Human Resources

Human resources (HR) leaders are heading into 2026 amid rising costs, tighter labor markets and evolving employee expectations. The HR Daily Advisor has illustrated five key trends that are expected to shape HR strategy this year, including accelerating health care costs, growing employee financial stress and increased demand for flexible, personalized benefits.

For manufacturers, these pressures come on top of ongoing challenges recruiting and retaining skilled talent in a competitive labor market. The article also points to a renewed focus on holistic well-being, including financial wellness and work-life balance, as employers look for practical ways to improve engagement and reduce turnover.

As workforce availability and stability remain critical to operational success, manufacturers may need to reassess benefit design, communication strategies and support tools to stay competitive in attracting and retaining employees in 2026. 1/7/2026

The U.S. House narrowly passed a Republican-backed health care package this week as internal GOP divisions intensified over the future of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. The bill, supported by House Speaker Mike Johnson, includes provisions aimed at expanding association health plans and increasing oversight of pharmacy benefit managers, steps supporters say could help reduce health care costs.

The vote comes as a bipartisan group of House lawmakers moves to force a separate vote in January on extending enhanced ACA premium tax credits that expire at the end of the year. Without action, analysts warn premiums could rise sharply in 2026.

For manufacturers and employers, the competing approaches underscore continued uncertainty in the health care landscape, complicating benefit planning, workforce retention and long-term cost management as policy debates remain unresolved heading into the new year. 12/18/2025

Language barriers in the manufacturing workforce are emerging as a risk to the U.S. industrial rebound, according to a report by Engineering.com. As factories expand production, many are relying on multilingual teams, but limited English proficiency among workers can hinder communication, safety compliance, training and overall productivity. The analysis notes that unclear instructions can lead to mistakes, safety incidents and slower output at a time when manufacturers are facing tight deadlines and rising demand. The report says companies may need to invest in targeted language training, clearer documentation and more inclusive communication practices to maintain quality and meet production goals. For manufacturers in Ohio and across the country, closing language gaps is becoming an important part of staying competitive in a fast-changing labor market. 12/10/2025

Fisher Phillips has summarized the IRS 2026 limits for employer-sponsored benefit plans, including retirement savings, HSAs, FSAs and other thresholds that affect payroll and compliance. The annual adjustments help employers keep plans aligned with federal rules and stay competitive in the labor market.

For 2026, the 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) elective deferral limit will rise to $24,500, and the defined-contribution plan annual addition cap will increase to $72,000. HSA contribution limits, high-deductible health plan requirements and out-of-pocket maximums will also increase. Updates to highly compensated employee status, the Social Security wage base and several Affordable Care Act employer penalties will apply.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association encourages employers to review the changes, work with plan administrators and update payroll and HR systems ahead of 2026. 12/2/2025

Interest in apprenticeships is increasing sharply, according to HR Dive reporting on new data from the Indeed Hiring Lab. Searches for apprenticeship roles have more than doubled since 2020 and rose 35% in 2025, reflecting a growing number of job seekers pursuing paid training pathways. Manufacturing fields such as machining, maintenance, electrical work and industrial technology are seeing some of the strongest growth.

For human resources leaders at Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) member companies, the trend offers a new opportunity to strengthen talent pipelines. Apprenticeships can help employers develop skills internally, improve retention through structured advancement and attract younger and more diverse candidates who prefer earn-and-learn models over traditional education. The surge in interest comes as manufacturers continue to face shortages in high-demand technical roles.

Now may be a timely moment for HR teams to assess how apprenticeship programs fit into their recruitment and training strategies. 11/20/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) testified Wednesday before the Senate Health Committee to oppose Senate Bill 198, which would expand the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. The program was created to help low-income patients access affordable medicine, but OMA says it has drifted from its mission and now drives up health care costs for Ohio employers.

James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services, told lawmakers that large hospital systems and pharmacy benefit managers are reaping profits while employers and workers foot the bill. A study by IQVIA estimates Ohio employers pay about $275 million each year in hidden costs tied to the 340B program.

Joining OMA, William Smith of the Pioneer Institute detailed how 340B institutions exploit drug discounts and often operate in affluent areas rather than serving low-income communities.

OMA urged legislators to restore transparency provisions vetoed from the state budget and consider reforms modeled after Indiana, which has adopted stronger oversight to ensure the program benefits patients rather than institutions. 11/12/2025

According to The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio health insurance premiums will increase as much as 9% in 2026, the largest annual jump since 2010. Rising provider costs, higher drug prices and the pending expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits are fueling the increase.

Manufacturers and businesses should plan for higher employee health plan costs and review benefit designs, cost-sharing options and coverage alternatives before the 2026 plan year. OMA will track ACA changes and offer guidance to help members control expenses. 11/4/2025

A bill advancing in the Ohio Senate would prohibit private-sector employers from asking applicants about their criminal history — a proposal the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) strongly opposes. The measure would restrict employers’ ability to make informed hiring decisions and protect workplace safety.

Manufacturers across Ohio, including many OMA members, are already leading the way in offering meaningful employment opportunities for returning citizens through targeted training and re-entry programs. The OMA maintains that government mandates like this bill undermine effective, employer-driven workforce solutions that are already working. Contact James Lee to see how you can get involved. 10/29/2025

Lawmakers this week rejected Ohio House changes to Senate Bill 56, legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City. The House had sought to ease some of the bill’s restrictions.

