Episodes

  • THE BARF: Gen Z Expectations, AI in Recruitment, and DEI Trends Shaping the Future of Work

    THE BARF: Gen Z Expectations, AI in Recruitment, and DEI Trends Shaping the Future of Work
    Nov 3 2024
    The 'sober curious' trend is reshaping social norms, while AI tools like LinkedIn's hiring assistant are transforming recruitment. We’re tackling tribal employment rights, political impacts on hiring, and the generational shift in workplace expectations, from DEI demands to innovative benefits that boost retention. In this episode, we look at AI hiring tools, DEI, Gen Z workplace behavior, recruitment technology, employee benefits, workplace religion, and mental health, diving into the HR trends shaping today’s workforce. Key Takeaways: The 'sober curious' trend reflects a shift in Gen Z’s attitudes toward alcohol, impacting workplace culture. Emphasizing tribal employment rights supports equitable labor practices and cultural recognition. AI-powered recruitment tools, like LinkedIn's assistant, streamline hiring and improve candidate matching. Political shifts directly influence recruitment policies, impacting diversity and employee rights. Religious accommodations in the workplace are increasingly complex and context-dependent. Gen Z prioritizes DEI and mental health, driving HR to adopt more inclusive policies. Innovative childcare solutions boost retention and attract talent in a competitive market. Google’s expanded employee benefits, including death benefits, set a new standard in workforce support. Recent acquisitions in workforce management signal a trend toward integrated HR solutions. AI in HR is not just about speed; transparency and accountability are key to adoption. Recognition and employee experience are crucial for retaining younger talent, particularly Gen Z. HR tech funding is rising, signaling robust growth in mental health and productivity tools. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Teleprompter Troubles 02:57 Sober Curious: A New Perspective on Alcohol 06:07 Tribal Employment Rights and Heritage Recognition 08:53 AI in Search: The New Era of Information Retrieval 12:02 LinkedIn's AI-Powered Hiring Assistant 17:58 The Impact of Politics on Recruitment Strategies 22:46 Religious Accommodations in the Workplace 27:03 Generational Challenges in the Workplace 29:03 Innovative Childcare Solutions at Walmart 31:59 Google's Death Benefits and Employee Support 34:06 Recent Acquisitions in Workforce Management 36:57 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Insights 40:02 Talent Acquisition Trends for 2025 44:02 Job Seekers' Concerns on DEI 47:20 Gen Z's Workplace Expectations and Burnout 51:01 Recognition and Employee Experience 52:15 Funding Trends in HR Tech 55:14 Innovations in Learning and Mental Health 01:03:15 AI and Productivity Tools Connect with us here: 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 Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • THE BARF: Toxic Positivity, LinkedIn Cringe Culture, and Union Trends in 2025

    THE BARF: Toxic Positivity, LinkedIn Cringe Culture, and Union Trends in 2025
    Oct 28 2024
    Toxic positivity, union trends, and cringe-worthy LinkedIn posts are shaping today’s HR landscape. We explore top challenges in employee engagement, changing leadership roles, and AI’s growing role in monitoring. Discover what it means for workplace culture, leadership, and future workforce trends. In this episode, we look at Toxic Positivity, Union Trends, LinkedIn Culture, HR Leadership, AI Monitoring, Workplace Violence, Remote Work, Discrimination, and Employee Engagement—spotlighting how these factors reshape workforce management, training, and employee sentiment. Key Takeaways Toxic positivity in workplaces can mask deeper issues, hindering genuine improvement. Surging union petitions reflect shifting employee engagement and a push for workers’ rights. LinkedIn’s cringe culture highlights the growing need for authenticity in professional spaces. Modern HR leadership changes are critical for updating workplace practices and culture. Evolving workplace violence policies now include controversial firearm allowances in vehicles. AI monitoring in the workplace sparks significant concerns around employee privacy and autonomy. CEO perspectives on remote work are becoming more assertive, challenging traditional flexibility. Discrimination cases, such as those involving Hooters, underscore ongoing hiring biases. Strict training policies, like those at EY, reflect a no-tolerance approach to compliance. Workforce investments in skills and training are rising as companies adapt to digital demands. Mergers and acquisitions in HR tech drive innovation and strengthen workforce solutions. Chapters 00:00 Kicking it off - what is WRKdefined up to? 02:58 Toxic Positivity and Glossing Over Issues 06:04 Union Trends and Employee Engagement 08:57 Cringe Culture on LinkedIn 12:02 HR Leadership Changes in Major Companies 14:58 Workplace Violence and Firearm Policies 17:59 AI Monitoring in the Workplace 21:00 CEO Perspectives on Remote Work 23:59 Hooters and Allegations of Discrimination 27:00 EY's Strict Policies on Training Attendance 29:27 Strategic Acquisitions in Business 34:21 Innovations in Workforce Management 37:15 Balancing Human and Tech Skills 39:22 Trust in Leadership and Employee Sentiment 43:39 Shifts in Employment Preferences 46:43 Investment Trends in Workforce Solutions 50:24 Recruitment Trends and AI Integration 52:25 Funding and Financial Strategies for Startups 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 Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • THE BARF: Work Tech Soars: $2.6 Billion Invested in Q3 2024, Trends and Insights

