Adapt to the Changes

By Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President & CEO
Published February 4, 2025

2025 is off to an interesting start. While everyone knew there would be considerable changes with a new administration in Washington, D.C., many Americans were caught by surprise with the speed, magnitude, and complexity with which changes have been announced and, in some cases, implemented. At a team meeting last week, someone suggested we adopt REO Speedwagon’s classic “Roll with the Changes” as a theme song. Although it’s certainly a catchy tune, I’d like to suggest replacing “roll” with “adapt” as the more appropriate response for employers. 

Adapting, as opposed to rolling, allows time to review, research, analyze, reflect, discuss, and determine the appropriate steps to take when changes, welcome or unwelcome, are introduced. Some issues might not rise to a level of importance that warrants resources being allocated before accepting them. And in some cases, there may not be alternative options or viable routes to consider. However, most changes are nuanced and do allow for different ways of adapting depending on their unique combination of factors such as leadership, values, industry, risk tolerance, and financial resources at each organization. 

As you might expect, HR Source’s team has been extremely busy staying on top of the changes announced since the presidential inauguration. We’ve been learning as much as possible to help our members make informed decisions about issues related to affirmative action, DE&I, and immigration. We’re fielding a plethora of HR Hotline calls, preparing emergency news briefs, discussing the topics in our Peer Hubs, and publishing weekly articles with insights and recommendations. In addition, those members who work with our EEO and Compliance Solutions Team are being contacted to discuss how best to proceed given the revocation of EO11246 which impacts affirmative action obligations for government contractors and subcontractors.

We’ve also announced a special edition of Straight from the Source which will be held on Thursday, February 6 from 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. I will be joined by HR Source team members Kelly Hayden, J.D., Chief Legal Counsel, and Angela Adams, Director, EEO and Compliance Solutions, who will discuss and answer member questions related to executive order implications. I encourage you to participate.

HR Source is dedicated to helping our members navigate unprecedented challenges. Please let us know how we can best help your organization adapt to the changes you’re currently facing.

How has your leadership team responded to the employment changes over the last week? Share your strategies in our All Members Community on HR Exchange.