The BARF

By: WRKdefined
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  • Summary

  • Breaking news, Acquisitions, Research, and Funding is The BARF. A look back into last week’s most talked about news in the world of work, what’s happened, what does it mean, and why should you care. Analysis that you can understand without a Ph.D. Proudly brought to you by WRKdefined with hosts William Tincup and Ryan Leary.
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Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Super Bowl, Work Ethic, and Workplace Politics: What’s Changing?

    Super Bowl, Work Ethic, and Workplace Politics: What’s Changing?
    Feb 17 2025
    The Super Bowl isn’t just about football—it’s a reflection of generational shifts, corporate strategies, and even workplace politics. In this episode, we dive into the evolving work ethic across different age groups, Workday’s latest AI-driven skills intelligence, and why ICE raids have HR leaders rethinking compliance. Target is in the hot seat over DEI, and the NFL is facing serious discrimination allegations. In this episode, we look at corporate decisions, employee engagement, acquisitions, and the tech shaping the workplace—including funding trends in payroll and skills development. We also explore the tension between executive orders and long-term legislation, why engagement surveys might not tell the whole story, and how grievance politics are shifting workplace dynamics. Key Takeaways: ➡️ Generational differences in work ethic are more pronounced than ever. ➡️ Homeownership is increasingly a luxury, reshaping financial priorities. ➡️ Workday’s AI-driven skills intelligence could redefine workforce planning. ➡️ Employees need to know their legal rights during ICE raids. ➡️ Target’s DEI strategy is facing backlash—again. ➡️ The return-to-office debate isn’t going away anytime soon. ➡️ The NFL is grappling with major discrimination lawsuits. ➡️ Workplace policies shift fast under changing political leadership. ➡️ Employee sentiment on DEI is divided, even in progressive workplaces. ➡️ Engagement is a key driver of employee retention and productivity. ➡️ Acquisitions in HR tech continue reshaping the market. ➡️ Workplace grievance politics are on the rise, impacting leadership decisions. ➡️ Employee engagement surveys may not reflect the full picture. ➡️ Return-to-office policies are fueling serious employee pushback. ➡️ Tech funding is flowing into payroll and workforce skills development. ➡️ Niche payroll solutions are emerging to meet industry-specific needs. ➡️ Developing workforce skills is critical for long-term job security. Chapters 00:00 Super Bowl Predictions and Team Rivalries 06:02 Nostalgic Drinking Stories 08:19 Generational Work Ethic Discussion 11:13 Tech Integration in the Workplace 14:12 Legal Insights on ICE Raids 21:14 Target's DEI Controversy and Market Impact 24:04 The Impact of Economics on Consumer Choices 25:39 The Role of Boycotts in Social Change 26:56 The Debate on Return to Office Policies 28:15 The Effects of Remote Work on Personal Habits 30:36 NFL's Discrimination Lawsuits and Settlements 33:13 The EEOC's Response to Gender Ideology 35:36 The Cyclical Nature of Political Movements 37:04 Meta's Internal Divisions on DEI Policies 37:45 Recent Acquisitions in the HR Tech Space 44:46 Preparing for Grievance Politics in the Workplace 48:42 The Evolution of Employee Engagement Surveys 53:44 Understanding Return to Office Policies 58:21 Innovations in Employee Cybersecurity 01:00:36 AI in Job Matching and Talent Acquisition 01:03:03 Identifying and Developing Workforce Skills 01:06:00 Niche Payroll Solutions for the Construction Industry 01:06:13 The BARF Video Intro Epidemic.mp4 Connect with us here: 🔗 Connect with William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ 🔗 Connect with Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network: 🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ 🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined 📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com 🔥 What’s your take? Are workplace policies evolving for the better, or are we stuck in a loop? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The Engagement Dilemma: Burnout, Layoffs, and the Future of Work

