Despite growing concerns around automation and artificial intelligence, only 75 of the 20,000 technology-related layoffs cuts among US employers in the first six months of 2025 were explicitly attributed to AI, according to a Challenger, Gray & Christmas report. However, analysts suspect that companies may be categorizing AI-driven layoffs under broader terms like 'technological update,' possibly to avoid negative press. Survey data indicates that four in 10 employers expect to reduce staff as AI automates more tasks, but the true scale of AI-linked layoffs may be understated.
Employers are increasingly recognizing that employee well-being is crucial for business success, because happy and engaged employees are more productive and tend to stay longer. However, recent shifts in work practices, such as hybrid work models, have introduced new challenges that HR professionals must navigate. Data-driven insights are becoming vital in identifying and addressing wellness issues, allowing targeted interventions.
Employers consider health care coverage a top priority, with 88% of HR professionals rating it as extremely or very important, according to a Society for Human Resource Management survey, which also found 81% of employers consider retirement savings and leave benefits to be important. About three-fourths of employers plan to address rising health care costs by changing vendors, according to the survey.
Aim Transportation Solutions recently held an event at its Girard, Ohio, headquarters to introduce children to career opportunities in trucking, with a particular focus on encouraging girls to consider the industry. The event, organized in partnership with Women in Trucking, featured interactive experiences such as a truck driving simulator and safety videos. Aim employees shared their experiences, highlighting the stability and importance of trucking jobs.
We all want loyal team members, but when their performance begins to slip, it's time to have a meeting and give them specific examples, such as missed deadlines or mistakes that affect their quality of work, writes Alison Dunn from Deliberate Directions. Identify specific goals, offer support and allow them to talk about their feelings, but, Dunn notes, if they don't improve, it may be time for them to move on before their behavior begins to undermine the whole team.
My cousin and I were talking recently about her job search. She was considering electrician school, but wound up deciding against it. When I asked why -- I thought she would be great at it -- her answer surprised me.
“Male-dominated field,” she replied. “The money is great, but I don’t need the headache. Construction is a man’s world.”
I pushed back. “You belong wherever you want to be, cousin,” I said. “It’s a people world. If you don’t want to do it, don’t. But if the field interests you, I say go for it. You would be great at it, and if there’s any female who can hold her own in any environment, it’s you.”
Today’s Path to Workforce story talks about an event where young girls learned about trucking. Good for them! There’s terrific demand in this field, excellent money to be earned and the opportunity to be your own boss. Many young women want a situation exactly like this.
Thank God for those who went before us and broke barriers. Their courage forged new pathways. The professional world is better for their input and contributions.
Let’s continue what they started. Encourage folks to pursue -- or just explore! -- fields and roles they find interesting. Let’s stop using language that shuts down opportunity. The world belongs to those willing to step out into it.
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