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.

In today's interconnected world, businesses operate on a global scale, requiring them to manage human resources across various countries and regions. Effectively managing a global workforce begins with understanding the local context of each location where the business operates. This involves delving into cultural norms, legal frameworks, and socio-economic factors that shape the environment in which employees function. Here, we break down the essential steps to managing human resources...

Accountability in the workplace isn't just a catchphrase—it's the foundation upon which trust and effective collaboration thrive within organizations. At its core, workplace accountability entails each team member taking ownership of their actions, decisions, and performance. This cultivates a culture where individuals and teams are dedicated to fulfilling their responsibilities and achieving collective goals, directly impacting employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall...

Working within a coaching culture can significantly boost performance and success. But how do you establish such an environment? It requires dedication from both leadership and team members.

In the quest for talent, organizations are rethinking their recruitment strategies. Gone are the days when hiring was solely the responsibility of HR departments or hiring teams. Now, organizations are realizing the potential of tapping into the collective network and awareness of their entire staff to find candidates who not only excel in their roles but also align with the organization's culture. By fostering a culture where everyone participates in recruiting, employers can unlock new...

As the new year unfolds, with research indicating increased restlessness among employees, retention is front of mind on HR directors and leadership. The Conference Board CHRO Confidence Index and a survey by esphr by WorkNest highlight growing concerns about retention, putting HR directors in the spotlight.

Happy New Year!  First quarter, new year, new you! The pressure is on to set resolutions, reset, and renew. So, where do you begin?

As organizations embark on 2024, they face a landscape of economic uncertainty, prompting the need for strategic foresight. In response to this challenge, ASE partner, McLean & Company, a renowned HR research and advisory firm, has released its annual HR Trends Report 2024.

What are the rules for contacting employees on leave? When and how should you communicate with them? There are no legal requirements to keep in touch with workers while they’re out on leave. However, there are good business reasons to not let your employees think that you have forgotten about them. To maintain a good relationship with workers on leave, a manager or HR person can keep in touch on a regular basis, but not so often that it seems intrusive.

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) has emerged as a crucial lifeline for businesses grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. As deadlines loom on the horizon, it becomes imperative for businesses to grasp the intricacies of the ERC, ensuring a correct and timely claim.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has ushered in significant changes to the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) standards. This final rule, effective October 23, 2023, comprised of hundreds of pages, is poised to impact over one million construction workers. Alongside the comprehensive revisions, the DOL has released a set of Frequently Asked Questions to guide stakeholders through the intricacies of the updated regulations.

In short, yes, employees who telework are eligible for Family Medical Leave Act/ FMLA leave on the same basis as employees who report to any other worksite to perform their job.  An employee who has worked for an employer for at least 12 months, has at least 1,250 hours of service for the employer during the 12-month period immediately preceding the leave, and works at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles is eligible for FMLA leave.

HR professionals are continually seeking ways to cut expenses, enhance operational efficiency, and uphold productivity. When it comes to onboarding procedures, the transition to a paperless approach emerges as a strategic way to realize these objectives. Below, we examine the advantages of paperless onboarding.

Michigan, with its bustling automotive, manufacturing, and construction sectors, has a significant portion of its workforce exposed to high noise levels. A Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) is a crucial tool for employers to protect their workforce from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and ensure a safe, productive work environment.