Small Business Association of Michigan
Recent News About Small Business Association of Michigan
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Survey categorizes employee attitudes towards workplace AI into five distinct groups
AI has become a staple in the workplace for many, although usage varies depending on comfort level and job type. Slack surveyed over 5,000 full-time desk workers across the U.S., Australia, India, Singapore, Ireland, and the U.K. in August. Based on the responses, they categorized employees into five AI personas and provided recommendations for employers to engage each group.
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House Democrats lead fundraising efforts ahead of competitive elections
No incumbent House Democrat running for re-election in a competitive district has less cash on hand than their Republican challenger, according to new campaign finance documents submitted to the Bureau of Elections on Thursday.
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Bartenders express opposition as Michigan plans phase-out of tipping system
Rachel May, a 35-year-old bartender at Applebee’s, opposes Michigan's plan to phase out its tipping system. She wants state officials to know she chose to be part of the tipped worker industry and stated, “we’re not some poor little servants that are underpaid.”
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Economic indicators, court rulings, and education issues highlight small business briefing
Thanks for tuning in today. Here’s what we have on the agenda:
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Survey reveals impact of political differences on Gen Z and millennial workers
A new survey released by Indeed and Harris Poll indicates that nearly 40% of Gen Z and millennial workers (ages 18-34) would leave a job due to political differences at work, with the same percentage willing to resign if their CEO expressed political views they disagreed with. Overall, 28% of workers would consider resigning over political differences, and 32% might leave if the CEO's views were in conflict with their own.
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Expert shares insights on developing effective social media strategies for small businesses
On this episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers interviews Peter Van Dyke, CEO of VVK PR + Creative and a member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. His firm was recently named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024.
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Michigan considers adopting California's ABC test for independent contractors
The definition of an independent contractor (IC) varies widely depending on jurisdiction, with both federal and state definitions often overlapping. Different federal agencies and courts also have distinct definitions, adding to the complexity. The relationship between employers and ICs is currently under scrutiny from various sources, with a trend towards adopting California's approach.
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Reflecting on the importance of gratitude during Member Appreciation Month
“Appreciation is an application for more.” This quote resonates when considering the importance of expressing gratitude in relationships, whether personal or professional. Essentially, showing appreciation acts as a motivator or reinforcement, prompting the person being appreciated to continue their efforts or contributions. By valuing and acknowledging someone’s actions, one creates a positive feedback loop that can lead to more of the same positive actions.
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Survey: Employees prioritize healthcare benefits almost as much as salary
More than two-thirds of employees consider health care benefits second only to salary when evaluating job offers, and 78% would seek new employment if their benefits package were inadequate, according to recent research from Intuit QuickBooks and Allstate Health Solutions. The 2024 Intuit QuickBooks Allstate Health Solutions Benefit Survey highlights the significant role health care benefits play in an employer's ability to retain and attract employees.
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Emerging social aspects of ESG influence corporate handbook updates
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These are policies that companies are being asked to adopt as “strategic frameworks that guide businesses in managing their environmental footprint, fostering social responsibility, and upholding strong governance practices.”
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Michigan's ongoing housing crisis faces hurdles despite state efforts
Michigan’s housing crisis persists despite efforts by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). While MSHDA has increased its initiatives, limitations remain.
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Majority voted absentee in August primary; minor issues noted
Polling places for the August primary election saw about two million people cast ballots, with approximately 1.2 million (60%) voting absentee and more than 70,000 (3.5%) voting early, according to Bureau of Elections Director Jonathan Brater.
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Federal case highlights importance of addressing social media harassment under Title VII
A recent federal case from California has underscored the significance of social media harassment under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. In Okonowsky v. Merrick Garland, No. 23-55404 (U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, 7/25/24), Okonowsky, a staff psychologist at a federal prison, alleged that a coworker posted derogatory content about her on social media.
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How leaders can foster joy in the workplace
Earlier this week, a story from Harvard Business Review highlighted the importance of prioritizing joy in the workplace. Joy is an intrinsic human desire that connects people more powerfully than almost any other experience. When employees experience joy at work, they are more engaged, motivated, and productive. Unfortunately, while 90% of employees expect to feel joy at work, only 37% actually do. Leaders have the ability to change this.
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Gina Jacquart Thorsen named SBAM's 2024 Advocate of the Year
On this episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers speaks with Gina Jacquart Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products, known for the Michigan brand Stormy Kromer. Thorsen was named SBAM’s 2024 Advocate of the Year.
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The importance of addressing six areas of employee well-being
Wellness looks significantly different today compared to a few years ago. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and inflation have introduced new mental health issues and stressors, adding to the daily tasks employees juggle. Consequently, employee wellness programs have had to adapt, offering various levels of support to better reach their employees.
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State officials discuss fiscal concerns amid declining revenues at NCSL conference
(LOUISVILLE) — While declining revenues, a slowing economy, demographic changes, and structural deficits are among the top fiscal issues for states, Michael D’Arcy of Fitch Ratings offered insights during a National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) session earlier this month.
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Treasury projects nearly $15 hourly minimum wage by 2028
Michigan’s $10.33 per hour minimum wage would increase by $2.15 next year and reach $14.97 in 2028 under the Department of Treasury’s interpretation of a recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling.
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Small Business Association of Michigan discusses key issues in August briefing
Thanks for tuning in to SBAM’s Small Business Briefing. Here’s what we have on today’s briefing agenda: News on interest rates, insight into employee wellness programs, ban on noncompete agreements struck down, and more economic news.
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Quiet vacationing emerges as latest post-pandemic workplace trend
First quiet quitting, now quiet vacationing. What is going on? This is a good question with complicated answers.