Layoffs are rising, pay is flattening, and AI still struggles to prove ROI. This week’s brief breaks down what those shifts mean for hiring, retention, and employer brand trust.

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📌 Sources & Links

AI ambition is ahead of the evidence

• https://hbr.org/2026/02/9-trends-shaping-work-in-2026-and-beyond

• https://hbr.org/2026/01/companies-are-laying-off-workers-because-of-ais-potential-not-its-performance

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/openai-is-reportedly-seeing-exit-of-senior-level-employees-after-ceo-sam-altman-makes-it-compulsory-to-use/articleshow/127909390.cms

Peanut butter raises

• https://fortune.com/2026/02/02/employers-ditching-merit-based-pay-bumps-in-favor-peanut-butter-raises/

Resume Botox

• https://www.businessinsider.com/resume-botox-lying-millennials-careers-2026-2

The Cut List

• https://apnews.com/article/amazon-ups-layoffs-economy-washington-71bfde72b358fddb9a22c15aa13fe848

#FutureOfWork #HR #EmployerBranding #Layoffs #Compensation #AI #Hiring #TalentStrategy