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As we all prepare to wrap up our 2025 and head into 2026, we take a moment to reflect on some of the most important issues that have faced Human Resources professionals this year. It has been quite the year for everyone as we adjust to a new administration putting unprecedented policy changes in place. As you plan for the start of your next year, take time to listen to the key pieces of information The Team has prepared for you and keep listening in to keep up with the most important updates.

We wish everyone a happy holiday season for those who celebrate and well wishes into the New Year for everyone. Thank you for joining us this year and we'll see you back here in January!

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Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!

Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.

Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.

You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast

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Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.

The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

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This week on Hot Topics, the team touches on the following topics and more:

• Rolling layoffs are becoming more of a trend. Reducing the workforce 50 or fewer employees at a time could be a way for companies to save face and avoid reporting requirements. What are the implications of this on the remaining workforce? Studies show increases in anxiety are just the tip of the iceberg.
• Proximity bias - Does it show up in your workplace? The future of remote work starts with clarity and transparency to your employees.
• There’s a drastic rise in misalignment between employees and leadership. Are your leaders being clear about the values and expectations to their employees?
• The impact of banning pay history questions in the hiring process.
• Healthcare costs are projected to increase next year and will be difficult on companies and employees.
• People in lower socioeconomic ranges are feeling more disconnected than ever with their employers.
• People are turning to dating apps for professional uses…? What do you think for?
• Caregiving is becoming more and more of a barrier for people in their workplaces. How do they balance it and how does a company stay balanced across employees?
• Job hugging is reshaping our workforce. Hard jobs are in high demand and seeing a surge in applicants.
• The economy is creating turmoil for all levels of employees. There are a lot of areas of the workforce that are going to be facing challenges in this market and it’s important to be thinking ahead.

Support the show

Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!

Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.

Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.

You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast

Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!

Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.

The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

Send us a text

After an employee asks for an accommodation of working from home due to mold concerns, things get complicated. But in this instance, you'll see how important it was that the employer recorded all of their efforts taken along the way when they say that working from home is not a reasonable accommodation.

Follow along with the team as they review the important steps to take when it comes to ADA accommodations - making sure you don't get caught OVER accommodating.

Support the show

Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!

Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.

Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.

You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast

Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!

Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.

The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.