This Week at Work: An HR and Employment Law Show

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! 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 Work 00:09 – Why HR leaders often feel unprepared 01:42 – Developing your career and leadership readiness 04:09 – Are leaders born or made? 04:58 – Lawyer on the Clock: Government shutdown & workplace impact 07:25 – How the shutdown affects NLRB, EEOC & DOL 13:20 – TSA, travel, and essential functions during the shutdown 19:26 – Boeing negotiations, unions, and leadership lessons 25:01 – Risks of promoting too quickly in HR 29:55 – How emerging HR leaders can prepare for executive roles

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! 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

Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! 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 Kickoff 02:00 – Employment Law Update Recap 03:00 – Is AI making us smarter or dumber? 06:00 – “Map Amnesia” and technology dependence 08:30 – Jobs most at risk of AI displacement 12:00 – Skill erosion & critical thinking concerns 15:00 – Generational gaps in AI reliance 18:45 – Pop culture warnings: Terminator, Matrix & Singularity 24:10 – Lawyer on the Clock: Walmart FCRA Lawsuit 27:50 – Women leaving the workforce & job market shifts 35:00 – 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 events 02:05 – Tragedies impacting today’s workplace 04:30 – Division in America vs. unity after 9/11 07:15 – How leaders can guide sensitive conversations 10:35 – Respectful dialogue vs. conflict at work 13:15 – Building pride and belonging in company culture 15:45 – Why culture matters more than ever in the age of AI 18:15 – Viewer comment: “Divided States of America” 21:26 – Lawyer on the Clock: Muldrow case & workplace impact 29:00 – Closing thoughts: hugs, leadership, and what’s next

Send in your questions to hrask.org Download 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 remarks 01:25 – Live from SHRM Conference in Orlando 03:20 – Why AI “hallucinates” and how Amy Hart helps 04:50 – Playing the Reliable, Reasonable, or Ridiculous AI game 07:10 – Unlimited PTO: pros and cons 08:34 – Asking older employees about retirement 11:21 – Should remote workers get more PTO? 13:20 – Lawyer on the Clock: THC in the workplace 18:19 – Cracker Barrel logo backlash and DEI debate 24:30 – Illinois AI discrimination law 31:12 – Ready, Aim, Fire key takeaways download 32:07 – 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 340 00:43 – What This Week at Work Delivers for HR & Leaders 01:35 – Guest Introduction: Jim Plunkett joins from Washington, D.C. 03:09 – Lawyer on the Clock: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ruling in Texas 08:29 – Fifth Circuit decision shakes up NLRB authority 16:21 – Transition to DOJ guidance on DEI practices 17:22 – DOJ guidance explained: Who it applies to and why it matters 23:07 – The False Claims Act as an enforcement tool 26:59 – Four red-flag DEI practices employers must avoid 30:59 – 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 stats 00:02:03 – Catching up: Travel, SHRM events, and upcoming law update 00:05:49 – Why this year’s Employment Law Update is bigger than ever 00:08:02 – Lawyer on the Clock: DOJ’s sweeping new DEI guidance 00:16:25 – Crypto in your 401(k)? Big changes ahead 00:21:05 – Meet AAIME Hart: AI HR assistant for safer workplace answers 00:28:28 – Protecting confidentiality when using AI 00:30:18 – State and local variations: Why specificity matters 00:33:36 – Is ChatGPT making us stupid? Overreliance & the GPS analogy 00:35:56 – 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 & Unions 01:04 – Live from Missouri SHRM Conference 03:52 – Lawyer on the Clock: EEOC, NLRB, & Political Gridlock 09:50 – Illinois’ New Paid Nursing Break Law 12:32 – Court Revives Religious Rights vs. Gender Identity Case 19:08 – Burning Questions: Are You Missing Union Red Flags? 21:46 – Forced Overtime: A Unionization Trigger? 25:59 – How Unionization Impacts Business Costs 27:36 – Supervisor Training: The Ultimate Union Prevention Tool

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

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 Work 00:46 – AI Strategy: From Tools to Transformation 01:41 – Recapping AI & HR Week with Lauren Patel 03:13 – Meet AAIME Hart: Safe AI for HR Professionals 05:16 – Hot Topic: Coldplay Scandal & Leadership Ethics 07:22 – Creative Ways HR is Using AI Today 09:58 – Transforming Exit Interviews with AI 15:08 – The Real Story Behind "Training" Feedback 24:10 – From Data to Action: AAIME’s Turnover Reduction Plan 26:06 – One-Pager for Leadership: AI-Powered Insights

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

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

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

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. Timestamps: 27:06 – Show Intro 27:14 – Phil’s Phired Up: Outsourcing HR 27:46 – What to Expect This Episode 28:45 – Juneteenth and the Working Majority 30:01 – Guest Introduction: Kris Gfell Joins the Conversation 32:10 – Why HR Compliance Often Gets Pushed Aside 37:09 – Prioritizing Compensation in Outsourced HR 39:14 – Quiz Time: Phil Gets Put on the Spot 40:21 – Top Member HR Support Requests Revealed 44:09 – The Real Reasons Companies Outsource HR 51:54 – Helping the HR Team of One 56:32 – Final Thoughts and How to Get Support

