The future of work is changing fast. Future Focus cuts through the noise with three trends each week that matter most to HR and business leaders. When everything else is in flux, stay focused with Future Focus.
‘Unrestrained’ Chinese Cyberattackers May Have Stolen Data from Almost Every American (The New York Times)
What to Know: The coordinated cyberattack known as Salt Typhoon infiltrated major telecommunications, government, transportation, lodging, and military networks across more than 80 countries. With operations linked to Chinese intelligence agencies since at least 2019, U.S. officials say the attack may have compromised data from nearly every American.
Where to Focus: Salt Typhoon marks a significant escalation in global cyber risk. The sustained cyberattack directly impacts workforce privacy, posing a significant risk to business continuity. HR leaders must prioritize cybersecurity awareness training and incident response planning, as sensitive personal and business data — including communications and travel records — are increasingly vulnerable.
Trump Administration’s Cuts to Harvard Funding Are Unconstitutional, Judge Rules (The Wall Street Journal)
What to Know: A federal judge ruled that the government improperly cut off $2.2 billion of Harvard University’s research funding. The ruling ordered restoration of the funds and blocked further retaliation over free speech or diversity-related issues. The Trump administration plans to appeal, and Harvard’s future eligibility for federal grants remains uncertain.
Where to Focus: This ruling has big implications for HR leaders in higher education. While the immediate case concerns Harvard’s funding, the precedent could shape how federal agencies interact with universities on issues of diversity, governance, and free speech. For HR teams, that means monitoring closely for ripple effects that could influence compliance requirements, grant-supported hiring, and workforce stability across the sector.
Amazon’s Strict RTO Policy Is Costing It Top Tech Talent, According to Internal Document and Insiders (Business Insider)
What to Know: Amazon’s strict five-day in-office policy and requirement to relocate near designated “hub” offices are hampering its ability to recruit high-demand tech talent, especially those with generative AI skills. Internal documents and recruiter accounts show increased candidate declines and higher poaching rates by competitors like Oracle.
Where to Focus: For HR leaders, Amazon’s approach underscores the risks of rigid return-to-office (RTO) mandates and the need to balance in-person expectations with flexibility to remain competitive. Research also shows that remote work isn’t going away — and employees increasingly expect flexibility to be part of the deal. Therefore, companies should assess how location mandates and RTO policies may affect their ability to secure critical skills and maintain workforce stability.
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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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