Pittsburgh Human Resources Association - PHRA

09/02/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Volunteer of the Year nominees!

We are proud to recognize Dimple Sakhuja, Nathan Wadding, and Megan Wollerton for their outstanding dedication, leadership, and impact within the PHRA community.

Thank you for the time, expertise, and passion you bring to advancing our profession and supporting fellow members.

Join us in celebrating these exceptional volunteers! https://buff.ly/YNgN2py

09/01/2026

Employers are learning that compensation alone isn't enough to win the battle for skilled workers. From loan repayment programs to expanded career development and "re-recruiting" efforts, organizations are rethinking how they attract and retain critical talent.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/6hd4TOf

The data center boom is forcing contractors and other employers to rethink how they attract and retain sought-after workers like electricians and plumbers.

08/29/2026

The conversation around workplace safety is expanding. With some states enacting new laws requiring naloxone in workplace first-aid supplies and others considering similar measures, employers should be reviewing their emergency response plans now.

Learn what these changes could mean in the future for your organization: https://buff.ly/yztNXUl

State legislatures are beginning to mandate that employers stock opioid-reversal agents—primarily naloxone—alongside bandages and CPR masks in workplace first-aid supplies.

08/28/2026

AI is blurring the line between HR and IT, raising an important question: when AI impacts people decisions, who is ultimately accountable? How is your organization handling AI ownership and oversight?

An interesting read from HR Executive: https://buff.ly/OYuB1wx

As AI reshapes work, HR and IT face new accountability questions. Here's what Gartner recommends CHROs and CIOs do now.

08/27/2026

Managers are increasingly using AI to help navigate tough conversations, but some are inputting employee names and performance details into public tools, raising concerns about confidentiality and oversight.

What's the right balance between leveraging AI for manager support and protecting employee data?

Read more from HR Dive: https://buff.ly/b36fz0H

That use can include inputting employee names and performance details into a public artificial intelligence platform, a survey found.

08/25/2026

We'd like to believe hiring and workplace decisions are based solely on skills, experience, and performance. But research suggests first impressions are often shaped more by appearance and communication style than by what's actually on a resume. These early perceptions can influence opportunities, evaluations, and career outcomes long after the first meeting.

For leaders and HR professionals, it's a powerful reminder of the importance of structured interviews, diverse perspectives, and intentional efforts to reduce bias.

Read the article from HR Dive: https://buff.ly/CN2AAMo

“People want to think that they are making really high-level analytical decisions based on effectively evaluating evidence,” but that’s not what is happening, one professor said.

08/22/2026

Today's workforce spans more generations than ever before, but does your workforce strategy reflect that reality?

This article explores how organizations can better support employees at different life and career stages while building stronger talent pipelines, knowledge sharing, and retention.

Read more from HR Executive: https://buff.ly/HlXTpoo

The goal is not rules for different generations; it's to build a flexible workforce strategy to support workers across career and life stages.

08/21/2026

Are across-the-board pay increases becoming a thing of the past? New research suggests fewer organizations are planning "peanut butter" raises in 2027, opting instead for merit-based pay strategies that more narrowly reward performance and key talent. The shift could have significant implications for employee engagement, retention, and pay equity.

If compensation strategy is on your radar, this is a trend worth watching.

Read more from HR Executive: https://buff.ly/qJsDoGY

Many employees are stuck in “pay paralysis,” according to Payscale, which found fewer orgs planning across-the-board pay increases for 2027.

08/20/2026

Are employees starting to trust AI more than their managers?

New research shows more workers are turning to AI first for workplace advice, citing speed, convenience, and quality of responses. What does that mean for leadership, trust, and the future role of managers?

Read more: https://buff.ly/c4a1xzQ

New research finds one in seven employees trust AI over colleagues, as ELMO's people chief warns guidance can't keep pace

08/19/2026

Join our upcoming HR Roundtable Discussions to dive into trending HR topics, exchange insights, and learn from your peers in an engaging and collaborative setting. The next session is on September 9th—be sure to mark your calendar! Sign up here: https://buff.ly/U19lhLB