Since the federal PUMP Act went into effect in mid-2023, employers with more than 15 employees are required to provide nursing mothers with a private space to express milk at work. ASE has covered this requirement previously, but we are now receiving questions from employers whose employees work offsite, such as on construction projects or farms, where traditional facilities are not available. How can these employers comply with the PUMP Act when new mothers must work outdoors or in...

Childcare costs are placing a significant burden on U.S. families, and data now shows that these affordability pressures are affecting the nation’s labor force. According to The Care Board, a project of the University of Kansas Institute for Policy & Social Research, mothers experienced the sharpest January–June decline in labor force participation (2.8 percentage points) in more than 40 years. Fathers’ participation remains steady above 95%, suggesting that the impact...

Artificial intelligence is woven into nearly every part of work life. But as AI becomes more capable, a new question is surfacing in HR circles: how much work should still be done by people?

A new trend is reshaping workplace dynamics: fewer workers want to be managers, and HR needs to take notice and plan for the rise of “conscious unbossing.”

Massachusetts, California and the state of Washington have new pay transparency requirements that employers need to be aware of.

EEOC sued to enforce EEO laws for LGBTQ complaints:  A legal services nonprofit cannot challenge the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity’s handling of gender identity discrimination allegations because the agency’s enforcement of federal laws is a core executive function generally insulated from judicial review, EEOC claimed in an Oct. 15 court filing. 

Artificial intelligence isn’t just the next technological wave; it’s a transformation that will touch every role, every industry, and every employee. As Walmart CEO Doug McMillon recently said, “Maybe there’s a job in the world that AI won’t change, but I haven’t thought of it.” That statement captures the moment we’re all in. AI is no longer theoretical. It’s here, and it’s reshaping how work gets done.

Governor Whitmer signed a new law this week that will allow Michigan tipped workers to take a deduction for tip income and the broader group of non-exempt and hourly workers to deduct overtime pay from taxes. H.B. 4961 provides for personal income tax deductions for qualified tips and qualified overtime compensation. This tip deduction from state taxes will apply for three years from 2026 through 2028. Additionally, Social Security recipients in Michigan will not pay tax on their social...

SHRM’s recent announcement that Robby Starbuck will appear on the main stage of its inclusion conference, Blueprint, has prompted concern among many HR and DEI professionals. While SHRM frames this as opening up dialogue, the timing and context – especially given recent shifts in DEI law and policy – make the decision more controversial than simply provocative.

Most organizations conduct interviews when someone is coming in or going out, but what about the time in between? That’s where stay interviews come in. They’re designed to help leaders understand why employees stay, what might cause them to leave, and what can be done to improve engagement.

Can you add a tobacco surcharge to healthcare premiums? The answer is yes.  However, since tobacco surcharges were instituted by various employers, they have been under attack by employees, particularly through class action lawsuits.  There have been more than 30 putative class actions against employers challenging tobacco premium surcharges in recent years.  There have been four settlements during this time, with the settlements ranging from 35-62% of the value of the tobacco...

DOL leaders along with EEOC Commissioner confirmed: Jonathan Berry was confirmed Solicitor of Labor.  Berry was the lead writer of the Heritage Foundation Project 2025 labor and employment chapter and was a Managing Partner at Boyden Gray PLLC. 

Running an NFL team can mirror running an organization, complete with boardroom pressure, talent management, culture, customer needs, and results. Several NFL coaches exemplify great leadership, but a fan-favorite again this season is none other than Detroit’s Coach Dan Campbell. Detroiters love the growth he has brought to the team. After decades of losing, he is bringing hope and energy to the city and fans everywhere. His approach offers lessons that extend far beyond the football...

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.

On July 29, 2025, in a guidance memorandum from Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Department of Justice (DOJ) describes the types of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and practices that would violate federal antidiscrimination laws.  Specifically, the memo targets recipients of federal funding, but the guidance provides a general understanding for all employers. 

Last week, the UAW announced its support for a strike at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. The union had previously failed to organize this facility in both 2014 and 2019. However, during the third organizing effort, Volkswagen permitted the UAW to proceed without opposition and recognized the union after a majority of employees signed pledge cards in support.

The change of seasons offers a unique opportunity to engage employees, strengthen connections, and infuse some fun into the workplace. Regardless of the time of year, keeping employees motivated and engaged is essential. Gallup research consistently shows that engaged employees perform better, stay longer, and thrive more both at work and in life compared to those who aren’t engaged.

Hiring slowing down at your organization? Is the U.S. labor market sliding into its own version of the 1970s? Data shows slower recruiting, stubborn wages, and a whiff of “stagflation” that has one economist reaching for historical comparisons. 

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.