Episodes tagged: Jobs

The Potential Expiration of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit

In this episode Steve discusses the potential expiration of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Over two decades the WOTC has expanded access to the job market to many underserved groups, and given employers a valuable tool to invest in hiring and training these workers. But with the WOTC slated to expire soon, HR leaders need to be prepared and to advocate for its extension.

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Workplace Spotlight: Why the Wienermobile Might Be the Best First Job Ever

In this episode Steve shares details about one of the most unique job opportunities in the U.S. – a role as a “Hotdogger” – these are the Oscar Meyer brand ambassadors and drivers of the company’s iconic “Wienermobile”. We cover the nature of the role, who might be a good fit, and encourage you to dream of life on the road behind the wheel of a giant hot dog on wheels.

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The Paradox of Work in 2025: Huge Profits, Massive Layoffs

In this episode Steve shares how as 2025 winds down, the U.S. labor market has experienced a wave of layoffs – over 1.1 million so far – in spite of many organizations’ massive profits and all-time highs in the U.S. equity market. What can and should HR leaders do to make sure people are still at the center of workforce planning in the age of AI and downsizing?

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The Next Big Workforce Question: Who Gets Displaced by AI?

In this episode Steve shares new research from MIT that suggests almost 12% of US workers are at risk of being replaced by AI. We break down the news, and what it means for HR leaders who are tasked with navigating through these challenging disruptions.

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More Americans Doubt the Value of a Four-Year College Degree

In this episode Steve discusses recent polling data from NBC News showing that more Americans are doubting the value of the four-year college degree, citing increasing costs, rising debt levels, and an uncertain job market. We break down what this means for HR and Talent pros moving forward.

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Target’s New “10-4” Policy – Smiles, Greetings, and What Matters in Retail

In this episode Steve discusses Target’s new “10-4” policy for its retail associates which requires workers to smile and make eye contact with customers within 10 feet, and interact with “warm, helpful interactions” when customers are within 4 feet.

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Tech Workers Facing a Reckoning in the Job Market

In this episode Steve discusses how a combination of AI adoption, a drive to cut costs and flatten organizations, and CEO “follow the leader” trends are combining to create a perfect storm of bad news for tech workers in the US. Turns out “Learn to code” may not have been foolproof career advice.

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Immigration and the Shrinking Labor Force

In this episode Steve breaks down a new report on the short and long-term impacts to the US labor force of the Trump administration’s policies designed to limit immigration. Restricting immigration could result in talent shortages and slower economic growth for years to come.

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Holiday Hiring in 2025 Will be the Coolest Season in Years

In this episode Steve discusses 2025 Holiday Season hiring plans in the US. This year is shaping up to be much quieter than recent years, and many retailers and logistics firms are taking a cautious approach to adding workers.

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Workers Take the Fall for Poor Management Decisions at Amazon

In this episode Steve discusses the news from Amazon – 14,000 corporate workers slated to be let go do to “efficiency” and the rise of new AI technology. But who at Amazon is really responsible for the strategic errors that led to this, and will they also take their share of blame?

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