🤖 Microsoft Makes AI Usage a Job Requirement

Leading from Anywhere: Driving Results in the Age of Distributed Work

i4cp’s global study, led by renowned thought leader Rob Cross, presents a new way of thinking about leadership and how to drastically increase productivity and performance.

The leadership crisis is real.

Discover how traditional leadership models are breaking under the weight of distributed work – and what top companies are doing differently.

i4cp’s latest executive brief reveals:

• Why leadership burnout is rising – and what to do about it.

• How distributed work requires a comprehensive, new approach to leadership.

• Why improving the performance of lower-quartile leaders can drive a 32% productivity jump.

 Download the executive brief to see the study’s four key findings – and the six capabilities that drive leadership effectiveness in distributed work..

🤖 HR Trend Spotlight: Microsoft Makes AI Usage a Job Requirement

Microsoft is setting a new precedent by formally integrating AI usage into employee performance evaluations. A recent internal memo revealed that staff will now be assessed on how effectively they use AI tools, including Copilot, as part of their daily work. The company argues that using AI is no longer optional—it is now considered as essential as communication or data literacy. Read more.

🎧 HR Insights

Innovation sprints, a practice borrowed from the product development world, are helping HR teams find fast, focused solutions to persistent issues. These short, time-bound efforts bring together cross-functional teams to tackle specific problems such as talent acquisition bottlenecks or benefits confusion. According to HR experts, the approach works best when combined with a mindset of experimentation and openness to failure. Instead of long-term planning cycles, sprints allow HR to test new strategies, collect feedback quickly, and refine ideas before scaling. As companies seek more agility in people operations, this method is gaining ground as a practical tool for faster decision-making.

💡 HR Tips & Tricks

Tip of the Day: Build a ‘reverse mentorship’ program where younger employees coach senior leaders on current trends, technology habits, and cultural shifts. This not only helps executives stay updated but also strengthens intergenerational trust across the company.

Trick of the Day: Use anonymized feedback loops from exit interviews to shape onboarding processes. Patterns in why people leave can highlight what new hires should be warned about or trained on during their first month.

🧾 HR Case Files - Churchill Group Modernizes Its People Strategy with Workday

The Churchill Group, a UK-based facilities services company, has adopted Workday to streamline its HR and payroll systems. The move replaces legacy processes and manual systems with integrated technology that supports faster data access, real-time reporting, and a smoother employee experience. With over 14,000 employees, the organization required a scalable solution that could adapt to complex workforce needs. The new platform allows for better workforce planning, simpler compliance tracking, and stronger support for frontline managers.

Key Takeaways

• Churchill needed a scalable, unified HR system.

• Manual processes were slowing down payroll and workforce planning.

• Workday was chosen for its flexibility and data capabilities.

• Real-time data access now supports faster decision-making.

• Implementation supports long-term modernization across the business.

🧰 HR Toolbox

Stay equipped with the latest HR events and resources.

Resource of the Day

Generative AI is no longer limited to tech departments. From scheduling interviews to drafting policies, HR teams are now using it to automate repetitive tasks and refine communication. A growing number of companies report that AI-based tools have helped reduce admin time and improve consistency in internal messaging. Still, the shift requires careful attention to data governance, training, and human oversight. As adoption grows, HR must develop clear frameworks on how, when, and where generative AI should be used to support—not replace—human judgment.

Event of the Day

The Office of Workforce Development & Work-Based Learning at Edison State Community College will host the 2025 Summer Symposium for HR Professionals on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Edison State’s Piqua Campus. The event, held in person, will focus on leadership, compliance updates, and practical HR strategies for mid-sized organizations. Speakers will include both local leaders and national experts, offering perspectives on employee engagement, legal risks, and digital transformation.

For event details and registration, visit the website. 

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