Blog

In this edition of The Wrap, Mike Wood reflects on the growing disconnect between corporate leaders, politicians, and everyday workers. Amid rising layoffs, stagnant wages, and performative corporate values, the middle class continues to erode, leaving many just scraping by. But rather than giving up, Mike calls for empathy, accountability, and collective action to rebuild trust and push for real change. Plus, a round-up of top stories in hiring, AI, and workplace culture.

If your company still lacks a clear mental health strategy, you're already behind the curve. With 90% of employers planning to increase their mental health investment, wellbeing is now a business priority, not just a perk. A strong strategy anchored in leadership, policy, training, and benefits boosts retention, engagement, and performance. The longer you wait, the more trust, talent, and productivity you risk losing.

Aetna is exiting the ACA individual market by 2026, affecting 1 million members across 17 states, many of which are healthcare hiring hotspots. This shift could create major disruptions during open enrollment, strain employee retention, and raise concerns among job candidates. HR and TA leaders in healthcare must act now by reviewing benefits strategies, strengthening internal communications, and investing in referral programs to maintain trust and workforce stability.

Kohl’s CEO Ashley Buchanan was abruptly terminated following an internal investigation revealing vendor deals tied to a romantic partner—highlighting serious ethical lapses. While investors reacted positively, the incident underscores broader issues of leadership accountability, vendor transparency, and corporate culture. This shake-up serves as a powerful reminder: true brand integrity starts with ethical leadership behind the scenes.

This AAPI Heritage Month, Goody is spotlighting AAPI-owned brands through its smart gifting platform, helping over 15,000 companies create meaningful, inclusive moments of appreciation. With features like no address needed, gift recipient choice, and seamless HR integration, Goody makes thoughtful gifting effortless. From employee recognition to client appreciation, Goody supports everyday connection while aligning values with action.

Survale has acquired the CandE Research and Awards Program from ERE Media, marking a major shift in how candidate experience is measured and improved. By combining CandE’s respected benchmarking data with Survale’s real-time feedback technology, this move creates a unified solution for talent acquisition teams. The acquisition strengthens global insights, enhances transparency in hiring, and brings new leadership—including Kevin Grossman and Ron Machamer—into the Survale team. It’s a powerful step toward more human, data-driven recruitment.

Gallup reports nearly half of working women feel daily stress—significantly more than men—and it's not just about workload, but the invisible responsibilities they shoulder. This stress gap isn’t just a wellness issue—it’s a workplace crisis. Burnout, biased promotion paths, and unsupported “progressive” policies are pushing women out. The solution isn’t surface-level; it’s systemic: real flexibility, inclusive leadership, and cultures that support—not sideline—working women. If companies want to retain and empower women, it’s time to stop the lip service and start real change.

Gallup’s latest report reveals a staggering $9.6 trillion in potential productivity gains if global employee engagement reaches its full potential—yet only 21% of employees are engaged today. This isn’t just a culture issue; it’s a bottom-line business problem. Engaged employees stay longer, perform better, and attract talent. Talent Acquisition plays a critical role, serving as the entry point to engagement.

Manager burnout is hitting crisis levels—engagement is down, especially among young and female leaders, and it’s costing businesses $438 billion in lost productivity. Gallup’s latest report shows how overwhelmed managers are impacting everything from culture to hiring. The takeaway? HR and TA teams must stop treating manager support as an afterthought. Real training, mental health check-ins, and lighter admin loads are non-negotiable. It’s time to treat managers as the strategic drivers they truly are.

RecFest USA returns to Nashville on October 15–16, 2025, with four powerhouse stages over two days. From bold ideas to real-world lessons and future-ready tech, this is the go-to event for anyone in talent acquisition. Come for the insight—leave with momentum.

Discover why hiring managers are key to long-term retention in this upcoming webinar from SmartRecruiters and Verified First. Join industry experts as they explore the role of data, automation, and candidate experience in building stronger, more engaged teams from day one.

