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Bring some green indoors to enhance job performance and employee well-being
Green is the color of March, as it signals the St. Patrick’s Day holiday as well as the emergence of spring. Did you know that bringing some green into your workplace can have benefits year-round?
A Harvard Business Review study found that bringing small pieces of nature into the workplace positively impacts employee performance and well-being.
The potted plant test
Researchers tested their theory by going into an office at night and placing potted plants by the desks of some employees. They placed office supplies on other employees’ desks.
The employees who were exposed to this small dose of nature displayed higher job performance, an increased desire to help, and enhanced creativity. No one was negatively impacted.
Bringing nature indoors
Live plants can’t be part of every work setting, but they’re not the only way to bring the benefits of nature indoors.
Nature-related elements can include:
- Windows with views of nature
- Indoor water features
- Murals of natural scenes
- Artificial plants or flowers
- Fish aquariums
Design features related to nature can also be more significant and included in building plans. For example, investing in landscaping designs outside office windows or having an indoor garden are ways to positively impact employees.
These options don’t have to break the bank or require a pot of gold, however. Simply allowing employees to place potted plants by their desks is an inexpensive way to enhance the workplace.
With a little luck, everyone will reap the benefits for having a little more green nearby.
Key to remember: Bringing natural touches to the workplace can have a positive impact on job performance, cooperation, and creativity.
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NewsAir QualityStationary Emission SourcesEnforcement and Audits - OSHAToxic Substances Control Act - EPAAir EmissionsSafe Drinking WaterTSCA ComplianceWater ProgramsWater QualityMonthly Roundup VideoCAA ComplianceAir PermittingHazard CommunicationUSAEnglishHeat StressOSHA Violations and PenaltiesIndustry NewsHeat and Cold ExposureSafety & HealthToxic Substances - EPAGeneral Industry SafetyEnvironmentalFocus AreaWater MonitoringHazard CommunicationAir ProgramsExtreme Temperature PreparationVideo
EHS Monthly Round Up - June 2026
In this June 2026 roundup video, we'll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news.
Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. Let’s take a look at what happened over the past month.
OSHA won’t increase its penalty amounts in 2026. The agency is required to annually adjust its penalties for inflation, based specifically on the October Consumer Price Index data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Due to a lapse in funding, BLS did not release the October 2025 data. Because no alternative calculation is allowed, OSHA penalties will remain at the 2025 amounts.
OSHA updated its inspection guidance for the Hazard Communication standard. While the document is geared towards OSHA inspectors, it provides insights for chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers as to what the agency will look for during an inspection.
OSHA will hold a series of informal, virtual hearings on multiple proposed rules beginning August 19th. The majority relate to respiratory protection requirements for different chemical substances. All of the proposed rules were originally published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025.
Nevada OSHA published a list of frequently asked questions related to its recently adopted heat illness rule. The state’s rule took effect April 29.
Turning to environmental news, EPA restored emergency-related affirmative defense provisions for Title V operating permits. This allows stationary sources to assert a regulatory affirmative defense for certain air emission violations caused by events beyond their control.
EPA released two proposed rules that would have major impacts on drinking water regulations for PFAS. The agency will accept comments on the proposals until July 20.
And finally, EPA now allows facilities to submit PCB annual reports electronically. Facilities can start with the upcoming report that’s due July 15.
Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!
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NewsMonthly Roundup VideoTraining & DevelopmentFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)Retirement BenefitsFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)Retirement BenefitsHuman ResourcesHR ManagementEnglishUSATalent Management & RecruitingAssociate Benefits & CompensationDiscriminationIndustry NewsDiscriminationTitle VII (The Civil Rights Act of 1964)Affirmative ActionRace DiscriminationEmployee BenefitsProtected classesHR GeneralistHealth Savings Accounts (HSAs)Associate RelationsFocus AreaVideo
HR Monthly Round Up - June 2026
In this June 2026 roundup video, we’ll review the most impactful HR news.
Welcome, everyone! In the next few minutes, we’ll review the latest HR news. Let’s get started.
