Welcome to Paper Cut, where we cut through the week’s noise to bring you the sharpest insights in employer branding, talent acquisition, and HR. This week, new executive orders are reshaping DEI policies and federal hiring, layoffs loom across industries, and one company’s layoff misstep went viral for all the wrong reasons.
This Week’s Paper Cut's
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Trump’s Executive Orders Target DEI and Gender Policies
President Trump has signed executive orders eliminating federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and instituting policies that define gender as strictly male and female.
The order also places federal DEI officers on leave, effectively freezing diversity efforts across government agencies. Additionally, federal contractors are now barred from implementing diversity training programs that address systemic racism or privilege.
These sweeping changes are expected to have significant ripple effects across private sector companies, especially those with government contracts. As businesses navigate the potential fallout, HR leaders must consider how these changes could impact their diversity hiring efforts and workplace inclusion strategies.
ALEXANDRA OLSON
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Remote Work for Federal Employees Ends + Hiring Freeze Begins
Federal employees are being ordered back to the office as President Trump eliminates remote work options and institutes a federal hiring freeze. This move signals a broader push toward in-person work, which could influence private sector return-to-office (RTO) policies.
For HR leaders, the message is clear: flexible work remains a contentious issue, and the federal stance may pressure other organizations to follow suit—or resist.
Kathryn Moody
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Stripe Layoff Announcement Goes Viral—Thanks to a Duck
Stripe’s recent layoffs weren’t just painful—they were embarrassing. A picture of a duck was accidentally included in layoff emails sent to employees, turning an already difficult situation into a viral meme. The incident highlights the importance of handling layoffs with empathy and professionalism to protect employer brand reputation. With nearly half of companies anticipating layoffs in 2025, HR teams should take note: communication matters.
Thomas Maxwell
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BP Announces Layoffs Amid Cost-Cutting Measures
BP has announced significant layoffs as part of a strategic effort to cut costs and streamline operations. The energy giant's decision comes amid growing industry pressures and signals a potential trend of workforce reductions across the sector. HR leaders in energy and related industries should brace for shifting workforce demands and prepare to navigate the talent impact.
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Nearly Half of Employers Anticipate Layoffs in 2025
A recent survey reveals that nearly 50% of employers are bracing for potential layoffs in 2025, citing economic uncertainty and shifting market demands. This data underscores the need for companies to take a proactive approach to workforce planning—whether that means upskilling existing employees, re-evaluating hiring strategies, or preparing for difficult decisions ahead.
Carolyn Crist
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Closing Thoughts
This week’s stories paint a stark picture of change, whether it’s the rollback of DEI policies, the end of remote work, or the rise of mass layoffs. The challenge for HR leaders lies in balancing resilience with empathy, ensuring that employer brand values remain intact even as organizations adapt to economic pressures.
Start by reviewing your internal policies, strengthening communication strategies, and preparing for potential shifts in hiring and retention efforts. The future of work is shifting rapidly—are you ready?
Thanks for reading. See you next week.
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