This Week at Work: An HR and Employment Law Show

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! In Episode 359 we welcome Beltway insider Jim Plunkett for a practical breakdown of how recent disruptions are shaping the year ahead for employers. The conversation explores where employment policy is really being made, why federal agencies may have more influence than Congress, and how shifts at the Department of Labor, NLRB, and EEOC could impact employers in 2026. The panel also takes a look at AI hiring risks, emerging discrimination lawsuits, a rare 27-pay-period year, and the growing divide between state and federal workplace rules. This episode is essential viewing for HR leaders and business executives who want to understand what is changing, why it matters, and how to prepare before the next wave hits. Timestamps:  00:00 – Welcome & what Congress did (and didn’t) do for employers 01:31 – Opening banter & why keeping up with policy feels like tennis 03:38 – Lawyer on the Clock: AI hiring tools & Fair Credit Reporting Act risks 07:32 – Uber & Lyft gender-matching lawsuits: damned if you do, damned if you don’t 10:27 – 2026 warning: Why some employers may face 27 pay periods 13:52 – Why 2025 felt so disruptive for employers 17:38 – When agencies drive employment policy, not Congress 19:03 – Independent contractor rules & OSHA heat regulations 23:15 – State vs. federal divide on AI and workplace laws 26:12 – What’s coming from the NLRB, EEOC & DOL in 2026 Learn more about becoming a member of AAIM at https://aaimea

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Delegation isn’t just about giving work away - it’s how future leaders are developed. With 40% of executives saying leadership development is a serious long-term challenge, we’re asking the BIG question: are leaders actually delegating enough and to the right places?  Join us with Lauren Patel (AAIM) as we explore delegation in workplaces where leaders must learn to delegate effectively to both humans and AI. Timestamps:  00:09 – Leadership Development as a 2026 Business Challenge 01:32 – Guest Introduction: Lauren Patel 02:49 – Lawyer on the Clock Begins 03:25 – AI in Hiring and Employment Law Overview 07:45 – EEOC Power Shift and Policy Direction 14:12 – Lawyer on the Clock Wrap-Up 15:35 – Why Leaders Struggle to Develop Future Leaders 18:11 – The Real Barriers to Delegation 29:52 – Delegate Decisions, Not Just Tasks

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Toxic flattery may sound “nice,” but it’s costing organizations time, talent, and truth. When leaders and tools are rewarded for agreeability instead of honesty, tough questions go unasked, bad decisions stick, and teams stop learning.  Join us with special guest Kris Gfell (HR Services, AAIM) as we unpack the epidemic of toxic flattery - and how HR can lead a culture that values candor over comfort. Timestamps:  00:00 — Why 30% of Employees Don’t Feel Safe Speaking Up 01:28 — Welcome Back and Six Years of This Week at Work 03:13 — Introducing Toxic Flattery in the Workplace 03:58 — Lawyer on the Clock: Major Labor and Employment Updates 05:16 — Marijuana Rescheduling and What It Means for Employers 08:12 — DEI Programs Under Legal Scrutiny 10:30 — State Law Changes Employers Must Know in 2026 14:49 — Illinois Employment Law Updates That Impact HR 19:17 — What “AITA” Culture Reveals About Validation and Feedback 29:57 — How Leaders Create Alignment Without Toxic Flattery

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! For episode 356, Leaders are increasingly leaning on AI tools - and HR - for guidance, decisions, and direction. When AI and HR act as crutches, leadership capability erodes. When used as coaches, they scale judgment, confidence, and performance. Working alongside company leadership, HR must design training and development that uses AI to reinforce leadership, not replace it. Timestamps:  00:13 – AI, Coaching, and the Workplace Questions Defining 2026 03:40 – Lawyer on the Clock Begins: SHRM Ordered to Pay $11.5M in Race Discrimination Case 05:54 – Service Dog ADA Lawsuit: Where the Interactive Process Broke Down 09:32 – Recap of Department of Labor Guidance in first year of 2nd Trump Administration  14:32 – The “Dumbbell Effect”: How AI Is Reshaping the Job Market 21:10 – According to AAIME Hart: Key to Leadership Success Coaching Series  23:40 – Philburt's Phorum is back  24:40 – Matt Wideman: Why Coaching Should Start on Day One of Onboarding 29:40 – How AI can help with difficult conversations with your team 39:21 – Final Takeaways, Listener Question, and Holiday Wishes Tune in to learn how to keep coaching as a core leadership skill in 2026.

