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.

Most Michigan HR professionals know something about the Bullard Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act. It has been around since 1978 (PA 397) and permits current and former employees the right to review what is in their personnel file. This type of law is often referred to as a sunshine law.

Whether you're an avid sports fan or someone indifferent to the world of athletics, there's an undeniable power in witnessing a group of individuals collaborate toward a shared objective. Each team member, whether in the spotlight or on the sidelines, plays a crucial role, propelling each other towards their collective vision of success.

Accountability in the workplace isn't just a catchphrase—it's the foundation upon which trust and effective collaboration thrive within organizations. At its core, workplace accountability entails each team member taking ownership of their actions, decisions, and performance. This cultivates a culture where individuals and teams are dedicated to fulfilling their responsibilities and achieving collective goals, directly impacting employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall...

On March 12, 2024, the EEOC issued a press release and report stating, “Men are more likely to be in higher pay bands than women.”  This was the only meaningful statement in the report.  Specifically, the EEOC released a data dashboard featuring the first-time collection of 2017 and 2018 pay data reported by about 70,000 private employers and certain federal contractors with 100 or more employees each year, representing over 100 million workers. The dashboard contains a...

12-year age gap of managers to subordinates has negative impact on workplace:  With four generations actively participating in the workforce, there's a lot that employees can learn from each other. Instead, these age gaps may be getting in the way of progress and productivity.  

The concept of work-life balance has become a cornerstone of discussions surrounding mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. However, amidst the plethora of advice on achieving this delicate equilibrium, one aspect often overlooked is the individuality of work-life balance. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another.