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. 

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.

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.

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 “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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

If you were one of the few members that could not make it to the sold out ASE Employment Law Briefing last week, this article will help bring you up to speed on a couple of DOL regulatory issues covered at the event.

As economic uncertainty and reduced consumer confidence continues in the U.S., new job growth has remained stagnant in recent months. A recent survey by outplacement firm CareerMinds revealed that approximately 66.7% of employers polled have implemented some form of hiring freeze. Out of those, 44.6% have put limited freezes in place based on specific positions or departments, with 22.1% halting hiring activities across all roles.  Anecdotally, my professional recruitment network paints...

Still want to work in HR? 48% of HR professionals in the U.S. said they’ve considered leaving the field in the next 12 months, according to the 2026 State of People Strategy Report, released Wednesday by HR platform Lattice. Globally, of the more than 1,000 HR practitioners surveyed, 41% said the same.  Globally, of the more than 1,000 HR practitioners surveyed, 41% said the same.

The Great Flattening – the trend of eliminating middle managers to cut costs, reduce bureaucracy, and streamline organizational charts – is rapidly spreading across industries. What began in the tech sector is now reshaping corporate structures in retail, finance, and even government.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is still fairly new, and there are limited cases to guide HR in shaping policies and internal practices. The cases below, filed by the EEOC, offer insight into how the agency is approaching and reviewing allegations of PWFA violations.

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.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both excitement and fear as it quickly becomes a standard part of our lives. Some worry it poses risks to society, while others believe it will revolutionize how we work and live. What’s undeniable is that AI isn’t slowing down; it’s accelerating.

On July 31, 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court restricted the use of limitation of action agreements by Michigan employers. For those who have not followed this issue, limitation of action agreements are used to shorten the time plaintiffs (employees) have to bring a lawsuit against the employer. The limitation of action agreement shortens the time employees have to file certain wrongful employment claims. While these claims are often allowed up to one year, or in some cases as long as three...

Going PRO Talent fund cut by House budget bill: The Michigan House of Representatives has adopted a very aggressive budget that makes dramatic cuts in several programs to provide increased resources for roads, bridges, and state infrastructure. Among the cuts is the elimination of the Going PRO Talent Fund, a training grant program that manufacturers use to develop future skilled employees who will move manufacturing to the next level. According to the Michigan Manufacturers Association...

Warren Buffett once said, “Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you. You think about it; it’s true. If you hire somebody without [integrity], you really want them to be dumb and lazy.” It’s a perspective that invites leaders to reflect on which qualities truly matter most in the hiring process.