Minimum Wage Updates Effective July 1, 2026
.jpg?width=1170&name=FranklyHR_blog_Header%20(1).jpg)
Subminimum Wage for Workers With Disabilities
Effective July 1, 2026, Georgia employers that have obtained a special certificate from the US Department of Labor (DOL) on or before July 1, 2025, must pay workers with disabilities at least half of the federal minimum wage.
Are you ready for some football? That’s what the game we call soccer is called in much of the world. In summer 2026, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will jointly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup—likely the largest sporting event in history. With more teams and matches this time, 11 U.S. locations (Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, NY/NJ, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle) will welcome millions of visiting fans.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, recognized since 1949 to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those with mental illnesses. The Mental Health Month ribbon is green, symbolizing hope, strength, and emotional support for those affected by mental illness. Additionally, Mental Health Awareness Month strives to reduce the stigma (negative attitudes and misconceptions) that surrounds mental illnesses.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its report on the agency’s performance during fiscal year 2025 and its performance plan for fiscal year 2027.
As summer break approaches, many businesses look to teenagers to fill seasonal positions. While young workers can be enthusiastic, affordable, and eager to learn, hiring minors comes with important legal obligations under federal and, in many cases, more restrictive state law. Violations can result in significant civil penalties, reputational damage, and in serious cases, criminal liability.
AI-enabled smart glasses, which combine eyewear with real-time audio, video, and AI capabilities, are entering the workplace. They can deliver productivity and accessibility benefits by helping users capture information, receive prompts, and interact with AI systems hands-free. At the same time, they introduce risks that many workplace policies and compliance frameworks were not designed to address. As adoption increases, employers should reassess whether existing rules adequately govern AI-enabled eyewear.
According to Gallup's latest findings, employee engagement is experiencing a significant downturn in early 2026, reaching its lowest level in a decade, with only 31% of U.S. employees actively engaged.