Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and/or sexual orientation in the workplace is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act based on caselaw from the United States Supreme Court. Given recent events, private sector employers are wondering how to protect themselves. First, we need to look back before we can move…

Risk management efforts for construction companies have historically focused on site safety, structural integrity and other physical hazards. While these continue to be primary concerns, construction firms are incorporating more technology into the jobsite, which brings with it cyber-related threats. Ransomware and data breaches, along with other vulnerabilities, have forced…

Year after year, for many employers it’s the same story. The cost of employee benefits keeps rising, causing many companies to look for ways to plug the leak. This often means reducing benefits and shifting more of the cost to employees, but it doesn’t have to. An Individual Coverage Health…

Nearly 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. That means an employee or one of their family members will likely be affected by cancer. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis can send shockwaves through the workplace. Health…

Few professions are as bound by such strict schedules as architecture and engineering (A/E) firms. Clients of A/E firms demand and expect their projects to be completed as quickly as possible. However, they fail to realize that A/E firms cannot always control project completion dates. Therefore, effective communication and expectation…

Growth always comes at a cost. Oswald recently teamed up with Terry Bolden of the Small Business Administration, James Dascenzo of HBK Manufacturing Solutions, and Taylor Evans of Rust Belt Recruiting for a panel moderated by Alex Hertzer of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition. They discussed how tariffs may impact…

Most employers understand the importance of good mental health and they offer a comprehensive benefits package to help employees get the services they need. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, the Tri-Agencies (the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and the U.S. Treasury) have taken it one step further by…

The federal government is exploring a slew of changes that could impact employer-sponsored health benefits. Updates to the Affordable Care Act, potential cuts to Medicaid and a new approach to vaccines and preventive care are just a few of the possibilities on the horizon. Here’s are five items to watch…

In today’s digital age, companies are constantly seeking new ways to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Start-ups, in particular, are eager to attract investors to build capital and fuel growth. Across industries, organizations are striving to outperform their competitors and capture greater market share. One area that has become…

What happens when you hear someone provide too many details or use filler words such as like, you know, uh, um? You probably tune out or lose interest. If you catch yourself using similar language, your audiences are likely tuning you out, too. The Oswald Women’s Leadership Council invited Michelle…