-word article here

The tech industry’s favorite buzzword used to be innovation. Now, it’s optimization—and that optimization is costing thousands of jobs!

Behind every "strategic restructuring" is a story: a security analyst blindsided after years of stellar performance, a communications specialist left explaining job loss to his child, and an HR professional now firing the very people she once welcomed.

As AI takes center stage, a disturbing pattern emerges—workers are no longer underperforming, just unnecessary.

Key Takeaways:

• 🚨 Layoffs in 2025 aren’t just numbers, they’re lives – Thousands of tech workers have been abruptly fired, some with little warning or explanation.

• 🤖 "Performance-based cuts" mask AI-driven job losses – Even high performers are being let go as companies shift toward automation and AI-powered solutions.

• ⚖️ HR teams are caught in the crossfire – Once responsible for building company culture, HR professionals now deliver the devastating news of mass layoffs.

• 🏢 Tech’s loyalty is to AI, not employees – Companies are slashing human jobs while investing in AI, proving that efficiency often comes at a human cost.

💼 Employees Are ‘Rattled’—And Ready to Quit

Read the full 773-word article here

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed a shift in the workplace lately. People aren’t exactly thriving, but they’re not totally burned out either. They’re just… there. Doing the work, but feeling pretty meh about it.

Turns out, the latest ADP survey just put a name to it: Rattled.

Key Takeaways:

• 😵‍💫 Over half of workers feel ‘rattled’ – These employees are disengaged, neither thriving nor overwhelmed, and 51% are considering quitting.

• 🔥 Engagement fuels retention – Employees who feel connected to their teams and have autonomy in their work are more likely to stay productive and loyal.

• 🚪 Rigid workplaces push workers away – Companies that micromanage or limit flexibility risk losing employees to organizations that offer more freedom and trust.

• 🏆 Great teams are rare but powerful – Fewer than 20% of workers say they’ve worked on a truly outstanding team, highlighting the need for better leadership.