This Week at Work

Federal Payroll Changes: Road to 2026

Ep. 304 Are you ready for the federal payroll changes coming down the pipeline? We welcome back Amanda Dussold, payroll tax and fringe benefits expert to break down key updates from the Secure 2.0 Act, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and what you need to know to prepare for 2026. Hint* it might be time to embrace A.I.!

The Election Results are in! Next Steps for HR

Ep. 303 Now that most of the votes have been tallied, it’s time to look ahead at what the results mean for employers. Join us for a deep dive into the anticipated shifts in labor and employment law based on the 2024 election results, and discover proactive strategies to keep your organization ready for change. Don’t miss this chance to prepare your team for the road ahead!

Trick or Treat? HR on the Ballot Sheet

Ep. 302 Phil and Burt dive into workplace laws up for a vote in key markets. From Florida and Indiana, to Missouri and Illinois, we’re breaking down what’s on the ballot and what it means for HR professionals. Stay tuned to find out which proposed workplace regulations are tricks, and which might be a treat.

HR Under Fire: Preventing & Responding to Headlines

Ep. 301 When disaster strikes or missteps make headlines, where does HR stand? From emergency preparedness to cleaning up after unhinged leaders, you won’t want to miss this crucial conversation on HR’s impact when it matters most.

Employee Opinion Report (3/3): Mentorship Burnout

We rest on our laurels just a tad while conquering our 300th episode. But not for long, because we have our special guest Tanya Zion wrapping up our Employee Opinions series with Part 3: Emerging Leader Mentorship and how it’s leading to burnout.
 

Ballots and Business: L&E Impacts Pre- and Post-Vote

Election season is here, and the stakes are high—not just for our country but for the future of your workplace. How will the results impact labor laws, employment policies, and your business operations?
We'll explore the potential shifts in legislation, the latest trends you need to be aware of, and how both employers and employees can prepare for what's next. Whether you're concerned about wage laws, worker protections, or corporate regulations, we've got the expert analysis you need, because we have Burt and special guest Jim Plunkett, live from Washington D.C.

Preserving Culture and Leadership as the Workforce Expands

Ep. 298 We take you on the journey of an HR department, now 4 people strong, that emerged from the controls of Finance.
It’s a Member Spotlight shining on the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, a well-oiled, process-driven organization that boasts a workforce of 175 employees.
We’ll talk with special guest Amy Lein, CHRO, about the challenges of maintaining that familial feel with a growing staff, fostering emotional intelligence, a big push towards professional development, and moving to a self-funded benefits program on their way to being a top employer.
 

Employee Opinion Report (2/3): Trust Issues

Ep. 297 "Is trust breaking down in your workplace?” In part 2 of our 3 part series covering the top issues being called out in employee surveys today, we’re diving deep into one of the biggest: trust issues between employees and leadership! 
What’s causing the disconnect? Communication breakdowns…The post-pandemic work environment…Or maybe inconsistent management?
We’ll be joined by Tanya, who’s out in the field hearing it all. She’ll break down what’s really driving the erosion of trust and share what’s working to stop the runoff. 
From monthly executive meetings to innovative mentoring programs, you don’t want to miss these real solutions to a growing problem you can’t afford to ignore!
 

Keeping HR Level: Balancing Mental Health & Performance

We have a powerful conversation lined up with Linea Johnson, founder of The Thrive Shift—a leading advocate for mental health in the workplace. Linea brings her expertise, lived experience, and a passion for creating inclusive work environments to our discussion. 
She helps us explore how organizations can elevate their mental health support to the same level as their physical disability standards, and then continue rising the tide to lift everyone up, no matter what boat they’re in. 
Plus, we discuss the delicate balance between support and performance—and when Lady Justice drops in to weigh the scales.

Employee Opinion Report (1/3): Quick Quitters

Ep. 295 We're diving into the growing challenge of 'Quick Quitters.' While overall employee engagement is on the rise, there's one group that's proving hard to keep: brand-new hires, especially hourly workers.
From wage compression to uninspiring onboarding experiences, we’ll break down reasons why this might be happening, and what employers can do to turn things around.
Powered by employee opinion surveys, Tanya joins us armed with real-world insights - because she’s working with companies right now - just like yours - struggling to retain their newest hires.
Plus, we’ll look at the latest cases affecting your day-to-day activities.