Talent Acquisition Newswatch - Issue 2.10
From AI to EQ - What Leaders Need to Know Now
TOP STORIES
AI
Amazon’s AI Ambition Trims Headcount
Amazon is reducing over 1,000 sales roles as part of a broader push to deploy generative AI agents across its operations. The layoff decision reflects confidence that AI-powered tools can automate routine customer interactions, lead scoring and proposal writing, functions historically handled by human sellers. While the tech giant expects productivity gains and cost savings, some analysts warn of potential service gaps and morale issues among remaining staff. The move underscores the accelerating shift toward AI-driven sales models across the industry.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
When Fair-Pay Fears Fuel Flight Risk
Misunderstandings about equitable pay practices can prompt high performers to consider quitting, according to new research. Nearly half of employees surveyed believe compensation formulas are opaque or unfair, intensifying dissatisfaction even where pay is competitive. Organizations that proactively clarify salary bands, share benchmarking data and train managers on transparent pay conversations can reduce turnover and strengthen engagement.
DEI
The Hidden Price of DEI Rollbacks
Scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion programs carries significant reputational and financial risks, a Coalition for Inclusive Growth report warns. Companies that curtail DEI investments face higher turnover among underrepresented groups, potential legal challenges and diminished appeal to socially conscious consumers. Even rebranding initiatives under “belonging” or “inclusion” labels must maintain robust measurable goals to preserve trust and innovation benefits.
HR INSIGHTS
Beyond Perks: Well-Being as Strategic Imperative
The role of employee well-being is evolving from a benefit-line item to a core strategic lever. Forward-thinking HR leaders integrate mental health support, financial counselling and flexible scheduling into talent management frameworks. These initiatives not only boost retention and productivity but also signal organizational values outward, giving employers a competitive edge in talent markets increasingly defined by holistic employee experiences.
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
Winning Gen Z’s Hearts with EQ
Gen Z employees prioritize emotional intelligence (EQ) in their leaders more than any previous generation, finds Korn Ferry’s latest research. Authenticity, empathy and transparent communication drive engagement and loyalty among younger workers, who value psychological safety and purpose over hierarchy. Leadership development programs that build self-awareness, active listening and conflict-resolution skills are essential for attracting and retaining this cohort.
RECRUITING & RETENTION
New Grads Face Fiercer Job Market
Entry-level candidates are encountering higher rejection rates as demand softens. Employers are tightening requirements and favouring candidates with internship or project experience, narrowing the window for fresh graduates. To stand out, new hires should highlight transferable skills, network strategically and pursue micro-credentials. Companies can mitigate talent shortfalls by partnering with universities on apprenticeships and offering structured onboarding for trainees.
LABOUR MARKET TRENDS
The share of candidates receiving two or more job offers has declined sharply, according to research of national recruiting data. Cooler hiring markets, budget constraints and economic uncertainty have employers issuing fewer competing bids to top talent. The shift underscores the importance of employer branding and candidate experience, companies that maintain engaging recruitment processes and clear timelines will have an edge in securing scarce skills.
EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
Climbing the Luck Ladder: Leaders can engineer better odds of success by networking strategically, stretching beyond comfort zones and aligning high-impact projects with personal brand. This “Luck Ladder” framework transforms chance into repeatable outcomes through deliberate actions and relationship building.
The Power of Inquisitive Leadership: High-impact managers don’t have all the answers, they excel at asking thought-provoking questions. By framing challenges as open-ended inquiries, leaders foster creativity, accountability and deeper team ownership of solutions.
How to Spot Screening Slip-Ups: Nine in ten employers detect resume and credential discrepancies during pre-hire checks, reports People Management. Enhanced verification tools and structured reference processes can curb fraud and protect brand reputation.
How Neurodiversity is Inspiring a New Creative Era: Half of creative professionals identify as neurodivergent, a rate nearly double the broader workforce. Agencies that support neuro-inclusive practices see heightened innovation and productivity.
Disengaged Workforce Demands Reconnection: Employee surveys reveal record levels of uncertainty and disengagement as economic anxieties mount. Organizations should prioritize transparent communication and agile reskilling to rebuild trust.
CEOs Bet on Hybrid to Cut Costs: A new poll finds 58% of CEOs have adopted hybrid models to lower real-estate expenses and boost productivity, signalling hybrid’s staying power as a cost-management tool.
Inside Employees’ AI Opinions: A US study shows mixed feelings about workplace AI: 42% see it enhancing creativity while 38% worry about job displacement. Clear governance and upskilling paths can address concerns.
Boomerang Hires on the Rise: Over a third of workers are returning to former employers, lured by familiar cultures, improved benefits and streamlined onboarding, according to Yahoo Finance.
Joy & Belonging: The New ROI: Forward-looking firms are embedding joy and community into work policies, recognizing that employee happiness drives retention and performance in hybrid settings.
AI Bias Exposed by Workday Lawsuit: A lawsuit against Workday reveals potential algorithmic bias in performance reviews. Experts advise diverse data inputs, regular audits and human-in-the-loop checks to mitigate unfair outcomes.
CAREER INSIGHTS
Welcome Back, Former Colleagues: As organizations tighten recruitment budgets, over one-third of workers are re-joining previous employers, drawn by established relationships, faster hiring processes and enhanced benefits. Employers can capitalize on this trend by maintaining alumni networks, promoting referral incentives and highlighting internal mobility opportunities.
INTERVIEW & JOB SEARCH INSIGHTS
Master the Art of the Right Question: In job interviews, candidates gain an edge by posing insightful, open-ended questions that reveal company values, role expectations and team dynamics. Six standout questions include inquiries about decision-making processes, success metrics, development pathways and collaboration styles, demonstrating curiosity and cultural fit.
3 TOOLS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR CAREER & PRODUCTIVITY
✅ Salley: Looking for your first job or hiring early-career talent? Salley helps match you (or candidates) to roles based on real skills, not just CVs. Instead of traditional interviews, you'll go through short, role-based tasks that show what you can actually do. It’s a fairer, more practical way to get hired or hire early-career professionals.
✅ Outsourcely: Outsourcely connects remote workers with companies around the world for full-time, part-time, or freelance jobs in tech, writing, design, marketing, and more. No middlemen, no fees—just direct access to flexible remote work or remote talent.
✅ Power To Fly: PowerToFly is built for women, non-binary professionals, and other underrepresented talent looking for roles at companies that care about diversity and equity. It also hosts virtual job fairs, networking events, and webinars to help you grow your career or build inclusive teams.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Don’t be color blind, be color brave. Embrace diversity as a competitive advantage.” – Mellody Hobson