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North American Edition
11th September 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Trump's new rule hits H-1B workers

The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders, which currently allows them to remain in the U.S. and seek new employment after job loss. This change, published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, would require affected workers to leave the country immediately upon losing their jobs, potentially disrupting major tech companies that depend on foreign talent. "DHS presumes that they will either offer the same jobs to equally qualified U.S. workers or go through the I-129 petition process," the notice stated. The grace period, in effect since 2017, has provided foreign workers time to transition after employment ends. If enacted, this rule would also affect other visa categories, including E-1, E-2, L-1, O-1, and TN visas, and is open for public comment for two months before becoming law.
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Workers trust AI without checking

Many U.S. workers are relying on AI without consistently verifying its answers, raising concerns about workplace errors and personal responsibility. A survey of 500 employed adults found 65% do not always independently check AI output, while 42% of that group had acted on answers they suspected were wrong. Overall, 30% said an inaccurate AI response had already caused a work problem, rising to 43% among those using AI for legal, financial or compliance questions. Yet only 22% said their employer has a written verification policy. Separately, Wharton researchers found that 73% of participants accepted confident but incorrect AI answers, describing the behavior as “cognitive surrender.” The findings suggest employers may need clearer verification standards as AI becomes embedded in everyday work.
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WORKFORCE

Jobless claims edge down as labor market shows resilience

Initial unemployment claims fell by 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 206,000 in the seven days to September 5th, according to the Labor Department, slightly above economists’ forecast of 205,000. Claims have remained within a narrow range of 189,000 to 212,000 since mid-July, suggesting layoffs remain low. The four-week moving average slipped 1,500 to 206,000, while continuing unemployment claims, reported with a one-week lag, declined by 1,000 to 1.774m. The data follows stronger employment growth in August, when nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 jobs, up from 21,000 in July, while the unemployment rate held at 4.1%. 

Salvadoran TPS holders face job uncertainty

Thousands of Salvadoran immigrants are in a state of uncertainty as the federal government missed a deadline to decide on the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows them to work legally in the U.S. Many have already lost their jobs, while others were reinstated after the Trump administration indicated that an announcement would come "at the appropriate time." Jose Ramirez, a TPS holder, expressed his concerns, stating: "I've contributed economically and lent my labor to this great country." The lack of clarity has left employers and employees anxious, with advocates urging the government to provide timely information. Martha Arévalo, executive director of CARECEN, emphasized the need for "clear, timely and trustworthy information from the government," as families face a renewed state of limbo.

Fast-food chains bring back the human touch

America’s largest fast-food chains are putting renewed emphasis on customer service after years of investment in kiosks, apps, and other digital ordering tools left some diners feeling that restaurants had become impersonal. McDonald’s is preparing a major hospitality initiative that will retrain more than 2m restaurant workers, employees, and suppliers worldwide, while encouraging staff to greet customers warmly, check on diners, and make hospitality a more important measure of franchisee performance. The shift reflects concern that speed and convenience are no longer enough to win loyalty. Some customers have grown frustrated with understaffed counters and limited interaction with employees, while research suggests that even younger consumers increasingly value friendly, in-person service. Chick-fil-A has earned particularly strong marks for service, while McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s have scored lower. 

Post-production workers rally for tax incentive

Hollywood's post-production workers are advocating for Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign Assembly Bill 2319, which would establish California's first standalone post-production tax incentive. The bill, supported by Assemblymember Nick Schultz and Mayor Karen Bass, aims to assist editors, sound mixers, and visual effects artists. It passed the Senate 33 to 5 and the Assembly 72 to 2. Bass emphasized the importance of a robust industry, stating: “We need our industry in full force.” The proposed incentive offers a 35% to 50% credit on qualified expenses, independent of filming location. Although initially proposed with a $100m budget, only $10m is allocated to start the program. Karen Baker Landers, a two-time Oscar-winning sound editor, highlighted the struggles faced by workers, saying, “It's affecting people in huge ways, like losing their health insurance.” The bill awaits Newsom's decision by September 30.

