Episodes

  • The BARF: Jobless Rates Spike, CEOs prefer RTO (But they work remote), DEI Programs Vanish, and SmartRecruiters Gets a New CEO

    The BARF: Jobless Rates Spike, CEOs prefer RTO (But they work remote), DEI Programs Vanish, and SmartRecruiters Gets a New CEO
    Sep 1 2024
    In this episode, we look at jobless rates, DEI initiatives, SmartRecruiters, AI, software development, employee benefits, and HR technology. These pivotal topics are reshaping the future of work and impacting how companies navigate the evolving landscape of human resources. Key Takeaways: South Dakota boasts the lowest jobless rate at 2%, contrasting sharply with the District of Columbia's 5.5%. CEOs like those at Starbucks and Victoria's Secret are leading companies remotely, redefining executive leadership. Companies eliminating DEI initiatives, such as Lowe's and Harley-Davidson, face scrutiny over their commitment to diversity. The Freelance Isn't Free Act in New York offers new protections against late or missing payments for freelance workers. AI's growing role in software development could significantly alter the responsibilities of developers. Voluntary benefits, like supplemental health plans, are becoming crucial in employee attraction and retention strategies. Chapters 00:00 Jobless Rates and CEOs Working Remotely 10:46 The Elimination of DEI Initiatives 15:56 New Protections for Freelance Workers 18:11 Rising Healthcare Costs 19:44 OSHA Cites Texas Daycare Provider 20:09 Rebecca Carr Appointed as CEO of SmartRecruiters 23:49 The Downward Revision of Job Growth in the US 25:52 The Future of Coding: AI's Impact on Software Development 28:55 Recent Acquisitions in the Staffing Software Industry 37:43 The Rise of Voluntary Benefits 44:55 Innovation and Differentiation in the HR Technology Market 46:28 Improving Office Space and Productivity 51:17 Real-Time Office (RTO) and the Future of Work 57:13 Advancing Gender Equality and AI in the Workplace 59:05 Expanding Global Payroll Platforms 01:03:59 Using AI to Enhance Financial Wellness Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • The BARF: DHS's $45M Lawsuit, NTI Denies the Visually Impaired work, Massachusetts Enacts Salary Transparency Law, and Colorado Squashes Algorithmic Discrimination

    The BARF: DHS's $45M Lawsuit, NTI Denies the Visually Impaired work, Massachusetts Enacts Salary Transparency Law, and Colorado Squashes Algorithmic Discrimination
    Aug 19 2024
    We dive into the latest shifts in HR tech and workforce management. In this episode we look at DHS and it's $45 million hit, The National Telecommuting Institutes denying the visually impaired work, the impact of remote work, salary ranges in job postings, CFO turnover, algorithmic discrimination, workforce management acquisitions, effective communication, and burnout among employees. We share our thoughts on Eric Schmidt’s views on Google’s remote work challenges, Massachusetts’ new salary range law, the fight against algorithmic discrimination, and effective communication strategies across generations. Key Takeaways: Eric Schmidt warns that remote work is causing Google to fall behind in innovation. Massachusetts’ salary range law aims to promote pay equity in job postings. CFO turnover in tech is on the rise due to performance issues, but female CFO appointments are increasing. Key acquisitions in HR tech, such as Payoneer and Corbett, are redefining workforce management. Burnout is a critical issue; companies must prioritize effective communication to support employees. Colorado leads in protecting consumers from algorithmic discrimination, setting a new standard in tech ethics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 06:35 Is Google Falling Behind Due to Remote Work? 10:34 Massachusetts Requires Salary Ranges in Job Postings 13:37 Fiverr Enterprise: A Solution for Remote Work 15:55 Department of Homeland Security Settles Allegations of Forced Limited Positions for Pregnant Workers 18:45 Bank of America Ignores Workload Rules 21:17 Rise of Women in CFO Appointments 22:47 CFO Turnover and the Rise of Female CFOs 24:22 Improving Morale and Retention with Employee Bonuses 28:16 Settling Discrimination Suits and the Importance of Reasonable Accommodations 33:01 Colorado's Legislation Against Algorithmic Discrimination 34:42 Acquisitions Shaping the Future of Workforce Management 40:12 Expanding Student Loan Benefits with Summer's Acquisition of Vault 45:13 Effective Communication Across Generations in the Workplace 46:49 Millennials vs. Gen Z: Communication Preferences 50:15 The Impact of Burnout on Employees 52:39 Smart Voice Messaging Platforms for Remote Teams 57:35 The Importance of Pet Insurance for Employees 01:04:47 Advancements in Human Reasoning AI 01:06:11 Integrated Navigation and Payment for Prescription Services Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • The BARF: Max, the Autonomous Recruiter, EEOC hits $$$, and Skills Gaps=25 days of loss productivity

