Episodes tagged: Work

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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The Workplace Minute Rewind: What 2025 Taught Us About Work

In this episode Steve “rewinds” The Workplace Minute for 2025 and discusses the most important topics and themes we covered on the show this year. From AI, to job insecurity and worker burnout, and the quiet retreat from DEI – 2025 was an important and challenging year in the workplace.

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Rethinking Rewards: How Amtrak Redirected Executive Bonuses to Employees

In this episode Steve shares the news of the recent decision at Amtrak to redirect executive and leader end-of-year bonuses to fund bonuses for more than 18,000 frontline workers. What does this decision suggest about how rewards and bonuses should be allocated in organizations more generally?

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The Real Story of Women’s Experiences at Work in 2025

In this episode Steve shares key findings from the 2025 Women in the Workplace Report from McKinsey and LeanIn. The 2025 report shows that in many key measures, progress for women at work has stalled and women still hold only 29% of C-suite roles. We discuss the report and steps that HR and business leaders can take to make work more fair and more inclusive.

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The Potential Expiration of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit

In this episode Steve discusses the potential expiration of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Over two decades the WOTC has expanded access to the job market to many underserved groups, and given employers a valuable tool to invest in hiring and training these workers. But with the WOTC slated to expire soon, HR leaders need to be prepared and to advocate for its extension.

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