Humareso Technology Solutions (HTS) has launched a powerful HR tech platform that combines performance management, employee engagement, and leadership development into one seamless tool. With features like continuous feedback and real-time insights, HTS is designed to improve workplace experiences and help teams thrive.

With national turnover rates nearing 47%, the mental health impact on remaining employees is impossible to ignore. High turnover leads to increased stress, burnout, low morale, and isolation—affecting team culture and well-being. But there are solutions: transparent communication, stronger support systems, workload management, and meaningful mental health initiatives can help protect employees and restore workplace stability. Now more than ever, prioritizing people is essential to retaining talent and building a resilient organization.

The countdown is on for the ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit, happening April 29–30 in Las Vegas—and the HR Morning Show team is hitting the stage. Joel Lalgee, Danielle Farage, and Clark Willcox will be sharing bold, practical strategies on video, storytelling, and proactive recruiting. With over 20 sessions, hands-on workshops, and can’t-miss networking events, RIS is more than a conference—it’s a full-on talent acquisition experience. Don’t miss your chance to learn, connect, and rethink the future of hiring.

This blog sheds light on the overlooked link between fair compensation and employee mental health. Drawing from real-life conversations and research, it highlights how being overworked and underpaid can erode wellbeing, motivation, and retention. It explores why financial security is essential for employee flourishing and calls on leaders to rethink their compensation strategies as a vital part of mental health support.

AI is transforming HR leadership, giving rise to a new role: the CH-AI-RO (Chief AI Resources Officer). Unlike traditional CHROs, these leaders blend AI-driven insights with human-centric strategies to revolutionize talent acquisition, workforce analytics, and employee experience. As AI continues to shape HR processes, the CH-AI-RO ensures ethical implementation, enhances decision-making, and keeps people at the heart of the transformation. Is your organization ready to embrace this AI-powered future?

LinkedIn is more than just a place to connect—it's your stage to stand out, build trust, and command higher recruitment fees. When you consistently share insightful, relevant, and authentic content tailored to your niche, you establish yourself as a go-to expert in your space. That visibility and credibility don’t just attract the right clients and candidates—they increase your perceived value. And when people see you as a trusted advisor instead of just another recruiter, they’re willing to pay a premium for what you bring to the table.

Toxic workplaces, bad bosses, and constant pressure are fueling a mental health crisis that extends far beyond the office. This blog explores how role conflict, lack of support, and negative environments impact employees’ relationships, wellbeing, and mental health. The good news? By prioritizing positive workplace cultures and mental health, companies can create environments where people—and businesses—thrive.

Snappy and ERIN have partnered to transform employee referral programs by combining ERIN’s powerful referral automation with Snappy’s personalized gifting platform. This seamless integration allows HR teams to instantly reward employees for successful referrals, boosting engagement and strengthening workplace culture. By automating recognition, the partnership makes employee referrals more rewarding, scalable, and effortless—helping companies drive more hires and reduce turnover.

Transform 2025 wrapped up with an unforgettable Golden Ticket Giveaway, celebrating the People and HR community in style. Congratulations to Allison H., VP of People at Hudl, who took home the $17,500 prize package, including VIP access to Transform 2026, luxury perks, and exclusive community recognition. The energy was electric as leaders like Peter Phelan, AJ Thomas, and Samara Jaffe made it a moment to remember. A perfect finale to an event dedicated to connection, celebration, and championing people-first leadership.

Rippling has filed a lawsuit accusing Deel of corporate espionage, alleging that a Rippling employee was recruited to steal sensitive data like sales leads and pricing. Rippling claims it confirmed the scheme using a “honeypot” Slack trap and seized the employee's phone during an investigation. Deel denies the allegations, calling them a distraction from Rippling’s own legal troubles. This high-stakes case could have major implications for data security, ethics, and competition in the HR tech industry.

