Episodes tagged: Workplace

Work, Wages, and Retirement Worries

In this episode Steve shares some key findings on employee financial wellbeing and retirement readiness from the Goldman Sachs Retirement Survey and Insights Report 2025. In short, a “Financial Vortex” threatens to derail worker financial wellbeing, but employers can and should play a more active role in supporting their employees.

Listen now

What The Cooling Job Market Means for HR Leaders

In this episode Steve discusses the latest set of US labor market data which show a cooling job market, cautious employers, and the potential for more slowing in Q4 2025. We also share five key workforce recommendations for HR leaders as we wind down 2025 and head into 2026.

Listen now

Accenture CEO to Staff: Learn AI or Else

In this episode Steve discusses how some organizations are facing the challenge of rapidly upskilling and reskilling their employees on the latest AI technology. But are the disruptions ahead really about the technology – or something else?

Listen now

Back to Business: Training Beyond the Manual

In this episode of The Play by Play, hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer discuss the critical role of job training, particularly from the perspective of Gen Z employees.

Listen now

Trust as Strategy: Inside the Role of the Chief Trust Officer

In this episode Steve discusses the newest role to take up space in corporate C-suites – The Chief Trust Officer. In an age of AI and overall decline in trust of institutions, some companies are elevating care and development of Trust to an executive position.

Listen now

Breaking the Bank: U.S. Puts a $100K Price Tag on Talent

In this episode Steve discusses the proposed changes to the H-1B visa process for foreign workers. With a new $100,000 application fee in the works, this impacts workers, HR leaders, companies, and even entire nations.

Listen now

Worksite Enforcement 2025: What’s Really Happening on the Ground

In this episode Steve discusses some current, high-profile Worksite Enforcement Actions by ICE and DHS, and shares how these actions impact organizations and people. Since these types actions don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, HR must prepare.

Listen now

The CEO’s Worst-Kept Secret: Mandatory RTO Polices are Just Layoffs in Disguise

In this episode Steve discusses how CEO’s continuing Return to Office (RTO) mandates are often designed to effect reductions in force – making the RTO calls just layoffs in disguise.

Listen now

The Hidden Driver of Economic Growth: Women in the Workforce

In this episode Steve discusses how the employment experience in the Netherlands, specifically the policies in place to support greater women’s workforce participation, should be a lesson for American companies and policymakers.

Listen now

Are We Underestimating the Impact AI Will Have on the Labor Market?

In this episode Steve discusses how AI may impact the workers and the labor market. Unlike earlier tech revolutions, could AI be so disruptive that it permanently displaces millions of workers? Well, the “Godfather” of AI is sounding the warning.

Listen now