Whether employees are funding a child's education, buying a home, or covering unexpected expenses, most workers lack accessible savings for the moments that matter the most. Financial stress reaches farther than most leaders realize. Nearly one-third of financially secure employees say money concerns still distract them at work. Participation is not the problem, in fact, 8 in 10 enroll in a 401(k) when it’s available. The issue is liquidity. Traditional benefits have...

Year-end brings compliance deadlines, payroll reconciliation, benefits enrollment and performance reviews all at once, often with no extra time to manage them. This session walks through the key tasks HR teams need to close out before January 1st, from W-2 prep and payroll tax reconciliation to policy updates and PTO decisions, along with what to set up now so next year starts organized instead of behind. Presented by: Heather Plancarte, HR Services Consultant, isolved ASE...

Join us on October 6th,virtually, as we host Sean Luitjens from World at Work and Nancy Romanyshyn from Syndio to talk about the Wicked Problem of Pay Equity. Pay equity has become one of the most complex and urgent challenges facing employers today. Rapidly evolving legislation, rising employee expectations, and increasing transparency requirements have transformed fair pay into a true “wicked problem,” with no single solution and constantly shifting demands.  In this...

As organizations continue to evaluate workplace flexibility, new research suggests that remote work may offer significant benefits for employee well-being without the drawbacks many employers fear. A recent University of Colorado study published in Frontiers in Psychology, "Rethinking Return-to-Office: The Positive Impact of Remote Work on Well-Being, Connection, and Employee Retention," examined survey data from more than 7,700 employees at a large healthcare organization and...

For years, financial stress was viewed as a personal issue that employees managed outside of work. Today, rising living costs, economic uncertainty, housing expenses, debt, and caregiving responsibilities are creating financial pressure that follows employees into the workplace, affecting productivity, engagement, and retention.

As students return to school and families settle into new routines, many working parents find that the end of summer doesn’t mean the end of childcare challenges. In many cases, it simply means trading one set of logistical hurdles for another.

For the past several years, artificial intelligence has been promoted as a workplace productivity game changer. Employees report that AI tools help them complete tasks faster, automate routine work, and reclaim valuable time during the workweek. In fact, a recent study by Glean’s Work AI Institute found that employees estimate AI saves them approximately 11 hours each week.

Employee discipline and termination decisions are rarely as simple as they seem. Is coaching enough? Should you issue a written warning or PIP? When does progressive discipline stop? And what should HR consider before approving a termination? This Peer-to-Peer discussion is about real HR challenges, practical solutions, and lessons learned from experience. This is your opportunity to learn  from other practitioners – not just from a presentation. Bring a challenge, a...

HR Professionals are often viewed as a primary source of information when it comes to Social Security and Medicare. This notion is reinforced by financial advisors and the financial press who will tell clients (or subscribers) who have questions in these areas to “Ask HR” for answers! This is a unique opportunity to interact with fellow HR professionals about America’s foundational retirement programs. Hosted by Thomas Wright, creator of the Turning 65...

Low literacy is a hidden challenge that affects thousands of working-age adults across Michigan, influencing hiring, onboarding, workplace communication, training, safety, and employee retention. Hosted by Shea Ross, Program Director at Read Muskegon, this webinar invites HR professionals to view their role through a literacy lens, and apply practical strategies to reduce literacy barriers that create more accessible and inclusive workplaces.  All member participants will receive one...

Employee feedback is one of the most valuable sources of insight an organization can access, but collecting feedback is only the first step. When employees share their perspectives and see little or no action, trust and engagement can quickly erode.  Join ASE for an informative webinar exploring McLean & Company's employee listening research and tools. This session will provide a practical framework for creating a purposeful employee listening strategy that helps...

Employees often miss work due to unexpected challenges such as a broken-down car, a utility shutoff notice, a lack of gas money, or an unforeseen family emergency that create barriers to work. Join HelpLink, a Michigan-based nonprofit and ASE Member, as they share their inspiring journey from a small Facebook community called Spark in the Dark to a nationally recognized, technology-enabled platform helping businesses support employees in times of need. During this session,...

Troy, MI – August 24, 2026 – The American Society of Employers' (ASE) 2026/2027 Salary Budget Survey shows salary increase budgets holding essentially flat compared to last year, even as more employers appear to be engaging earlier in 2027 planning conversations than they were at this point a year ago. Based on responses from 196 organizations across Michigan, the survey tracks actual and projected salary adjustments.

For years, employers focused on compensation, benefits, and perks as the keys to employee engagement. While those factors remain important, research continues to point to friendship as another powerful driver of workplace satisfaction.

Most workplace communication is written with good intentions. We add “please” to be polite and “ASAP” to emphasize urgency. Yet research suggests these common phrases can sometimes have the opposite effect, creating confusion, reducing clarity, and slowing productivity.