Among the big reveals on the opening day of CES 2020 was the NEON "artificial human" created by Samsung's STAR Labs -- a simulated human assistant the company says will "help enhance interactions people have with certain jobs." The lifelike avatars, which STAR Labs says are not intended to eliminate jobs, are designed to learn human behavior and preferences, then respond accordingly.
Facebook has reformatted its Privacy Check-Up tool to educate consumers regarding its practices and give them easy access to personal data controls. The social platform also plans to begin removing misleading and manipulated deepfake videos and set new deadlines for self-selecting targeting settings for housing, employment and credit opportunity promotions to avoid discriminatory practices.
Technology will standardize skill definitions, increase the use of texting and improve applicant processing and hiring this year, HR vendors said when interviewed by WorkSmart Systems President Matt Thomas. Credly CEO Jonathan Finkelstein said, "Now, with a critical mass of employers moving to recognize and certify the skills of their employees, the importance of a standardized approach to reporting outcomes has become clear."
A new law boosts the tax credit for small businesses to start retirement plans and eases access to multiple employer plans, which allow companies to share administrative costs. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act raises the maximum tax credit to $5,000 from $500.
High-school students in and around Klamath Falls, Ore., can earn money and get work experience in local businesses and government agencies through an internship program. Students in high school can find summer internships that intersect with their career interests while also earning high-school credit for their participation in the program.
Five HR experts share their approach to measuring employee engagement in their organizations. Ciara O'Keeffe, vice president of customer experience at StaffConnect, recommends doing multiple pulse surveys throughout the year, and Kristen Ruttgaizer, HR director at Igloo Software, advises gauging activity from social media feeds.
