Author: Lin Grensing-Pophal, Contributing Editor

New Labor Market Data Shows Employees Making Compensation Gains

New data from ZipRecruiter’s Q4 New Hires Survey suggests that the labor market gained momentum as 2024 came to a close. Employees are securing higher wages, negotiating offers more aggressively, and receiving better perks—but uncertainty remains. For employers, this means adapting to shifting compensation expectations to attract and retain top talent. Higher Pay & More […]

The Power of HR Team Purpose

What is the power of an HR team having a purpose? When people think of the word “purpose,” they often think of individual purpose. When you work toward and live your purpose, you feel positive emotions (even if your purpose involves hard or fraught work, such as volunteering at a domestic violence shelter). Living your […]

HR Query: How a Service Mindset Enhances HR Leadership

There are many HR leaders who accidentally found themselves in the industry, Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, is not one of them. In fact, Eubanks knew he wanted to be an HR professional before he even knew what it was called. “I wanted to be in HR when I was […]

Paternity Leave Matters: How U.S. Dads Are Missing Out and Why Change Is Needed

As we continue to strive for gender equality in the United States, in the case of parental leave, men are falling behind. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), only 32% of U.S. companies offer paid paternity leave, and the process for establishing paternity leave varies by state. Florida has no state-specific law […]

Faces of HR: How Amy Pagano Cultivates Culture and Growth at Canon Financial Services

Amy Pagano, Senior Director of HR at Canon Financial Services, is a dedicated HR leader with a passion for cultivating positive and inclusive work environments. Her 25-plus year career, beginning as an HR Administrator, demonstrates a consistent commitment to professional growth and a focus on building strong, people-centric cultures. With over 15 years with her […]

Pros and Cons of “Voluntary” Attrition

Voluntary attrition—when employees choose to leave a company on their own—can be an attractive workforce strategy for organizations looking to reduce headcount without resorting to layoffs. The Trump administration has leaned on this approach in recent months, implementing policies like mandatory return-to-office (RTO) mandates and a “deferred resignation” program, which offers up to eight months […]

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation Under the ADA?

Complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has long been an area of special concern for employers, their HR leaders, and managers. The basic intent is to ensure that companies accommodate any reasonable needs that disabled workers may have. Accurately applying the principles of the ADA, though, is anything but basic. […]

NLRB

What’s Next for the NLRB?

On November 13, 2024, the National Labor Relations Board (the “Board”) voted 3-1 (along party lines, with Member Kaplan dissenting) to prohibit so-called “captive audience” meetings. (Amazon.com Services LLC, Case No. 29-CA-280153, et. seq.) In doing so, the Board overturned 76 years of precedent that previously held such meetings lawful, beginning with the 1948 case […]

Compliance Issues with Voluntary Attrition

Many companies use return-to-office (RTO) mandates or resignation packages to encourage voluntary attrition, hoping to reduce headcount without resorting to layoffs. While these strategies may seem like a smart way to cut costs, they come with significant legal and compliance risks. Employers must carefully navigate discrimination laws, constructive discharge claims, and severance agreement regulations to […]

Supporting Employees Through Infertility and Pregnancy Loss with Family-Forming Benefits

The period following the holidays and the start of a new year can be a time of reflection and planning. For individuals coping with infertility or pregnancy loss, it can also bring emotional challenges. Family-centered festivities from the holidays and conversations about children may linger, amplifying feelings of grief, isolation and frustration. These challenges, coupled […]