Pittsburgh Human Resources Association - PHRA

10/20/2026

Final Days to Register: HR Summit on October 27

The workforce challenges ahead won't wait, and neither will this opportunity. Join CUPA-HR Western PA, PHRA, and ATD on October 27 at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business for the HR Summit: Investing in People During Times of Uncertainty.

Hear from Dr. Courtney Williamson and an expert panel as they share practical strategies for strengthening resilience, supporting employees, and leading through change. You'll also connect with fellow HR, talent development, and people leaders facing many of the same challenges.

Whether you're navigating workforce transitions, employee engagement concerns, or shifting organizational priorities, you'll leave with ideas you can put into practice right away.

Don't get left out. Register today and secure your spot before registration closes.

Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/e223J9r

10/19/2026

Age discrimination remains a significant workplace challenge. A recent court case resulted in a $1.6 million verdict after an employee alleged he was removed from duty despite medical clearances and being able to perform his job, raising important questions about how organizations view and support older workers.

How can employers ensure they are evaluating employees based on their abilities and performance rather than assumptions about age?

Read more in this article from HR Dive: https://buff.ly/H7XjjKH

Norfolk Southern declared the employee in his mid-60s unfit for duty despite multiple medical clearances and successful completion of two physical evaluations, he alleged.

10/17/2026

What makes HR indispensable? Brené Brown argues that HR professionals create the most value when they serve as the bridge between employees and leadership, connecting people strategy to business success.

Do you agree that HR's greatest strength is its ability to connect people, culture, and business goals?

Read more from HR Brew: https://buff.ly/0BctfMy

Brené Brown's advice to HR: Make yourself ‘irreducible.’

10/16/2026

The workplace is changing rapidly. With evolving employment laws, increasing AI compliance concerns, and greater regulatory scrutiny, staying informed is more important than ever.

Join PHRA on November 13 for the HR Compliance Summit: Employment Law, AI & Workplace Risk. Hear from employment attorneys, compliance experts, and government representatives on key topics including employment law updates, EEOC enforcement trends, AI in the workplace, wage and hour regulations, and Department of Labor priorities.

Gain practical insights, real-world solutions, and valuable connections with fellow HR professionals to help your organization stay ahead of risk.
Follow the link to learn more & register: https://bit.ly/4xuMmri

10/15/2026

Organizations are navigating constant change, shifting priorities, and growing complexity. How do we continue investing in people during times of uncertainty?

Join CUPA-HR Western PA, PHRA, and ATD on October 27 at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business for the HR Summit: Investing in People During Times of Uncertainty.

Hear keynote speaker Dr. Courtney Williamson and an expert panel share practical strategies for building resilience, empowering teams, and leading through change. Connect with fellow HR, talent development, and people leaders while gaining valuable insights and earning 2 HRCI recertification credits and 2 SHRM PDCs.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and invest in the future of your workforce.
Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/3Z9FyIh

10/14/2026

Young parents are showing a strong commitment to the workforce, but many still face barriers to securing high-quality jobs. According to a new study, parents ages 25-30 are significantly less likely than their non-parent peers to hold jobs that offer the pay, benefits, stability, and advancement opportunities needed for long-term economic security. Support systems like predictable scheduling, paid leave, child care, and career development can play a critical role in helping working families thrive.

How can employers better support young working parents while creating pathways for career growth and advancement?

Read more in this article from HR Dive: https://buff.ly/kEkuvAZ

These parents are at an age when career development and economic mobility can have a critical impact on their future prospects, per a study.

10/13/2026

The competition for young talent is intensifying, and employers may need to rethink how they attract and engage the next generation of workers. A recent article explores how changing expectations around career growth, flexibility, workplace culture, and purpose are raising the stakes for HR leaders as they compete for emerging talent.

As organizations look to build strong talent pipelines for the future, understanding what motivates younger workers has never been more important.

What do you think is the biggest factor influencing where young professionals choose to work today: career growth opportunities, flexibility, compensation, workplace culture, or something else?

Read more in this article from HR Executive: https://buff.ly/SaMPEhO

Only 2% of Gen Z share employers' top hiring values, says NYU Stern professor Suzy Welch, raising the stakes for HR recruitment.

10/12/2026

The holiday season is even better when we celebrate together.

Take a look back at some favorite moments from last year's PHRA Holiday Party and get ready to make new memories on December 2! Join fellow HR professionals for an evening of connection, laughter, festive fun, and Holiday Trivia. Whether you're reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new colleagues, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with your PHRA community.

Registration is open now. We hope you'll join us for one of our favorite events of the year! https://buff.ly/5fJI9ZU

10/10/2026

October is here, and with it comes a new wave of workplace compliance considerations.

A recent employer checklist highlights several key issues HR and business leaders should have on their radar, including new state laws, pay transparency requirements, union activity, DEI-related compliance considerations, employee benefits deadlines, arbitration agreements, cybersecurity risks, and more.

As regulations and workplace expectations continue to evolve, staying proactive can help organizations reduce risk and prepare for what's ahead.

What's the biggest compliance challenge your organization is focusing on this quarter?

Read more from Fisher Phillips-

Here are the top 10 workplace compliance items you should tackle in October 2026, based on the latest labor and employment law updates:

10/09/2026

Domestic violence is often viewed as a personal issue, but its impact can extend into the workplace.

A recent article highlights the important role employers can play in supporting employees who may be experiencing abuse. Experts emphasize that HR can help reduce stigma, increase awareness, provide training, and create a safe environment where employees know support is available. Domestic violence can also affect attendance, productivity, workplace safety, and employee well-being.

For HR professionals, it's a reminder that the workplace may be one of the few places where someone experiencing abuse can access support and resources.

What is one step employers can take to create a safer, more supportive workplace for employees facing difficult personal challenges?

Read the article:

HR can increase awareness, provide training, and offer survivors security, experts told HR Brew.