Each week, the Tomorrowist team publishes a video podcast and a deep-dive article on a single important trend facing businesses. But business leaders need a holistic view of the changing business landscape. Here are a few stories from around the web focused on other Tomorrowist-worthy trends that readers shouldn’t miss.
Measles Vaccination Rates Are Plummeting Across the US (Time)
What to Know: A new Johns Hopkins University study found that 78% of U.S. counties analyzed saw declines in child MMR vaccination rates compared to pre-pandemic numbers, with average child vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella falling below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
Why It Matters: Falling vaccination rates among children reflect a sharp rise in vaccine skepticism that intensified during the pandemic. For employers, this raises the risk of measles outbreaks that could disrupt schools and child care, increase employee absenteeism, and affect business continuity.
Why It’s So Hard to Make a Reliable Self-Driving Car (Bloomberg)
What to Know: Autonomous vehicle development has stalled for many players, with companies such as GM, Apple, and Ford scaling back efforts due to high costs, safety concerns, and regulatory challenges. Tesla and several Chinese firms continue to push forward, but full autonomy remains years away.
Why It Matters: The stalled progress of fully autonomous vehicles underscores the risks of overinvesting in emerging technologies. Credibility, not just innovation, is on the line. HR leaders must stay closely aligned with business operations and technology timelines, helping manage workforce expectations and guard against internal disillusionment when innovation outpaces delivery.
Why Is Hail Getting So Big? (The Wall Street Journal)
What to Know: The largest hail study in U.S. history is underway to better understand how massive hailstones form and how to improve forecasts. Researchers say climate change may lead to fewer hailstorms — but with larger, more destructive hail that could worsen the current $35 billion in annual insured losses.
Why It Matters: As extreme weather events grow more intense, so does employee anxiety about climate change. HR professionals and people managers should recognize that these events can impact more than physical safety and business continuity. Transparent communication and flexible planning can help build trust and resilience in a workforce increasingly affected by environmental instability.
Geopolitical Shifts Drive Increased Investment in Emerging Technologies Across Europe (Forbes)
What to Know: Despite misconceptions, Europe’s emerging technologies are not falling behind. European artificial intelligence adoption rates were comparable to the U.S. as early as 2020 — though most tools came from U.S. providers, and top startups often relocated or were acquired. Now, geopolitical concerns are pushing Europe to invest in its own capabilities.
Why It Matters: As Europe builds its AI and automation ecosystems, HR leaders should prepare for increased competition amid the global talent mismatch, stricter data localization rules, and shifting innovation hubs. Those looking to expand AI use or develop cross-border partnerships should pay attention to Europe’s growing ambitions in generative AI, automation, and language tech.
An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.
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