Workers demand fair wages now

Workers at the Pactiv Evergreen plant in Cedar Rapids have been on strike for 45 days, demanding higher wages, improved vacation pay, and increased retirement contributions. The strike began on July 28, initiated by UAW Local 1024 in response to unsatisfactory contract negotiations with Novolex, which acquired Pactiv Evergreen in 2025. Heather Keag, a UAW Region 4 servicing representative, stated, “Going out on strike is the last thing that we wanted to do, but the company would not continue to negotiate with us.” Despite Novolex reporting $9bn in profits last year, the proposed wage increases were deemed inadequate. The union has attempted mediation, but negotiations have stalled. Keag emphasized the workers' need for “a fair living wage for these members, so that they can support their families and have a decent living.”
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TAX

Turek pushes to lift social security cap

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek is advocating for the removal of the cap on Social Security taxes to ensure the program's longevity. Currently, both workers and employers contribute a 6.2% payroll tax on wages up to $184,500, with no taxes on earnings beyond that. Turek stated at a town hall in Des Moines: "Removing that cap is one of the best ways to keep Social Security solvent." He criticized the disparity in tax contributions, highlighting that wealthy individuals like Bill Gates and Elon Musk pay Social Security taxes for only a brief period each year, while essential workers contribute year-round. Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley emphasized the importance of revenue for the program's sustainability, stating: "There really is no way to solve it without the revenues." 
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Starbucks turnaround enters next phase

Starbucks chief executive Brian Niccol is moving the company’s turnaround into its next phase, focusing on cafe renovations and further improvements to customer service. More than 1,000 stores have been renovated over the past nine months, with thousands more planned next fiscal year, as Starbucks adds seating, softer lighting, and other features designed to make cafes more welcoming. The “Back to Starbucks” strategy is showing signs of progress, with fiscal third-quarter same-store sales rising 7.9%, supported by strong U.S. performance. Starbucks is also expanding its Green Apron Service program to improve interactions between baristas and customers. Since Niccol was named CEO in 2024, Starbucks shares have risen about 30%, compared with a 42% increase for the S&P 500.

Ethan Allen activist investor launches CEO search

DGB Investments founder Douglas Bergeron has intensified his activist campaign at Ethan Allen by launching an independent search for a new chief executive and seeking full control of the furniture retailer’s board. Bergeron, whose family office and trusts hold a 5.2% stake, has selected an executive search firm, identified potential chief executive candidates and nominated five directors, including himself, ahead of a potential proxy fight. Bergeron is pushing to replace long-serving chairman and chief executive Farooq Kathwari, who has led Ethan Allen since 1988, arguing that the company suffers from an outdated strategy and needs greater investment in digital marketing and retail. Ethan Allen’s net sales fell 5.7% in the year ended June 30, while its shares have declined 26% over the past year, giving the company a market value of $547m.

Weil faces fresh partner departures

Weil, Gotshal & Manges is set to lose corporate practice leader Michael Aiello and five other partners to Cravath, extending a recent run of high-profile departures. Aiello led Weil’s more than 600-lawyer corporate practice and had become an influential figure within the firm. The departures come as Weil prepares for a leadership transition and as elite law firms compete aggressively for rainmakers and private-equity business. Weil said Aiello and his team were leaving for “a smaller platform” and that the firm intends to accelerate its growth strategy.
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Samford University hits record enrollment

Samford University has achieved a historic milestone with an enrollment of 6,522 students for the fall semester of 2026, marking the largest number in its 185-year history. This includes 4,575 undergraduates and a record freshman class of 1,271 students, surpassing last year's 1,156. President Beck Taylor said: “Samford's enrollment growth parallels a trend of applicants boasting some of the most impressive academic profiles we've ever seen.” The university's retention rate of 88.93% exceeds the national average of 68%, reflecting the commitment of faculty and staff. With students from 46 states and 12 countries, Samford's appeal continues to grow, bolstered by over $300m in campus improvements. Taylor noted: “These campus investments allow Samford to compete for exceptional students on the global stage.”
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INTERNATIONAL

UK productivity shows signs of life

UK productivity may be entering its strongest period since the financial crisis, with revised measures showing output per job rising 1.4% in the year to June and alternative estimates pointing to faster gains since late 2024. Economists disagree over the cause, but some believe artificial intelligence is beginning to lift output, particularly in information and technology industries. John van Reenen of the London School of Economics called the improvement a "remarkable turnaround" that could represent "the first macroeconomic flowers of the AI boom". UK workers appear especially inclined to use AI to augment knowledge-based work rather than replace employees, although evidence from the US suggests productivity gains may also emerge through slower wage growth. Economists caution that forthcoming official measurements will be crucial in determining whether the recovery is sustained.
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OTHER

America marks 25 years since 9/11

Americans are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, readings of victims’ names and volunteer projects. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in 2001, while the attacks reshaped U.S. security, foreign policy and public life for decades. Schools are also using the anniversary to educate students, many of whom were born long after 9/11. New York’s ceremony will additionally honor people who later died from illnesses linked to toxic dust exposure. Jay Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day, said: “One appropriate way to remember is by serving.”
 
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