The IRS recently announced the 2027 contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (or HSAs). Employees with self-only coverage will be able to save an additional $100 annually in their HSAs next year, meaning they’ll be able to contribute up to $4,500 in 2027.
To contribute to an HSA, an employee must be enrolled in an HSA eligible High-Deductible Health Plan, which is generally a health plan that only covers preventive services before the deductible.
In other news, did you know that job protections begin when employees ask for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (or FMLA), not just when leave begins? This is especially important to remember when an employer wants to discipline or fire an employee who asks about leave.
In a recent case out of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, the court found in favor of the employer, because the employer had well-documented evidence of an employee’s poor job performance as the reason for the termination even though the employee was requesting FMLA leave.
And, finally, a decades-old rule that helps protect companies that voluntarily implement affirmative action plans may be eliminated if the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission gets its way.
The EEOC submitted a proposal to the White House regulatory office on May 27 that would eliminate the agency’s 1979 regulation clarifying how employers could implement affirmative action strategies in line with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Submission to the regulatory office is the last step before the final rule is published in the Federal Register.
The proposed rescission of the voluntary affirmative action plan rules must undergo a formal notice-and-comment period. Interested stakeholders can submit a public comment, and the EEOC must review them before a final rule is published.
In the meantime, employers may want to assess whether any existing policies or programs could be affected by changes in the federal government’s approach to affirmative action.
That’s all the HR news we have time for today. Thanks for watching. See you next month!
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NewsMonthly Roundup VideoTraining & DevelopmentFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)Retirement BenefitsFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)Retirement BenefitsHuman ResourcesHR ManagementEnglishUSATalent Management & RecruitingAssociate Benefits & CompensationDiscriminationIndustry NewsDiscriminationTitle VII (The Civil Rights Act of 1964)Affirmative ActionRace DiscriminationEmployee BenefitsProtected classesHR GeneralistHealth Savings Accounts (HSAs)Associate RelationsFocus AreaVideo
HR Monthly Round Up - June 2026
In this June 2026 roundup video, we’ll review the most impactful HR news.
Welcome, everyone! In the next few minutes, we’ll review the latest HR news. Let’s get started.
The IRS recently announced the 2027 contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (or HSAs). Employees with self-only coverage will be able to save an additional $100 annually in their HSAs next year, meaning they’ll be able to contribute up to $4,500 in 2027.
To contribute to an HSA, an employee must be enrolled in an HSA eligible High-Deductible Health Plan, which is generally a health plan that only covers preventive services before the deductible.
In other news, did you know that job protections begin when employees ask for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (or FMLA), not just when leave begins? This is especially important to remember when an employer wants to discipline or fire an employee who asks about leave.
In a recent case out of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, the court found in favor of the employer, because the employer had well-documented evidence of an employee’s poor job performance as the reason for the termination even though the employee was requesting FMLA leave.
And, finally, a decades-old rule that helps protect companies that voluntarily implement affirmative action plans may be eliminated if the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission gets its way.
The EEOC submitted a proposal to the White House regulatory office on May 27 that would eliminate the agency’s 1979 regulation clarifying how employers could implement affirmative action strategies in line with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Submission to the regulatory office is the last step before the final rule is published in the Federal Register.
The proposed rescission of the voluntary affirmative action plan rules must undergo a formal notice-and-comment period. Interested stakeholders can submit a public comment, and the EEOC must review them before a final rule is published.
In the meantime, employers may want to assess whether any existing policies or programs could be affected by changes in the federal government’s approach to affirmative action.
That’s all the HR news we have time for today. Thanks for watching. See you next month!
Keep reading...Show less
NewsVideoTransportationBusiness planning - Motor CarrierUSAEnglishBusiness planning - Motor CarrierCMV InspectionsIndustry NewsFederal Motor Carrier Safety RegulationsFleet SafetyCompliance, Safety, Accountability CSACompliance, Safety, Accountability CSAFleet OperationsFocus AreaMonthly Roundup Video
Transportation Monthly Round Up - June 2026
In this June 2026 round up, we will discuss an FMCSA update on Motus and CVSA’s Brake Safety Week. Let's get started.
