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How HR Can Support Employee Mental Health During Difficult Times

The COVID-19 pandemic, recent mass shootings, and current political climate have workers experiencing increased anxiety—at home and in the workplace. What role do HR professionals play in supporting employee mental health during these difficult times? How can HR professionals improve workers’ mental health? Are there mistakes they should try to avoid during the process? I […]

Considerations When Employees Pronounce Their Pronouns in Email Signatures

He/him. She/her. They/them. With increasing public attention over the past few years to the topics of gender identity, gender fluidity, and the rights of transgender individuals, it has become more common for people to make their pronoun preferences known to others. In the electronic world, these disclosures commonly occur in social media profiles and, most […]

Ask the Expert: Is There Any Flexibility in FMLA Eligibility?

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at HR Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber regarding political discussions (and disagreements) in the workplace. Q: I have an employee who has requested FMLA and has worked for us for 11 months, but has worked […]

How Remote Work Might Be Impacting Workers Mentally and Physically

Remote work was the holy grail of employment situations for millions of Americans before the pandemic. Avoiding a two-way, daily commute and spending 9 or more hours per day in the office promised to be less stressful and free up more time for physical activity and other leisure pursuits. Workers believed they might even be […]

hiring

3 Tips When Hiring at High Volume

There is one thing at the forefront of teams hiring for high-volume, hourly positions: speed.  The top reason candidates turn down a job is because they were offered another, so identifying the most valuable candidates with the best skills before someone else does is a high priority.  Below are three tips to keep in mind […]

Employer-Provided Abortion, Travel Benefits: An Overview of Legal Considerations

In the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, many companies have announced plans to assist employees in accessing abortion services, including providing travel assistance to employees located in states where abortion is now illegal. There are important legal considerations for employers to weigh when considering whether […]

4 Ways for Humanizing Technology for Leaders and Employees

We live in an ever-changing world, and as companies sharpen their focus on technology, a strong understanding and certainty of the users are critical to a successful rollout. Focusing on people is key. As businesses automate and elevate technology, the human aspect requires a deep dive, yet many companies get stuck. If humans are overlooked, […]

Improving Digital Access and Inclusion in the Workplace

Access for individuals with disabilities has often meant being reactive. Organizations tell employees or customers or visitors that accommodations are available, and then they sit back and wait for the requests for access. But when it comes to digital access, a proactive approach often leads to full inclusion in a way that reacting to requests […]

Court Restores Accommodation Claim for Employee with Pending Leave Request

Once an employee requests an accommodation, their employer has a duty to engage in an “interactive process” to try to determine whether they can accommodate the disability. With that in mind, employers should take note of this recent decision from the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan). The […]

How and When to Apologize in the Workplace  

Knowing how and when to apologize in the workplace is an important skill to hone. Though some advocate the approach of “never say sorry,” effective apologies show respect and rehabilitate damaged relationships, forming a foundational part of a positive work culture. It can be challenging to apologize in the right way in the right place […]