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.
What to Know About the New COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1
What to Know: China has seen a spike in cases involving the new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has also surfaced in several U.S. states. While early data suggests the variant doesn’t cause more severe illness than other variants, it spreads easily and has prompted renewed global monitoring.
Why It Matters: NB.1.8.1 is a reminder that pandemic disruptions aren’t fully behind us. For HR and operations leaders, this variant reinforces the need for agile sick leave policies, clear vaccine communication plans, and flexible work arrangements — especially as vaccine guidance shifts.
A Swiss Village Is Buried After a Glacier Collapses in the Alps
What to Know: The Swiss village of Blatten was destroyed after a rare advancing glacier collapsed, sending millions of cubic yards of ice and rock into the valley. Though scientists had warned of instability due to climate change-driven rockfalls, the full-scale collapse exceeded expectations.
Why It Matters: This disaster serves as a stark reminder that the effects of climate change aren’t limited to heat waves or hurricanes — they can destabilize glaciers, shift rainfall patterns, and disrupt entire ecosystems. HR and operations leaders should take note and be prepared to support employees as climate anxiety escalates.
Victoria’s Secret Shuts Down Its Website and Some In-Store Services Due to a ‘Security Incident’
What to Know: Victoria’s Secret took down its U.S. website and paused some in-store services due to a “security incident,” widely suspected to be a cyberattack.
Why It Matters: Cyberattacks on retailers are rising, and the fallout can halt operations across digital and physical channels. HR professionals should proactively revisit internal protocols, employee access systems, and customer-facing continuity plans.
$14 Billion in U.S. Clean-Energy Projects Have Been Canceled or Delayed This Year
What to Know: Over $14 billion in U.S. clean-energy projects have been canceled or delayed in 2025, per analysis by E2 and Atlas Public Policy. Industry leaders cite uncertainty caused by President Trump’s proposed tax bill, which would gut clean-energy credits, threatening jobs and long-term investment.
Why It Matters: This disruption affects not only clean-energy firms but also the HR and operations leaders supporting them. With 10,000 new jobs already lost and more at risk, employers must reassess talent pipelines, site planning, and upskilling efforts — especially in states heavily invested in electric vehicles, batteries, or solar. HR leaders may need to focus on improving employee retention and reducing turnover in regions where projects stall.
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