AI is becoming an integral tool for HR professionals, with 65% of them using it compared to 45% of the general workforce. It is mainly used for recruiting, generating job descriptions, and screening applicants. AI tools are also effective for performance management and skills assessments, offering HR departments new ways to manage their workforce.

Tech-enabled HR projects often fail due to unclear goals, underestimating the scope of change, poor governance and ineffective communication, writes Trevor Dunne. To clarify goals, the first step is to align the primary desired outcomes with the overall strategy and vision, writes Dunne.

Health care workers face rising workplace violence, with 82% of nurses reporting incidents in the past year, per a National Nurses United survey. AI can predict and prevent violence by analyzing patient histories and real-time behavior, and HR can lead in implementing AI by developing policies and training to ensure safety and compliance, writes Aaron Teitelbaum.

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Chatbots such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT and Grok differ in their capacity to help job hunters, writes John Brandon based on his experience researching each one. Grok outperformed the others by finding more listings and providing accurate information, Brandon writes.

Employers often face competing pressures as federal and state lawmakers race to regulate AI. Several state laws will take effect in 2026, including the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act and Illinois' AI in hiring law. Jenn Betts of Ogletree Deakins and Niloy Ray of Littler advise HR to set up internal governance programs to navigate the patchwork of regulations, emphasizing the need for flexibility and pragmatism.

Corporate support for women's career advancement is declining, with only half of companies prioritizing it, according to the "Women in the Workplace 2025" report from LeanIn.org and McKinsey. This has led to a significant ambition gap, as women receive less sponsorship and manager advocacy than men, particularly at entry and senior levels.

Young professionals in the US are increasingly using AI as a "helpful collaborator," according to a Google Workspace survey. The study finds 92% feel more confident in their skills due to AI, and 72% have used it to answer questions they were hesitant to ask colleagues. However, 92% also want more personalized AI to improve efficiency, reflecting a shift in expectations from one-size-fits-all solutions.