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.

Join Kevin Marrs, ASE Vice President, for a fast, visual look at the latest labor market and economic trends impacting HR and business leaders. Through a series of simple, data-driven charts, we’ll highlight emerging trends in employment, wages, workforce participation, and overall economic activity. More importantly, we’ll translate those trends into practical insights you can use to guide people strategies in your organization. Whether it’s spotting shifts in hiring...

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.

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.

Retirement is a significant transition for both employees and employers. This conversation will explore how organizations can thoughtfully approach retirement planning in ways that honor long-serving employees while protecting business continuity. Points for discussion include: Manager Education: How do we equip managers to have sensitive, respectful conversations with employees about retirement timing, planning, and transition? Knowledge Transfer & Succession: What...

If you were to leave your organization tomorrow, which employees would be the strongest candidates for stepping into your role? Would those candidates need training? If so, what type? While the obvious successor to a role may be the person who is immediately next in line in the organizational chart, don't discount how tricky these situations may be. It isn't always obvious when there is a sudden and potentially disorienting staff departure, as organizations don't often know...

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 American Society of Employers (ASE) is excited to launch a new community for HR and total rewards professionals – the Michigan Total Rewards Network (MTRN). As an official affiliate of WorldatWork, MTRN connects Michigan total rewards professionals to a broader network of expertise, resources, and thought leadership in compensation, benefits, and work-life effectiveness. In this informational session, ASE and representatives from WorldatWork will: Introduce the vision and...

During a merger or acquisition, HR is frequently left out of the strategic conversation. And yet, most M&A deals fall short of delivering expected returns, and the top reason isn't financial. It's people. How can HR bring leadership and expertise to the M&A process? This session will help you prepare for that role. We’ll start by covering key M&A terms and concepts so you can engage confidently in deal discussions. You’ll learn from real-world M&A...

Employee recognition is one of the most powerful tools HR leaders and managers have to boost engagement, retention, and overall workplace morale. The good news? You don’t need a huge budget or fancy programs to make recognition meaningful. Here are some practical, affordable ways to create a culture of recognition in your organization without breaking the bank.

In a time of labor market uncertainty, economic headwinds, and rapid advancements in AI, many employees are choosing to hold onto their current roles not because they are satisfied, but because switching seems too risky. This phenomenon, called job hugging, captures a shift in workplace behavior that carries significant implications for individuals, organizations, and the broader economy.

As organizations begin building budgets and priorities for 2026, now is the perfect time to take a step back and evaluate HR’s role. Budgets aren’t just about numbers, they reflect strategy. By asking the right questions today, HR leaders can ensure they’re focusing resources where they’ll have the greatest impact in the year ahead.

Join us for a peer discussion on employee appreciation. How do you show appreciation to your employees? Whether your methods are simple and low-cost or elaborate and high-end, we want to hear from you! Join your peers for an engaging discussion on the various ways organizations recognize and reward their employees. Come prepared to discuss with your peers: What employee appreciation initiatives have you implemented in your organization? Are there any low-cost or no-cost...

Burnout is more than just a buzzword; it’s quietly draining your workplace culture. This interactive session goes beyond surface-level solutions and equips you with realistic, wellness-driven strategies to help employees recover, reengage, and reconnect. You’ll explore how small, intentional shifts can turn burnout into renewed energy and lasting cultural change. Ideal for HR professionals ready to take a fresh, practical approach to building a healthier, more connected, and more...

Top organizations are intentional about talent engagement, retention, and advancement, although it can often feel overwhelming. While there is no “one size fits all” universal solution, there are essential components vital to organizational preparedness that require a focus on both processes and culture. In this webinar, we will explore different talent review and career mapping models, such as the 9-Box Talent Matrix, to improve decision-making. Participants will also delve into...