THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

Large businesses are shedding workers, including 14,000 by Amazon. People are pointing at artificial intelligence and automation, but Gene Marks says it’s something different – at this point. He also says there is opportunity for small businesses now. Plus, health insurance is so convoluted that businesses are popping on Reddit to get firsthand accounts and advice from other businesses about what to do. And, if life knocks you down, get a lift from an advertising campaign. Learn how a German company turned the heist at the Louvre into a clever campaign about their machinery. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Is AI really living up to the hype, or just creating more work? Gene Marks sits down with Louis Gutierrez, director of AI at Constant Contact, for a conversation about AI’s sometimes messy reality and promising future. From “work slop” to data disasters, Louis reveals why adoption is only the first step — and shares what’s coming next. Plus, learn why your team shouldn’t fear AI, why AI governance matters, and how fine-tuning could turn C-student AI into an A-plus performer. Spending too much time on HR tasks? Discover how the right support can give you hours back in your week at https://bit.ly/meet-paychex Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 01:50 – Guest introduction: Louis Gutierrez 03:33 – Louis’s journey into AI 05:03 – AI’s role in business 07:16 – Challenges with AI accuracy 11:01 – How data and objectives can impact AI performance 13:48 – Creating your AI governance strategy 16:46 – The future of marketing automation 19:27 – Building customer trust in AI-powered tools 23:08 – Current and future AI capabilities 27:34 – Fine-tuning AI models for better results 29:37 – Will AI replace jobs? 32:24 – Wrap up and thank you DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Many potential holiday shoppers and business owners who stand to benefit are showing preseason cheer, as they express their desire to buy gifts despite anxiety about the economy and inflation. Gene Marks shares details of the Intuit survey, as well as news about the AICPA pushing the IRS to deliver additional guidance on no tax on tips and overtime to clarify for business owners their responsibilities. He also talks about the Grinch-like behavior of predatory legal firms targeting small businesses with lawsuits over their website accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

As Congress continues its staring contest over how to open the federal government, impacts of the shutdown are starting to threaten more than just furloughed employees or the individuals being fired. Tax credits that help small businesses and regulations required to know how to stay compliant with laws are thrown into the murky water. Meanwhile, businesses trying to hire for the holiday season have plenty of applicants to pick from but might need to adjust their slow-moving process. Gene Marks also talks about a dip in small business optimism that doesn’t seem to push the needle beneath historic highs. Listen to the podcast to learn more.   Additional resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

On this week's episode of the Paychex THRIVE Week in Review, host Gene Marks dives into the ongoing government shutdown and its profound impact on small businesses, strategies to conserve cash during these turbulent times, and Google’s latest initiatives to help small businesses leverage AI in a rapidly digitalizing economy. Plus, a deep dive into how tariffs are challenging yet reshaping industries for the better. Additional resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

The economy has its cheerleaders and detractors, but one thing that is keeping it propped up is the small businesses of America. The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch shows that despite the hourly earnings growth coming in below 3% for 11 straight months, it has stayed consistent at about 2.7%. This is based on real payroll numbers, and with government job numbers not based on that – and missing last week because of the shutdown – it’s important to have reliable job and wage data. Gene Marks shares a new way to measure income data, plus he discusses how data doesn’t reflect AI taking people’s jobs in America as of yet. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Check out how Paychex helps businesses DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

In this episode of THRIVE, Gene Marks sits down with Jason Rose, Senior Vice President of Digital Sales and Marketing at Paychex, to unpack what really drives marketing success. From his unlikely start as a CPA to leading marketing at publicly traded companies, Jason shares insights on building brands that turn customers into evangelists. Discover why “ruthless consistency” beats flashy campaigns, how AI-powered search is improving lead quality, and the one question Jason asks to measure marketing success (hint: it’s not about metrics). Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur crafting your first Google ad or a seasoned business owner building a marketing department, Jason delivers practical advice you can implement immediately. Year-end is just around corner! Get your payroll in order with this checklist: https://bit.ly/4nzDFb5 Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and introduction 01:57 – Jason’s career journey from CPA to marketer 05:00 – Marketing strategy and data complexity 07:33 – Companies doing marketing right  10:27 – Beyond leads: Building your brand 13:33 – Why everyone is in marketing 15:37 – Scaling your marketing: Messaging and content strategy 19:15 – SEO in the AI era 24:17 – Paid advertising for small businesses 27:35 - Hiring marketing talent 29:55 - Evaluating marketing performance 32:36 - The future of marketing with AI 35:42 - Marketing as a service organization 37:17 - Jason’s dream business 38:03 - Wrap up and thank you DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

