Policy in Practice, Worker Sentiment Slips, BambooHR in Review - Jun 23, 2025

Hey there, HR Aces! 👑 It’s Title IX Signing Day — the perfect reminder to flex those policy-in-practice muscles and put them to work. Let’s dive in…

On today’s agenda:

☑️ Policy in practice

😟 Worker sentiment hits new low

⭐ BambooHR: Our take

📘 Workstyle revolution guide

THE HR SPOTLIGHT

Policy in Practice: Is Your HR Playbook Keeping Pace with Equity?

It’s been 53 years since Title IX changed the game for gender equity in schools—and its ripple effects have reached workplaces nationwide. But here’s the kicker: while your HR playbook may have evolved, has it kept pace with shifting expectations on gender equity, inclusion, pay transparency, and harassment prevention? Gen Z, regulators, and society are watching—and they expect better.

The situation: Equity gaps still linger…

• Gender pay gaps: In the US, women earn ~95 cents for every dollar earned by men (EqualPayToday).

• Harassment prevention policies are outdated or inconsistently applied in many SMBs.

• Pay transparency laws are spreading—hello, Illinois and Minnesota (Foley)—but are you ready?

• Gen Z expects inclusion by design, not as an afterthought.

What HR can do: Your action checklist…

☑️ Start auditing—it’s midyear! Review policies for compliance + cultural fit.

☑️ Train managers on updated harassment and inclusion laws.

☑️ Update pay structures to meet transparency laws (or risk becoming a cautionary tale).

☑️ Seek employee input—nothing says “inclusive” like listening.

Is your HR playbook ready? Take a read of this expert guide to refresh your strategies:

Smash Productivity Myths: HR Teams Thrive Beyond the Office

Hybrid. Remote. In-office. It’s not where teams work—it’s how. The Workstyle Revolution guide breaks down the data and busts outdated myths. Get the insights HR leaders need to build flexible, high-performing teams.

🇺🇸 More Talent, Please: U.S. Needs Immigration - NY Post

• What’s unfolding: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says the country must increase legal immigration to sustain its economy. Aging workforce + low birth rate = talent shortages across industries.

• Why it matters: It’s a good time to revisit global hiring strategies and advocate for immigration-friendly policies — prepare for talent pipelines beyond borders.

• What’s unfolding: A recent study shows employees are hungry for apprenticeships and upskilling to close skills gaps. Many feel current offerings fall short.

• Why it matters: HR can boost retention by investing in real development opportunities. Prioritize skills audits and tailored training programs.

• What’s unfolding: About half of employees admit they ease up at work during summer, according to current survey data.

• Why it matters: Consider flexible hours or seasonal perks to maintain engagement without burnout. HR can harness summer energy productively!

COMPLIANCE CORNER

• What’s unfolding: Trump’s “golden share” plan in the U.S. Steel-Nippon deal could muddy union negotiations and spark tensions anew in labor relations.

• HR implications: HR teams in affected industries should monitor developments and prep for possible labor unrest or bargaining challenges.

• What’s unfolding: The Supreme Court ruled retirees can’t sue under the ADA for loss of disability benefits after retirement.

• HR implications: It would be worth reviewing disability benefit plans to ensure retirees have clarity on rights and protections post-employment.

• What’s unfolding: OnLabor reports on ongoing strikes, minimum wage campaigns, and AI’s impact on collective bargaining.

• HR implications: HR pros should stay updated and assess how AI and wage policy shifts could affect workforce planning and union dynamics.

HR TECH WATCH

A Review of BambooHR: HR Made Simple and Smart

Why we selected it: A favorite among SMBs, BambooHR blends user-friendly design with powerful tools that simplify hiring, onboarding, and people data management.

Key features:

1️⃣ Applicant Tracking System — Streamlines recruitment with customizable pipelines.

2️⃣ Self-Service Employee Portal — Empowers teams to manage their own info.

3️⃣ Performance Management — Simplifies reviews with feedback tools.

4️⃣ Time Tracking — Integrated solution for PTO and work hours.

HRAddict rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 
BambooHR delivers modern, people-friendly tools that help SMBs thrive without HR headaches.

This is an independent review using aggregated insights and publicly available data.

BREAKROOM

📬 Missed Friday’s issue on ‘Psychological Safety’? Read it »