Episodes tagged: Workplace

Meta, Google, and the Skilled Trades Talent Crisis Behind the AI Boom

As Meta and Google build data centers, a shortage of skilled trades workers has emerged. Steve breaks down the labor crisis behind the AI boom.

Listen now

When AI Gets the Budget and Workers Get the Bill

As companies rush to invest billions in artificial intelligence, a troubling pattern is beginning to emerge. In several recent cases, organizations have openly acknowledged that the money funding AI initiatives is coming directly from employee compensation, benefits, and workforce investments.

Listen now

The Future of Work is Older Than You Think

Think the future of work only belongs to the young? Think again. Steve breaks down the latest AARP data on older workers, the shifting retirement landscape, and why age inclusion is the ultimate competitive advantage.

Listen now

Tokenmaxxing and the AI Spending Reckoning

What is tokenmaxxing? Steve breaks down why companies like Amazon and Uber are facing an AI spending reckoning, soaring token costs, and low ROI.

Listen now

Progress Under Pressure: Pride at Work in 2026

In this episode of The Workplace Minute, Steve explores the evolution of LGBTQ+ inclusion on the job, balancing real progress with modern social tensions.

Listen now

The EEOC Wants to End Workforce Demographic Reporting. What Happens Next?

In this episode of Workplace Minute, Steve examines the history of EEO workforce reporting, the EEOC’s changing enforcement philosophy, the potential impact on employers and HR leaders, and why responsible organizations should continue measuring opportunity, fairness, and workforce outcomes regardless of government mandates.

Listen now

Pope Leo on Work, Purpose, and Human Dignity

In this episode of the Workplace Minute, Steve explores the themes of dignity, opportunity, purpose, and humanity through the lens of Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. While much of the public discussion has centered on artificial intelligence, this conversation focuses on something deeper: the role work plays in helping people build lives filled with meaning, stability, care, and community.

Listen now

AI Data Centers and the Communities Asked to Host the Future

In this episode of Workplace Minute, Steve examines the economic promise, environmental concerns, labor market implications, and political tensions surrounding AI data centers. From jobs and infrastructure investment to energy demand, water usage, and community opposition, this is one of the defining workplace and economic issues of the AI era.

Listen now

The Modern Job Search Is Breaking People’s Spirit

A new report from Glassdoor found that more than half of job seekers have paused their search to protect their mental health. In this episode of Workplace Minute, Steve examines the growing crisis of job search burnout, the realities behind today’s labor market numbers, and the very real emotional and psychological toll that prolonged unemployment can create.

Listen now

When Hiring Comes with a Loyalty Test: Breaking Down the Federal Government’s New Plan

The federal government’s new “Merit Hiring Plan” promises faster, skills-based recruiting, but a new question asking candidates to align with the President’s priorities is sparking “loyalty test” concerns. Steve breaks down the HR reforms versus the political risks to nonpartisan public service.

Listen now