The Great Flattening – the trend of eliminating middle managers to cut costs, reduce bureaucracy, and streamline organizational charts – is rapidly spreading across industries. What began in the tech sector is now reshaping corporate structures in retail, finance, and even government.

Across Michigan, families are preparing for the back-to-school season. While much attention goes to preK–12 and college students, thousands of adults are also returning to the classroom, proving it’s never too late to learn, grow, and create new opportunities.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is sounding the alarm after a surge in struck-by incidents has made them the leading cause of workplace deaths in Michigan this year. As of August 5, 2025, 10 of the 22 workplace fatalities investigated by MIOSHA were the result of workers being struck by moving vehicles, heavy equipment, or falling objects – tragic events that safety experts say are entirely preventable.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are pivotal moments in a business’s lifecycle. M&A activity can reshape your organization in lasting ways. But without a clear communication plan, even the most strategic deal can unravel due to confusion, panic, or misalignment.

In a May 2025 blog post, OneDigital examined the best way to transition from a fully insured health plan to a self-funded plan. A self-funded health care plan is one where the employer assumes the financial risk for providing health care benefits to its employees. Instead of paying fixed premiums to an insurance carrier, the employer pays for medical claims out of its own funds.

Excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and serious health consequences, so proactive measures are essential. Below are key steps to keep your workforce safe and maintain productivity.

Every June, the U.S. observes National Safety Month, a campaign led by the National Safety Council to focus on reducing leading causes of injury and death in the workplace, on the roads, and in our communities. It's a time to reaffirm our commitment to safety and express appreciation for the workers who make safety a daily priority.

June is National Employee Wellness Month – a dedicated time to recognize the vital role that employee health and well-being play in building thriving workplaces. As organizations adapt to evolving work environments, whether remote, hybrid, or in-person, prioritizing wellness is not just beneficial, it’s good business.

As Michigan celebrates Professional Trades Month this May, the spotlight is on the skilled professionals who build and sustain our communities and on the next generation ready to join them. Among them are recent graduates like those with degrees in kinesiology and pre-med studies who are eager to bring their passion and skills into meaningful roles across Michigan’s diverse professional trades sectors.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. The 2025 theme is “Turn Awareness into Action,” encouraging individuals and communities to translate understanding into meaningful steps toward change. One critical area where this call to action can make a tangible difference is the workplace, where mental health conditions continue to impact employees and organizational well-being alike.

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.

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.

In the wake of the 2024 elections, the impact of the Trump administration on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is poised to undergo significant shifts. Traditionally a cornerstone of American workplace safety, OSHA's regulatory framework may experience a noticeable pivot towards deregulation. This anticipated move reflects the administration's historical stance on reducing government intervention in business practices. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a pivotal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of employment. To remain compliant, employers must adhere to essential guidelines covering hiring, workplace policies, job accommodations, and employment conditions. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of ADA compliance requirements.

New Year’s resolutions often come as an afterthought, hurriedly picked and quickly forgotten. But thoughtful goal setting can set the tone for a successful year ahead. To inspire your own professional resolutions, HR Brew gathered insights from HR leaders across the industry. Their forward-thinking goals offer actionable ideas for shaping your HR strategy in 2025.

The hybrid work model – splitting time between home and office – has become a mainstay for many organizations since the global pandemic. According to ADP research, hybrid work is thriving, with employees who split their time between home and office 1.7 times more likely to be engaged than on-site staff and 1.9 times more engaged than fully remote employees. However, this evolving approach has its challenges. 

A Code of Conduct is essential for organizations to establish a framework of ethical behavior and compliance expectations for employees. It serves to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability, guiding employees in their decision-making and actions. A well-crafted Code of Conduct can mitigate risks, enhance organizational culture, and foster trust among stakeholders. Key components typically include sections on ethical behavior, compliance with laws, conflict of interest, reporting...

Ann Arbor has just made history by passing a landmark “right to sit” law aimed at reshaping the work environment for retail and hospitality employees. The ordinance grants workers in these industries the right to sit while on duty, as long as doing so doesn’t interfere with their job performance. This policy marks a shift towards more inclusive workplace standards and is expected to have a significant impact on retail and service employees, who often endure long hours on...

Managing leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be challenging for employers, particularly when they suspect misuse or abuse, especially with intermittent leaves. While it is crucial to respect employees' rights to FMLA without interference or retaliation, there are practical steps employers can take to curb abuse while remaining compliant.

Natural disasters cause significant disruption to both businesses and employees. As hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other catastrophes become more frequent, it’s crucial for employers to have a Natural Disaster Leave Policy in place. Such a policy helps organizations navigate the challenges of managing employee leave while ensuring legal compliance and supporting their workforce. Key components include:

With the rise of remote work, employees are no longer just seeking flexibility—they crave autonomy. Will granting more autonomy entice workers back to the office? The answer might lie in how companies balance control with freedom.

With election day approaching on November 5, Michigan employers should be prepared to handle requests from employees seeking time off to vote. Although Michigan does not have a specific law mandating voting leave, employers can play a critical role in encouraging civic participation by creating policies that allow employees to exercise their right to vote.

"Appreciation is an application for more." This quote resonates when we consider the importance of expressing gratitude in our relationships, whether personal or professional. Essentially, showing appreciation acts as a motivator or reinforcement, prompting the person being appreciated to continue their efforts or contributions. It implies that by valuing and acknowledging someone's actions, you create a positive feedback loop that can lead to more of the same positive actions.

VTO or Volunteer Time Off is a great benefit to offer your employees and a way to embrace community service days as an organization. Volunteer Time Off (VTO) is a type of paid leave where employees receive their regular compensation for time spent volunteering for approved charities or community organizations.  According to ASE’s 2024 Michigan Policies and Practices Survey:  22% of companies offer VTO, 90% pay their employees to take VTO, and on average the maximum amount of...

Enhancing productivity often seems synonymous with increasing workload. However, research suggests that integrating strategic breaks into the workday can improve productivity and employee well-being.