The Week That Was (in Work) #9

AI DEI and Workforce Innovations Shaping the Future of Work as we exit 2024

Friends,

This week, the workplace is being hit from all angles — AI is reshaping learning and hiring, DEI is under scrutiny, and employee satisfaction has hit a low point. With only 18% of US employees happy in their jobs and most looking for new opportunities, the pressure is on for companies to adapt. At the same time, funding is flowing into innovations like healthcare AI, SaaS security, and workforce management, showing where the future is headed.

• 18% of employees are satisfied with their jobs—most are looking elsewhere.
• The corporate LMS market is set to skyrocket by 2031, driven by AI tools.
• Evidently raised $15 million to transform healthcare workflows.
• 72% of workers say DEI initiatives don’t make a meaningful impact.

Big shifts are happening—let’s jump into the stories shaping the future of work.

Check this out: 8 Background Check Best Practices for Employers

Here’s our take

CONGRATS to this weeks sponsor, Cisive for their continued support. They’ve recently been recognized as a top 5 pre-employment screening provider at a time when validation and trust are at it’s pique. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from client feedback.

Top Episodes

Elevate Your AIQ: Ep 42: Gen AI Transforms Learning Experiences and Modernizes Content Management with Jack Houghton

High Volume Hiring Podcast: 4 best practices for high-volume recruitment

It’s About Your Paycheck: Leading with Love: Transforming Workplace Dynamics with Mark Mears

Small Talk Window: People Analytics: The Best Time to Start Is Now, With Ian Cook, Vice President of Product Management at Visier

PeopleTech: Reworked Editor Siobhan Fagan on AI, HR and the Human Element

HR & Payroll 2.0: The GenZ Lens on Annual Enrollment and the Employer Value Proposition

Hope @Work: S1: E11 Nomadic Entrepreneurship in Action with Niluka Kavanagh

Up Next @work: Episode 12 with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO of Plum

The BARF

Breaking News

• Business Community Stuck in the ’90s with Presentations Shorter, AI-enhanced presentations are becoming the norm as PowerPoint-era habits fade. The future of work communication demands brevity and tech-savvy refinement.
• Wireless World Settles Harassment Case for $107K Elite Wireless paid $107K after allowing a sales manager to harass a teen employee. HR leaders, revisit your harassment prevention programs—trust is priceless, lawsuits are costly.
• Trump to Raise Federal Minimum Wage President-elect Trump plans to increase the $7.25 minimum wage, stirring debate among SMB owners. As a lame-duck leader, he has little to lose—and it’s the right ethical move.
• Employees Penalized for Ignoring AI Advice Reports show workers face consequences for defying AI recommendations, even when correct. This raises questions about trust, accountability, and the balance between human judgment and AI reliance.
• Amazon’s New Shreveport Warehouse to Employ 2,500 Amazon’s new fulfillment center employs 2,500 workers despite being highly automated. Subtext? AI may soon learn their tasks and gradually replace many of them.
• Phenom Expands in India with 1,000 New Hires Phenom’s latest move includes hiring 1,000 employees and building on its acquisition of Tydy. The company continues to enhance onboarding and pre-boarding with AI solutions.
• U.S. Workers Outpace Canada and EU in Productivity U.S. workers have seen a productivity boost compared to peers in Canada and the EU. The hidden cost? Strained mental health and the realities of a "work harder" culture.

Acquisitions

• Axios HQ Acquires Mixing Board Mixing Board enhances Axios HQ’s ability to provide smarter communication tools for HR and leadership teams. This acquisition strengthens talent-focused communication strategies.
• Joynd and Cloud Connectors Merge This merger brings together HR tech integration leaders, combining Joynd’s technology with Cloud Connectors’ consulting expertise to create a seamless work tech powerhouse.

Research

• Only 18% of U.S. Employees Are Satisfied with Their Jobs Employee satisfaction has hit a shocking low, with most workers seeking new roles. HR must focus on retention strategies, starting with benefits and transparent communication.
• Monster Poll Reveals Skepticism Around DEI Efforts 58% of employees say DEI efforts lack impact, and 26% might leave for companies with stronger DEI focus. Workers demand more than lip service in diversity initiatives.
• 25% of Employees Prefer Core Skills Over New Learning A quarter of employees resist learning new skills, risking obsolescence in a rapidly evolving workplace. AI and generative AI knowledge are becoming critical for survival.
• Corporate LMS Market to Hit $40 Billion by 2031 The corporate LMS market is projected to double by 2031, driven by AI-powered tools and skills-based learning for remote work and upskilling.

Funding

• Evidently Raises $15 Million for Healthcare AI Evidently is optimizing healthcare workflows with AI, but the question remains—will patients see the benefits of these efficiencies?
• Astrix Security Secures $45 Million This funding boosts Astrix’s SaaS security platform, helping companies protect workflows from bad actors in an increasingly digital environment.
• Servicengine Raises $3.1 Million for Relocation Management Servicengine plans to rebuild its technology platform to support the often-overlooked relocation management industry, addressing a critical HR niche.
• HiringBranch Secures CAD $5 Million This skills-based hiring platform focuses on verifying tangible abilities. HiringBranch is scaling its operations and enhancing its place in the HR tech stack.
• Legion Technologies Raises $50 Million Legion Technologies is innovating AI-powered workforce management to balance operational efficiency with employee satisfaction.
• Specter Raises $3.1 Million for Talent Verification With fraud in staffing on the rise, Specter’s funding enhances global talent verification systems to tackle challenges posed by AI candidates and fraudulent applicants.