Episodes tagged: Work

How Do You Show Up for Work in America Today?

In this episode Steve discusses how the current environment in America, which violence playing out on the streets of Minneapolis and in other cities, impacts how all of us are able, or not able, to show up at work. These are unprecedented times, and the stress and fear in U.S. workplaces are real. Managers and leaders have a responsibility to care for their people – and themselves.

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What Happens When AI Becomes the Gatekeeper to Work?

In this episode Steve discusses the growing legal scrutiny facing AI-powered hiring tools, sparked by high-profile lawsuits involving Workday and Eightfold. We break down what these cases allege, why they matter, and what they reveal about how algorithms are being used to screen and rank job candidates. We also explore the implications for HR leaders everywhere who are navigating the fast-changing intersection of technology, compliance, and trust in the hiring process.

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The Alarming Divide Between Workers and Wealth in America

In this episode Steve shares new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics which reveals that labor, meaning the U.S. worker, are taking home less of the country’s overall wealth than ever before, which capital and capital owners, realizing more and more gains.

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The Metaverse, Work, and a Very Expensive Lesson

In this episode Steve discusses the hype and the fall of The Metaverse as a transformative workplace technology. Despite the hype and the investments, the Metaverse was a solution in search of a problem, and it reminds us to approach any new workplace technology with clear expectations and evaluation methods.

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Research Suggests that CEOs are using “AI” as a Convenient Excuse for Old-Fashioned Cost-Cutting

In this episode Steve shares results from new research that suggests that AI and automation are not actually driving significant layoffs, and that some CEOs are using AI as a convenient excuse to carry out headcount reductions and cost-cutting that are being driven by other factors. Factors that perhaps place more pressure and blame on the CEOs themselves.

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2025 in Review: The Conversations Shaping Work in 2026

In this episode of the HR Happy Hour Show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed reflect on the past year and discuss their plans for 2026.

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Number of Americans with Multiple Jobs Hits a 25-Year High

In this episode Steve discusses the surge in the number of U.S. workers who have been forced to take on second or even third jobs to combat the affordability crisis. Holding multiple jobs can place a significant strain on workers, so we offer 5 actionable suggestions for HR and business leaders to better support these stretched workers.

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Caregiving, Work, and the Employees Caught in the Middle

In this episode Steve discusses the growing trend of caregiving in the workplace, highlighting its impact on employee wellbeing and the need for employers to recognize and support caregivers. With over 63 million adults in the U.S. providing care, the conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating caregiver support into workplace policies and benefits to enhance productivity and retention.

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Solving a Worker Shortage with Better Pay and Benefits

In this episode Steve discusses how Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S. has approached the nationwide shortage of commercial truck drivers by raising wages, improving technology, and concentrating on improving worker’s work/life balance.

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New Year, New Rules: The Biggest Workplace Laws Taking Effect in 2026

In this episode Steve discusses the most important new workplace laws and regulations coming into effect for 2026 and what HR leaders should do now to prepare their organizations for these changes. From new minimum wage floors, to WOTC uncertainty, to new rules governing the use of AI in hiring – there is plenty for HR to be ready for in 2026.

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