US job openings reached 8.1 million in November, the highest in 6 months, driven by increases in the professional and business services and finance sectors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. The rise breaks a nearly 3-year downtrend, suggesting a more robust job market. Job postings in manufacturing, food services and accommodation declined from the prior month.

Companies are increasingly hiring for potential rather than seeking "perfect" candidates as competition for talent intensifies and AI rapidly changes job roles, HR executives say. Aspida Chief People Officer Sandy Ball notes that hiring for potential attracts younger talent, improves retention and fosters innovation by bringing diverse perspectives.

AI is transforming the workplace by uncovering inefficiencies and enabling employees to focus on meaningful tasks, thus enhancing morale and productivity. This technology supports HR in creating a balanced work environment where employee well-being and organizational efficiency coexist.

Ageism is nearly universal among employees 40 and older, with 90% feeling pressure to keep their age a secret, according to a MyPerfectResume report, which also found age-related stereotypes affect 95% of employees' sense of belonging. HR leaders and other executives recommend companies offer intergenerational mentorship programs, anti-ageism training and merit-based promotions.

Building a workplace culture of trust is crucial for high performance, as ADP data shows employees who trust their managers are 26 times more likely to be motivated. Freedom, flexibility, and autonomy are key factors in cultivating trust, says Mary Hayes of ADP Research. "Freedom is defined as the ability to choose how the work gets done, and flexibility is the latitude workers have to choose where they work and set their own schedule. Autonomy is the ability to make daily decisions without being told what to do," says Hayes.