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5th Circuit Rejects Discrimination, Hostile Work Environment Claims

A former employee failed to establish she was subjected to a hostile work environment and discriminated and retaliated against by her former employer, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit (which covers Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi employers) recently ruled, affirming the district court’s decision. The appellate court’s opinion offers guidance on how […]

The AI Revolution: Your Workforce Isn’t Running Out of Work, It’s Running Out of Time

At SPARK HR 2025, Matthew Duncan, who leads Microsoft’s thinking on the future of work, didn’t just talk about AI – he showed us a new reality for workplaces everywhere. Based on Microsoft‘s latest Work Trend Index Report, which surveyed 31,000 people in 31 countries, Duncan pointed out a huge truth: people are reaching their limits. […]

HR’s Response to Leave Issues? Bewilderment

“In all the jurisdictions I’ve practiced in, the general reaction to leave issues is bewilderment,” says Attorney Matthew Effland. In a recent presentation at SHRM’s Annual Conference and Exposition in Chicago, Effland clarified the particularly confusing issue of military leave.

Retaining Employees in a Job Market Full of Greener Pastures

Millions of workers are looking for jobs while millions of employers are having a hard time filling open positions. At this time last year, COVID-19 swept across the world and disrupted life as we know it. Millions lost their jobs while those who were still employed hunkered down and waited out the outcome and outbreak. […]

Diversity

Multigenerational Workforce Drives Innovation, Problem Solving

There are now five generations in the workplace, and while much focus has been on the potential for conflict and miscommunication between generations, a new study reports on some positive impacts of age diversity—increased innovation and problem solving! Among U.S. respondents, 87% said that a multigenerational workforce increases innovation and problem solving.

Wrongful Discharge: Why Four Workers Fired For Eating Candy On The Job Won $20 Million; Avoiding Termination Mistakes

You fire an employee for breaking a company rule. This common event may not seem risky, but a recent verdict shows that how you handle a termination can often get you in more trouble than the firing itself. In fact, Wal-Mart is now facing a whopping $20 million verdict partly because of how it discharged […]

How to Create an Employee Mentorship Program

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, mentorship remains a constant catalyst for personal and professional advancement. However, despite its undeniable importance, there persists a gap between recognizing the value of mentorship and its actual implementation. According to Forbes, a staggering 76% of employees acknowledge the significance of mentorship, but only 37% have the privilege […]

Exempt Employees: Can We Make Exempts Punch a Clock?

We’re a little unsure about what we can require of our exempt employees without risking their exemptions. Can we make them punch a time clock or track their hours? We tried the time clock approach, but they resented it. They said we’re treating them like hourly workers. Also, can we make them work a minimum […]