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Human Times helps you stay ahead of the latest news and trends that impact the HR industry. Every weekday, our unique blend of AI and team of expert HR and employment editors and researchers monitor 100,000s of articles, and social posts to create summaries of the most relevant and useful content to help you lead, innovate and grow. The award winning Human Times newsletter has four geographical editions with news tailored to your region.

From HR leadership to diversity and inclusion, hybrid working, organisational data, performance management, and retention strategies, Human Times is the only trusted free online news source dedicated to covering the most up to date headlines, articles, reports and interviews to make sure you’re abreast of changes in the HR industry.

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Recent Editions
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Human Times
North America
OPM illegally directed worker firings

A federal judge in California has ruled that President Trump’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) exceeded its authority by directing federal agencies to fire thousands of recently hired workers. Judge William Alsup determined OPM usurped powers reserved for individual agencies but did not order reinstatement, citing employees’ new jobs and agency reorganizations. Agencies must update personnel files to reflect that terminations were not performance-related. The ruling affects multiple agencies, including Defense, Commerce, and Health and Human Services, and underscores limits on OPM’s role in implementing executive workforce directives.

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Human Times
UK
A third of UK firms use ‘bossware' to monitor activity

Research by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) indicates that a third of UK employers use "bossware" to monitor employee activities, including emails and web browsing. The survey suggests a rise in workplace surveillance, with one in seven employers recording screen activity. While some managers believe monitoring prevents insider threats, many express concerns about trust and privacy. The CMI study found that more than half (53%) of managers support monitoring of employees' online activities on employer-owned devices, while 42% oppose it. Petra Wilton, the CMI's director of policy and external affairs, said: "If it is being used, it is incredibly important employers are open." The Information Commissioner's Office has warned that excessive monitoring can infringe on privacy rights, especially for remote workers.

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Human Times
Europe
A third of UK firms use ‘bossware' to monitor activity

Research by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) indicates that a third of UK employers use "bossware" to monitor employee activities, including emails and web browsing. The survey suggests a rise in workplace surveillance, with one in seven employers recording screen activity. While some managers believe monitoring prevents insider threats, many express concerns about trust and privacy. The CMI study found that more than half (53%) of managers support monitoring of employees' online activities on employer-owned devices, while 42% oppose it. Petra Wilton, the CMI's director of policy and external affairs, said: "If it is being used, it is incredibly important employers are open." The Information Commissioner's Office has warned that excessive monitoring can infringe on privacy rights, especially for remote workers.

Full Issue
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Human Times
Middle East
Oman sets new remote work rules

Oman's Ministry of Labour has introduced Ministerial Decision No. 523/2025, establishing a legal framework for remote work. The regulation aims to clarify obligations for both employers and employees. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, founding partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, said: "The decision explicitly defines remote work as tasks performed using information technology from outside the premises." Employers must provide necessary tools and cannot intrude on worker privacy. Employees have rights, including the ability to disconnect if privacy is violated. The framework also differentiates between part-time and full-time remote work arrangements.

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