Rapid advancement in AI has organizations either ignoring the technology or rushing to implement it for a competitive advantage. However, implementing AI without proper guidelines regulating its use and adoption exposes organizations to risks that negatively impact organizational outcomes. Avoid adverse organizational outcomes by collaborating with organizational leaders to develop responsible AI guiding principles. 

Another year; another trend – Similar to last year’s trend of "quiet quitting," where employees do the minimum due to burnout and feeling unappreciated, a new trend dubbed "resenteeism" has emerged, reflecting workers' low productivity driven by resentment. These employees feel obligated to stay in their current jobs due to financial commitments or familial responsibilities, yet they harbor dissatisfaction and resentment that hampers their performance.

On Monday the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported that the final version of the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act (PWFA) regulations will be published in the Federal Register August 19th.  The PWFA was passed December 29, 2022, and took effect in June of 2023. Last August proposed rules were released, and the public’s comments were requested. Over 100,000 comments were received.

Recent data from a study by MetLife reveals a concerning trend: employees are experiencing heightened levels of stress, burnout, and depression in the workplace. The pressures of the ongoing permacrisis state, compounded by financial concerns and persistently high living costs, have created a challenging environment for employees to navigate.

Although many nonunion employers do not see the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) as impacting them, they are often surprised when an unfair labor practice charge (ULP) is issued against them.  These employers think the NLRB only protects union activity, but that’s not the case.  The NLRB protects all workers’ rights in the workplace and is the de facto union for nonunion workers.  Although in the past, ULPs have been fairly rare, they are rising today as...

Are wellness plans worth the investment?  According to a recent study the answer is yes.  Gympass surveyed over 2,000 benefit leaders to answer this very question, and a majority said yes. In fact, 90% of companies believe they see a positive return on their wellness benefits, 85% said their wellness programs decreased the cost of recruitment and retention and 78% reported that their benefits saved them money on healthcare. Any investment in well-being, whether mental health,...

Over the past several years, I’ve noticed a considerable shift in how people treat each other in everyday society.  I’ve seen many more personal attacks and a general lack of respect for others’ beliefs or feelings. In the past, these thoughts were kept private, but in recent times it seems everyone feels compelled to lash out at others with no remorse. It seems to go beyond “Survival of the Fittest” to “Survival of the Meanest.”

The New York Court of Appeals ruled on March 14^th that New York State discrimination laws apply to out of state applicants for jobs.  Specifically, the court stated that refusing to hire or promote someone to a job in New York for discriminatory reasons has an impact in the city or state and is covered by their anti-bias laws "because that is where the person wished to work."

Limitation of Action Agreements are a contract between the employer and employee, usually agreed upon at the start of employment or even before on the application form, whereby the employee agrees they will not bring a wrongful employment lawsuit against their employer typically beyond 180 days of the cause of action. This shortens the time an employee can bring a wrongful employment lawsuit against their employer from what the statute or common law may ordinarily provide them.

Everyone is talking about AI! Artificial intelligence is changing our landscape on every level. In the training world, facilitators are starting to rely on its benefits. Here is your cautionary warning and some things to look out for when using AI for training:

The K-12 District Comparison Dashboard, recently released by Launch Michigan, offers valuable insights into Michigan's public education system.  Unlike previous tools, this dashboard allows for comparisons between Michigan districts and those in high-performing states, revealing significant disparities:

Employer violates pregnancy act by not providing accommodation for employee who later miscarried: One employer did not want to continue providing accommodations to a pregnant employee, and it was a game changer.  According to the EEOC's lawsuit, “[the employer] violated federal law when one of its stores ... 

The Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund offers more than $55 million to employers for training that will lead to a worker credential for skills that are transferable and recognized by industry. Though focused on hard skill training, Going PRO grants can be used to develop supervisor skills in the employer’s workforce. 

On Friday, the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) issued final “walk around” rules that will allow persons such as union representatives/activists or other third parties to accompany OSHA Inspectors into non-union workplaces (onto private property) to walk with them during safety inspections. “The new rules give the employer and the employee the right to authorize a representative to accompany the OSHA official during a workplace inspection.” The final rule...

Are you sick of your calendar being full of meetings and never having time to get anything done? Well, you are not alone. Employees now attend an average of 8-17 meetings a week which is three times the number of average meetings than before the pandemic; studies show a 252% increase since February 2020.

On March 13, 2024, the European Parliament approved the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (the “AI Act”), which will be the world’s first comprehensive set of rules for artificial intelligence. “The AI Act has nudged the future of AI in a human-centric direction, in a direction where humans are in control of the technology and where it — the technology — helps us leverage new discoveries, economic growth, societal progress and unlock human potential,"...

In today's interconnected world, businesses operate on a global scale, requiring them to manage human resources across various countries and regions. Effectively managing a global workforce begins with understanding the local context of each location where the business operates. This involves delving into cultural norms, legal frameworks, and socio-economic factors that shape the environment in which employees function. Here, we break down the essential steps to managing human resources...

Speaking only Japanese in meetings not discriminatory:  In Kurtanidze v. Mizuho Bank, Ltd., 2024 WL 117180 (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 13, 2024), the plaintiff was a Caucasian male of European descent who was employed for three months in the defendant bank’s New York branch. After his employment was terminated, he sued, claiming, among other things, that the bank discriminated against non-Japanese employees based on race and national origin.

In our fast-paced digital era, where face-to-face interactions are increasingly rare, the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics is more crucial than ever. Yet, many professionals find themselves lacking the essential people skills needed to effectively manage stress, maintain positive relationships, and prevent conflicts from escalating. At the heart of these capabilities lies emotional intelligence.

When reviewing employee handbooks one of the tougher feedback discussions is about how a policy is written and having to explain why on its face it is a fairly esoteric policy, but it is too broadly written and may be a violation of federal labor law.

In the midst of the NCAA March Madness, a distraction is taking place.   A regional director for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled last month that members of the Dartmouth men's basketball team are employees of the school. This ruling will allow the basketball team to organize under the NLRB rules, and they decided to join Service Employees International Union (SEIU). 

It's been almost exactly four years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the American work environment. Over this period, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided crucial guidance, navigating us through various stages of precautionary measures, from mask mandates to their relaxation and vice versa. On March 1, 2024, the CDC introduced a significant alteration to its isolation recommendations for individuals infected with COVID-19.

In the age of remote work, the home office has become the new norm for many professionals. The appeal of flexible schedules, no commute, and the comfort of familiar surroundings has drawn countless workers away from traditional office settings. Amidst these conveniences, however, lies a lesser-discussed challenge: loneliness.

OFCCP Portal opens April 1 and closes July 1: The U.S. Department of Labor announced its Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs will begin accepting online submissions on April 1 from covered contractors to certify they have developed and maintained affirmative action programs for each establishment or functional unit.  

For a significant portion of the American workforce, the experience of work is anything but uplifting. According to a 2023 Work in America survey conducted by the APA (American Psychological Association), nearly one-fifth (19%) of respondents characterized their workplace as toxic. Additionally, over one-fifth (22%) reported that their work environment had negatively impacted their mental well-being.