HR Weekly Updates: AI Becomes a "Co-Pilot," New Labour Schemes & A Workforce Crisis
Welcome to my first HR Weekly Update. The world of work is
changing faster than ever and this week of November 7, 2025, has been no
exception. The conversation is being dominated by the explosive integration of
AI into daily tasks, major new government policies in India and the UK and a
growing crisis in workforce happiness.
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| HR Weekly Updates |
Here’s what we need to know.
1. The Top Story: AI Becomes an HR "Co-Pilot"
This week, the consensus is clear: AI is no longer a
futuristic tool; it's a daily assistant.
A new 2025 Workplace Trends Report from Indeed found that AI
has surpassed pay and burnout as the #1 workplace priority for Indian workers.
The report states that 71% of employees now use AI to validate ideas, solve
problems and even plan career moves, treating it as a trusted
"collaborator."
This was the central theme at the HR Leadership Summit 2025
in Pune where leaders reinforced a "Human-in-the-Loop" philosophy.
One speaker noted that AI-driven hiring models are now evaluating not just
skills but also "psychological stability and long-term vision."
Sources:
The Economic Times: Seven in 10 Indian workers now turn toAI to validate ideas, solve problems: Survey
The Tribune: Redefining Work: The Human-AI Nexus at the HRLeadership Summit 2025
As an HR professional, this data is staggering. It means we must shift our training from 'how to use this tool' to 'how to ask this tool the right questions.' If 71% of our workforce is already using AI, our performance management and skills development plans need to reflect that. Are we training our managers to lead teams that include AI as a co-pilot? This is now the most urgent question we face.
2. Policy Watch: New Schemes & Rights (India & UK)
Governments are responding to the new world of work with
significant new policies.
In India: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
has just rolled out the Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025. Effective November 1,
this scheme aims to formalize the workforce by encouraging employers to
voluntarily declare and enroll their eligible employees with minimal penalties
for past non-compliance.
In the UK: A new Employment Rights Bill is being hotly
debated. If passed, it would be a massive win for workers, introducing day-one
rights to flexible working, new dismissal protections for pregnant women and
new mothers, mandatory bereavement leave, and a ban on "zero-hours"
contracts.
Sources:
The Economic Times: EPFO rolls out Employee EnrollmentScheme 2025
The Guardian: We can’t let the Tories sabotage thisonce-in-a-generation chance to reshape the world of work
The new EPFO scheme is a smart move for formalization. As HR, this is a golden opportunity to review our own contractor lists and ensure all our eligible 'gig workers' or long-term temps are brought into the fold... The UK bill, on the other hand, shows where the global trend is going: 'flexibility' and 'security' are no longer perks; they are becoming expected legal rights.
3. Economic Headwinds: Tech Layoffs & The AI Pivot
The economic story of 2025 continues to be one of
"creative destruction."
Mass layoffs in the tech sector have continued into the
final quarter, with over 100,000 jobs cut in 2025 so far. Companies like
Amazon, Intel, Microsoft, and India's TCS are cutting thousands of jobs, citing
over-hiring during the pandemic and a strategic pivot to prioritize AI and
automation.
The Impact: TCS, for example, cut over 19,000 jobs in the
last quarter, its steepest reduction ever, primarily affecting mid- and
senior-level roles. Amazon's CEO cited the need to run "like the world's
largest startup" and invest heavily in AI as the primary driver for its
cuts.
Sources:
The Economic Times: Over 1,00,000 job cuts rattle techindustry in 2025
Business Today: Global tech layoffs 2025: Over 1.1 lakh jobslost as AI reshapes traditional roles
For HR students, this is a crucial lesson. These tech layoffs aren't just 'bad news'; they are a painful, strategic pivot. These companies are shedding old roles to pour billions into new AI-driven roles. For us in HR, it means our two biggest jobs right now are 1) managing the painful separation process with empathy, and 2) rapidly re-skilling our remaining workforce for the new roles that are being created.
This week has shown us a clear picture: the future of HR is a balancing act. We must be tech strategists (embracing AI) on one hand and deeply human-centric leaders (tackling the wellness crisis) on the other.
What was the biggest HR news you saw this week? Did I miss
anything? Share your thoughts in the comments.
By Mit
HR Professional
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