    THE BARF: Work Tech Soars: $2.6 Billion Invested in Q3 2024, Trends and Insights
    Oct 21 2024
    Q3 saw a staggering $2.6 billion invested in Work Tech, alongside impactful M&A deals and rising AI trends. We dive into Workday’s UNTAPPED documentary, Walgreens’ game-changing student loan 401(k) match, and SHRM’s major acquisition, reshaping corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives across industries. In this episode, we look at HR trends, Work Tech investments, AI-driven HR tools, Talent Acquisition strategies, Diversity & Inclusion, layoffs, hybrid work preferences, and future workplace strategies. We discuss key developments shaping the HR landscape and how these innovations will impact the future of work. Key Takeaways: Q3 2024 saw $2.6 billion invested in Work Tech, a 20% increase from Q2. 181 work tech deals were disclosed in Q3, compared to 150 in Q2, with early-stage investments driving growth. M&A activity surged, with 336 acquisitions in the first three quarters of 2024. Workday’s UNTAPPED documentary follows six young adults pursuing internships at Fortune 500 companies through the Year Up program. Walgreens announced a 401(k) student loan match, launching in January 2025, to ease the burden on employees with student loans. SHRM’s acquisition of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion strengthens its influence in corporate D&I leadership. Immigrant workers have fueled 88% of U.S. workforce growth since 2019, highlighting their critical role in labor markets. Toptal laid off 70% of its engineering team despite positioning itself as a leader in freelance hiring solutions. AI tools, like SmartRecruiters’ Winston, revolutionize talent acquisition with features like intelligent scheduling and real-time candidate engagement. Recent college graduates are struggling with workplace professionalism, with 81% of employers noting a lack of etiquette training. Digital twins and AI-driven agents are transforming HR by automating 80% of repetitive tasks, freeing up time for strategy. Hybrid work is valued by employees, equating to a 7.6% pay raise for those working remotely. 89.4% of women report their work benefits don’t address needs related to perimenopause, highlighting a major gap in HR benefits. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap 02:58 Documentary Spotlight: Untapped by Workday 05:57 Walgreens' Innovative 401K Match for Student Loans 09:01 Work Tech Investment Trends 12:00 Legal Insights: Layoffs During Medical Leave 14:55 The Role of Immigrant Workers in Workforce Growth 17:59 TopTal's Layoffs and the Freelance Economy 20:51 Hybrid Work: Pay Raises vs. Flexibility 23:58 Chatbots and Workplace Civility 26:53 Acquisitions and SHRM's New Direction 30:07 Research Findings on New Graduates' Professionalism 30:34 The Importance of Etiquette Training for New Graduates 36:53 Digital Twins: The Future of Work 40:03 Evolving Definitions of Tech Talent 44:37 Hiring Challenges in the Fast-Paced Job Market 48:29 Addressing Menopause in the Workplace 50:28 Innovations in HR Tech Funding 53:03 AI in Sales Training and Role-Playing 56:26 Advancements in Accessibility Technology 58:40 Modern Payroll Solutions for a Diverse Workforce Connect with us here: 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 Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • THE BARF: Mr. Beast Acquires Vouch, AI Bosses, Political Uprising = $900K per week in employee productivity and Dell Shits the Bed

