Archives

Biden Admin Issuing Salary Rules to Eliminate Gender, Racial Gaps

On January 29, 2024, the Biden administration announced two new measures aimed at eliminating gender and racial gaps in average earnings among employees of the federal government and federal contractors.  Details First, the Biden administration has directed the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to issue a final rule prohibiting the use of nonfederal salary history […]

New Report Explores the Close Interplay Between Chief Diversity Officers and Chief Communications Officers

As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have grown in relevance and resources in recent years, the roles of Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) and Chief Communications Officers (CCOs) have become increasingly intertwined. Unearthing Key DEI Insights A recent report by the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) through its Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, sponsored […]

The Impact of Excessive Screen Time and How to Support Better Working Habits

It’s no surprise people are spending more time on screens. In fact, millions of Americans are exposed to excessive screen time every day (7+ hours), particularly those who work in office jobs. While technology has many benefits, spending prolonged periods on computers and other digital devices requires the eyes to work harder up close, and […]

From $366 Million to $249,000: Takeaways for Employers from Appellate Ruling on Damages Caps

Among the many perils of litigation, one of the biggest concerns employers express is the risk of an astronomical jury verdict. On Feb. 1, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals addressed this issue when it cut an eye-popping $366 million jury verdict against FedEx to just $249,000. The decision in Harris v. FedEx Corporate […]

From Digital Marketing to DEI Champion: Connie Ross Makes an Impact

In the evolving landscape of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), understanding the journeys of those at its helm offers critical insights into the challenges and triumphs of implementing effective DEI strategies. Connie Ross, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Manager at 84.51°, illustrates the nuanced path many DEI professionals navigate in their careers. Here we […]

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace: How Managers Can Use Tools to Understand How to Address It

Conflict. How does that word make you feel? In particular, how does conflict in the workplace make you feel? When we asked that question as part of a research project, many said that conflict made them feel anxious or stressed, others that they found it awkward or uncomfortable, or angry or frustrated, or demotivated or […]

Healthcare Leaders Shares Best Practices for Communicating with Unions

Right now, it seems like every day there are new cases of workers striking or unionizing all across the country. Healthcare is no exception: nurses everywhere are going on strike. Nurses are frustrated, and the recent union activity is indicative of large, widespread problems in the nursing industry with staffing, work environment, and nurse wellbeing. […]

Ask the Expert: Determining FMLA Leave

Question: One of our employees is on intermittent Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. She’s gotten sick and claims it’s unrelated to her reasons for being on FMLA leave. Can we include these days in her FMLA time and have them go unpaid? Answer: No. Unless you have reason to believe she’s being untruthful, […]

Insights on Parent-Friendly Workplaces

The obligations of parenting and one’s day job are often in conflict. Both require considerable time, dedication, and commitment. For working parents, a job is essential to keep food on the table. For employers, the reality that a significant proportion of the working population is also responsible for caring for children means helping those workers […]

social media

How to Craft a Social Media Policy for Your Employees in 2024

These days, a social media policy isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a must. The vast majority of your employees likely engage in some type of social media usage, whether they’re constantly sharing snippets of their days on TikTok, sharing interesting articles on LinkedIn, or just occasionally checking up on their cousins on Facebook. Social media is […]