    The BARF: Max, the Autonomous Recruiter, EEOC hits $$$, and Skills Gaps=25 days of loss productivity
    Aug 12 2024
    In this episode, we look at the Max - the Autonomous Recruiter, H1B visa lottery, Beamery's AI audit, workplace politics, summer jobs for teens, ethical AI, Gen X managers, $$$ Millions in EEOC settlements, and how the skills gap creates 25 days of dead space annually per emplpyee Key Takeaways H1B visa lottery scams manipulate the system, highlighting the need for regulatory updates. Beemery's AI audit sets a transparency benchmark, vital for AI in HR. Meta’s facial recognition settlement stresses the importance of data privacy. Workplace politics require HR's focus on civil discourse and respect. Summer job wage hikes reflect the battle for young talent. Gen X managers lead, but millennials are redefining workplace expectations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and H1B Visa Lottery Scams 05:21 Beemery's AI Audit and Meta's Settlement with Texas 16:27 Navigating Politics in the Workplace 22:35 The Rise in Wages for Summer Jobs 26:30 Eventbrite's Layoffs and HR's Role in Ethical AI 30:35 Acquisitions and the Excitement Around Them 34:50 The Impact of DEI Backlash and the Need for Effective Communication 39:18 The Significance of Delivering High-Quality Feedback 43:35 Gen X as Managers: The Best Among Colleagues 46:16 The Skills Gap and the Importance of Upskilling 51:59 Autonomous AI Recruiters and Skillful Job Matching 55:46 Student Loan Debt Relief Solutions for Employers Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • The BARF: Snapchat says "Women, you need to wait your turn!". The White House stands down on AI, Apple gets Unionized (maybe), and Gender Equality

    The BARF: Snapchat says "Women, you need to wait your turn!". The White House stands down on AI, Apple gets Unionized (maybe), and Gender Equality
    Jul 29 2024
    We debate earned wage access, background checks, DEI initiatives, and employee compensation. We look at the importance of verifying data and the need for responsible HR practices. In this episode, we look at earned wage access, background checks, DEI, employee compensation, data verification, HR practices, and screening. Topics include the importance of fair treatment, legal implications, technology in hiring, and the balance between human and AI capabilities in recruitment. Key Takeaways: Earned wage access programs offered by employers may be subject to the Truth in Lending Act, and users should be aware of the fees associated with these programs. Companies should ensure the accuracy of background check data and be diligent in verifying information from reliable sources. The elimination of DEI teams within organizations raises concerns about the commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts. Employers should compensate employees for time spent on pre-shift COVID testing or other work-related activities. Controversial screening practices such as pregnancy screening during hiring and the use of biometric data in AI-driven hiring processes raise concerns about privacy and informed consent. Acquisitions in the HR tech space can provide integrated solutions for HR platforms, streamlining processes like payment processing and expense reimbursement. Chapters 00:00 Excitement for the Upcoming Football Season 02:16 Snapchat Settles Discrimination Lawsuit for $15 Million 03:16 The White House's Decision on AI Regulations 06:08 The Belief Among Some White Men About Women's Progress 09:30 Department of Labor's Record-Breaking Wage Collection 10:52 Apple's First Unionized Store in the US 12:32 ServiceNow Enhances Search and Knowledge Management 15:00 Airtable Acquihires Dopt for AI Talent 16:21 ZRG Expands Financial Talent Recruitment 19:26 AI's Impact on Gen Z and Workplace Interaction 21:28 HR Leaders' Concerns and Priorities 23:33 Americans' Concerns about Online Safety and Privacy 33:55 Innovative Offboarding Solutions and the Importance of a Smooth Transition 35:19 Wearable AI Assistants: Enhancing Productivity and Efficiency 36:06 Note-Taking and Task Management Platforms: Personalized and Efficient Solutions 38:30 Blockchain-Based Professional Networking: Building Trust and Security 41:05 The Future of Work: The Role of Post-Secondary Education 42:03 Seniors in the Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities 44:13 Improving Healthcare Access and Mental Health Support 45:09 Funding News: Investing in HR and Workplace Technology Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • The BARF: Navigating Workforce Trends: Remote Work, AI Jobs, and EEOC Judgments

