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Considering a 4-Day Workweek? Here’s How Leaders Can Win the Balancing Act

The four-day workweek is building momentum and may become more prevalent soon. A KPMG survey shows that 30% of large U.S. companies are exploring new work schedules that include a Monday–Thursday model. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of U.S. workers favor a four-day workweek for their well-being. With employee burnout soaring and companies needing to […]

transparency

What Employers Need to Know About Massachusetts’ New Pay Transparency Law

Massachusetts joined a growing list of states with pay transparency laws when Governor Maura Healy signed “An Act Relative to Salary Range Transparency” into law. The law, which will take effect in stages in 2025, requires many Massachusetts employers to disclose salary/pay ranges in all job postings and to file certain wage data/information with the […]

Overwhelming Majority of C-Suite Tech Leaders Believe Hybrid Work is the Model of the Future

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid work has become a defining feature of the modern workplace, particularly in the tech industry. And while there has been a high-profile back and forth between workers and employers over remote work, a recent survey by the International Workplace Group reveals that a staggering nine in ten […]

Embracing Loud Vacationing: Why It’s Time to Quit Quiet Vacationing

In an era where “quiet vacationing”—pretending to work while taking unreported time off—has become commonplace, it’s crucial that HR leaders take a vocal approach to encouraging and embracing time off by “loud vacationing.” I am encouraging this movement as a direct response to the trend of employees feeling guilty about taking their well-deserved breaks. It’s […]

Single Slur Requires Jury Trial on Hostile Work Environment Claim

On July 29, 2024, the California Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion in Bailey v. San Francisco Dist. Attorney Office, Cal., No. S265223 and held that the employee’s claims of racial harassment should proceed to jury trial, as well as that the trial court’s decision to dismiss the case in favor of the employer was in […]

6 Interview Questions to Assess Cultural Fit

When finding the right candidate for your open role, you’re probably focused on someone’s skillset or experience. While those are certainly valuable things to consider, it’s also important to assess how well they’ll fit in at your company. After all, someone who can perform the expected tasks but sticks out socially like a sore thumb […]

The Evolving Role of the CHRO: Navigating New Challenges and Opportunities

In recent years, the role of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) has undergone a profound transformation. No longer confined to traditional HR functions, CHROs are now pivotal players in shaping organizational and business strategy, driving change, and fostering a culture that promotes employee well-being and inclusion. This evolution requires a new set of skills […]

Time to brush up on employment law basics for employers

As we find ourselves in the last quarter of 2024, we felt it was right to go back to the basics for those navigating the complex landscape of employment law. Understanding these laws helps to protect your business from legal disputes and fosters a positive environment for employees while ensuring compliance and a fair and […]

diversity and inclusion

Navigating the Evolving DEI Landscape: A Science-Based Approach

Corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are facing a rocky legal landscape following the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action. In a recent WorkLife article, legal expert David Glasgow suggested that DEI programs can face legal risks when they meet the “three Ps”: preference to a legally protected group with respect to a palpable […]

Supreme Court to Decide Whether ADA Permits Former Employees to Sue for Post-Employment Benefits

The Supreme Court of the United States recently granted certiorari in Stanley v. City of Sanford, Florida—a case about whether the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) permits former employees to sue for alleged discrimination in providing post-employment fringe benefits.  The case has practical significance for employers.  If the Court finds that the ADA does apply […]