Insight Articles

Compensation

Quality Data: The Foundation of Smart HR Decisions

Accuracy, relevance, and context matter—especially when the stakes involve compensation, workforce planning, compliance, or culture.

Employee Engagement

Beyond Pay—Are Your Employees Feeling Truly Valued?

Employees can feel valued even when pay has limits—as long as the work experience is supportive, efficient, and respectful of their time.

Drugs & Alcohol

Drug Testing 101: What Employers Need to Know

For most employers, drug testing isn’t about policing employee behavior—it’s about managing risk.

Affirmative Action

OFCCP Resumes Enforcement for Disability and Veteran Protections

After a brief pause in 2025 following the revocation of Executive Order 11246, the OFCCP has resumed investigating certain employment discrimination complaints.

Leadership

Succession Planning Isn’t About Replacements — It’s About Readiness

Succession planning should be viewed as an ongoing talent process, not a one-time meeting or decision.

HR Compliance

OSHA Injury and Illness Data Submission Deadline

For applicable employers, OSHA electronic injury and illness data submissions began on January 2, 2026. The OSHA reporting deadline for 2025 data is March 2, 2026!

HR Metrics

What HR Teams Are Prioritizing for Development in 2026

When we asked MRA members where their HR teams need the most development this year, the responses reflected a familiar reality.

HR Compliance

2026 Immigration Compliance & Enforcement Guidance

Navigating immigration compliance can feel increasingly complex. MRA has deep expertise in Form I-9 requirements, E-Verify processes, and the evolving landscape of employment eligibility rules.

Leadership

Can Managers Tell if Employees Used Artificial Intelligence to Do Their Work?

As AI tools become more accessible, managers face a new challenge: determining whether employees are using AI to complete their work.

Affirmative Action

Contract Certifications Still Create Significant Liability

While federal contractors are no longer certifying AAP compliance through the OFCCP, they are still certifying compliance through the SAM and have federal contract compliance obligations.

Custom Surveys

Is Your Team Overworked, Underutilized, or Blocked? A Workload & Productivity Survey Can Tell You.

Many organizations launch into the new year without fully understanding how their employees experience their day-to-day work.

Leadership

Leadership in Isolation: Why Senior Leaders Need Trusted Forums

Research has linked diminished peer access and social disconnection to stress, impaired decision-making, and cultural erosion across organizations.

HR Compliance

One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates

No Tax on Overtime and Tips, and “Trump Accounts.”

Affirmative Action

Jurisdiction Threshold Inflationary Adjustments for 503 and VEVRAA

Under a final rule, jurisdictional thresholds used to determine which organizations must comply with 503 and VEVRAA were updated for inflation.

Organization Development

Understanding and Addressing Malicious Compliance (and Noncompliance) in the Workplace

This article explores the psychology behind malicious actions and provides strategies for senior leadership and human resources professionals to prevent and address such resistance.

HR Compliance

Year-End Essentials: Your HR, Benefits, Compensation, and Payroll Checklist

As the calendar year draws to a close, HR professionals know that December 31st isn’t just another date—it’s a critical deadline.

HR Compliance

The Business Case for External HR Support: Why You Can’t Afford to Go It Alone

HR is no longer just about hiring and compliance—it’s a strategic function that directly impacts business performance, risk exposure, and employee experience.

HR Compliance

IRS Updates on "No Tax on Overtime or Tips"

The IRS encourages employers and payors to provide employees and payees with detailed information on cash tips and overtime compensation.

Compensation

Examining the Implications of "Grossing-Up" Employee Compensation

A gross-up bonus occurs when an employer calculates the bonus so that, after taxes are withheld, the employee receives a predetermined net amount.

Engagement & Leadership

Take Care of Your Unicorns

If organizations want managers to authentically support their teams, they must model that same level of investment and care for their managers.