    The BARF: Navigating Workforce Trends: Remote Work, AI Jobs, and EEOC Judgments
    Jul 21 2024
    We look at workforce dynamics, return to office challenges, remote work trends, hybrid work benefits, AI job growth, Delta policy controversies, EEOC judgments on discrimination, and HR tech industry funding news. Here's what we cover: Dell's Remote Work Rebellion: Discover how nearly 50% of Dell employees rejected the new return-to-office policy. The company introduced a flagging system to monitor employee attendance, sparking significant controversy and resistance. Dollar General's $12M Safety Settlement: We explore the details of Dollar General's substantial settlement with the Department of Labor over safety violations, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining retail safety standards. JPMorgan's AI Expansion: Learn about JPMorgan's ambitious plan to add thousands of jobs focused on AI. With over 400 active AI projects, the company is set to revolutionize marketing, fraud detection, and risk management. Delta's Uniform Policy Change: In response to backlash over employees wearing Palestinian flag pins, Delta Airlines has mandated that only U.S. flags are allowed on uniforms. We discuss the implications of this policy shift. Workday's AI Discrimination Lawsuit: A pivotal lawsuit against Workday over its AI screening software's alleged discrimination moves forward, setting the stage for future legal battles over AI in hiring. College Athletes as Employees & EEOC Judgements: A groundbreaking ruling affirms that college athletes may qualify as employees under FLSA, prompting colleges to rethink their legal and financial strategies. Plus, a roundup of recent EEOC judgements, including significant settlements for discrimination and retaliation cases across various companies. Elon Musk's Big Move: Elon Musk announces the relocation of X and SpaceX headquarters from California to Texas, driven by dissatisfaction with state policies and safety concerns. Acquisitions and Funding Highlights: Deel's latest acquisition of Hofy enhances IT device management for remote workers. Navigate's acquisition of Health Solutions integrates wellbeing and clinical consulting services. RiseKit receives a $1.5M grant to advance economic mobility for underserved populations, while Making Space raises $2M to bridge the education-employment gap for disabled workers. Research Insights: We unpack the complexities and contradictions in workplace romances, revealing surprising statistics on relationships and interactions among colleagues. Plus, a report by Aptitude Research redefines the future of HR with insights on Performance Intelligence, data analytics, and AI's role in performance management. Tune in to get the latest insights and expert analysis on these stories and more, only on WRKdefined. Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • The Workday Doom Loop, SHRM’s Diversity Stunt, Global Job Growth Mirage, and the Six-Day Workweek Backlash

    The Workday Doom Loop, SHRM’s Diversity Stunt, Global Job Growth Mirage, and the Six-Day Workweek Backlash
    Jul 15 2024
    SHRM’s shift towards inclusion and diversity, misleading job growth numbers, Pennsylvania’s current events, Greece’s six-day workweek, Guitar Center’s digital transformation, OpenAI and Arianna Huffington’s AI health coach, and more HR tech industry news. Key Takeaways SHRM's change in focus from equity to inclusion and diversity has sparked pushback from HR DEI experts. The job growth numbers in the labor market report are misleading as they only focus on growth for those with in-demand skills. Recent events in Pennsylvania include an assassination attempt, middle schoolers impersonating teachers on TikTok, and a court denying an injunction for city employees to return to the office. Greece's six-day workweek has received backlash from labor unions and workers, but it is not mandatory and workers only get paid if they work. Guitar Center is undergoing digital transformation with the appointment of a new CTO and CIO, aiming to remain relevant and attract new talent while training older employees on new technology. OpenAI and Arianna Huffington are collaborating to build an AI health coach, leveraging OpenAI's expertise in the field. The standoff between retail workers and employers reflects the adapt or die moment for the younger generation in the retail industry. The use of AI in interviews, such as the VR-based interview platform Zilta, provides candidates with realistic interview experiences and the opportunity to practice their responses. The introduction of digital worker employee records by Lattice highlights the growing importance of AI in HR and the need for equal treatment of AI employees. The exploitation of data workers in the tech industry raises ethical dilemmas and questions about fair compensation and working conditions. The layoffs at Intuit demonstrate the shift towards AI and the need for companies to reinvest in growth areas. The acquisition of Salt Labs by Chime expands its reach in the enterprise market and offers new opportunities for employee rewards and engagement. The establishment of the Generative AI Center of Excellence by IBM and HCL Tech highlights the importance of AI in current and future workflows. The consolidation of Pep Talker and Medi-Cool shows the trend of mergers and acquisitions in the HR tech industry. The doom loop of negative work environments emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being and create a positive work culture. The growth of the HR software market reflects the increasing demand for HR technology and the potential for further expansion in the future. Automation and AI are becoming strategic priorities for organizations to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency. Work surveillance can negatively impact mental health and job satisfaction, and ethical concerns arise when implementing surveillance measures. Many HR tech investments fail due to poor implementation, integration issues, and misalignment within organizations. An increasing number of companies are no longer requiring bachelor's degrees for certain positions, focusing more on skills-based hiring. Innovative healthcare solutions that prioritize transparency and eliminate co-pays can improve employee satisfaction and retention. Video-based knowledge transfer platforms are helping organizations capture and transfer institutional knowledge for better succession planning. HR Path secured significant funding to consolidate its position as a leader in HR transformations. Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Greece installs 6 day work week, Tractor Supply ditches DEI and Pride Support, Monster and CareerBuilder get hitched

