Hiring independent contractors can save an employer from having to provide benefits and provide staffing flexibility to address temporary projects or demands. However, misclassification of workers may result in significant liability to the employer if a federal or state agency audit or a lawsuit challenging workers' status occurs.

Over a dozen states are currently considering legislative proposals that would require employers to include salary information in job postings. In addition, a few states that already have pay transparency laws on the books are considering bills that would make those laws stricter. Finally, new laws take effect in five states this year.

As the deadline for filing taxes quickly approaches, many employees find themselves facing financial stress, uncertainty, and the pressure of filing correctly and on time. This stress can impact workplace productivity, engagement, and overall well-being. This presents a unique opportunity to employers to support employees by providing resources and guidance to ease tax-related anxieties and promote long-term financial wellness.

Immigration enforcement is a key priority for the Trump Administration and worksite raids have ramped up in recent weeks. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid can be a highly stressful experience so employers should have a clear crisis management plan in place to protect their rights and their employees while remaining compliant with immigration laws.  With employer-focused raids expected to continue in the coming months, businesses that fail to prepare may risk severe consequences, including fines, arrests, and operational disruptions.

Employers in seven states will need to pay more compensation in 2025 to employees who are subject to a noncompete agreement as part of a restrictive covenant.

Organizations across business sectors are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday operations to drive revenue growth, reduce costs and increase competitive advantage. AI can provide incremental efficiency and augment impact when embedded in an organization. As AI reshapes the work landscape, employers need to act to determine and communicate their strategy for addressing the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with implementing AI tools.

When an employee comes to you and asks to bring their dog (or maybe a cat, bird, or other animal) to work, how should you respond? Unless one of the perks of your workplace is bringing pets to work, your first instinct might be to say no. However, it’s important to first consider the reason for the request.

While any manager or business owner knows productivity is essential for a successful business, incivility in the workplace can greatly dampen your employees’ ability to work together and be efficient. For example, if an employee has a colleague who purposefully walks past their desk and makes snide remarks about their viewpoint regarding social and political issues, they could become distracted, find reasons not to come to work, or even quit. This all affects your business.

Generational diversity in the workplace is at its highest level ever: five generations work alongside each other at organizations across the country. Because of the potential for broad ranges of workplace experiences and preferences, employers must identify the best ways to keep diverse groups of employees motivated and engaged.