A California Democrat last month introduced the No Robo Bosses Act, SB7, to the statehouse’s upper chamber requiring human oversight of automated decision-making systems (ADS) in the workplace. The move comes as state and local governments and businesses alike grapple with a federal vacuum on AI legislation amid uncertainty in Washington.

The move in the Golden State, sponsored by state Sen. Jerry McNerney, would prevent employers from relying solely on automated decision-making systems when making “hiring, promotion, discipline, or termination decisions” without human oversight. The bill also prohibits AI that uses a worker’s personal information for predictive analytics, a key measure applauded by data privacy pros.

“Businesses are increasingly using AI to boost efficiency and productivity in the workplace. But there are currently no safeguards to prevent machines from unjustly or illegally impacting workers’ livelihoods and working conditions,” Sen. McNerney said of the announcement in a press release. “SB 7 does not prohibit ADS in the workplace, rather it establishes guardrails to ensure that California businesses are not operated by robo bosses…”

For more on the No Robo Bosses Act and other measures aimed at regulating employer AI use, keep reading here.—AD

The global economy is facing several uncertainties, from changing in-demand skills to tariffs, and one country in particular is trying to balance a poor job market with a talent shortage for jobs in manual labor.

Where in the world? South Korea is looking at its worst job market in over a decade, disproportionately impacting younger (ages 15 to 29) workers, the Korea Herald reported. Young job seekers have also been on the hunt for a job longer than in previous years with many workers under 40 needing at least four months to find a job, Korea JoongAng Daily reported.

Many young South Koreans have limited job experience, which further limits their job prospects, and economists say that could stunt the country’s economic growth. Most (75%) unemployed workers said there are not enough “quality” job opportunities in South Korea, and 32% said that the jobs available don’t pay enough, according to the Korea Herald.

For more on the cooling job market abroad, keep reading here.—KP

Try as they might, HR leaders aren’t always equipped to help employees, especially employees who’ve experienced trauma. That’s why we spoke with Rachael Kelly, founder and CEO of HiveSmart, a consulting firm that specializes in trauma-informed practices.

Kelly, who wrote about her personal and professional experience with trauma in her book, From Trauma to Triumph: Finding Your Way Out: The End, shared how people leaders can talk about trauma in the workplace—something she’s done as an HR pro at companies like Pizza Hut and Sonic Drive-In.

For tips on how HR can assist employees through traumatic situations, keep reading here.—MC