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! For episode 355, Dr. Scott Koeneman - 3rd-degree black belt, Lean Six Sigma expert, hypnotist, and author - joins us to explore the “Great Realignment.” As AI strips tasks away from traditional roles, we ask: What is a job now? What do employers truly need, and what do employees now value in a career? Dr. Scott breaks down why reskilling matters, where human nuance still wins, and how AI levels the playing field for small businesses while challenging large ones. Plus - in a world where even layoffs can be automated - what does it mean to be “let go” today? Timestamps:  00:42 - Welcome & Show Intro 02:40 - Guest Introduction: Scott Koeneman 04:00 - Scott’s Book: Quantum Intern Year One 04:50 - Veteran Work & Community Involvement 06:06 - Lawyer on the Clock: Fed Chairman Press Conference Thoughts 16:38 - According to AAIME Hart: Compliance Checklist  20:36 - Four Key Skill Buckets for the Future Workforce 29:03 - W2 vs 1099 & Project-Based Work 34:37 - AI in Small Business & Main Street Impact REGISTER NOW! AAIM’s Payroll Tax Update is coming up fast on December 12th! Your best defense against future payroll errors.  Click the link to sign up: https://aaimea.org/payroll-tax-update-2025/

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! For episode 354, we’re joined by Inclusion Thought Leader Fred Falker for a candid conversation about leadership’s role in actually building an inclusive culture. Hint: it isn’t achieved through statements or slogans. It happens through action. At its core, an inclusive culture should expand the circle, not redraw the lines - and only consistent leadership behaviors make that possible. Plus, a full sweep of this week’s must-know employment-law headlines Timestamps:  01:03 — Open 01:12 — Phil Discusses Employee Misalignment Trends 02:41 — Fred Falker joins the show 05:39 — Lawyer on the Clock: SHRM, Job Market, NLRB 15:34 — AI HR Advisor AAIME Hart Shares Important Updates 17:15 — Fred Falker on Changing Workplace Culture 26:38 — Phil Discusses the Importance of Business Promises 32:43 — Measuring Culture: Employee Experience & Belonging REGISTER NOW! AAIM’s Payroll Tax Update is coming up fast on December 12th! Your best defense against future payroll errors.  Click the link to sign up: https://aaimea.org/payroll-tax-update-2025/

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! This week on This Week at Work, we sit down with Sam Goodwin: one of the few to visit all 193 countries. In 2019, Sam’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was abducted in Syria and falsely accused of being a spy. Now a speaker, author, and expert on resilience, Sam shares how his experience taught him to lead through chaos, embrace uncertainty, and find purpose in the most unlikely places.  Don’t forget to register for AAIM’s Payroll Tax Update on December 12th! Your best defense against future payroll errors.  Click the link to sign up: https://aaimea.org/payroll-tax-update-2025/ Timestamps:  00:36 – Welcome, Preview of today's guest Sam Goodwin  03:01 – Lawyer on the Clock: The Layoff Explosion & What It Means   05:36 – The Hidden Talent Mismatch Problem in the Hiring Market   08:29 – Major Shift at the EEOC: Religious Discrimination Under the Microscope   11:06 – Enforcement Is Back: DEI Programs Face Legal Heat   14:39 – Meet Sam Goodwin: Athlete, Traveler, Author of “Saving Sam”   16:31 – Sam’s Arrest in Syria   20:22 – Surviving Solitary & Life in a Syrian Prison Cell   24:04 – Sam on what led him to Hockey, Faith & Mindset after captivity   28:50 – Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity: Sam’s Three-Step Framework  

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! In this episode, Phil and Burt welcome Lauren Patel to explore the urgent need for “Double Fluency” - the ability to not only engage with AI, but also to strengthen the uniquely human skills that AI can’t replicate. Drawing from the WEF’s Future of Jobs Report, they break down what HR and business leaders must do now to prepare their teams for a future where fluency in both tech and soft skills defines success.  Timestamps:  00:00 – Are You Training Your Team to Think With AI? 01:33 – Phil and Burt Debate Robots and “Optimus” at Home 03:25 – Why Phil’s Waiting for Elon Musk’s Optimus Robot 05:28 – Lauren’s First Reaction to Seeing “Neo” the Robot 07:32 – Lawyer on the Clock: The Home Depot Dress-Code Case 10:10 – What Counts as “Protected Activity” at Work? 17:23 – Starbucks Union Pins and the Future of Dress Codes 21:02 – Aaime’s HR Updates: Payroll and Leadership Training 22:24 – Double Fluency: Balancing Tech and Human Skills 36:21 – Government Reopens: What It Means for Employers Remember to sign up for AAIM’s payroll tax update that can save your company from any payroll mistakes in the future! Click the link to sign up: https://aaimea.org/payroll-tax-update-2025/

