Small Business Association of Michigan
Recent News About Small Business Association of Michigan
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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.
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Guidelines on when employers must pay for employee training
In general, time spent in job-related training is counted as time worked and must be paid. However, not every lecture, class, training program, or similar activity would qualify. If all four of the following criteria are met, employers do not need to pay employees for the training:
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How strategic leadership mirrors traditional skills
You may be hearing a lot about the importance of being a good strategic leader. However, if you scratch below the surface, it turns out that the traits that make a good strategic leader are the same time-tested abilities leaders have always needed. Let’s explore what these are.
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Tips for managing political discussions at work ahead of upcoming election
With the election just 76 days away, discussions about politics are becoming more common in the workplace. While these conversations can be engaging, they can also lead to tension, misunderstandings, and conflicts. Here are five tips to help manage political discussions in the workplace effectively, ensuring a respectful and harmonious environment.
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The role of volunteer time off in fostering engagement and social responsibility
Volunteer Time Off (VTO) is an employee benefit that allows individuals to receive regular compensation while volunteering for approved charities or community organizations. According to ASE’s 2024 Michigan Policies and Practices Survey, 22% of companies offer VTO, with 90% paying their employees for this time off. On average, companies provide a maximum of two VTO days per year.
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Business signage evolution: From neon to LED to digital
On the latest episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers engages in a conversation with Paul Deters, president of Metro Signs & Lighting. The company is recognized as a Premium Member of the Small Business Association of Michigan and has been included in the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024.
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Texas federal court blocks nationwide FTC noncompete rule
On August 20, 2024, a Texas federal court blocked the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Noncompete Rule scheduled to go into effect on September 4, 2024. In April 2024, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP circulated a summary of the rule’s contents and the Law Shanty discussed the rule further. Unlike a preliminary injunction entered earlier this year, which only applied to the specific parties involved in the case, the court’s decision in Ryan LLC v. Federal Trade Commission has a “nationwide effect,” is “not party-restricted” and “affects persons in all judicial districts equally.”
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Parker Fairbairn defeats Neil Friske in closely watched GOP primary
Michigan Freedom Caucus member Rep. Neil Friske (R-Charlevoix) carried nearly 100 percent name recognition across Northern Michigan’s 107th state House district, according to Parker Fairbairn, the Republican challenger who defeated Friske in the primary elections.
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Democratic Supreme Court candidates raise significantly more funds than GOP rivals
The two Democratic Supreme Court candidates, and presumed nominees, have raised approximately $2 million combined going into the Aug. 24 Democratic Party convention, while all five Republicans combined have raised $147,000 prior to their convention, according to numbers released by Tuesday’s campaign finance deadline.