Inbox culture, payroll untangled & RTO gets real - May 19, 2025

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Hey, HR Champs! 💪 International HR Day is tomorrow — a good time to spotlight our impact. Enter Inbox Culture: internal newsletters that foster connection, NOT clutter. We're leading with a sharper format that delivers what matters…

On today’s agenda:

• ✨ Why internal newsletters drive culture

• ⏰ Retirement clock is ticking for women…

• ↩️ Execs first: RTO strategy

• 📔 Deel’s PLAYBOOK to tackle payroll complexity

• 👀 HR tech watch: Workday Illuminate review

• 🤗 Level-raising remote communication tips

• 👇 Read on…

THE HR SPOTLIGHT

Inbox culture: Elevating communication with internal newsletters

Let’s be completely truthful — most internal newsletters are skimmed harder than the T&Cs. But what if your inbox wasn’t just a notification hub… but a culture-builder?

Why it matters:

• Gallagher’s recent State of the Sector report on communications cites that e-newsletters are 87﹪ effective as a communication channel in organizations.

• According to a Gallup report, effective communication fosters engagement, which increases team productivity by 25﹪ and employee retention by up to 4.5x.

HR’s next steps:

• Keep it human — Ditch the jargon. Talk like a person, not a policy manual.

• Make it snackable — Use bullets, subheads, and emojis (like these ✨📈🧩) to boost readability.

• Show what matters — Add real updates: wins, culture shoutouts, compliance reminders, events, and tech tools.

Hot sections to try (just take it direct from us 😉) :

• Culture & engagement tips 🌟

• News & compliance 🧾

• Helpful resources 📚

• Relevant events 📅

 💬 Read on and REPLY to let us know what you think of our updated template!

🏢 Execs First: The RTO Strategy - HR Brew

• What’s unfolding: Some companies are testing a “trickle-down” return-to-office (RTO) model: execs show up first, hoping the rest follow. Think: C-suite as office influencers.

• Why it matters: HR has been caught between exec mandates and employee pushback on RTO. HR can support this by helping leaders be more present, hosting in-office events, or gathering employee feedback on what would make office time more worthwhile.

• What’s unfolding: Despite being 7﹪ of the U.S. workforce, AAPI employees are often underrepresented in leadership and overlooked in DEI efforts. May is AAPI Heritage Month, but visibility remains an uphill battle.

• Why it matters: Representation gaps signal systemic blind spots. HR teams should dig into their own org data. Include AAPI voices in DEI strategies, don’t lump Asian identities together, and consider ERGs or mentorship programs.

• What’s unfolding: Economic uncertainty is spiking workplace stress. According to SHRM, nearly 40﹪ of U.S. workers say financial anxiety negatively affects their mental health and productivity.

• Why it matters: HR can’t control the economy, but they can provide buffers. Start with simple moves — like promoting perks or bringing in financial literacy workshops — to make employees feel more secure and supported.

Global payroll complexity? Here’s the playbook.

Managing global payroll shouldn’t mean juggling vendors and compliance risks. Deel, recognized in the Gartner® Market Guide for Multicountry Payroll Solutions, helps finance teams automate payments, standardize reporting, and stay compliant in 100+ countries. Get key insights from industry experts to future-proof your payroll strategy.

Download the Report

TREND WATCH

The retirement clock’s ticking louder for women…

Digesting the Data: Women are disproportionately affected by the recent hike in the Social Security retirement age. Due to career interruptions for caregiving responsibilities, many women accumulate fewer Social Security credits over their lifetimes. This results in reduced benefits, and with the retirement age increasing, the gap widens further. 

Outlook for HR: HR professionals must recognize the unique retirement planning challenges faced by female employees. By offering flexible work arrangements, financial planning resources, and targeted support, HR can help mitigate the long-term economic disparities caused by extended retirement age policies. Proactive engagement in these areas is essential to promote equity and support employee  well-being.

🔎 Dive deeper into the nuances of How the Retirement Age Hike Impacts Women »

COMPLIANCE CORNER

• What’s unfolding: With an uptick in ICE enforcement actions, HR pros are being urged to double-check their I-9 compliance and documentation processes. This includes preparing for audits and making sure employee records are squeaky clean.

• HR implications: Noncompliance can lead to costly penalties and reputational hits. It’s time to review policies, train your teams, and work closely with legal counsel to stay ahead of the curve. 

• What’s unfolding: The IRS has announced a modest increase in HSA contribution limits for 2026 due to inflation. Contributions are up just slightly from 2025.

• HR implications: Even a small bump can be meaningful in high-deductible health plans. Boost engagement by explaining how HSAs help stretch the health budget tax-free. More informed = more empowered.

• What’s unfolding: The UK’s updated immigration white paper outlines sweeping proposals affecting employer sponsorship, visa thresholds, and workforce planning. It’s a big shift with long-term talent strategy implications.

• HR implications: Understanding immigration changes is crucial for compliance and workforce planning. HR should audit current sponsorship practices and partner with legal for forward-looking hiring strategies.

HR WISDOM

Level-raising remote team communication tips for managers

In the current remote work landscape, effective communication is the linchpin of team success. Take the lead in remote team communication with our essential tips for managers.

Insights you’ll gain:

• Establishing clear communication protocols

• Maintaining availability

• Encouraging feedback and collaboration

• Being mindful of tone in written communication

📖 Read our comprehensive guide on Remote Team Communication »

BREAKROOM

📬 Missed Friday’s issue on ‘DEI strategy metrics’? Read it.