Compliance Stuff

  When an employee stops showing up to the office, talks about wanting to give up, or appears impaired during work hours, managers and HR staff might feel unsure how to respond . But you can be supportive while also addressing legal obligations, safety, and business needs through a bit of planning, training, and resources. While employers are generally not mental health professionals, you can play a critical role in identifying warning signs and connecting employees with the support they need . Here are eight practical steps to help your managers and HR department respond in real time to serious and sensitive situations, as well as the key legal points to keep in mind. Call for Help Immediately in Emergencies First and foremost, you should call 911 in critical situations, such as when an employee expresses intent to self-harm imminently. You should also consider directing employees to 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. When you have a specific concern about an employee’...

As the workplace landscape continues to evolve, employers must stay ahead of emerging challenges by implementing thoughtful and proactive policies.  In 2025, three key areas stand out as critical for fostering a positive and productive work environment: promoting collaboration and respect, supporting employee well-being, and responsibly integrating artificial intelligence.  In this article, we’ll explore how well-crafted policies in these areas can enhance workplace culture, ensure compliance, and boost employee satisfaction. Policies Promoting Collaboration, Respect, and Opportunity Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ("DEI") is a  key employment topic to prioritize in 2025 .  On January 21, 2025, President Trump signed  Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity , which encourages private employers to end "illegal DEI discrimination and preferences."  This executive action directs federal agencies to pro...