The economy looks to have taken a turn in the right direction with Gross Domestic Product showing growth in the second quarter, while consumer spending also increased again. Gene Marks says this is a positive step, but he also warns businesses about relying on statistics that keep getting revised. And speaking of reliability, a major bank reported that nearly one-quarter of businesses are in survival mode and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that 76% of businesses surveyed are comfortable with their cash flow. One thing is for sure, the labor market is softening and if businesses are thinking about recruiting, then TikTok videos might be the way to get the good word out. Listen to the podcast.  Additional Resources Check out how Paychex helps businesses DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.  

A provision in the new tax law offers employees no tax on tips, so Gene Marks level sets what guidance has been provided — proposed job eligibility, the deduction limit, what taxes still must be deducted — and points to other information employers and employees will require. Gene says that employees need to be aware this is a deduction to be taken at tax filing time, that employers should be aware that state tip credit is not impacted, and they should help educate employees on the new W-2 forms that will be required in 2026. Listen to the podcast. Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex Learn more about no taxes on tips and overtime: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips See what jobs are eligible for no tax on tips: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips-eligible-jobs DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Think you know what female employees want? Think again! Wharton economist Dr. Corinne Low joins Gene Marks to shatter conventional wisdom with surprising research from her new book Having It All. Dr. Low shares why today’s mothers spend twice as much time with their children as previous generations and how this shift is reshaping workplace needs in unexpected ways. The biggest surprise? Women don’t actually want flexibility — they crave predictability. From debunking the “lean in” myth to exposing the hidden costs of burnout, this episode delivers data-driven strategies that will transform how you think about supporting your female workforce. Tune in and turn research into your competitive advantage. Spending too much time on HR tasks? Discover how the right support can give you hours back in your week at https://bit.ly/meet-paychex Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and introduction 03:50 – Dr. Low’s background and research 05:28 – Overview of Dr. Low’s new book 07:31 – Why modern motherhood feels harder 09:09 – Debunking the flexibility myth 12:32 – Predictibility vs. flexibility 14:19 – Gender differences in workplace needs 15:17 – Understanding “The Squeeze” period 22:01 – The childcare cost crisis 25:28 – The lifecycle investment approach 30:40 – Wrap up and thank you DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

The Producer Price Index is declining and the Purchasing Price Index has fallen a third time in 2025, all used to determine inflation, yet Gene Marks says the “Big I” isn’t the huge threat everyone thinks it is. He looks at potential interest cuts as a possible result, which might help businesses. Also, a boon or manufacturing businesses is a new SBA loan program with less red tape and an 85% guarantee by the agency. Safety training programs are getting better funded, which is great news for workers and employers who want to avoid OSHA penalties. And talk about “safety net” but 67% of pet owners would switch jobs if they had to give up remote work and staying with their pets. Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch reports job numbers remain flat, while national hourly earnings stay below 3% growth for a 10th straight month. Gene Marks points to a continued slow down, citing the paltry 22,000 jobs reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a national unemployment rate at 4.3%. However, Gene says this creates opportunity for small businesses to snap up top talent. Also, a survey notes that more than one-quarter of participating employees are seeking financial resources from employers, a perfect time for employers to offer added value. And can entrepreneurship be taught? Gene has some thoughts on to what degree this is possible. Additional resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex  DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Is your business secretly driving away top talent? This episode of THRIVE will tell you how to find out. Join host Gene Marks as he sits down with Paychex HR experts Alison Stevens and Michael Majors to chat about Employer IQ — a game-changing diagnostic tool that reveals exactly where your HR practices are helping or hurting your business. Discover the most common blind spots, learn exactly when it’s time to hire your first HR person, and find out how this simple assessment can transform your business from a revolving door into a talent magnet. Ready to find out your Employer IQ? Visit: https://bit.ly/3IedlUq Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 01:11 – Employer IQ overview 04:34 – Motivation behind Employer IQ 06:25 – How to use the platform 09:42 – Roll-out strategy 12:19 – Usage scenarios and benefits 14:45 – Future vision for platform 17:23 – Employee input and industry verticals 18:55 – How to access Employer IQ 19:58 – Wrap up and thank you DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Businesses earned a victory for the second time when an appeals court upheld a ruling that the administration’s tariffs are unconstitutional. However, Gene Marks says that regardless of an appeal, the bag of tricks is endless to keep taxing businesses with tariffs. And this is on top of the de minimis exemption expiring, meaning any imported goods of less than $800 will also face tariffs. Employers also face disengaged and disenchanted employees experiencing quiet cracking. Gene suggests employers get cracking to offset the 54% of employees whose productivity has declined. Additional resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.  

