This Week at Work: An HR and Employment Law Show

Help Wanted: Can AI Fill The Workforce Gap?

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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  

FOR REAL THIS TIME | Is AI Making Us Dumber? From Stupidity to Singularity and Beyond!

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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 Kickoff02:00 – Employment Law Update Recap03:00 – Is AI making us smarter or dumber?06:00 – “Map Amnesia” and technology dependence08:30 – Jobs most at risk of AI displacement12:00 – Skill erosion & critical thinking concerns15:00 – Generational gaps in AI reliance18:45 – Pop culture warnings: Terminator, Matrix & Singularity24:10 – Lawyer on the Clock: Walmart FCRA Lawsuit27:50 – Women leaving the workforce & job market shifts35:00 – Key takeaways & upcoming workshop

Is AI Making Us Dumber? From Stupidity to Singularity and Beyond!

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 events02:05 – Tragedies impacting today’s workplace04:30 – Division in America vs. unity after 9/1107:15 – How leaders can guide sensitive conversations10:35 – Respectful dialogue vs. conflict at work13:15 – Building pride and belonging in company culture15:45 – Why culture matters more than ever in the age of AI18:15 – Viewer comment: “Divided States of America”21:26 – Lawyer on the Clock: Muldrow case & workplace impact29:00 – Closing thoughts: hugs, leadership, and what’s next

The Time and Place For AI: A Quick Guide To AI Strategy

Send in your questions to hrask.orgDownload 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

Do You Trust AI With Your Job? Spotting AI Hallucinations

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 remarks01:25 – Live from SHRM Conference in Orlando03:20 – Why AI “hallucinates” and how Amy Hart helps04:50 – Playing the Reliable, Reasonable, or Ridiculous AI game07:10 – Unlimited PTO: pros and cons08:34 – Asking older employees about retirement11:21 – Should remote workers get more PTO?13:20 – Lawyer on the Clock: THC in the workplace18:19 – Cracker Barrel logo backlash and DEI debate24:30 – Illinois AI discrimination law 31:12 – Ready, Aim, Fire key takeaways download32:07 – Upcoming Employment Law Update events

The New Rules of DEI: What The DOJ Just Made Clear

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 34000:43 – What This Week at Work Delivers for HR & Leaders01:35 – Guest Introduction: Jim Plunkett joins from Washington, D.C.03:09 – Lawyer on the Clock: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ruling in Texas08:29 – Fifth Circuit decision shakes up NLRB authority16:21 – Transition to DOJ guidance on DEI practices17:22 – DOJ guidance explained: Who it applies to and why it matters23:07 – The False Claims Act as an enforcement tool26:59 – Four red-flag DEI practices employers must avoid30:59 – Closing thoughts: Compliance, Title VII, and what’s next in DC

Essential Best Practices for Using AI in HR

Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org.Download the key takeaways from this episode:https://tinyurl.com/vtx2du4a 
Phil and Burt unpack the essential best practices for using AI in HR - and why not all AI tools are created equal. We’ll spotlight Aaime Hart, AAIM’s AI-Driven HR advisor. She’s loaded with real employer survey data, compliance resources, and the expertise of AAIM Employers’ Association and their partners. From asking the right questions to protecting confidentiality and blending AI insights with human judgment, we’ll give you the insider’s guide to making AI a valuable partner for your workplace.
00:01:01 – Introduction: Phil Brandt opens the show with big AI usage stats00:02:03 – Catching up: Travel, SHRM events, and upcoming law update00:05:49 – Why this year’s Employment Law Update is bigger than ever00:08:02 – Lawyer on the Clock: DOJ’s sweeping new DEI guidance00:16:25 – Crypto in your 401(k)? Big changes ahead00:21:05 – Meet AAIME Hart: AI HR assistant for safer workplace answers00:28:28 – Protecting confidentiality when using AI00:30:18 – State and local variations: Why specificity matters00:33:36 – Is ChatGPT making us stupid? Overreliance & the GPS analogy00:35:56 – How to use AAIME Hart & register for the Employment Law Update

Boeing's Strike Breakdown: Unions, Associations, and HRM's Role

Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org.Click the link below to download your key takeaways from this episode:https://tinyurl.com/mv96xx68
Boeing’s union strike is making national headlines but what does it mean for the rest of us? Phil and Burt unpack the strike, share lessons from inside the negotiation room, and explore how employers can build trust, improve morale, and stay union-optional. Whether you're unionized or not, this episode is a must-listen for HR pros and business leaders alike.
00:00 – Intro & Teaser: Boeing Strike & Unions01:04 – Live from Missouri SHRM Conference03:52 – Lawyer on the Clock: EEOC, NLRB, & Political Gridlock09:50 – Illinois’ New Paid Nursing Break Law12:32 – Court Revives Religious Rights vs. Gender Identity Case19:08 – Burning Questions: Are You Missing Union Red Flags?21:46 – Forced Overtime: A Unionization Trigger?25:59 – How Unionization Impacts Business Costs27:36 – Supervisor Training: The Ultimate Union Prevention Tool

Policy Ping-Pong: Sick Leave Uncertainty Serving HR a Curve

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Be sure to download your key takeaways from this episode: https://tinyurl.com/bdhwt9m3
This week on This Week at Work, Phil and Burt dive into Missouri’s evolving paid sick leave situation—where laws were passed, rolled out, and then quickly rolled back. They unpack how HR leaders can manage unused leave, protect morale, and build flexible policies that hold up when legislation shifts. Even if you're outside Missouri, the lessons here are universal. Don't miss this essential conversation for every HR professional.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Missouri’s Paid Sick Leave: Passed, Implemented, Repealed
0:47 – HR Chaos: Now What Happens to All Those Policy Changes?
2:46 – Meet AAIME Hart: AI-Powered HR Assistant in Action
4:04 – Prison to Programmer: Can You Really Work Remotely From Jail?
8:19 – The Legal Fallout of Missouri Prop A Repeal
9:17 – Lawyer on the Clock: EEOC Sued Over LGBTQIA+ Protections
14:13 – DOL’s Self-Audit Program Returns: What It Means for Employers
17:13 – Prop A Breakdown: What’s Changing for Missouri Employers
23:04 – August 28th Deadline: What Happens to Accrued Sick Time?
31:04 – Employment Law Update Preview & Registration Detai

PHASE 3: LEAD IT! Integrating AI at Work

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Download our "READY. AAIM. PHIRE!" takeaway sheet for all the key insights from this episode. Click the link below: https://tinyurl.com/3zs43mhu On This Week at Work, we’re exploring how to integrate AI - and Aaime Hart - into an everyday workflow that benefits your organization. Lauren demos how Aaime can unlock powerful insights from exit interview data, and we unpack why leaders must take ownership of both their organization’s AI strategy and their personal conduct, especially in light of the recent CEO/HR dating scandal.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to This Week at Work00:46 – AI Strategy: From Tools to Transformation01:41 – Recapping AI & HR Week with Lauren Patel03:13 – Meet AAIME Hart: Safe AI for HR Professionals05:16 – Hot Topic: Coldplay Scandal & Leadership Ethics07:22 – Creative Ways HR is Using AI Today09:58 – Transforming Exit Interviews with AI15:08 – The Real Story Behind "Training" Feedback24:10 – From Data to Action: AAIME’s Turnover Reduction Plan26:06 – One-Pager for Leadership: AI-Powered Insights