👀 Missing Managers, Simple Timesheets, HR Experts Talk AI - Jul 18, 2025

Hiya, HR Heroes! 😊 Looking for any managers? Between PTO, poolside Zooms, and the midyear slump, leadership gaps are real. This time, let’s talk about leading without ghosting…

On today’s agenda:

👀 Managers missing in action

🏥 Healthcare benefits on the brink 

⚡ HR experts break down AI

🕒 Your weekly timesheet

THE HR SPOTLIGHT

👀 Missing Managers? Stabilizing Leadership Through the Summer Slump

Summer brings sunshine, SPF, and… slumping teams. Schedules get chaotic, focus drifts, and “quiet quitting” can start to whisper. So how do HR leaders keep things motivated when everyone’s half-checked out?

🌡️ The situation: Historically, productivity has been known to dip significantly during summer breaks due to distractions and time off. “Quiet quitting” often creeps in subtly—think minimal effort, less collaboration, or disappearing from team convos. Some managers may be MIA themselves (we’re looking at you, silent Slack status).

🤔 What HR can do: Keep the flame lit…

• Micro-trainings: Run 10–15 min pop-ups on intrinsic motivation, personal goals, and autonomy. Think of them as iced coffee for engagement. 

• Flexible frameworks: Embrace async work styles and outcome-based goals. Control the “how,” not just the “when.”

• Clarity cures confusion: Reinforce team goals and roles during 1:1s to re-align focus.

• Encourage coaching or peer mentoring: Employees with mentors are more likely to feel engaged as they feel supported.

Summer might be hot, but your team’s motivation doesn’t have to melt. 

💡 Ready to reboot your team’s momentum? Start with this quick guide: Effective Team Management »

⚡ How AI Is Transforming Work, Pay, and Promotions — Watch HR Experts Break Down the Data and Trends in This Must-See Panel Recording

👉 AI is rewriting job roles and reshaping hiring, pay, and promotions. Hear from HR leaders and AI experts on what’s changing — and how to stay competitive.

Catch the on-demand webinar now and get ahead.

🏥 Benefits on the Brink - Fortune

• What’s unfolding: More U.S. employers are eyeing health care benefits for cost-cutting. Some companies are reducing coverage, increasing employee contributions, or even pausing plan upgrades to stay financially afloat.

• Why it matters: HR teams must brace for the fallout as this can hurt morale, increase turnover, and tarnish employer branding. Ensure transparent communication and explore cost-efficient alternatives.

• What’s unfolding: The UK is considering a ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of workplace abuse and harassment. This is after the growing criticism that NDAs silence victims and shield toxic behavior.

• Why it matters: Regulators are increasingly scrutinizing confidentiality practices. HR should review current NDA usage, reinforce safe reporting channels, and foster a culture of transparency before backlash sparks policy shifts at home.

• What’s unfolding: Lenovo has been named once more the “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by the Disability Index®, marking five straight years in the U.S. and second consecutive recognition in both the U.K. and Brazil.

• Why it matters: This sets a high bar for employers. HR teams should take note and consider reviewing their own inclusion policies, ERG support, and accessibility programs to remain competitive and compliant.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

• What’s unfolding: The U.S. Dept. of Labor and Small Business Administration recently signed an agreement to enhance coordination and support for manufacturing apprenticeships.

• HR implications: A call to action for HR pros in relevant trades: expect more funding & partnerships. Explore new resources and update apprenticeship programs to attract and develop talent better before implementation ramps up.

• What’s unfolding: Rhode Island makes a move to explicitly protect employees from discrimination based on menopause and menopause-related conditions under its Fair Employment Practices Act.

• HR implications: HR leaders must update non-discrimination and accommodation policies and post updated rights notices, with enforcement drawing nearer—delays could result in fines or legal exposure.

• What’s unfolding: The UK is backing a recent amendment to balance security for workers with necessary flexibility for employers.

• HR implications: U.S. HR leaders watching flexible labor trends should anticipate rising global pressure for predictable scheduling—review gig, hourly, and contractor policies now.

WEEKLY GOODY

🕒 Easy Weekly Timesheet - No Software Needed

Easily track hours, breaks, and overtime with our simple, ready-to-use weekly employee timesheet. Perfect for accurate payroll without the tech hassle.

BREAKROOM

📬 Missed Wednesday’s issue on ‘Mini-Survey Magic’? Read it »