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SBAM Weekly for Aug 18, 2026

August 20, 2026

Michigan Business Network

What Does the Future Hold for Work?

Hiring Lab predicts that by 2040, there could be 1.2 million fewer workers in the workforce and as many as 5.6 million fewer jobs. The unemployment rate could rise to almost 8%. The prediction is based on U.S. labor force statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Force Turnover Survey (JOLTS). In 2025, there were approximately 159.1 million workers in the U.S. labor force across the 10 employment supersectors tracked by JOLTS. By 2040, the size of this labor force is projected to shrink by roughly 0.7% from 2025 levels, a net decline of about 1.2 million workers.

Why Common Workplace Phrases Such as “Please” and “ASAP” May Be Slowing Work Down

Most workplace communication is written with good intentions. We add “please” to be polite and “ASAP” to emphasize urgency. Yet research suggests these common phrases can sometimes have the opposite effect, creating confusion, reducing clarity, and slowing productivity.

AI May Eliminate Entry-Level Tasks, but Employers Still Need Entry-Level Talent

Artificial intelligence is creating a paradox in the early-career job market. Companies are increasingly using AI to perform tasks traditionally assigned to entry-level employees, yet new research suggests many employers are not abandoning early-career hiring. Instead, they are changing what they expect from employees entering the workforce.

Pregnancy at Work: What New EEOC Lawsuits Mean for HR

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is making it clear that supporting employees during pregnancy is a growing workplace priority. Under its latest Strategic Enforcement Plan that launched in June, the agency is aggressively targeting workplace failures to accommodate pregnancy-related limitations. They are actively targeting companies of all sizes with over 15 employees, and recent federal filings reveal that traditional, rigid HR policies are no longer legally defensible under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). To protect your organization from costly litigation, HR leaders must shift from a “leave-first” mindset to an active, flexible accommodation process, focusing on having an open conversation, understanding the employee’s needs, and exploring reasonable accommodations that can help them continue working when possible.

Applications Now Open for SBAM Foundation’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship

You’ve built the business. You’ve survived the startup phase. You’ve hired employees, navigated uncertainty, and made countless decisions with limited time and resources.

Now comes the next challenge.

The SBAM Foundation’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) is accepting applications for its next cohort of women business owners who are ready to strengthen their leadership, grow their businesses, and connect with peers who understand the realities of entrepreneurship. The fellowship is a nine-month experience created specifically for established women-owned businesses across Michigan.

The Small Business Briefing

We’ve got the pulse of small business. Tune in every Monday at 3pm ET for SBAM’s Small Business Briefing! Hosts Brian Calley and Sarah Miller bring you the latest news impacting Michigan small businesses.

Watch live on Facebook at 3PM or via Zoom.