    The Engagement Dilemma: Burnout, Layoffs, and the Future of Work
    Feb 7 2025
    Employee engagement is anything but one-size-fits-all. Burnout is rising, workplace discrimination cases keep making headlines, and companies are doubling down on corporate accountability (or avoiding it altogether). Meanwhile, job mobility is skyrocketing as workers chase better pay, and remote work continues to reshape employee expectations. Add in the rising skepticism around MBAs and a wave of strategic layoffs, and it’s clear: the workforce is in flux. In this episode, we look at employee engagement, burnout, workplace discrimination, corporate accountability, pregnancy rights, employment trends, MBA value, acquisitions, layoffs, remote work, job mobility, employee communication, HR technology, funding, fleet safety, economic trends, workforce changes, employee expectations. From HR tech innovations to fleet safety advancements, we unpack what’s shifting in the job market and how companies—and employees—are adapting. Key Takeaways Employee engagement isn’t universal—what works for one doesn’t work for all. Burnout rates are surging, and engaged employees are significantly less affected. Workplace discrimination lawsuits continue to push corporate accountability forward. Pregnancy rights remain a battleground in many industries. Layoffs are projected to rise, with 46% of employers considering cuts in 2025. MBA programs are losing value in a rapidly changing job market. Acquisitions and corporate roll-ups are reshaping industry power dynamics. Remote work is still a major factor in retention and job satisfaction. Workers are increasingly treating the job market like free agency, hopping for better pay. The communication gap between leadership and employees is wider than ever. HR tech funding is booming, signaling more automation in hiring and workforce management. Fleet safety innovations are evolving to combat distracted and drowsy driving. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 01:24Sports Talk and Team Dynamics 04:31 Diversity in Executive Roles 07:23 Corporate Layoffs and Communication Failures 10:17 Discrimination Settlements and Corporate Accountability 13:25 Pregnancy Discrimination and Workplace Rights 16:23 Financial Struggles of Clinicians 19:23 The Future of Management in an AI World 20:46The Changing Landscape of MBA Graduates 25:05 Acquisitions in the Corporate World 34:25 Layoffs and Workforce Dynamics 38:23 The Remote Work Debate 42:11 Job Hopping for Better Pay 45:19 Communication Gaps in Organizations 47:28 Understanding Business Goals and Employee Incentives 49:06 The Importance of Effective Communication in Corporations 51:11 Innovations in Internal Data Access and Security 52:40 The Role of Consulting Firms in Future-Proofing Businesses 54:20 Funding Trends in HR Tech and Automation 55:53 AI-Driven Resume Tailoring for Job Seekers 59:04 Safety Innovations in Fleet Management 01:04:50 Enhancing Communication Governance in Business Connect with us: William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • AI in the Workforce: Navigating DEI and Emerging Workplace Trends

    AI in the Workforce: Navigating DEI and Emerging Workplace Trends
    Jan 19 2025
    Summary: In this episode, we delve into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in today's workforce, examining its intersection with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the broader workplace trends shaping the future. We discuss how AI is influencing company culture, impacting employee empowerment, and addressing skills gaps in the labor market. Additionally, we explore recent shifts in DEI strategies and the evolving expectations of employees in an AI-driven work environment. Key Takeaways: AI Integration: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing workforce dynamics, enhancing productivity, and creating new roles that require advanced skill sets. DEI Evolution: Companies are reassessing their diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, with some scaling back initiatives, while studies indicate that robust DEI practices lead to greater innovation. Employee Empowerment: The rise of AI and flexible work models is shifting power dynamics, enabling employees to have more autonomy and say in their work environments. Skills Gap Challenge: Despite technological advancements, 63% of global employers still view the skills gap as a significant barrier to growth, highlighting the need for continuous learning and development. Workplace Trends: The future of work is being shaped by AI integration, evolving DEI efforts, and a focus on employee well-being, requiring organizations to adapt proactively to stay competitive. William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network: The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins

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