In a show of solidarity, Senate Democrats and Republicans unanimously forced the bill into extra innings sending it to a joint House-Senate conference committee where the two chambers will attempt to hammer out differences.

For now, sales of synthetic marijuana products such as Delta-8 remain unrestricted.

Gov. Mike DeWine previously issued an executive order to limit sales of such products, but that order was blocked by a Franklin County judge. 10/30/2025

Recent reports show Amazon is cutting about 14,000 corporate jobs — the largest layoffs in its history — as it reallocates resources toward generative AI development. The move underscores how quickly AI is reshaping workforce structures across industries, not just in tech. For manufacturers, it’s a clear signal that automation and AI-driven efficiency will demand thoughtful workforce planning, reskilling and adaptability to stay competitive. 10/28/2025

BSI’s recent article on “Seven Organizational Resilience Pitfalls to Avoid” points out common mistakes that can undermine emergency preparedness in manufacturing. One big tip? Don’t just go through the motions with drills — the drills should test if your plans actually work, not just check if people show up. Manufacturers are encouraged to run realistic, even surprise drills to spot any weak spots in their emergency plans.

Another common mistake is limiting all the planning to a single department. BSI recommends involving teams from finance, human resources, information technology, operations and leadership to ensure comprehensive coverage. Collaborating across departments helps identify critical priorities and establish backup systems, keeping operations running smoothly when unexpected events occur.

The article also points out how important it is to bring in outside partners like fire departments and insurance folks. Having them involved makes sure everyone’s ready and knows what to do if a real emergency happens. For manufacturers, that means getting to know your local emergency services and working with them as part of your prep to make your operation stronger and safer. 10/23/2025

Earlier this week, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) voiced strong support for Ohio employers by raising concerns about House Bill 276, which proposes an expansion of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program.

OMA President Ryan Augsburger authored an op-ed in The Columbus Dispatch, and Managing Director of Public Policy James Lee testified before the House Insurance Committee, urging lawmakers to pause the bill. The proposed expansion would add $326 million in healthcare costs for Ohio employers. Moreover, a recent report from the Congressional Budget Office has shown that the program fails to deliver drug discounts to the low-income patients the program was meant to benefit. The OMA is advocating for transparency and accountability before any expansion — ensuring healthcare dollars truly benefit Ohioans, not drive-up premiums for businesses and employees.

The National Association of Manufacturers’ is leading the charge for necessary congressional reforms to place guardrails on the 340B Program and restore its original intent to protect patients, employers and rural healthcare systems. 10/14/2025

Labor unions will be unhappy with recently introduced bills at the Ohio Statehouse that would prohibit mandatory union dues and make union-scale construction costs optional for public employers.

State Rep. Levi Dean, R-Xenia, has introduced House Bill 510 to prohibit requirements on employees to join unions and to pay union dues. State representatives Beth Lear, R-Galena, and Meredith Craig, R-Smithville, have teamed up to introduce House Bill 513 to exempt public employers from union-scale construction wages requirements.

OMA staff will closely monitor the legislation. 10/16/2025

The Supreme Court of the United States began its new term on Mon., Oct. 6, poised to rule on pivotal cases in the 2025-2026 session that could significantly shape employer policies for years to come. Fisher Phillips has produced a concise overview of the key cases on the Supreme Court’s docket with potential workplace implications, along with notable cases SCOTUS may still consider and those it has already declined to hear. Read more here. 10/14/2025

OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has summarized and provided a useful analysis for employers on a recent court decision that will directly impact workplace harassment by non-employees in a manufacturing environment. Read the client bulletin to learn how the new standard will alter employer liability. 10/9/2025

HR Dive has released its list of the must-attend HR conferences for 2026, highlighting events that will cover policy updates, compliance challenges, workforce development and the growing impact of artificial intelligence. From SHRM’s Annual Conference in Orlando to specialized gatherings like LEAP HR for manufacturing, logistics and healthcare, the lineup offers HR professionals opportunities to learn, network and share best practices across industries.

These conferences will feature keynotes, workshops, case studies and expos designed to help HR leaders adapt to rapid changes while strengthening workplace culture and strategy. 10/2/2025

President Donald Trump has directed immigration officials to tighten visa vetting procedures, signaling a broader crackdown on legal immigration. While student visas—especially for STEM fields—remain largely unaffected, increased scrutiny and longer processing times are expected across categories. International students, who contribute more than $43 billion annually to the U.S. economy and fill critical workforce gaps, may face delays and added documentation requirements.

Despite the tougher stance, experts predict continued strong demand for U.S. education and employment opportunities, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors. 9/25/2025

A new Gallup poll shows a modest increase in Americans’ trust in businesses, particularly in how they use emerging technologies like AI. While concerns remain about job impacts and responsible use, the data suggest growing public confidence in the private sector—especially compared with trust in government institutions. 9/25/2025

In the ongoing debate over health care cost drivers, providers are drawing increased scrutiny. The Wall Street Journal editorial board spotlighted how the 340B drug discount program, designed to support low-income patients, has been stretched well beyond its intent—with hospitals able to claim discounts on prescriptions written by outside physicians and filled at contract pharmacies. Hospitals and pharmacies even hire firms to comb patient records and maximize these discounts.

Also this week, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich authored a column pointing to the 340B program as a key area for reform to ensure savings flow to patients, not hospital bottom lines. 9/25/2025

As employee expression spills into every corner of the workplace, employers must find effective ways to respond. OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips provides this client bulletin outlining strategies for navigating these issues. 9/17/2025