News & Resources

McCann: ‘Clean Energy Future Plan’ Will Be Coming Early

Work continues on legislation obligating utility providers to show progress toward shutting down all coal-fired plants by 2030 and achieving a 100% clean energy standard by 2035.

Image of the capitol building in Lansing, Michigan

September 5, 2023

Legislative Leaders Say They’ll Work First, Then Adjourn

Asked when legislators will be adjourning for the year, amid predictions that Democratic leadership will leave Lansing early to assure their new presidential primary date goes into effect, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) said "as …

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August 27, 2023

Can I Withhold a Paycheck if Employee Fails to Return Company Property?

An employer may be entitled to withhold a final paycheck if the employee has not returned company property, but this must be explicitly stated in employment contracts or company policies and conform to applicable laws.

A person sitting at a desk that is cluttered with post-it notes about things that need to get done

August 26, 2023

Real Life HR: New HR Administrator Needs Help

You're new to HR and are feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do. Don’t panic. You’re in the same boat as many others.

A group of people engaged in conversation around a laptop on a table

August 26, 2023

Implementing Management Trends in the Workplace

As businesses strive to effectively manage their operations, a variety of management trends and approaches come into play.

Image of papers on a desk titled ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act

August 25, 2023

EEOC updates its ADA guidance to account for AI

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its guidance on how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) pertains to candidates and employees with visual disabilities to highlight steps companies can take to make sure …

Image of Ron Kurnik of Superior Coffee Roasters, guest on the Small Business Weekly podcast

August 25, 2023

Podcast: Leveraging Great Lakes Assets to Make Great Coffee

The Small Business Association of Michigan’s weekly podcast presents a dynamic audio interview from a top-notch expert on entrepreneurial success. Hear great tips and advice on how to be a more effective small business owner. …

Image of person experience workplace burnout

August 24, 2023

Navigating Burnout Challenges in HR

A recent Gartner survey has revealed a concerning rise in burnout cases among HR staff. A significant majority—close to 75%—of HR leaders who participated in Gartner's survey expressed that burnout among HR staff has become …

Image of a person being interviewed for a job by a panel of three additional people

August 23, 2023

Top 3 Hiring Strategies for 2023

In today's fast-paced job market, the competition for top talent is fiercer than ever before. With an excess of available positions across industries, candidates hold the power to choose employers that align with their career …

Image of automobiles moving through an assembly line

August 22, 2023

UAW Strike Could Cause $5B in Economic Losses; Peters Stands with Labor

A strike on Detroit’s Big Three automakers by 143,000 United Auto Workers (UAW) members could result in a total economic loss of more than $5 billion in 10 days, according to a new analysis released …

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August 22, 2023

5 Data Privacy Reforms Making Headlines in State Legislatures

When it comes to how state governments are implementing privacy policy, some experts anticipate that artificial intelligence, privacy protection for children using technology and potential data broker regulations could be the top issues.

Brian Calley and Sarah Miller, hosts of The Small Business Briefing

August 21, 2023

The Small Business Briefing – August 21, 2023

Catch up on the latest legislative issues and updates impacting Michigan small businesses.

Image of prenant woman sitting down and reviewing items on a clipboard

August 18, 2023

DOL Releases Proposed PWFA Pregnancy Protection Regulations

Early last week the Department of Labor (DOL) issued notice of proposed regulations that provide employers guidance on how to comply with the newly enacted Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).

Image of a person standing behind a glass wall with the letters AI on it

August 17, 2023

EEOC Settles First AI Age Discrimination Lawsuit

Age discrimination in China is not new and is not illegal in China. In China, getting older is scary when looking for jobs. There is a wide-spread belief in China about the curse of 35 …

Image of a person carrying a box of their belongings

August 16, 2023

Is Your Organization Part of this Shocking Statistic?

Last year, the global employment landscape underwent a notable resurgence. On a worldwide scale, more than 50% of employees indicated varying degrees of intent to seek new employment.

Image of Michigan's capitol building in Lansing

August 15, 2023

What Happens to State Budgets if 4.05% Tax Rate Stays Put?

When asked whether the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget would sustain a permanent income tax rollback, the Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) said she thinks it will be dealt with "when it comes."

Image of the words 'sales tax' on a piece of paper