As we are just about half-way through the high school soccer season, it's a good time to check in on the Lake Ridge Academy Royals.
When we last left the Royals 11 months ago, they were eliminated from the 2023 state playoff tournament in their district semifinal. This year's senior-dominant team is on a mission, which thus far they are on track to complete. The team is off to a 7-1 start, with their only loss coming to a much bigger and stronger Shaker Hts. squad that is currently a top 7 team in Ohio's D-II. (After a realignment for this school year, Ohio now has five soccer divisions, with schools placed based on size; as result LRA moved from D-III to D-V.)
In D-V, LRA is currently ranked 8th in the state. This weekend, however, brings what is likely their stiffest test of the season, a weekend trip to Toledo for a tournament and a probable finals matchup against the host, 15th ranked Maumee Valley Country Day (a team that I do not believe LRA has ever defeated). Saturday night is also LRA's homecoming dance, and I really hope Donovan and his teammates have a tournament trophy with which to celebrate.
Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.
Amazon's Return-to-Office Mandate Could Be a Game-Changer for Shareholder Value — via Improve your HR by Suzanne Lucas (the Evil HR Lady)
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr: SHRM's Shift from DEI to I&D — via The HR Gazette
When Using AI at Work, Be Sure to Avoid Wage and Hour Claims — via EntertainHR
Coalition for Secure AI Promotes Safe, Ethical AI Development — via Dark Reading
Coalition for Secure AI Promotes Safe, Ethical AI Development — via Dark Reading
What happens when a company terminates someone for FMLA fraud when they weren't actually misusing it? — via Eric Meyer's Employer Handbook Blog
The Anatomy of a Workplace Investigation: Step-by-Step Best Practices — via Workology
Chuck E. Cheese parent company sued over workplace sexual harassment — via HR Dive
Navigating the nuances of employer brand comms during layoffs — via Ragan
Try These Steps to Reduce IC Misclassification Risks, in the Long Run — via Who Is My Employee?