AI & Performance Management: Mercer warns AI-enabled performance systems can turn workplace activity into “scores,” potentially hardening old bias (e.g., rewarding what’s easiest to track over what truly stabilizes teams). Workplace AI Tools: Zoom launched ZoomMate, an AI assistant that can search across work apps and take actions like scheduling, updating records, and generating documents; Microsoft also faces scrutiny after internal docs reportedly aimed to “make people addicted” to its new AI assistant. HR Tech & Governance: Merge rolled out Agent Handler for Microsoft’s agent ecosystem, pushing “secure, governed” cross-app actions. Labor & Staffing: UKG estimates the World Cup could cost employers $17B globally via absenteeism and on-the-clock streaming. Healthcare Workforce: Policy Exchange says NHS sick leave costs UK taxpayers £4.6B a year, driven by long paid absences. Hiring & Pay: Minimum wage increases in 2026 are creating a widening state-by-state patchwork. Workplace Safety: A worker was burned in an explosion at a dairy-processing plant; the company says it’s investigating and operations will resume safely. HR Leadership Moves: Red Dot appointed Doug Bobay as VP Global HR; Pinnacle Bank hired Debra Silveira as EVP/Director of HR. Women at Work: Elsewedy Electric highlights Saudi women’s participation (about 6.5% of its Saudi workforce) as part of Vision 2030 goals.