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! When employees miss the mark, it’s often not about skill — it’s about clarity. In this week’s episode, Tanya Zion from AAIM joins Phil and Burt to unpack how the “why” behind decisions gets lost between leadership and employees. Discover how HR can help leaders bridge that gap, so every message connects, every action aligns, and every team moves with purpose. Timestamps:  01:34 – Welcome and Burt's Win in Court 04:45 – The New Trends of Helicopter Parents  05:43 – Lawyer on the Clock 14:00 – Supreme Court Showdown Ahead 15:30 – Starbucks Strike Brewing 17:00 – Goodbye to the Penny 21:00 – Aaime Hart with AAIM's 39th Annual Payroll Tax and Fringe Benefits Update  23:00 – Communication Breakdown at Work 33:50 – The Power of Purpose Remember to sign up for AAIM’s payroll tax update that can save your company from any payroll mistakes in the future! Click the link to sign up: https://aaimea.org/payroll-tax-update-2025/

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Many HR professionals feel stuck in administrative roles. This episode of This Week at Work features Phil and Burt with Kris Gfell (Business Manager at AAIM) to explore how HR professionals can evolve from operational tasks to business leadership. The discussion will cover current HR challenges, organizational needs, and essential skills. Plus - don’t miss the critical payroll tax update that could cost your company if you’re not ahead of it. Become a member today! Click the link below: https://aaimea.org/membership/ Timestamps:  01:27 – Halloween Jokes and Payroll Update 02:44 – Lawyer on the Clock: EEOC Power Shift 08:00 – Government Shutdown Costs Businesses 09:12 – Fed Rate Cuts and AI Layoffs 13:00 – Fun with NEO: The $20K Office Robot 20:23 – Guest Chris Gfell on HR Strategy 22:40 – How HR Becomes a Strategic Partner 33:06 – Closing: Embracing Change in HR

Episode 349: New research shows women’s earnings are falling further behind - but the reasons go beyond bias. With return-to-office mandates, childcare costs, and promotion patterns, Phil, Burt, and fan favorite Mikey Mac unpack what’s really driving women’s declining pay. They’ll also share what employers can do right now to close the gap, retain key talent, and build trust through fair compensation strategies. Timestamps:  00:08 – Opening Topic:  women earn $0.81 for every dollar men earn. 01:32 – Government Shutdown: how the NLRB and EEOC slowdowns are affecting employers. 02:54 – Special Guest Returns: Compensation expert Mikey Mac joins the show. 04:29 – Lawyer on the Clock: Thrive Inc. case expanding NLRB remedies for unfair labor practices. 08:19 – Federal judge strikes down Biden-era protections under the Affordable Care Act. 11:01 – HR Reminder: Illinois’ personnel file access law and why employers must stay compliant. 16:51 – Main Discussion: Phil and Mike dive into the gender pay gap and why it’s widening again. 19:01 – Companies offering “return-to-office” pay incentives and how it may worsen pay inequity. 23:08 – Families spend up to 24% of income on daycare, influencing women at work.  26:12 – Should pay be based on competency or tenure? The panel debates what’s fair and legal. 33:31 – Payroll tax and fringe benefit updates for 2026 and how to join AAIM’s December sessions.

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! This Thursday on This Week at Work, we’re joined by KVJ, founder of Tough Day, the AI workplace advisor reshaping the way managers manage. From the conference circuit to the C-suite, there’s a growing realization: AI isn’t just about automation - it’s about elevation. Phil shares his CEO Conference wake-up call, KVJ breaks down how Tuffy helps managers lead in real time, and Burt explores the legal and human side of AI in the workplace. If you think AI is a “someday” tool - you’re already behind. 00:08 – Phil fires up on AI’s impact on management 00:50 – Burt’s workplace news: “Artificial Labor” in the Senate 01:48 – Blues talk and catching up with Phil & Burt 03:16 – Previewing today’s guest on AI innovation 04:37 – Meet KVJ: Founder of Tough Day and “Tuffy” 07:10 – How Tuffy helps managers handle real workplace issues 17:30 – Behind the scenes: “Wizard of Oz” testing 20:05 – Lawyer on the Clock: “Well… that depends.” 31:02 – The “Aloha Spirit” story that boosted adoption 34:35 – How to learn more about Tuffy + episode close

