Layoffs, Flat Raises, and Resume Botox | PAPER CUT

Layoffs are rising, pay is flattening, and AI still struggles to prove ROI. This week’s brief breaks down what those shifts mean for hiring, retention, and employer brand trust.

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📌 Sources & Links

AI ambition is ahead of the evidence

• https://hbr.org/2026/02/9-trends-shaping-work-in-2026-and-beyond

• https://hbr.org/2026/01/companies-are-laying-off-workers-because-of-ais-potential-not-its-performance

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/openai-is-reportedly-seeing-exit-of-senior-level-employees-after-ceo-sam-altman-makes-it-compulsory-to-use/articleshow/127909390.cms

 

Peanut butter raises

• https://fortune.com/2026/02/02/employers-ditching-merit-based-pay-bumps-in-favor-peanut-butter-raises/

 

Resume Botox

• https://www.businessinsider.com/resume-botox-lying-millennials-careers-2026-2

 

The Cut List

• https://apnews.com/article/amazon-ups-layoffs-economy-washington-71bfde72b358fddb9a22c15aa13fe848

 

#FutureOfWork #HR #EmployerBranding #Layoffs #Compensation #AI #Hiring #TalentStrategy