    Greece installs 6 day work week, Tractor Supply ditches DEI and Pride Support, Monster and CareerBuilder get hitched
    Jul 8 2024
    Crazy Week! Greece passes a 6 day work week and Tractor Supply say peace out to it's support of LGBTQ+ and DEI - Phenom People goes shopping and Microsoft pays $14 million in California for employee retaliation. Here's what we covered: Microsoft's layoffs of a thousand employees are minimal relative to the company's size. Local unions in Philadelphia have sued over mandates for city workers to return to the office. OSHA's proposed rule aims to protect workers from extreme heat by ensuring water and rest breaks. Tractor Supply has cut DEI and Pride support, focusing on rural American customers and community integration. Greece has implemented a six-day work week to boost the economy, rather than for worker benefits. Alaska Airlines offers pay raises to flight attendants for timely passenger boarding assistance. Phenom's acquisition of Tidy highlights a shift towards improved employee onboarding and enterprise market penetration. The 2024 US Workforce Trends Report indicates that half of companies plan to upgrade their HR tech solutions by 2026. Certain industries still place high value on college degrees, especially master's degrees. Communication skills are increasingly valued in the job market. Gen X is worried about retirement and financial security. Americans take fewer vacation days compared to other countries, highlighting work culture differences. Cross-border investments in the HR tech industry are on the rise. Career development apps are evolving to meet Gen Z's needs, emphasizing the importance of positive social platforms for a supportive online community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 04:36 Microsoft Layoffs and the Significance of Numbers 05:42 OSHA's Proposed Rule to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat 10:14 Tractor Supply's Decision to Slash DEI and Pride Support 18:44 Greece Implements Six-Day Work Week 20:39 Alaska Airlines Pays Flight Attendants for Efficient Boarding 22:59 Microsoft Faces Consequences for Retaliating Against Employees on Parental Leave 25:18 Bonusly Launches Performance Enablement Solution 28:14 Monster and CareerBuilder Merge to Become Major Player in Online Job Advertising 31:12 HIG Growth Partners Acquires Mobile Health for Proactive Health Management 39:06 Half of Companies Plan to Enhance HR Tech Solutions by 2026 42:52 The Value of College Degrees 41:38 The Importance of Communication Skills 43:12 Americans' Limited Vacation Days 44:05 The Impact of AI on Employee Well-being 45:37 The Work Culture at Microsoft 46:41 Americans' Vacation Habits 48:13 Gen X's Fear of Retirement 53:02 The Impact of AI on Well-being 56:18 WorkTech Investment Trends 58:43 The Evolution of Career Development Apps 01:03:41 The Significance of Positive Social Platforms 01:05:39 The BARF Video Intro Epidemic.mp4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Taylor Swift & Beyonce at Work, Firing Fake Workers, McDonalds Fires it's AI, John Deere Pays Up on Racism.

    Taylor Swift & Beyonce at Work, Firing Fake Workers, McDonalds Fires it's AI, John Deere Pays Up on Racism.
    Jun 30 2024
    In this episode we laugh our way through the weeks news - Sharing Taylor Swift friendship bracelets, Wells Fargo Fires 12 Fake Employees, McDonalds Fires it's AI, John Deere Pays Up on Racism, NEETs (Your kids are scamming you) Takeaways: Strict measures in employee management: Wells Fargo fires for simulated activity, Netflix uses a "keeper test." AI integration: McDonald's AI errors, Target implements a chatbot for employees. Industry changes: Meta reduces VP positions, Freelance.ca and TopTal make strategic acquisitions. Social responsibilities: John Deere's racial discrimination settlement, importance of AI legislation, Sephora's LGBTQ+ success. Workplace culture: Prevalence of NEETs, impact of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé on morale, addressing complaints and annoying colleagues. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 04:00 Fake Employees and AI Drive-Through Errors 08:36 Layoffs at Meta and Racial Discrimination at John Deere 23:43 The Rise of NEETs and Recent Acquisitions in the Freelance Marketplace and Remote Workforce 28:54 AI Legislation and Regulation 30:23 Taylor Swift and Beyonce in the Workplace 33:47 Complaining in the Workplace 37:52 Sephora's Success in LGBTQ+ Representation 41:51 Dealing with Annoying Colleagues 46:59 Funding Rounds in the HR Tech Industry 50:01 Niche HR Tech Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins