This Week at Work: An HR and Employment Law Show

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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 off3:10 – 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 employment8:16 – Senate confirms key Trump-era appointees at the EEOC, Wage & Hour, and OSHA11:00 – AI and the future of work: Bernie Sanders’ “artificial labor” warning and the 32-hour workweek debate15:27 – Introducing next week’s guest on AI, Katherine Von Jahn16:15 – Jim Plunkett’s update from D.C.: Inside the government shutdown18:11 – What could force Congress to act—military pay, TSA, and market pressure20:08 – Key political standoff: healthcare subsidies vs. funding extension25:43 – The H-1B visa reentry fee controversy and legal challenges28:04 – Who’s still working? USPS, federal workers, and unemployment pay31:22 – E-Verify shutdown: What employers still must do32:57 – EEOC dynamics: How the lone Democrat could stall GOP momentum

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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 Work00:09 – Why HR leaders often feel unprepared01:42 – Developing your career and leadership readiness04:09 – Are leaders born or made?04:58 – Lawyer on the Clock: Government shutdown & workplace impact07:25 – How the shutdown affects NLRB, EEOC & DOL13:20 – TSA, travel, and essential functions during the shutdown19:26 – Boeing negotiations, unions, and leadership lessons25:01 – Risks of promoting too quickly in HR29:55 – How emerging HR leaders can prepare for executive roles

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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  

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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