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The Art of Difficult Conversations: True, Kind, and Necessary

30 September 2025

The Art of Difficult Conversations: True, Kind, and Necessary

Author: Mary E. Corrado

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.

Categories: Blog
DOT Proposes Adding Fentanyl Testing to Drug Screening Panels

30 September 2025

DOT Proposes Adding Fentanyl Testing to Drug Screening Panels

Author: Susan Chance

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.

How to Handle Employee Conflict Before It Escalates

30 September 2025

How to Handle Employee Conflict Before It Escalates

Author: Heather Nezich

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.

The New H-1B rules

30 September 2025

The New H-1B rules

Author: Anthony Kaylin

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

Joint Employer Cases on The Rise

30 September 2025

Joint Employer Cases on The Rise

Author: Michael Burns

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.

Quick Hits - October 1, 2025

30 September 2025

Quick Hits - October 1, 2025

Author: ASE Staff

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. 

Categories: EverythingPeople
ASE Releases Results to the 2025 Health, Welfare, and Retirement Plans Survey

24 September 2025

ASE Releases Results to the 2025 Health, Welfare, and Retirement Plans Survey

Author: Heather Nezich

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.

Categories: Press Releases
How Michigan Employers Are Balancing Benefits and Costs in 2025

23 September 2025

How Michigan Employers Are Balancing Benefits and Costs in 2025

Author: Kevin Marrs

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.

Hostile Work Environment or Toxic Culture?

23 September 2025

Hostile Work Environment or Toxic Culture?

Author: Linda Olejniczak

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.

When Employee Speech Creates Workplace Consequences

23 September 2025

When Employee Speech Creates Workplace Consequences

Author: Michael Burns

With the tragic killing of the conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, thousands if not more people, went to their social media accounts to express their opinions in one fashion or another. In some cases employers have been forced to take employment action against workers that have posted comments perceived to be negative or in celebration of the tragedy.

How to Support Employee Mental Health in Small but Powerful Ways

23 September 2025

How to Support Employee Mental Health in Small but Powerful Ways

Author: Heather Nezich

Employees are constantly bombarded with negative news from television broadcasts to social media feeds, and the impact on mental health can be significant. Combined with work pressures, this can leave employees feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or disconnected. While large-scale programs and benefits are valuable, sometimes it’s the smaller, everyday actions that make the biggest difference. These simple but powerful practices can help create a supportive environment where employees feel...
The California “No Robo Bosses Act”

23 September 2025

The California “No Robo Bosses Act”

Author: Anthony Kaylin

The “No Robo Bosses Act” (SB 7), which aims to regulate the use of automated decision systems (ADS) in the workplace, is currently sitting on Governor Newsom’s desk waiting for signature or veto by end of month.  The bill is a new approach to the state regulating AI in the workplace. Although Governor Newsome has not indicated whether he would sign or not, if he did, the law would be effective January 1, 2026.

Categories: EverythingPeople, AI
Quick Hits - September 24, 2025

23 September 2025

Quick Hits - September 24, 2025

Author: ASE Staff

Intermittent FMLA designation is an estimate of time off, not a hard cap: A mail clerk with sickle cell anemia, was employed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and had a history of attendance issues, some of which were covered by the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). To avoid termination, he entered into a Last Chance Agreement (LCA) that limited unscheduled absences and specified that FMLA-approved absences would not count against him if properly documented.

Categories: EverythingPeople
Why Reducing Fear Unlocks True Performance

16 September 2025

Why Reducing Fear Unlocks True Performance

Author: Mary E. Corrado

At the American Society of Employers, we talk a lot about best practices: how to streamline workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, and boost productivity. These are all important, but today I want to focus on something equally essential and often overlooked: psychological safety.

Categories: Blog
Update on Colorado’s Artificial Intelligence Act

16 September 2025

Update on Colorado’s Artificial Intelligence Act

Author: Anthony Kaylin

In 2024 Colorado became the first state in the nation to enact comprehensive regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) with Senate Bill 24-205 (SB205), also known as the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act (CAIA). The law is comprehensive, similar to the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act. It established detailed compliance obligations for developers and users of "high-risk" AI systems operating in employment, housing, finance, health care, education, and essential...
Categories: EverythingPeople, AI
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