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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 […]

Facebook

How to Address Ongoing COVID-19 Issues When Employees Declare, ‘But, Facebook Said . . .’

We all know neither Google nor Facebook has a legal degree, but that doesn’t stop your employees from acting as if the social media platforms do. More than one employee has probably pushed back on a policy by saying, “I read on Facebook . . .” or “I Googled [such and such], and you are […]

What Has the Pandemic Taught Us About Crisis Management?

The pandemic has changed the business landscape as we know it. Perhaps one of the biggest lessons it has taught us is how to manage during a crisis. During these past 12 to 14 months, we have seen some organizations succeed, as they were able to pivot their business models and mitigate internal risk, while […]

benefits

Recruiting with a Well-Balanced Benefit Offering

When job candidates consider which position is best for them, benefits can be the factor that tips them from one company to another. As an indirect form of compensation, benefits fuel their quality of life. The responsibility of any good company is to provide fair, competitive, and livable benefit options. Therefore, it’s crucial that companies […]