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! We’re breaking down the implications of the October 1st government shutdown with special guest, D.C. insider Jim Plunkett. What does this mean for E-Verify, immigration processes, labor agency operations, and your compliance deadlines? With uncertainty on Capitol Hill, HR leaders can’t afford to wait. Tune in for expert guidance, practical solutions, and a few laughs to carry you through the chaos. Timestamps:  0:00 – Show intro: Phil, Burt, and Nick kick things off 3:10 – Guest introduction: Jim Plunkett joins from Washington D.C. 3:42 – Lawyer on the Clock: Burt breaks down an Eighth Circuit case on drug testing and at-will employment 8:16 – Senate confirms key Trump-era appointees at the EEOC, Wage & Hour, and OSHA 11:00 – AI and the future of work: Bernie Sanders’ “artificial labor” warning and the 32-hour workweek debate 15:27 – Introducing next week’s guest on AI, Katherine Von Jahn 16:15 – Jim Plunkett’s update from D.C.: Inside the government shutdown 18:11 – What could force Congress to act—military pay, TSA, and market pressure 20:08 – Key political standoff: healthcare subsidies vs. funding extension 25:43 – The H-1B visa reentry fee controversy and legal challenges 28:04 – Who’s still working? USPS, federal workers, and unemployment pay 31:22 – E-Verify shutdown: What employers still must do 32:57 – EEOC dynamics: How the lone Democrat could stall GOP momentum

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Are today's HR professionals being promoted faster than they're prepared? In this week’s episode of This Week at Work, Phil and Burt tackle a pressing question: What does it really take to move from an entry-level HR role to an executive position? With rapid promotions and shrinking knowledge banks, HR leaders must now develop faster and smarter than ever. Tune in for real talk, legal insights, and actionable strategies for climbing the HR ladder with confidence and competence. Timestamps:  00:00 – Welcome to This Week at Work 00:09 – Why HR leaders often feel unprepared 01:42 – Developing your career and leadership readiness 04:09 – Are leaders born or made? 04:58 – Lawyer on the Clock: Government shutdown & workplace impact 07:25 – How the shutdown affects NLRB, EEOC & DOL 13:20 – TSA, travel, and essential functions during the shutdown 19:26 – Boeing negotiations, unions, and leadership lessons 25:01 – Risks of promoting too quickly in HR 29:55 – How emerging HR leaders can prepare for executive roles

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Episode 345: A shrinking workforce and the rapid rise of AI has been one of the biggest topics shaking up HR and every industry today. Will automation truly step in for the millions of workers that are projected to lose in the coming decades or will it just create bigger gaps in skills and opportunity? In this episode, we get our hands dirty in the data, explore what it means for employers, and tackle the questions HR pros are already asking. Timestamps:  0:00 – Welcome and Intro   2:37 – AI Displacing Workers   3:51 – Phil on how AI will affect us and our times   7:26 – Developing "Assistants" via AI – Phil's View   9:56 – AI in the Legal World & Filling the Talent Gap   12:14 – AI Generation vs Smartphone Growth & Internet Era   14:46 – Days Before AI: How Far We've Come   16:12 – AI Addressing Labor Gaps   18:06 – Fields Impacted by AI   23:02 – Laughs with AI Robots   24:06 – Lawyer on the Clock   24:16 – H-1B Visa Holders Entering the US   30:06 – Government Shutdown & Mass Firings   33:54 – Wrap Up  

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Download the key takeaways from this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/rpzccu99 For REAL this time! Last week we were unable to get to the topic we’ve been wanting to discuss, but tomorrow we’re diving in head first! AI is reshaping society and the workplace at lightning speed, but is it also making us less sharp, less aware, maybe even “stupid”? Burt and Phil get back to tackling whether AI is dumbing us down, which jobs are safe… for now, and just how close we might be to the Singularity. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Show Kickoff 02:00 – Employment Law Update Recap 03:00 – Is AI making us smarter or dumber? 06:00 – “Map Amnesia” and technology dependence 08:30 – Jobs most at risk of AI displacement 12:00 – Skill erosion & critical thinking concerns 15:00 – Generational gaps in AI reliance 18:45 – Pop culture warnings: Terminator, Matrix & Singularity 24:10 – Lawyer on the Clock: Walmart FCRA Lawsuit 27:50 – Women leaving the workforce & job market shifts 35:00 – Key takeaways & upcoming workshop