In today’s digital world, your content strategy is just as crucial as your sales strategy—especially in recruiting. This blog explores how aligning both can help you target your top 20 accounts, strengthen relationships, and drive business growth. By leveraging LinkedIn, creating tailored content, and personalizing your approach, you position yourself as a trusted partner and industry expert. The key takeaway? Content is sales—treat it with the same focus, and watch your recruiting success soar.

Job satisfaction isn't just about workplace happiness—it’s the foundation of a thriving organization. Satisfied employees experience better mental and physical health, drive productivity, and contribute to a strong workplace culture. High job satisfaction also reduces turnover and directly impacts customer satisfaction. However, many companies still overlook its importance, especially in high-stress industries like tech. As workplace well-being becomes a growing priority, businesses that invest in mental health and employee satisfaction will be the ones that retain talent, boost performance, and secure long-term success.

A great headline is the key to stopping the scroll and drawing readers in. Instead of stressing over the perfect headline upfront, focus on writing, your best headline often reveals itself in the process. As you craft your content, look for a standout line that captures the heart of your message, refine it, and move it to the top. A strong headline is clear, specific, and promises value, setting the stage for engagement. Want more impact? Keep writing, let the words flow, and let your best headlines emerge naturally.

Traditional performance reviews are outdated, stressful, and ineffective. Many companies are now shifting to continuous performance management, which integrates real-time feedback, strategic 1:1s, and ongoing employee development. Humareso Technology Solutions (HTS) is leading this transformation with automated check-ins, seamless feedback integration, and leadership development tools that create a more engaging, data-driven approach to performance management. Companies embracing this shift see higher engagement, lower turnover, and stronger business outcomes. It’s time to ditch outdated reviews and adopt a performance strategy that actually works.

Adam Posner is heading to Transform 2025 to lead real conversations on the future of talent acquisition. From candidate experience and AI in hiring to employer branding, he’s covering it all. Catch him on the Main Stage, live at the Greenhouse booth, and The HR Morning Show Special Edition. Follow along for insights that will shape the future of hiring!

HR technology is advancing rapidly, but is it truly improving the workplace experience? Aspect43, the HR Technology Research Division of JumpStartHR Consultants, is tackling this question in their latest State of HRTech survey. By gathering insights from HR professionals, business leaders, and employees, the survey aims to uncover whether HR tech is solving real problems or creating new ones.

Strong relationships, both personal and professional, are key to success, yet even CEOs struggle to build and maintain them. Research shows that the quality of our relationships directly impacts our happiness, workplace engagement, and performance. When leaders model healthy connections and employees feel supported, collaboration, trust, and creativity thrive. Whether it’s fostering friendships at work, improving communication, or prioritizing emotional intelligence, investing in meaningful relationships isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for long-term success.

Join PeopleInsight by HireRoad on March 13 at 12 PM ET for a free virtual course, “Putting Talent Data & Analytics to Work for You.” Led by Nikolina Osland, this session will cover how to collect, analyze, and apply talent data to improve hiring and retention. Part of the Technology Strategist Certification Program by TAtech & Talent Collective, this course is designed to help TA professionals maximize recruitment insights.

Rep My Rec is a fresh, engaging segment on The HR Morning Show that gives hiring managers, recruiters, and company leaders a platform to showcase their open roles in a way that goes beyond boring job descriptions. Instead of relying on corporate jargon, this live feature allows employers to pitch their roles in an authentic, engaging way—bringing company culture to life and attracting the right talent.

Expanding into new industries might seem like a solution when business slows down, but it often creates more problems than it solves. Specialization is what sets top recruiting agencies apart. Deep expertise, strong client relationships, and an established network give you a competitive edge that can’t be replicated by simply adding new roles to your portfolio. Refine your niche, invest in training, and position yourself as the go-to expert in your field.

Positive psychology in the workplace focuses on strengths, collaboration, and what’s already working well to drive success. Employees who use their strengths daily perform better, and teams with a positive culture are more engaged and productive. By fostering supportive environments, leveraging strengths, and encouraging growth, organizations can create workplaces where people thrive.

