Running an NFL team can mirror running an organization, complete with boardroom pressure, talent management, culture, customer needs, and results. Several NFL coaches exemplify great leadership, but a fan-favorite again this season is none other than Detroit’s Coach Dan Campbell. Detroiters love the growth he has brought to the team. After decades of losing, he is bringing hope and energy to the city and fans everywhere. His approach offers lessons that extend far beyond the football...

As the workplace evolves, so does the language we use to describe it. Some HR terms capture trends, some reflect challenges, and some are just plain fun to talk about. Here’s a look at ten buzzwords that are making waves right now.

On July 29, 2025, in a guidance memorandum from Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Department of Justice (DOJ) describes the types of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and practices that would violate federal antidiscrimination laws.  Specifically, the memo targets recipients of federal funding, but the guidance provides a general understanding for all employers. 

Last week, the UAW announced its support for a strike at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. The union had previously failed to organize this facility in both 2014 and 2019. However, during the third organizing effort, Volkswagen permitted the UAW to proceed without opposition and recognized the union after a majority of employees signed pledge cards in support.

The change of seasons offers a unique opportunity to engage employees, strengthen connections, and infuse some fun into the workplace. Regardless of the time of year, keeping employees motivated and engaged is essential. Gallup research consistently shows that engaged employees perform better, stay longer, and thrive more both at work and in life compared to those who aren’t engaged.

Hiring slowing down at your organization? Is the U.S. labor market sliding into its own version of the 1970s? Data shows slower recruiting, stubborn wages, and a whiff of “stagflation” that has one economist reaching for historical comparisons. 

As leaders, we all face moments when a tough conversation is unavoidable. Whether it’s giving feedback, addressing performance issues, or navigating a sensitive workplace conflict, the ability to handle difficult conversations with confidence is one of the most important skills we can develop.

The Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), U.S. Department of Transportation has proposed adding fentanyl testing to the DOT drug testing panels for both urine and oral fluid testing. This would also include norfentanyl (a metabolite of fentanyl), which would be added to the urine testing only.

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. Different personalities, working styles, and pressures can lead to misunderstandings or disagreements. Left unchecked, small issues can snowball into bigger problems that hurt morale, productivity, and even retention. The good news is that managers can take simple, proactive steps to resolve conflicts before they escalate. Here’s a step-by-step playbook to follow.

On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation upending the pricing structure for H-1B visas.  Specifically, the proclamation states some employers:

ASE has long followed joint employment law, from disputes involving franchisors and management companies to issues with independent contractor classifications. While lawsuits often seem more like a looming risk than a reality, attorney Thomas O’Connel notes that joint employer cases are now a regular part of litigation. Employers should take notice and strengthen their understanding of these risks to avoid costly and complex disputes.

Healthcare costs to increase 9.5%: U.S. employer health care costs are projected to rise 9.5% in 2026, exceeding $17,000 per employee, according to Aon. This marks the third consecutive year of elevated health care cost trends near double digits. 

Troy, MI – September 24, 2025 -- ASE, one of the nation’s oldest and largest employer associations, has released its 2025 Health, Welfare, and Retirement Plans Survey. The annual survey of Michigan-based employers assesses employer-sponsored health and welfare plans ranging from employer-provided medical coverage to retirement plans. The 2025 survey was published in September 2025, with data effective April 2025.

Rising healthcare costs and the ongoing competition for talent have put Michigan employers in a delicate position: how to offer benefits that attract and retain employees without breaking budgets. ASE’s newly released 2025 Health, Welfare, and Retirement Plans Survey shows how organizations across the state are striking that balance.

If your boss yells at you and even throws a notebook in your direction, does that qualify as a hostile work environment? Not necessarily. According to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, in Brooks v. Grundmann, that type of behavior was considered an “isolated expression of frustration,” not unlawful harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.