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Key takeaways from this episode: https://tinyurl.com/rpzccu99 In episode 343, Phil and Burt reflect on the anniversary of 9/11 and how recent tragedies, from school shootings to political violence, affect today’s workplace. We also take a dive into AI and leadership. A Future So Dull, You Gotta Wear Google Goggles? Artificial intelligence is transforming society and the workplace at breakneck speed. But there is evidence that AI is also making us less strategic, less situationally aware, even “stupid”? Burt and Phil wrestle with whether AI is making us less intelligent, which jobs are resilient to AI (for now), and understanding how close we might be to the Singularity. Timestamps:  00:00 – Reflecting on 9/11 and current events 02:05 – Tragedies impacting today’s workplace 04:30 – Division in America vs. unity after 9/11 07:15 – How leaders can guide sensitive conversations 10:35 – Respectful dialogue vs. conflict at work 13:15 – Building pride and belonging in company culture 15:45 – Why culture matters more than ever in the age of AI 18:15 – Viewer comment: “Divided States of America” 21:26 – Lawyer on the Clock: Muldrow case & workplace impact 29:00 – Closing thoughts: hugs, leadership, and what’s next

Send in your questions to hrask.org Download all the key takeaways from this episode down below: https://tinyurl.com/bdf9v66d   Episode 342: We all have daily tasks that keep things running, but we’re quickly approaching a time when AI can handle some of the everyday loads. Discover how YOU can lead more strategically by focusing on what truly needs a human touch and what doesn’t. Phil and special guest Lauren Patel reveal a smarter way to prioritize using the Eisenhower Matrix, now enhanced with AI and automation. Timestamps:  0:00 – Welcome & AI Time-Saving Insights 1:21 – Meet Lauren Patel: AI Power User & Show Favorite 3:01 – Using AI in Everyday Life (Weeds, Trips, and Homework) 5:05 – AI vs. AI: Candidates vs. Recruiters 7:15 – Meet Amy Hart: Trusted AI for HR Professionals 9:30 – The No-AI Policy Dilemma in Organizations 14:01 – How HR Pros Can Start with AI: The Eisenhower Matrix 22:01 – Recruiting with AI: Job Ads, Resumes & Vendor Transparency 25:57 – AI in Crisis Management & HR Fires 32:10 – Insight on AI from Burt & Upcoming Events #AIinHR #EisenhowerMatrix #WorkSmarter #HRLeadership #HRStrategy #ProductivityTools #HRTech #AutomationInHR #TimeManagement #FutureOfWork #HumanResources #HRInnovation #AIProductivity #TaskManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #AAIM #AAIMEA #ThisWeekAtWork

Be sure to download our "READY. AAIM. PHIRE!" takeaway sheet for all the key insights from this episode. Click the link below: https://tinyurl.com/mpbarn29  AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming how we work - but are they doing more harm than good? This week, Phil and Burt unpack the growing trend of overusing and over trusting AI in the workplace. From fabricated facts to blind faith in chatbots, we’ll explore the risks that come with leaning too heavily on artificial intelligence. Are your employees using AI as a helpful assistant - or hiding behind it? Tune in for real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and practical steps every employer should take to stay protected. 00:00 – Welcome & opening remarks 01:25 – Live from SHRM Conference in Orlando 03:20 – Why AI “hallucinates” and how Amy Hart helps 04:50 – Playing the Reliable, Reasonable, or Ridiculous AI game 07:10 – Unlimited PTO: pros and cons 08:34 – Asking older employees about retirement 11:21 – Should remote workers get more PTO? 13:20 – Lawyer on the Clock: THC in the workplace 18:19 – Cracker Barrel logo backlash and DEI debate 24:30 – Illinois AI discrimination law  31:12 – Ready, Aim, Fire key takeaways download 32:07 – Upcoming Employment Law Update events

Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org. Download the key takeaways from this episode: https://tinyurl.com/3ms864kf  This week on episode 340, Burt is joined by D.C. insider and legal strategist Jim Plunkett to unpack the DOJ’s latest guidance on DEI - and why it’s sending shockwaves through HR and compliance departments nationwide. From Title VII implications to the surprising use of the False Claims Act, we’re breaking down what the feds are watching and how HR can stay compliant without compromising company values. Tune in and get your questions answered! Timestamps:  00:00 – Opening: Welcome to Episode 340 00:43 – What This Week at Work Delivers for HR & Leaders 01:35 – Guest Introduction: Jim Plunkett joins from Washington, D.C. 03:09 – Lawyer on the Clock: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ruling in Texas 08:29 – Fifth Circuit decision shakes up NLRB authority 16:21 – Transition to DOJ guidance on DEI practices 17:22 – DOJ guidance explained: Who it applies to and why it matters 23:07 – The False Claims Act as an enforcement tool 26:59 – Four red-flag DEI practices employers must avoid 30:59 – Closing thoughts: Compliance, Title VII, and what’s next in DC