Hey, HR Heroes! 🦸🏻 From wild Midwest storms to severe August flash floods, HR’s true test is keeping teams safe. To kick off National Preparedness Month, we’re keeping you and your teams ready for any emergencies ahead.
In this issue:
🧭 Salary benchmarking
🏛️ Workplace rules hearing
◉ WEEKLY GOODY
Salary Benchmarking [template]
This week’s HR goody — figure out where your pay stands and where it needs attention.
Only available for download to subscribers.
◉ THE HR SPOTLIGHT
HR’s 10-Point Checklist for Disaster & Emergency Preparedness
September is National Preparedness Month. With more disasters happening lately —both natural and man-made — HR has more to prepare for than the occasional “office closed due to bad weather” email. A 2026 HRCI report found that 82％ of workers experienced at least one extreme-weather-related work disruption in the past year, with more than 4 in 10 saying their employer’s preparedness affects whether they stay long-term.
The “What If?” Test — A good emergency plan isn't a binder collecting dust. It should tell people who does what, how they communicate, and how work continues. Run this 10-point checklist:
☐ Employee contact list — Can you reach everyone outside company email?
☐ Emergency contacts — Are personal emergency contacts current?
☐ Emergency communication channel — What's Plan B if Teams or Slack goes down?
☐ Remote-work contingency — Can employees work safely elsewhere?
☐ Payroll continuity — Could payroll run if the office is inaccessible?
☐ Benefits contacts — Do employees know where to get benefits help?
☐ Emergency leadership contacts — Who decides to close or evacuate?
☐ Evacuation procedures — Are routes, exits and meeting points clear?
☐ Employee accountability process — How will you know everyone is safe?
☐ Backup HR documents — Are critical records accessible if systems go offline?
Don't just have a plan. Test it. HR shouldn't be improvising during an emergency—save the improv for the holiday party.
◉ CULTURE CUE
Ask for the Unsaid 💬 — Give employees one sentence to finish: “I wish HR knew…” Look for recurring themes or issues you can remediate.
◉ THE HR PULSE - What’s shaping the workplace
🤖 Meta’s Robots Tests Continue — 24/7 Wall St.
What’s unfolding: Meta is still testing robots in its data centers to handle tasks traditionally performed by technicians, adding physical work to the list of jobs being reshaped by AI and automation.
Why it matters: HR should start looking beyond “Will this job disappear?” and map which tasks and skills are changing—then plan reskilling before employees are left playing catch-up.
🏛️ Hearing on Easing Workplace Rules — TradersUnion
What’s unfolding: A House workforce panel is holding earing on whether federal workplace rules create too much red tape for employers and workers, with small-business and labor voices weighing in.
Why it matters: HR should watch for potential changes without treating a hearing as a change in law; keep current compliance practices in place while tracking developments that could affect policies and processes.
📈 Labor Demand Holds Steady — StaffingIndustry
What’s unfolding: U.S. job openings rose slightly in July while layoffs fell, pointing to a labor market that remains stable but subdued.
Why it matters: For lean HR teams, this is a reminder not to read the market as simply “hot” or “cold”—review critical vacancies, workload and retention risk before deciding whether to hire, hold or redesign a role.
◉ FLASH VOTE - The community weigh-in
What’s your biggest culture headache at the moment?
LAST WEEK’S POLL:
◉ WEEKLY GOODY
Is Your Pay Strategy Still on the Map?
Compensation decisions get tricky when markets shift, budgets are tight, and internal equity enters the conversation. HRAddict’s free Salary Benchmarking Assessment Tool helps you figure out where your pay stands—and where it may need attention.
Only available for download to subscribers.
◉ UPCOMING EVENTS - To learn, network & thrive
Sept 9-11, In-Person (Washington) - NHRMA
NHRMA Annual Conference 2026
Explore the latest trends, innovative practices, and critical insights shaping the future of work.
Learn more »
Sept 14-15, Virtual - Bamboo HR
Bamboo HR Connect 2026
Expert insights, real-world stories, and practical strategies to help you lead with confidence.
See agenda »
Sept 15-16, In-Person (Texas) - M-Media
Future of Work USA
Gather ideas, strategies & solutions for the changing world of work.
Attend event »
◉ BREAKROOM - Your virtual watercooler
◉ SMART READS - Worth bookmarking
🕹️ 5 Ways to Gamify Your HR Strategy
📽️ Training Video Examples for Corporate Learning
🏥 How Better Healthcare Boosts Employee Retention
— Created with care by Vivienne Ravana
