I’ve long identified as an introvert. I recharge in quiet reflection and carefully consider my decisions before acting. Yet leading a dynamic organization often requires stepping into the shoes of an extrovert such as speaking to large groups, energizing a room, and navigating highly social situations. Over time, I’ve realized that not everyone fits neatly into the traditional categories of introvert or extrovert. I’ve always said I’m an introvert who sometimes plays...

With a lot of focus recently on different state laws pertaining to paid time off, don’t forget that states also have  their own laws on personnel file management.

In Japan, the practice of Inemuri, sleeping while present, is not a sign of laziness but rather a cultural nuance that reflects dedication and hard work. The term translates to "sleeping while being present," and it's commonly observed in various settings, including workplaces, public transportation, and educational institutions. Ironically, Inemuri is often seen as a testament to one's commitment to their responsibilities.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the interactive process for accommodations requires an ongoing dialogue between employer and employee to identify appropriate accommodations.  Ultimately it is the employer’s decision, but the employer cannot unilaterally make a decision without dialogue.  Many times, an accommodation is either at no cost or up to about $200, so an accommodation should be doable.

The conversation about hiring has changed dramatically in the past decade. Once upon a time, recruiters were viewed as service providers – people who processed resumes and filled open seats. Today, they’re strategic operators, managing a complex, high-stakes ecosystem where speed, judgment, and influence often determine an organization’s ability to compete for talent.

Daylight Savings Time ends November 2: When clocks are turned back an hour in the early morning on November 2nd workers on the midnight shift at that time will actually work an extra hour. Assuming that these workers are nonexempt employees, meaning that they are governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), they must be paid for all hours worked.

Since the federal PUMP Act went into effect in mid-2023, employers with more than 15 employees are required to provide nursing mothers with a private space to express milk at work. ASE has covered this requirement previously, but we are now receiving questions from employers whose employees work offsite, such as on construction projects or farms, where traditional facilities are not available. How can these employers comply with the PUMP Act when new mothers must work outdoors or in...

Childcare costs are placing a significant burden on U.S. families, and data now shows that these affordability pressures are affecting the nation’s labor force. According to The Care Board, a project of the University of Kansas Institute for Policy & Social Research, mothers experienced the sharpest January–June decline in labor force participation (2.8 percentage points) in more than 40 years. Fathers’ participation remains steady above 95%, suggesting that the impact...

Artificial intelligence is woven into nearly every part of work life. But as AI becomes more capable, a new question is surfacing in HR circles: how much work should still be done by people?

A new trend is reshaping workplace dynamics: fewer workers want to be managers, and HR needs to take notice and plan for the rise of “conscious unbossing.”

Massachusetts, California and the state of Washington have new pay transparency requirements that employers need to be aware of.

EEOC sued to enforce EEO laws for LGBTQ complaints:  A legal services nonprofit cannot challenge the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity’s handling of gender identity discrimination allegations because the agency’s enforcement of federal laws is a core executive function generally insulated from judicial review, EEOC claimed in an Oct. 15 court filing. 

Artificial intelligence isn’t just the next technological wave; it’s a transformation that will touch every role, every industry, and every employee. As Walmart CEO Doug McMillon recently said, “Maybe there’s a job in the world that AI won’t change, but I haven’t thought of it.” That statement captures the moment we’re all in. AI is no longer theoretical. It’s here, and it’s reshaping how work gets done.

Governor Whitmer signed a new law this week that will allow Michigan tipped workers to take a deduction for tip income and the broader group of non-exempt and hourly workers to deduct overtime pay from taxes. H.B. 4961 provides for personal income tax deductions for qualified tips and qualified overtime compensation. This tip deduction from state taxes will apply for three years from 2026 through 2028. Additionally, Social Security recipients in Michigan will not pay tax on their social...

SHRM’s recent announcement that Robby Starbuck will appear on the main stage of its inclusion conference, Blueprint, has prompted concern among many HR and DEI professionals. While SHRM frames this as opening up dialogue, the timing and context – especially given recent shifts in DEI law and policy – make the decision more controversial than simply provocative.