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U.S. Department of Labor Implements New Independent Contractor Rule

On January 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)published a new final rule revising its guidance on independent contractor classifications under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Effective March 11, 2024, the final rule rescinded a rule from 2021 and implemented a new test for determining whether a worker is an employee or an […]

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Employment Contracts and Offer Letters

Employment contracts and offer letters are foundational documents in the hiring process. They set expectations, outline obligations and, most importantly, help protect both employers and employees. It’s important to take steps to ensure that your employment contracts and offer letters comply with relevant labor laws and best practices.  Key Compliance Concerns Employment relationships are governed […]

Ask the Expert: How Should Employers Handle Unexcused Absences?

Question: How can we discipline a new employee who takes unplanned, unexcused days off for sickness, family emergencies, etc.? We don’t currently have a policy on how many unexcused days off are allowed. Answer: Wisconsin employers have an interest in ensuring employees don’t engage in misconduct, including unplanned, unexcused time off from work. Accordingly, the […]

HR Daily Advisor Frankly Speaking: Dr. Lisa Coleman

HR Daily Advisor recently chatted with Dr. Lisa Coleman, President of Adler University, about how to create constructive dialogue around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Dr. Coleman says the words are often confused, especially belonging, which is a psychological safety term she believes is misunderstood. Although many people may think belonging means we need […]

Is the Great Resignation Poised for a Resurgence?

The Great Resignation, a phenomenon that saw millions of workers leave their jobs in search of better opportunities and work-life balance in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, is just barely in the rear-view mirror for many employers. But, as we enter 2025, surveys are indicating that this is a trend that will continue or […]

Faces of HR: How Danielle McCoy Builds a Culture of Innovation at Raft

Danielle McCoy, Chief People Officer at Raft, a leading defense technology firm, is a true culture crusader. At Raft, a woman- and immigrant-owned organization defying the norms of the government contracting industry, McCoy champions a people-first approach that prioritizes employee well-being and fosters a unique, inclusive environment. In a sector traditionally known for its rigid […]

Employee Loses ADA Lawsuit for Failing to Engage Over Alternative Accommodations

A federal appeals court in Tennessee recently upheld an order dismissing a former teacher’s disability bias lawsuit, finding his failure to engage in discussions with his employer over alternative accommodations doomed his claim. The teacher alleged the school board had unlawfully refused to let him continue working from home after the district returned to in-person […]

It’s Bonus Season: How Companies Use Bonuses to Drive Performance and Alignment

As the year winds down, employees everywhere are looking forward to a familiar end-of-year tradition: annual bonuses. For companies, this is more than just a financial transaction. Bonuses represent an opportunity to reward performance, align employees with organizational goals, and foster a culture of motivation and accountability. But how companies approach bonuses can vary widely, […]

Make Your Feedback Concrete

We all either give or receive feedback on work performance. While we say it’s important, we don’t always treat it as important. It often devolves into barroom generalities, personality-based observations, or negative stereotypes. My eyes were opened by a very actionable article published on November 1, 2024, in the Harvard Business Review titled “High Performers […]

HR Query: Supporting Employees’ Mental Health During Times of Crisis

The recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have impacted countless lives, leaving many employees facing uncertainty and hardship. In times of crisis, employers play a crucial role in supporting their workforce. In this week’s HR Query, Karishma Patel Buford, Chief People Officer at Spring Health, shares her insights on how employers can best support their […]