An investigation by NBCUniversal has deemed allegations of sexual misconduct against former Today anchor Matt Lauer credible. The investigation, which has been criticized because it was not conducted by a third party, has concluded incidents were never reported directly to HR or to top network executives.

Emmy-winning producer Ryan Murphy has spearheaded an effort to make hiring more inclusive regarding women, minorities and the LGBTQ community through his Half Initiative. Murphy says he was driven to start the program, which has set a hiring goal of at least 50% minorities, women or LGBTQ personnel, because of the lack of diversity he saw in the entertainment industry, saying the program is "about me finding people and empowering them to change an antiquated system."

Fifty-nine percent of employees say their employer offered dental benefits in 2017, compared with 54% in 2013, according to a survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, while percentages for health, life and vision insurance and a retirement-savings account also increased. Health savings accounts and accident insurance have become more common, but fewer employers are offering short- and long-term disability insurance and traditional pensions, the survey finds.

The use of technology has created opportunities for HR to focus on people, with paperwork pushed to digital systems that rely on employee self-service. Bigge Crane and Rigging has advertised for an "HR concierge" position that focuses on employee onboarding and better training, says HR director Bill Maley.

An algorithm can't have bias, but data used to generate hiring decisions can, says Peter Cappelli of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Organizations can prevent bias by knowing how an algorithm is generated and by being aware of its strengths and limitations, Cappelli says.