Struggling to connect with others who think differently? Whether in work, personal life, or wellness, collaboration strengthens relationships and mindset. By setting clear expectations, understanding work styles, and offering feedback, you create trust and mutual growth. Simple shifts, like managing reactions and celebrating progress, turn challenges into meaningful partnerships. When we work together, we grow together.

Many TA teams struggle to connect ATS data across systems and extract meaningful insights. In this live webinar, top HR and TA leaders will share how they’ve transformed recruitment analytics using Greenhouse and PeopleInsight by HireRoad to optimize hiring strategies.

Marketing for recruiting isn’t just about leads, it’s about building trust, engaging top talent, and driving real placements. Without a deep understanding of the industry, marketing efforts can waste time, budget, and opportunities. The right strategy focuses on candidate experience, client relationships, and targeted outreach, ensuring every effort aligns with hiring goals.

Finding meaning at work isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for mental well-being and job satisfaction. Whether it’s aligning your career with a calling, living out your values, or engaging in work that positively impacts others, purpose-driven work leads to greater fulfillment. But barriers like unsupportive leadership and misaligned values can make it challenging. This blog explores practical ways to infuse meaning into your career, helping both individuals and leaders create a more engaged, motivated workforce.

Traditional marketers often focus on generating leads and signing agreements, but in recruiting, success isn’t measured by paperwork—it’s about placements that turn into paid invoices. A signed contract means nothing if the role remains unfilled. Recruiting agencies must prioritize a fillable pipeline by qualifying roles carefully, educating marketers on the hiring process, and aligning marketing strategies with real recruiting goals. Without this understanding, time and money are wasted on leads that don’t convert. The key? Focus on placements, not just promises.

Being a working mom isn’t about achieving perfect balance, it’s about embracing the ebb and flow of life with grace. Instead of chasing an impossible ideal, focus on prioritizing what truly matters, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion. Let go of perfection, lean on your support system, and give yourself permission to navigate motherhood and career with flexibility. The goal isn’t balance, it’s harmony in the chaos.

The role of the CHRO is evolving from HR management to strategic business leadership. With growing workforce challenges, Josh Bersin’s new Research & Advisory Service equips HR leaders with exclusive insights, benchmarking, and expert guidance to navigate change and drive innovation. As HR becomes a key player in business transformation, staying informed and proactive is essential for shaping the future of work.

Workplace mental health stigma can hold employees back, just like it did for Sara, who struggled with social anxiety in a highly social work culture. To create a supportive workplace, companies must share real employee stories, promote EAP programs, invest in mental health education, host leadership panels, and launch awareness campaigns. When businesses prioritize mental well-being, employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered to thrive.

Workday’s new Agent System of Record streamlines AI oversight, ensuring efficiency, security, and compliance in HR and finance operations. With AI agents for payroll, contract management, and auditing, businesses can automate tasks, reduce manual work, and customize AI solutions through Workday Extend. This move positions Workday as a leader in AI-powered business management.

Unlock the power of LinkedIn by combining daily outreach with engaging content. The first two weeks after connecting are crucial for visibility—post consistently to stay top of mind. Focus on relevance over virality, share industry insights, and start meaningful conversations to build trust and grow your influence.

We’ve all been there, staring at a task we know we need to do, yet somehow, we just can’t start. That invisible force? Mental resistance. The good news? You can break through it by breaking tasks into steps, setting realistic deadlines, and shifting your mindset. Stop letting hesitation stall your progress, discover proven techniques to overcome procrastination and take action today!

Sales Navigator helps convert LinkedIn profile views into warm leads by identifying silent followers. By posting valuable content, tracking engagement, and sending personalized messages, you can turn curiosity into meaningful connections, boosting response rates and business growth.

Enterprise hiring relies on data, yet referrals often lack visibility and engagement. ERIN’s Enterprise Dashboards, custom reporting, and automated insights give HR and TA leaders the tools to optimize hiring with predictive trends, ROI tracking, and a seamless referral experience. With scheduled reports, real-time data, and an upgraded referral process, enterprises can unlock top talent faster and smarter than ever before.

