News from Ollis/Akers/Arney Human Resources Consulting

Human Resources & Business Consulting Newsletter

March 2026

Employee Engagement Continues to Decline from 2020 Peak: What Leaders Can Do in 2026

The percentage of U.S. employees who are actively engaged at work averaged 31% in 2025, unchanged from 2024, according to Gallup’s employee engagement survey. Employee engagement has declined after a decade of steady improvement (from a high of 36% in 2020) leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data suggests that many of the gains organizations made in clarifying role expectations, developing people and improving the day-to-day experience at work have stalled - and, in some cases, have begun to reverse.

The data shows that Generation Z and young millennials are reporting the biggest drops in feeling cared about, having opportunities to learn and being developed at work. Organizations with employee engagement initiatives that restore overall clarity in performance objectives within roles will be better positioned to improve and sustain engagement over time.

Read the Gallup article HERE

DOL Publishes Informational Videos on the FMLA click HERE for full article

Employer-facing videos have been published by the U.S. Department of Labor about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA):

Employers looking for a quick overview of various aspects of the FMLA may find the new videos helpful.

Fun Fact: FMLA is celebrating it's 33rd Anniversary

EEOC Rescinds Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace

Summary:

April 29, 2024 - the EEOC updated the Enforcement Guidance which added protections for gender identity and sexual orientation harassment to incorporate case law including the Supreme Court's 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County.

May 15, 2025 - the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled that the EEOC exceeded its authority in expanding the definition of "sex" to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" and vacated related elements of the Enforcement Guidance.

January 22, 2026 - the EEOC voted to rescind the Enforcement Guidance in its entirety.

Read the Legal Update HERE

HHS Increases Civil Penalty Amounts

On Jan. 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule increasing key penalties affecting group health plans. HHS adjusts these penalty amounts for inflation each year to maintain their effectiveness and deterrent value (although the prior adjustment had not occurred since 2024). Because these penalties are substantial, health insurers and employers with group health plans should periodically review their benefit plan administration protocols to ensure full compliance.

Penalties for non-compliance are broken down into tiers.

Read Article HERE

DOL Releases AI Literacy Framework

The framework, which outlines five foundational content areas and seven delivery principles for AI literacy, is intended to be a resource to guide program design and deployment of AI literacy efforts, while allowing for flexibility and adaptation across industries, roles, educational sectors, and other workforce-related contexts.

The release of the framework follows the department's recent guidance promoting the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding and governor's reserve monies to help participants develop AI skills.

Read the DOL News Release HERE

IRS Issues Proposed Rules on $1,000 Pilot Program for 530A ("Trump") Accounts for Children

On March 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed rules regarding the $1,000 pilot program for Trump Accounts. Created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Trump Accounts are a new type of tax-favored savings account for children under the age of 18 that will be available later in 2026.

Under the pilot program, children born between 2025 and 2028 may be eligible to receive a special $1,000 contribution to their Trump Accounts from the federal government if certain requirements are met. Employers can contribute up to $2,500 to the Trump Account of an employee or an employee's dependent. These contributions are not included in the employee's income for federal tax purposes.

The proposed rules address how the IRS will make the one-time $1,000 pilot program contributions for eligible children.

Read all the details HERE

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a nationwide grassroots campaign held annually in March. Many people are aware of various addictions and negative life choices involving drugs and alcohol; however, certain behaviors can also have drastic consequences for overall well-being. Gambling disorder, also known as gambling addiction and problem gambling, has become a prominent issue in today’s digital world as online tools and apps make placing bets more accessible.

What Is Gambling Disorder?

Gambling issues can manifest in many ways. The term “problem gambling” may conjure images of people spending hours sitting at slot machines and picking out lottery ticket numbers, but there are many other scenarios that might prove problematic. These include sports betting apps, online poker and electronic gaming machines, such as those in bars.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offered by employers address a variety of areas including gambling addiction.

Learn the Signs and How to Manage a Gambling Disorder

As seen in Springfield Business Journal's Ask the Experts