This Week at Work: An HR and Employment Law Show
The only show to offer employers and Human Resource professionals practical and timely insights into the workplace
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins. A Feature Group USA production.
This Week at Work is the only show about the workplace that offers you front row seats AND a microphone, featuring human resource professionals and experts in employment law to bring you practical, timely and accurate insights so you can more effectively lead your organization.
Join Phil, Burt, and other subject matter experts every Thursday at 7:30 am Central, for topics ranging from people management and compensation trends, to decoding the federal and local laws affecting your organization.
This Week at Work was proud to be the premier news source and sounding board for human resource professionals and business owners who fought for their businesses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The feedback our podcast received was humbling - and you better believe we’ll be on the front line helping you build an even stronger workplace during the next crisis.
Episodes

Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
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

Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
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

Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
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

Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
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

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org.
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

Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org.
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

Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Have questions? Submit them at hrask.org. This week, we share the results from AAIM's phase 1 of “trying it”. because in doing so, we found a real opportunity to align AI with our services. Introducing Aaime Hart - an HR chatbot built on reliable sources our members already trust. She will actually help YOU align AI with YOUR COMPANY. #aaimehart
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome to AI & HR Week: Phase 2 – Align It
1:35 – AI vs. AI: Who's Really Hiring Who?
3:25 – Candidates Using Bots to Apply & Interview
5:15 – The Ethics of AI-Powered Applicants
6:22 – Meet Aaime Hart: AI Built for HR Pros
9:50 – How Aaime Hart’s Sources Make Her Trustworthy
12:15 – Aaime’s Strengths, Limits, and Safe Use Tips
14:40 – Demo 1: Create an HR Audit Checklist with Amy
17:45 – Demo 2: Build a High-Potential Employee Plan
22:00 – Create Justifications, Find Training & Go Strategic
Get Key Takeaways From This Episode: tinyurl.com/2rhs4k9f

Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Send your burning questions to hrask.org
Join us for a special episode where we dive into the evolving relationship between HR and AI. You’ll get a fast-paced preview of what’s ahead during AI in HR Week, along with expert insights on how AI is transforming hiring practices, reshaping compliance strategies, and helping leaders make smarter, more strategic decisions.
Whether you're just starting to explore AI or already integrating it into your workflow, this episode will show you how to use AI with HR, not instead of it. Learn how to lead the way in an era where technology can enhance, not replace, the human side of HR.
Timestamps:
2:51 – Welcome Back: Why AI Is Changing the HR Landscape
4:45 – AI Across Generations: Lessons from an 80-Year-Old
7:12 – AI Tools for HR Pros: GREE Launch Teaser
11:42 – Phil’s Phired Up
16:22 – Burning Questions
21:53 – Lawyer on the Clock
24:43 – Microsoft Saves $500M, Slashes Jobs with AI
29:05 – Trade Schools on the Rise Among Gen Z & Alpha
33:22 – Upskilling or Replaced? White Collar Risks Ahead
36:01 – Wrap Up: Try It, Align It, and Get Ready for What’s Next
Click the link to download key takeaways from this episode: https://tinyurl.com/33ty9pf6
#AIinHR #ThisWeekAtWork #FutureOfHR #HRAutomation #AILeadership #HRLeadership #HRTech #AIinHRWeek #HRInsights #AIDoesNotReplaceHR #LeadershipDevelopment #HRStrategy #WorkplaceCulture #AAIMEA #OrganizationalChange #HR

Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Send your burning questions to hrask.org
New data shows that 1 in 5 full-time workers has a side gig, and 60% are thinking about starting one. Whether you’re seeing signs of distraction or just want to get ahead of the curve, this episode will help you move from reaction to strategy, so you’re not caught off guard.
Phil and Burt also discuss legal considerations around dual employment, and even OSHA heat standards. Plus, a Lawyer on the Clock spotlight on SCOTUS rulings and a lawsuit involving…Chucky the doll?
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Side Gigs Overview
00:44 – What is Moonlighting Today?
03:32 – Phil’s Personal Experience with Side Hustles
05:01 – Why Employees Moonlight: Passion or Paycheck?
08:03 – Working Two Jobs at Once
10:20 – Employer Handbook Gaps on Outside Work
13:34 – Need for Updated Workplace Policies
15:20 – Phil’s Phired Up: Manager Guidance on Side Gig Performance Issues
22:05 – Lawyer on the Clock: OSHA Heat Standards Explained
27:22 – SCOTUS Ruling on Gender Affirming Care for Minors
29:26 – The Chucky Lawsuit: Pranks & PTSD
32:12 – July 4th, Favorite Holidays & Wrap Up
Download key takeaways from this episode: tinyurl.com/545zz445
#SideHustle #GigEconomy #FutureofWork #WorkplaceTrends #ProactiveLeadership #OrganizationalChange #ThisWeekAtWork #AAIMEA #HRStrategy #PeopleFirst #TalentManagement #WorkLifeBalance

Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Send your burning questions to hrask.org
On This Week at Work, we’re serving up something special - HR Helper: Just Add AAIM’s Secret Sauce! Phil and Kris Gfell are revealing the top HR outsourcing moves of the year, ranked and explained. From policy panic to comp confusion, we’re breaking down why more organizations are saying “no thanks” to HR headaches and tapping into expert help - by the hour.
Click here for key takeaways from this episode: https://shorturl.at/tT6Vo
Timestamps: 00:00 – Show Intro00:08 – Phil’s Phired Up: Outsourcing HR00:40 – What to Expect This Episode01:39 – Juneteenth and the Working Majority02:55 – Guest Introduction: Kris Gfell Joins the Conversation05:04 – Why HR Compliance Often Gets Pushed Aside10:03 – Prioritizing Compensation in Outsourced HR12:08 – Quiz Time: Phil Gets Put on the Spot13:15 – Top Member HR Support Requests Revealed17:03 – The Real Reasons Companies Outsource HR24:48 – Helping the HR Team of One29:26 – Final Thoughts and How to Get Support