Purple Acorn redefined the webinar experience with The ERIN Effect Live, transforming traditional HR events into engaging, high-production broadcasts. Featuring real-time audience interaction and data-driven insights, the event showcased ERIN’s 2024 Employee Referrals White Paper, highlighting key hiring trends and automation’s impact.

Attract more clients in 2025 by understanding why they choose you and using content to build trust before the first call. This blog explores how strategic content can pre-qualify leads, shorten discovery calls, and strengthen client relationships. Let your content do the heavy lifting—start creating today!

Jumpstart HR has acquired Aspect43, expanding its capabilities in HR technology insights and advisory services. The acquisition ensures the continuation of key research initiatives, including the February 20th launch of subscription programs. This move strengthens support for HR tech vendors, investors, and business leaders, driving innovation and strategic decision-making in the industry.

Is your LinkedIn profile working for you or against you? In 2025, standing out on LinkedIn means getting specific, showcasing your expertise, and actively engaging with your network. This blog breaks down how to craft a powerful profile—from writing a compelling headline to leveraging endorsements and recommendations. Discover the strategies to make LinkedIn your secret weapon for business growth and unlock new opportunities.

Keith Sonderling has been named the new Deputy Secretary of Labor, bringing a strong background in employment law and workplace innovation. His leadership will focus on AI compliance, streamlined labor regulations, and inclusive hiring practices—key areas that will impact businesses nationwide. This blog explores what his appointment means for employers and how companies can stay ahead of evolving labor policies.

How’s your mental wellness journey going? This blog explores the importance of starting the year with a focus on mental health and resetting digital habits. Discover tips for mastering mindful media consumption, like setting boundaries, curating your feed, and embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO). Prioritize mental wellness by balancing your online and offline worlds for a healthier, more intentional year.

A toxic work culture is a top reason employees leave, making well-being, autonomy, and connection essential for retention. Organizations that empower employees, foster growth, and prioritize mental health create happier, more engaged workplaces with stronger long-term success.

Mental health is taking center stage in 2025, and Mike shares insights on creating a supportive workplace. Our latest blog highlights five key trends, from the hybrid work debate and addressing Gen Z loneliness to integrating AI and training leaders on mental health. Learn how businesses can revamp support systems like EAPs and foster a mentally healthy workplace.

Unlock the power of marketing tactics to elevate your talent acquisition strategy. This blog delves into how techniques like employer branding, content marketing, and targeted advertising can enhance visibility, engage top talent, and drive candidate conversions. Learn how to build a strong employer brand, connect with niche talent pools, and measure success through key recruitment metrics in today’s competitive landscape.

Discover how social media can transform your recruiting strategy in our latest blog. From building engagement to converting followers into hires, this post explores the importance of authenticity, consistent branding, and having a solid plan for success.

Discover the benefits of pet-friendly workplaces in our latest blog. From boosting productivity to reducing stress, allowing pets in the office can improve employee engagement, health, and team cohesion. Whether it's a full pet policy or occasional visits, incorporating furry friends into your workplace could be a game-changer.

Are bad clients holding you back? This blog dives into the importance of letting go of toxic client relationships to unlock your full potential. Learn how to spot red flags, set clear boundaries, and transition gracefully while maintaining your professionalism. Break free, take control of your time, and pave the way for a more rewarding and successful career.

Transform your brand with story-based advertising that captivates and connects. Inspired by the brilliance of Factory Made, this blog explores how compelling narratives can elevate your brand’s message. At Purple Acorn, we specialize in crafting fully scripted, TV-ready campaigns that blend humor, heart, and strategy to engage audiences and drive results. Discover how we can bring your story to life and make your brand unforgettable.

Discover the key to modern recruiting: aligning talent with passion. This blog explores how recruiters can go beyond traditional qualifications like skills and experience to match candidates with roles that fulfill their purpose. From in-depth interviews to personality assessments and realistic job previews, learn actionable strategies for creating meaningful placements that benefit both employees and employers. Unlock the future of job placement by mastering the art of passion-driven recruiting.

