Attracting and retaining top talent goes far beyond compensation and perks. Employees crave purpose, authenticity, and the freedom to thrive as individuals. As HR professionals, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to shape the culture, policies, and practices that define the employee experience. So, what does it truly take to build the workplace of your team’s dreams?

With five generations in the current workforce, organizations are experiencing an unprecedented blend of experiences and expectations that present both challenges and opportunities for fostering engaging and productive work environments.

With DEI in the crosshairs of the current administration’s enforcement activities, employers need to review their organization for DEI type policies, practices and activities (even if the organization does not subscribe specifically to DEI).  The guiding principle of this audit is to prevent violations of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that govern programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act which governs the...

April is Alcohol Awareness Month — a timely reminder for HR teams to assess the role alcohol plays in workplace culture and operations. While the occasional happy hour or toast at a company celebration might seem harmless, the presence of alcohol in the workplace brings challenges and serious risks that demand thoughtful consideration.

As a life-long employer advocate, I have to admit to the feeling of schadenfreude when I hear of the always sanctimonious unions getting caught violating the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) with their own employees. Unions love to catch and hold employers up as unfair when they allegedly violate labor law so it’s somewhat satisfying to see them reap what they sow.

Employees want compensation for long commutes in RTO situation: According to professional recruitment consultancy Robert Walters, U.S. professionals spend 1-5% of their annual salaries on commutes alone. Unsurprisingly, 60% of employees believe commutes are the most important expense employers can subsidize, and 74% name commutes as a major factor when considering a new job.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is about acknowledging your emotions, understanding them, and choosing how to respond—especially when the pressure is on. When you're leading others, EQ becomes even more essential. A well-timed pause or a thoughtful question can defuse tension, protect relationships, and model the kind of leadership people want to follow.

Last month in our March 21st Conversations with Mike and Tony, along with some recent changes to OSHA penalties and recent data on job injuries, we also talked about the fact that David Keeling was nominated by President Trump to head the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). His confirmation by the Senate is still pending, but what might Mr. Keeling consider changing?

Today’s younger generations—Millennials and Gen Z in particular—aren’t driven by the same ideals that motivated workers in decades past. Gone are the days when company loyalty was a primary virtue. Now, younger employees are seeking something far more personal: quality. Not just quality of life, but also quality in  the workplace.

Employee volunteer programs are no longer just a “nice to have”—they’re a strategic investment with measurable returns. From boosting employee engagement and skill development to enhancing brand reputation and attracting top talent, these programs offer tangible benefits for both organizations and their people. This article will dive into those benefits and offer some best practices to get you started.

President Trump nominated Jonathan Berry to be the next Solicitor of the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).  Jonathan Berry is a managing partner at Boyden Gray PLLC and a member of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group.  He is also the author of Chapter 18 of Project 2025’s treatise Mandate for Leadership, which focuses on labor department priorities and activities.

Are you prepared for I-9 and immigration enforcement? Federal immigration authorities may be gradually boosting their enforcement activities, but the slow pace has not changed employers’ need for caution. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the nature of work and challenging traditional roles across every industry. For HR professionals and employees alike, understanding how AI is reshaping talent is critical to staying ahead. Fortunately, there's a clear and practical way to evaluate where your work stands in this new landscape: the 3-Bucket Analysis.

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Executive Orders have taken root and at the time of writing been upheld most recently by the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Other than the obvious programs such as employee resource groups (ERGs), hiring preferences, and worker pipeline building, what other areas of HR may DEI impact that HR needs to be aware of?

The concept of "Liberation Day" has emerged as a pivotal point for strategic planning for manufacturing. As articulated by Josh Bersin in a recent podcast, this day marks a significant shift in global trade dynamics, influencing how companies approach their manufacturing strategies and, consequently, their HR practices.

This past January President Biden signed the 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This new law expands protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act, more commonly known as USERRA (passed in 1994). USERRA is the basis for many employers’ Military Leave policies. USERRA prohibits employers from discriminating against, harassing (allowing) or retaliating against veterans and service members, and provides reemployment and other rights...

Do you have employees who drive for work purposes? Are you aware of everyone who does so for your company? Most importantly, do you have policies and procedures in place for checking motor vehicle records on all employees who drive for work purposes, and is your staff aware of the policies?

Employers must post new State of Michigan Veteran poster:  Effective 4/2/25, businesses must display a veteran’s resource poster in an area accessible to all employees, per PA 197 of 2004 — enacted by the Michigan Legislature on the final day of its session. 

Employers are facing an unprecedented mix of challenges that make long-term planning increasingly difficult. The impending tariffs, economic uncertainty, and today’s unpredictable political climate are creating a complex business environment where stability is hard to find. ASE hears daily from business leaders grappling with these concerns and looking for ways to adapt.

The Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund offers more than $55 million to employers for training that leads to a worker credential for skills that are transferable and recognized by industry. Though focused on hard skill training, Going PRO grants can be used to develop supervisor skills in the employer’s workforce. 

Although Executive Order 11246 is revoked, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)is still finding relevance.  Section 4212 (VEVRAA) and Section 503 (Disabled) Affirmative Action Plans (AAPs) are required by regulation, and OFCCP has stated that the agency will resume audits of these plans at some point.  More recently, with a new Director in place, the OFCCP may be the first line of attack against federal contractor Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)...

Have you ever started reading a book or article so dry and uninteresting that pushing past the first few paragraphs felt like a chore? Job postings far too often have the same effect. If your position postings attract a flood of unqualified applicants with only a few possessing the necessary skills, the issue may lie more within your job posting than with a lack of available talent. In a job market where employers continue to compete for strong talent, well-written postings can serve as a...

Summer is approaching fast. Many employers employ minors during their summer break from school. Employers should keep in mind that youth employment generally requires a work permit – even when school is on summer break. If you have work for a person 17 years or younger, be aware of the employer’s obligations under the Youth Employment Standards Act. (1978 PA 90, MCL 445.106)

Employees are wary of 360 reviews: More than three in four employees have expressed their desire to opt out of 360-degree feedback evaluation systems amid concerns that it could be misused in the workplace, according to a new survey. LiveCareer's poll among 1,000 employees in the United States found that 71% of organizations are using 360-degree reviews regularly.

Gen Z in the workplace: Gen Z workers want their jobs to be more than just a job. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 86% of Gen Z workers said having a sense of purpose is important to their overall job satisfaction and well-being. Additionally, 75% of Gen Z and millennial workers said an organization’s community engagement and societal impact is an important factor when considering a potential employer.  Environmental sustainability is also a top...