In this June 2026 round up, we will discuss an FMCSA update on Motus and CVSA’s Brake Safety Week.
Motus is the FMCSA’s new online system that replaces the old portal carriers used to manage their safety and registration data. It’s where motor carriers update their company information, verify officials, and maintain compliance records.
As FMCSA continues supporting the transition to Motus, FMCSA has temporarily suspended the inactivation of USDOT numbers for entities that have not completed the required biennial update since June 1. Registrants will receive additional time to complete any required biennial updates and should not worry about inactivation resulting from Motus-related access or system issues. We will share additional guidance as recovery and stabilization efforts continue.
If a carrier is locked out of their Motus account or cannot log in, they will need to contact FMCSA’s technical support team at 1-800-832-5660. FMCSA will verify the user’s identity and restore access.
Everyone’s favorite 7-day brake safety event has been announced for August 23–29 this year, meaning it’s time to start getting your vehicles and drivers inspection-ready!
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) hosts Brake Safety Week, a week-long inspection and compliance enforcement event, each year to offer brake-safety awareness and to collect important brake-related data.
The focus this year is on drums and rotors. Brake drum and rotor issues can have a serious negative impact on a vehicle’s brake efficiency. There’s the possibility that broken pieces of drums and rotors can become dislodged from the vehicle enroute and damage other vehicles or lead to injuries or fatalities to the public. Inspectors will be on the lookout for any drum or rotor issues to help keep roadways safer.
CVSA-certified inspectors will perform routine inspections on commercial vehicles from August 23–29 with a special focus on brake components and systems. Carriers should begin preparing now for this important industry event.
That’s it for this month’s round up. Stay safe, and thanks for watching.
Keep reading...Show less
NewsVideoTransportationBusiness planning - Motor CarrierUSAEnglishBusiness planning - Motor CarrierCMV InspectionsIndustry NewsFederal Motor Carrier Safety RegulationsFleet SafetyCompliance, Safety, Accountability CSACompliance, Safety, Accountability CSAFleet OperationsFocus AreaMonthly Roundup Video
Transportation Monthly Round Up - June 2026
In this June 2026 round up, we will discuss an FMCSA update on Motus and CVSA’s Brake Safety Week. Let's get started.
In this June 2026 round up, we will discuss an FMCSA update on Motus and CVSA’s Brake Safety Week.
Motus is the FMCSA’s new online system that replaces the old portal carriers used to manage their safety and registration data. It’s where motor carriers update their company information, verify officials, and maintain compliance records.
As FMCSA continues supporting the transition to Motus, FMCSA has temporarily suspended the inactivation of USDOT numbers for entities that have not completed the required biennial update since June 1. Registrants will receive additional time to complete any required biennial updates and should not worry about inactivation resulting from Motus-related access or system issues. We will share additional guidance as recovery and stabilization efforts continue.
If a carrier is locked out of their Motus account or cannot log in, they will need to contact FMCSA’s technical support team at 1-800-832-5660. FMCSA will verify the user’s identity and restore access.
Everyone’s favorite 7-day brake safety event has been announced for August 23–29 this year, meaning it’s time to start getting your vehicles and drivers inspection-ready!
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) hosts Brake Safety Week, a week-long inspection and compliance enforcement event, each year to offer brake-safety awareness and to collect important brake-related data.
The focus this year is on drums and rotors. Brake drum and rotor issues can have a serious negative impact on a vehicle’s brake efficiency. There’s the possibility that broken pieces of drums and rotors can become dislodged from the vehicle enroute and damage other vehicles or lead to injuries or fatalities to the public. Inspectors will be on the lookout for any drum or rotor issues to help keep roadways safer.
CVSA-certified inspectors will perform routine inspections on commercial vehicles from August 23–29 with a special focus on brake components and systems. Carriers should begin preparing now for this important industry event.
That’s it for this month’s round up. Stay safe, and thanks for watching.
Keep reading...Show less
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.