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.
AI Has Added $160 Billion to 'True GDP' Since 2022, Goldman Sachs Says. There's Just One problem: That’s Not Official (Fortune)
What to Know: Goldman Sachs research found that artificial intelligence infrastructure spending has boosted "true GDP," the inflation adjusted measure of an economy's gross domestic product, by $160 billion since 2022. That equates to about 0.7% of U.S. GDP, though only $45 billion is reflected in official government statistics. Most AI-driven economic growth remains invisible in standard measures, despite a $400 billion surge in U.S. firm investments.
Where to Focus: Gains from AI are often difficult to measure. For HR, the same challenge applies: Both AI systems and investments in upskilling employees with AI skills are hard to evaluate, making it difficult to prove ROI. By staying current on the most effective evidence-based approaches, leaders can make smarter decisions about their next talent and HR tech investments.
Why the Increase in Long-Term Unemployed People Is a Growing Problem (Inc.)
What to Know: As of August 2025, over 1.9 million U.S. workers have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more, which is double the figure from early 2023. Long-term unemployed workers now account for a quarter of all job seekers, a level typically seen only during periods of economic turmoil.
Where to Focus: Persistent long-term unemployment signals a stagnating labor market, with fewer new positions and increased hiring hesitancy. HR leaders need to confront bias against candidates with employment gaps, create inclusive infrastructure for untapped talent, and be willing to invest in otherwise strong candidates who may lack some of the AI or tech skills now in demand.
Startup Working to Bring Back Dodo Bird Raises $120 Million (Bloomberg)
What to Know: Colossal Biosciences has raised $120 million in new funding, bringing its total to $555 million and its valuation to $10.3 billion. The company expects to resurrect the extinct dodo bird within five to seven years, following recent breakthroughs in avian cell science.
Where to Focus: Colossal's push toward de-extinction introduces new ESG risks for employers. If science can “undo” ecological loss, regulators and boards may grow comfortable with greater environmental trade-offs. With Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) and Millennial (born between 1981 and 1996) talent increasingly weighing sustainability in job selection, a “science will fix it” stance could erode efforts to attract talent from these groups. HR leaders will need clear messaging and engagement strategies that align values with action to preserve trust as the definition of “responsible growth” shifts.
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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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