🤐 Quiet Friction + Morale Boosters, EQ Evolution vs AI, HR Software Guide - Oct 22, 2025

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On today’s agenda:

🤐 Quiet friction + morale boosters

📖 Your tailored HR tech guide

🧠 EQ vs AI

👩‍⚕️ Shortage in doctors to worsen

THE HR SPOTLIGHT

🤐 Quiet Friction: Managing Morale in a Slowing Job Market

When pay raises are frozen and promotions are rare, a subtle slowdown AKA quiet friction can creep into your culture. It’s that invisible drag on morale that dulls motivation — and it’s spreading quietly across workplaces.

🔍 The scene: Slow market, slower energy

The U.S. job market continues to cool down, with the unemployment rate sitting at 4.1％ in September. HR circles are talking about “quiet cracking” — when employees stay but emotionally check out. With fewer advancement options, teams risk losing energy — not through rebellion, but through resignation to routine.

💡 HR moves that can make a difference

• Give control: Let employees choose projects that excite them.

• Celebrate loudly: Peer shout-outs, “thank-you” cards, or mini spotlights cost nothing but spark plenty.

• Grow without a raise: Offer skill-building, mentorship, or cross-training opportunities.

• Break the routine: Swap one meeting for a “what’s working” session to reignite collaboration.

Let’s keep morale moving — even when budgets can’t.

Tailored HR Software Recommendations for Your Organization

Choosing HR software can be overwhelming—with over 1,000+ tools on the market, it’s easy to spend days and still feel unsure.

That’s why thousands of HR teams rely on SSR’s HR software advisors. Instead of spending hundreds of hours on research and demos, you’ll get free 1:1 help from an HR software expert who understands your requirements and provides 2–3 tailored recommendations based on your unique needs.

Whether you're looking for an HRIS, ATS, or Payroll solution, we help you cut through the noise and make confident decisions—fast.

Why HR teams trust SSR HR Advisors:

✅ 100% free for HR teams
✅ Get 2-3 Tailored solutions from 1,000+ options
✅ 1:1 expert guidance from HR advisors
✅ Trusted by 15,000+ companies

From MIT to the Indianapolis Colts, smart HR teams trust SSR to find the right software—without the stress.

Find the Right HR Software, for Free

🧭 U.S. Workforce Hits Slump — Business Wire

• What’s unfolding: A recent report reveals U.S. workforce mobility has dropped to its lowest level since 2016.

• Why it matters: HR leaders should sharpen internal mobility programs and reskilling paths now before the workforce starts checking out.

• What’s unfolding: A new policy requiring employers to pay a hefty fee for H-1B visa sponsorship could deter foreign-trained physicians from practicing in the U.S., aggravating doctor shortages.

• Why it matters: HR leaders in healthcare (or in organizations relying on specialized talent) should recognize that barriers to foreign hiring may force reliance on smaller domestic talent pools, triggering gaps and cost pressures.

• What’s unfolding: Amazon is replacing some local roles — shifting headcount toward automation and alternative staffing models rather than filling existing openings.

• Why it matters: HR should reassess workforce plans and update talent-sourcing strategies to manage displacement and retain critical skills.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

• What’s unfolding: According EEOC, advocacy groups cannot force the agency to enforce anti-discrimination laws on gender identity, which has raised concerns about its current enforcement stance.

• HR implications: Now’s the time to review training, ensure inclusive reporting mechanisms are operational, and document complaint-handling protocols clearly.

• What’s unfolding: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the rule allowing certain spouses of H-1B visa holders (H-4 visa category) to work in the U.S.

• HR implications: For HR leaders sponsoring international talent, continue to monitor immigration policy changes and ensure your talent--and dependent-spouse support programs remain compliant and competitive.

• What’s unfolding: Walmart has halted job offers for candidates requiring H-1B visas following new sweeping visa-fee regulations and immigration policy changes.

• HR implications: HR professionals must closely monitor their talent-acquisition strategies, especially if their organization uses or relies on visa-sponsored roles.

BREAKROOM

📬 Missed Monday’s issue ‘Shadow Tools at Work’? Read it »