Episodes tagged: Workplace

Target’s Business Remains Under Pressure Following the Company’s Retreat from DEI

In this episode Steve shares an update on Target – who three months after abandoning its DEI programs, has seen foot traffic steadily decline, as the company loses ground to Costco – who notably has remained committed to DEI.

Listen now

RIP Prompt Engineering – The Rapid Rise and Fall of the Latest Technology Job

In this episode Steve discusses how Prompt Engineering, once touted as the next great technology job, has evolved into just another essential tech skills for all kinds of workers.

Listen now

Uber CEO to Employees: Up Your In-Office Time or Move On

In this episode Steve discusses increased in-office work requirements at Uber – where the CEO and Chief People Officer don’t seem to be too worried if these mandates drive some employees out of the organization.

Listen now

Employee Confidence Falls to a Near-Record Low, Weighed Down by Economic Uncertainty

In this episode Steve discusses new data from employer review site Glassdoor which shows that employee confidence – how employees feel about their organization’s near-term prospects, is dropped dramatically to near its all-time low. Uncertainty, AI technology, and constantly shifting tariff and trade policies are all factors weighing on confidence.

Listen now

New Research on the Design of the Future of Work

In this episode Steve discusses how design plays a critical role in creating workplaces where people want show up at and can do their best work from. Plus, we share key insights from the Gensler Global Workplace Survey that illustrate how design can help drive performance and engagement.

Listen now

Early Data Shows that Employer Coverage of Weight Loss Drugs Drives Significant Cost Savings

In this episode Steve discusses a report from Aon, which shows that offering coverage for popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic can drive substantial medical costs savings for employers overall, making this some of the strongest data yet that supports increased employer sponsored coverage of GLP-1s for their workers.

Listen now

Designing the Workplace of the Future

In this podcast interview Mervyn talks to Isobel Elton, founder of the consultancy Future of the Office, about future workspace design and how to build spaces that will bring people together.

Listen now

Skills-based Hiring and AI Making Gen Z Think Again About College

In this episode Steve discusses how the combination of AI adoption and the increasing popular trend of “skills-based” hiring are making some Gen Z students and graduates question the value and need for the traditional four-year college degree as a necessary step in their career progression.

Listen now

Key Takeaways from Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index Report

In this episode Steve shares key insights from Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index Report – which forecasts people and AI Agents working more closely than ever, and the potential evolution of the Org Chart to the “Work Chart”.

Listen now

Return to Office Mandates Hit Employees with Disabilities the Hardest

In this episode Steve discusses how Return to Office mandates in the Federal workforce and in private sector companies threaten to reverse the progress made by people with disabilities in the workplace. Pandemic era remote working policies have helped increase labor participation for disabled workers to a record high, but this progress may not last if remote working and other accommodations become less available.

Listen now