As news of tariffs comes and go, one recent study found that a majority of small businesses have had zero exposure to international supply chains and 45% source more than half of their materials from their city or state. Gene Marks also talks about high levels of optimism among these businesses. More good news: Manufacturing expanded at its fastest pace in August since 2022. Tempering that is a projected 10% hike in healthcare costs that could create challenges for businesses, so Gene offers tips on how to approach this. Plus, a major jump in AI adoption by small businesses. Webinar: ICE Raids and I-9 Audits: How to protect your business from costly mistakes. (go.paychex.com/i9webinar) DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Forget waiting until 65 to enjoy life — what if you could “retire” for a month every single year? In this episode of THRIVE, we dive into the concept of mini-retirement with Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often and host of the Retire Often podcast. Think you can't afford it? Think your business would crumble without you? Jillian breaks down exactly how to make mini-retirement work — whether you're an employee dreaming of adventure or a business owner ready to build a company that succeeds without your constant presence. From cross-training benefits to succession planning secrets, this episode reveals why companies are embracing mini-retirements as the ultimate employee perk.   Check out this comprehensive article to learn more about mini-retirements and their benefits: https://bit.ly/41lXWYP   Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics   Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 02:31 – Defining mini-retirement 05:05 – Balancing work and leisure during mini-retirement 09:01 – How to communicate your mini-retirement 13:06 – Mini-retirement as an employee benefit 16:19 – Identifying high performers through absence 20:40 – Building and communicating your mini-retirement policy 25:26 – Employer tax benefits of mini-retirement 26:28 – Mini-retirements as succession planning 28:12 – Preparing for mini-retirements and retirement 31:31 – Wrap up and thank you   DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

The Producer Price Index, which is an indicator for the rate of inflation, rose to a point that is significantly higher than it has been recently. This means consumers could be seeing higher costs come their way. However, Gene Marks points out that consumers don’t seem deterred. They are spending, and the retail sales uptick bears that out. Small businesses also don’t appear worried, as the latest Small Business Optimism Index jumped 14 points while 65% of those surveyed rated their business health as excellent or good. DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Small businesses are benefitting from the resiliency and a rise in consumer spending, but how much is really the impact of higher prices? Gene Marks shares the latest data in this episode. He also looks at the top 3 reasons why employers are getting sued by employees, and two of them never seem to change. Big-time corporations such as AT&T and Microsoft have mandated new return-to-office policies. Gene leans toward flexibility as the key to making it work. A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of employees aren’t hunting for jobs, but what that will mean for talent acquisition. DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Confused about how the 2025 Tax Bill impacts your business? This episode of THRIVE dives headfirst into real questions from real business owners, breaking down what you need to know about this headline-making legislation. Gene is joined by tax expert Barbara Weltman, founder of Big Ideas for Small Business and author of J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes. Together, they tackle the most pressing topics raised during their recent webinar. From changes in bonus depreciation to navigating family leave credits, education assistance plans, and state and local tax (SALT) deductions, Gene and Barbara make the complex simple with advice you can use right away. And don’t worry — you won’t need an accounting degree to follow along. Tune in now and take the stress out of all these changes. Watch the 2025 Tax Bill webinar, download an FAQ resource, AND enter a contest to win a copy of Barbara's book, J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes, here: https://go.paychex.com/taxbill Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 02:22 – Overview of the 2025 Tax Bill webinar 03:01 – Advanced manufacturing investment credit 04:26 – Bonus depreciation 07:25 – No taxes on tips and overtime 10:51 – State and local tax (SALT) Changes 14:47 – Employee education benefits 18:22 – Family leave credit 21:54 – S corporation provisions 23:34 – Changes in meal deductions 25:39 – Wrap up and thank you DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

This week, Gene Marks breaks down an economic outlook full of uncertainty. From strong GDP growth battling rising inflation to unexpected job market revisions and the growing impact of tariffs, there’s plenty for small businesses to consider. On the brighter side, learn how OSHA’s new penalty reductions are bringing relief to employers with safe practices. With cautious optimism for more stable times, Gene offers the insights you need to help your business stay resilient. Listen to the episode.   DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.