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Ethical Behavior in the Workplace: What It Is & Why It’s Important

The plot of good versus evil, good guys versus bad guys, or right versus wrong has played out in books and movies for ages. It is arguably the most common struggle at the center of narratives of all types. So it should be no surprise that the same struggle is prevalent in corporate environments under […]

EEOC Offers Clarifications, Cautions in New COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance

Updated technical assistance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) clarifies how employers can require or encourage employees to take a COVID-19 vaccine, but attorneys advising employers point out how the document also contains cautions. The EEOC updated its technical assistance on May 28 to address questions about how federal equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws may be […]

cruella dalmations

Cruella at Work: How to Eradicate Toxic Managers from Your Business

With the Memorial Day holiday weekend came the release of Disney’s next sure-to-be blockbuster movie, Cruella. Based on the classic animated film 101 Dalmatians, Cruella tells the story of Cruella de Vil, the evil puppy-stealing psychopath who uses the animals’ fur for her over-the-top, sartorial splendor. She’s deranged, she’s unapologetically wicked, and she’s the villain […]

Best Practices for Avoiding Worker Misclassification

Up to 30 percent of employers misclassify their employees as independent contractors, according to national estimates. Misclassification occurs when an employer improperly classifies a worker as an independent contractor instead of an employee. Unfortunately, the consequences can be severe. Some businesses intentionally misclassify workers to try to save on taxes or avoid other costs associated […]

student loan

Contributions Now Tax-Free, Student Loan Debt Repayment Programs Gain Traction

A growing number of organizations are adding student loan repayment solutions to their benefits lineup. While expanded tax benefits for both employers and employees are a big part of the allure, HR leaders also understand the broader implications. The tax advantages are one thing. But instituting these programs can also help correct the productivity drain […]

How to Build a Thriving Remote-First Company in 2021

As companies slowly emerge from the pandemic, it’s clear that some things about the professional landscape have inextricably changed. Most prominently, remote work has transitioned from an anomalous work arrangement to the new normal, helping shape the present and future of work. So far, there are some clear benefits. For instance, despite many managers’ fears, […]

harassment

6th Circuit Sets Boundaries for Hostile Work Environment Claims

The 6th Circuit (which covers Michigan and Ohio employers) recently provided employers with fresh guidance on what workplace actions may be considered “based on sex” and how severe and frequent the circumstances must be to create liability for a hostile work environment claim. Facts Nicole Massey began working for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department […]

Understanding the Definition of Burnout

Everyone in the working world has probably heard the term “burned out.” The term is often used even in nonemployment settings, such as by students in higher education feeling burned out by intense studies. Being burned out is generally considered negative, but there isn’t really a precise definition of the term. Defining Burnout “We tend […]

Making the Smart Business Case for DEI

Imagine that a company is launching an ambitious IT initiative promising great benefits. The initiative will require behavior change, in some cases significant, from a large number of staff, including those in people management and leadership positions. Senior leaders are on record supporting the initiative with statements like “successful IT is critical to organizational success […]

Women as Fractional Executives

Because the impact of COVID-19 will be felt long term, many companies are being forced to revisit their hiring practices while simultaneously scrambling to pivot and redesign their products or services to respond to shifting customer needs. This constant shift and changing environment influence both company strategy and leadership requirements in an ever-changing and unpredictable […]