Struggling to stand out in the crowded world of LinkedIn messaging? This blog dives into why generic, mass outreach fails and offers actionable tips for crafting thoughtful, tailored messages that foster genuine client relationships. Learn how to leverage your network, personalize your approach, and focus on long-term connections to turn cold messages into meaningful opportunities.

Discover how Purple Acorn uses storytelling to transform brands into unforgettable experiences. Featuring the 6-episode comedy series Living Wage, this blog explores how fully branded, scripted content blends humour, heart, and creativity to entertain while amplifying a brand’s message. Learn why story-based advertising is the future of marketing.

Podcast advertising delivers an impressive 4.2x ROAS, outperforming traditional media like TV and print. With loyal audiences, authentic messaging, and precise targeting, podcasts offer a powerful way to boost ad performance. Discover why podcast ads are a game-changer and how to maximize their impact for your brand.

This year has been marked by significant layoffs, with major companies like Tesla, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and PepsiCo all implementing large-scale job cuts. If you want to trim your company’s fat, cut costs, keep investors satisfied, and stay in business, layoffs are often the first step… but are they always justified? Of course not, but they’re a harsh reality of running a business — and they’re not all created equal.

Feeling overwhelmed by crisis after crisis? Positive psyhcology might have the key to helping you through tough times. In this newsletter, I focus on embracing optimism and how to navigate through tough times with resilience. And understanding how postivity is more than just a buzzword.

In today's workplace, wellbeing has become the new "currency", evolving from basic benefits to a focus on happiness, purpose and growth, key for attracting and retaining talent in a modern worforce.

LinkedIn feels to me like an early 20th-century cocktail party

Life was good and full of promise and wonder at all we could do. But as we move towards the close of 2024, I'm looking around wondering what happened.

Maximizing productivity is about streamlining processes, leveraging technology, and fostering a clear path for growth. Here’s how you can ensure your recruiters are using the best tools and techniques to reach their full potential.

Flexible work is here to stay, but there's a major challenge affecting workers: loneliness. In this newsletter, I’m sharing some powerful stats and practical solutions to help tackle this issue in the workplace.

One of the biggest challenges recruiters face is crafting messaging that actually gets replies. The amount of poor messaging I see from recruiters—even those billing a decent amount, sometimes half a million dollars a year or more, or even internal teams—is staggering. 

One of the biggest challenges recruiters face is crafting messaging that actually gets replies. The amount of poor messaging I see from recruiters—even those billing a decent amount, sometimes half a million dollars a year or more, or even internal teams—is staggering. 

I'm a little late to the recaps on LinkedIn, but last week marked my 10th trip to HR Tech.

LinkedIn is a goldmine for recruiters. Job seekers are on here looking actively or passively for their next role. If you're an agency recruiter, hiring managers are posting jobs on here and trying to figure out how to leverage LinkedIn for hiring and reduce job board spend.

This week's Wrap features a cloud company (Amazon) demanding on-premise employees, Workday releasing AI agents for everything, a new report from Aptitude Research , grounding from Mary Faulkner, tips for HR Tech, and an oral history of the Titanic. Enjoy!

RecFest gladly breaks that mold. First of all, you are outside. Second, while other events can consist of just vendors speaking to vendors, this brings together the talent community to authentically share best practices and move the talent acquisition function forward together

The Wrap is partnering with Purple Acorn Network to bring Mike Wood's newsletter to our audience. Each Friday, look for a blog post from Mike about the latest industry releases, news, and commentary on what it means.

A new report published by Hackajob is shining an important light on women in the tech industry.

If your organization is serious about retaining and promoting diverse talent, then inclusion must be woven into the fabric of your company culture. It’s not enough to bring diverse employees into the fold; you must create an environment where they can thrive.

Yes, we’re talking about cannabis.