    THE BARF: Mr. Beast Acquires Vouch, AI Bosses, Political Uprising = $900K per week in employee productivity and Dell Shits the Bed
    Oct 13 2024
    This week we explore key developments shaping the modern workplace, from RTO shifts at Dell and Spotify to Vimeo’s strategic rebrand under a new CMO. The episode delves into Home Depot’s innovative employee engagement, Mr. Beast’s acquisition of Vouch and the competitive tension between Indeed and ZipRecruiter. The discussion also highlights the economic toll of mental health, the impact of tax credits for 529 accounts as an emerging benefit, and the influence of AI acquisitions on HR innovation and leadership dynamics. In this episode, the conversation covers AI boss, RTO, acquisitions, employee experience, mental health, political polarization, and funding, offering insights into the trends driving the future of work and the digital transformation of HR. Key Takeaways RTO policies are shifting, with Dell enforcing a strict return to office. Spotify's HR chief emphasizes trust in remote work. Vimeo is rebranding itself to focus on business video hosting. Tax credits for 529 accounts are emerging as a new employee benefit. Jody Kaminsky's hire at icims is seen as a significant move for the company. Home Depot's strategy of requiring corporate employees to work in stores is innovative. Mr. Beast's acquisition of Vouch is a strategic move in the creative job market. Mental health issues in the workplace are costing the economy significantly. Indeed's lawsuit against ZipRecruiter highlights competitive tensions in the job market. Guild goes shopping and Acquires Nomadic Learning AI acquisitions are reshaping the HR landscape. Employee experience is enhanced through innovative platforms. Digital transformation is crucial for HR consulting firms. Political polarization significantly impacts workplace productivity. Workers are open to AI management if it enhances performance. A majority of jobs are unlikely to be replaced by AI soon. There is a disconnect between HR professionals and CEOs on diversity. Innovative funding is driving advancements in AI and robotics. Healthcare benefits are becoming increasingly important for employees. Connect with us here: 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 Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • THE BARF: Google's $2.7 Billion Rehire, Udemy's AI Training Controversy, Burner Jobs, and Menless-Pause

    THE BARF: Google's $2.7 Billion Rehire, Udemy's AI Training Controversy, Burner Jobs, and Menless-Pause
    Oct 6 2024
    We explore some of the biggest challenges facing today's workplace, from burner jobs and menopause to Google's stunning $2.7 billion rehire and Eric Schmidt's candid comments. AI is at the forefront, reshaping how companies like Udemy train their employees and how corporate secrets are protected. In this episode we look at family dynamics, Eric Schmidt, AI, workplace trends, burner jobs, corporate acquisitions, healthcare innovations, and how they’re all transforming the future of work. Key Takeaways: AI's role in reshaping workplace training is under intense scrutiny, especially at Udemy. Eric Schmidt’s take on AI reflects a larger debate in corporate leadership. Google’s rehire of top talent emphasizes the value of experience in tech. Burner jobs illustrate shifting employee priorities and loyalty in today’s job market. Menopause is becoming a key workplace concern, particularly for millennial women. Corporate acquisitions are being driven by the rise of niche employee benefits and healthcare initiatives. Chapters 00:00 Weekend Adventures and Family Dynamics 04:59 Reflections on Eric Schmidt's Stanford Talk 10:02 Google's $2.7 Billion Rehire and AI Innovations 15:11 Udemy's AI Training Controversy 20:00 The Rise of Burner Jobs in the Workforce 24:58 Menopause in the Workplace: A Growing Concern 29:56 AI Assistants and Workplace Secrets 35:02 Corporate Acquisitions and Learning Technologies 40:01 Funding Trends in Tech Startups 44:59 Niche Benefits and Healthcare Innovations Connect with us here: 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 Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • Mr. Beast Training and Analytics Documents Leaked, OpenAI hits 11 Million Paid Users and Boeing Shits the Bed

    Mr. Beast Training and Analytics Documents Leaked, OpenAI hits 11 Million Paid Users and Boeing Shits the Bed
    Sep 22 2024
    We talk about it all, from OpenAI hitting 11 million paid subscribers to Amazon's controversial return-to-office mandate. We explore how AI-assisted recruiting is empowering small businesses, discuss Boeing's executive furloughs amid strikes, and question whether meetings are killing productivity. In this episode we look at HR Tech, OpenAI, Return to Office, AI Recruiting, Employee Engagement, Cybersecurity, and the Future of Work. Key Takeaways: OpenAI's explosive growth signifies a pivotal shift in HR Tech and AI integration. Amazon's return-to-office policies may backfire, leading to employee turnover. AI Recruiting tools are leveling the playing field for small businesses in talent acquisition. Boeing's executive furloughs highlight challenges in workforce management during strikes. Excessive meetings are detrimental to productivity and employee engagement. Investing in cybersecurity is crucial amid evolving HR Technology landscapes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Light Banter 06:59 Upcoming Events and Networking Opportunities 09:58 Return to Office Policies and Employee Sentiment 12:01 OpenAI's Subscriber Growth and Market Impact 14:03 Boeing's Executive Furloughs Amid Strikes 15:57 William's Story: Creative Solutions in Retail 18:59 New York City's Employer Wall of Shame 21:00 Mr. Beast's HR Manifesto 25:03 Dan Finnegan's Appointment at Emborder 27:10 Acquisitions in the Labor Analytics Space 31:00 Salesforce's AI Personas Research 32:59 Meeting Overload and Employee Burnout 36:54 iSoft's Champions of Change Report 39:04 Best States for Teachers 41:01 Funding News: Safety Culture and Cyber Protection 42:59 HR One's Pre-Series B Funding 45:05 Mercor's AI Hiring Solutions 49:01 Sensia's Partnership with Workday 51:58 Black Cloak's Cyber Protection for Executives 54:04 Become Dot One's Employee Benefits Initiative 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
    Show more Show less
    55 mins
  • The BARF: Disney Cuts Benefits and 34% Gen Z employees lie about their political beliefs to avoid workplace conflict

