The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has intensified its enforcement of child labor laws in response to a marked increase in violations. In 2023, WHD reported an 88% rise in the unlawful employment of minors since 2019. This trend signals to employers the critical importance of understanding and complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA)
Creating a value-driven company culture involves more than just good intentions. It requires a deliberate and strategic approach that begins with defining core values and extends through the hiring process, continuous employee engagement, and comprehensive support for employee well-being. David B. Young, CEO of Participate Learning, provides invaluable insights from his extensive experience on how to build and sustain a
The recent citation of U.S. Tank Painting Inc. by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has brought critical attention to the unsafe practices at the New Jersey-based water tower painting company. The severe safety violations, including the lack of appropriate fall protection, inadequate safety measures for hazardous materials, and poor emergency plans, go beyond regulatory non-compliance—they endanger employees’ lives.
The upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris will captivate audiences worldwide from July 26 to August 11. Recognizing the significant interest in this global event, Acas (Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service) has issued guidance for employers on balancing business demands with employee enthusiasm. This article explores strategies employers can implement to ensure workplace harmony and efficiency during the Olympics.
The pandemic has fundamentally transformed the way we work, giving rise to a new normal that includes various hybrid work models blending remote and in-office work. This evolving work environment brings with it numerous benefits, such as improved work-life balance, heightened productivity, and better mental health for employees. By minimizing the costs, time, and stress associated with daily commutes, hybrid
Performance reviews have been a cornerstone of employee management for decades. Traditionally, organizations have relied on annual or bi-annual reviews to assess and motivate their employees. However, these conventional methods often fail to encourage meaningful and lasting behavioral change. This article explores how frequent, specific, and forward-looking feedback can better drive employee performance and enrich organizational culture. The Limitations of
Dollar General, a renowned nationwide discount retailer, has recently agreed to undertake significant workplace safety improvements across its stores in the United States. This decision comes after numerous investigations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) into various alleged safety violations at multiple Dollar General locations. As a result, the retailer has committed to extensive changes aimed at enhancing
The importance of recognizing and rewarding outstanding employee performance cannot be overstated. This practice is a powerful tool for fostering a positive workplace culture, enhancing job satisfaction, driving motivation, and ultimately contributing to organizational success. Employee recognition extends beyond mere verbal acknowledgments; it plays a pivotal role in creating a cohesive and productive work environment. When employees feel valued, their
The financial and operational repercussions of toxic workplaces on American businesses are staggering, with recent studies revealing just how costly a negative work environment can be. According to the “State of Workplace Injustice” report, American employers lose an estimated $917 billion annually due to workplace toxicity, a figure that includes $777.9 billion caused by employee disengagement and $136.8 billion resulting
In recent developments aimed at fortifying workplace safety, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is poised to release new guidance targeting the prevention of sexual harassment. As part of this initiative, set to align with the Worker Protection Act coming into force on October 26, 2024, the EHRC’s new measures are designed to instill a proactive approach in employers,
As businesses navigate the post-COVID landscape, the debate over return-to-office (RTO) policies remains a contentious issue between employers and employees. Employers often favor RTO for its perceived benefits in fostering enhanced collaboration, focus, and the ability to monitor productivity more closely. However, employees tend to resist these policies, showing a preference for remote or hybrid work setups that provide greater
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which serves as the regulatory authority for nurses and midwives throughout the UK, has found itself under significant scrutiny following the release of an independent review that has revealed alarming facets of a toxic workplace culture. The review’s findings are both extensive and damning, pointing to widespread issues including racism, bullying, harassment, and other
