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.

In today’s dynamic work environment, where teamwork and honesty are paramount, the role of managers has never been more critical. Managers who cultivate authentic dialogue and demonstrate vulnerability are laying the foundation for a healthy and productive workplace culture, which is essential for advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

As October approaches, the countdown to Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) begins, marking an important annual event aimed at showcasing the vibrant world of manufacturing to the next generation. Scheduled nationally for October 4th, Macomb County is gearing up for an extended celebration from September 30th to October 4th, highlighting its commitment to fostering interest in manufacturing careers among local high school students.

Psychological safety is the foundation of a healthy and high-performing team. Harvard Professor Amy Edmondson's seminal research highlights its critical role in today's knowledge economy. When employees lack the freedom to speak up, organizations miss out on opportunities for growth and innovation. Psychological safety is the belief that you can take risks, make mistakes, and express your thoughts and ideas without fear of negative consequences. When present, it leads to increased...

In every organization, top performers stand out not just for their skills but for their attitude and approach to work. These individuals possess certain traits that set them apart and drive the success of their teams and companies. Here are 15 critical traits of top performers:

Employers must provide employees with information about their rights under various federal, state, and local employment laws. This information is typically communicated through either labor law posters or individual notices, as specified by the law.

Each state has their own share of employment related laws in addition to federal regulations that business owners need to be aware of. Whether you're a small startup or a large corporation, understanding and adhering to Michigan’s employment laws is paramount to mitigating legal risks and fostering a fair and equitable workplace.

For the first time in nearly four decades, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has ushered in significant revisions to regulations governing the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) and its associated statutes, affecting federal wage regulations applicable to contractors and subcontractors engaged in most government construction projects. These changes, collectively referred to as the DBRA, are aimed at enhancing clarity and consistency in administering and enforcing DBRA regulations.

Recent data from a study by MetLife reveals a concerning trend: employees are experiencing heightened levels of stress, burnout, and depression in the workplace. The pressures of the ongoing permacrisis state, compounded by financial concerns and persistently high living costs, have created a challenging environment for employees to navigate.