    The BARF: Disney Cuts Benefits and 34% Gen Z employees lie about their political beliefs to avoid workplace conflict
    Sep 15 2024
    We dive into how AI jobs are clustered in major tech hubs, Bank of America's minimum wage hike, and the growing layoffs in the gaming sector. We don't shy away from the big issues, like Microsoft's diversity push, panic button mandates for retail, and FedEx's controversial healing policy. In this episode we look at AI jobs, Bank of America, layoffs, Disney benefits, Microsoft diversity, employee tracking, staffing acquisitions, and the critical impact they all have on the HR tech landscape. Key Takeaways: AI jobs are concentrated in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York. Bank of America is raising its minimum wage to $24 per hour, setting a new standard in banking. Layoffs in the gaming industry reveal vulnerabilities despite sustained player demand. Disney's tuition benefits cut impacts employee education and career advancement opportunities. Microsoft is increasing AI team diversity to combat bias and improve inclusivity. FedEx’s 100% healed policy may violate ADA regulations, putting the company under scrutiny. Chapters 00:00 Kicking off the BARF 03:40 AI Job Concentration in Major Cities 07:24 Layoffs in the Gaming Industry 09:09 Changes in Disney's Tuition Benefits 11:19 Microsoft's Diversity Efforts in AI 15:52 FedEx's 100% Healed Policy Controversy 18:23 PWC's Employee Tracking Policy 20:46 Discrimination in Dallas Barber School 25:50 Research on Workforce Readiness Gap 30:56 Politics and Workplace Discussions 34:42 Layoffs and Employee Stress 38:48 Funding News and Company Acquisitions 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
    Show more Show less
    54 mins
  • The BARF: Ford Scales BACK Diversity, Faux-ductivity, Amazon deemed a Joint Employer, and 10,000 Strike on Labor Day

    The BARF: Ford Scales BACK Diversity, Faux-ductivity, Amazon deemed a Joint Employer, and 10,000 Strike on Labor Day
    Sep 8 2024
    In this episode, we tackle a whirlwind of HR headlines, from hotel workers striking to Amazon being named a joint employer. We also dive into Ford scaling back diversity, Aldi’s big employee perks, and why humanities degrees and 'faux-ductivity' are reshaping how we think about talent. We look at labor, employment, diversity, strike, pay, benefits, joint employer, and HR tech acquisitions. We break down what these shifts mean for HR professionals and how they impact future hiring practices and workplace culture. Key Takeaways Hotel workers strike on Labor Day weekend showcases unions' role in securing fair wages and benefits. Aldi’s pay raise and benefits boost push retail standards higher. Amazon’s joint employer status with subcontracted drivers brings new challenges for gig economy employers. Staffing agencies face hefty penalties for non-compliance with sex discrimination laws. Ford’s rollback on diversity policies sparks concerns over workplace equality. HR tech acquisitions continue to shape the landscape, with funding surges in Oyster, SkillVue, and more. Chapters 00:00 Lets Kick it off 02:21 Hotel Workers Strike 04:29 Aldi Raises Pay and Benefits 09:11 Amazon as Joint Employer 13:20 Volkswagen Workers Protest 14:37 Staffing Agency Settles Discrimination Lawsuit 17:19 Ford Scales Back Diversity and Inclusion Policies 18:45 Prevalence of Spam Emails 20:17 Acquisitions in the HR Tech Space 24:06 Challenges of Hiring Recent College Graduates 27:11 The Prevalence of 'Faux-ductivity' in the Workplace 31:41 The Importance of Humanities Degrees 33:50 Funding News in the HR Tech Industry 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
    Show more Show less
    48 mins