Send your burning questions to hrask.org Today, we’re facing a tough truth about compensation: if your strategy is built on averages, the best you can do is attract and retain average talent - because your stars won’t stick around. As roles become more complex and job titles lose clarity, pay certainty becomes your new competitive edge. The real question is - can we build a strategy so effective that pay never shows up in the exit interview? Get your download of key takeaways from this week's episode: https://shorturl.at/zOFdg Timestamps: 10:11 – Phil’s Phired Up 12:47 – Is the 52% Stat Misleading 16:13 – Rethinking Pay Strategy 17:48 – Competitive vs Fair Pay 20:09 – Hybrid Roles and Compensation 22:22 – Burning Questions: Preventing Poaching 26:01 – Burning Questions: Pay and Exit Interviews 27:20 – The Manager’s Role in Retention 31:17 – Lawyer on the Clock: No Reverse Discrimination 36:10 – BLM Apron Case and Workplace Expression

Send your burning questions to hrask.org As AI redefines how work gets done, what does it mean for compensation? On this episode of This Week at Work, we explore how employers can rethink pay strategies in a world of task-based roles, gig-style contributions, and rapid workforce shifts. Join hosts Phil and Burt as they unpack the big question HR leaders need to ask, “How do we build a compensation strategy that helps us stay competitive and attract talent during this workforce shift?” Timestamps: 1:31 - Introduction 2:58 - 50% of White Collar jobs may be eliminated by programming in 1-5 years 4:03 - Burt's Take on the 50% elimination 5:00 - Phil's Phired Up: AI and Compensation 6:30 - AI Robot Malfunction 7:40 - Burt on AI helping in the workplace 9:50 - The Lamp Lighter Article Analogy 11:00 - Burt on AI, Robotics, and the Manufacturing Industry 17:29 - Burning Question: How to build a compensation strategy to stay competitive 18:37 - Become an AAIM Member 24:12 - Lawyer on The Clock: DOJ Eliminating DEI 26:50 - OFCCP Elimination, Budget Cuts, Vets Program and the Department of Labor 32:20 - Wrap Up

Download your compensation cheat sheet here: https://shorturl.at/OcOYG Send your burning questions to hrask.org Ep. 329 This Week, Are you paying to win or just to survive? In this week’s episode of This Week at Work, Phil and Burt flip the script on “competitive pay” and reveal why average compensation is costing you top talent. They’ll unpack why your well-meaning raises might be fueling turnover, how inflation is sabotaging morale, and what it really takes to build a compensation strategy that retains your best people. Join us as we challenge outdated pay norms and share actionable steps to rethink, realign, and actually reward your workforce. It's not about paying more, it's about paying smarter. Timestamps: 00:53 – Intro & Episode Theme: Benchmarking Pay in 2025 03:18 – Why Phil’s “Phired Up” About Compensation 06:13 – Competitive Pay vs. Paying Well 09:17 – The Three-Part Quiz: Defining and Implementing "Paying Well" 20:09 – Lawyer on the Clock: Missouri’s Paid Sick Leave Repeal 27:03 – Trump-era Firings & Supreme Court Decision 30:45 – Phil’s on Phire Cheat Sheet, Upcoming Compensation Events & Final Thoughts 31:58 – Wrap-up & How to Join the Movement

Send your burning questions to hrask.org Ep. 328 This Week, Phil and Burt tackle confusion in the new workplace: Are we measuring the wrong things? As discussed last week, employees are happier with flexibility, yet engagement, and productivity, are trending down. It’s time to rethink what productivity really means in the age of remote work. Join us for a provocative conversation about redefining success, aligning expectations, and building a culture that supports both autonomy and accountability. Timestamps: 01:46 – Intro: Productivity vs. Activity in a Hybrid World 03:22 – Gallup & Forbes Stats: Why Manager Trust Is Broken 04:54 – Why Measuring HR Productivity is So Hard 07:20 – Visibility Bias: Why Remote Work Breeds Distrust 08:54 – How to Fix Broken Productivity Metrics 09:53 – RECAP: Missouri Paid Sick Leave Law Fallout 11:47 – Employer vs. Employee Perspectives on Policy 16:46 – Burning Question: Should You Share Personnel Files? 19:58 – HR Strategy Lightning Round: How Should We Define Productivity? 26:13 – In-Office vs. Remote Resentment and How to Handle It 27:56 – Lawyer on the Clock: No Tax on Tips, Independent Contractors, EEO-1 Data Cautions 35:19 – Final Thoughts and How AAIM Supports Your HR Team

Send your burning questions to hrask.org Ep. 327 Remote and hybrid work are no longer the exception, they’re the expectation. But even after years of experimenting, employers are still navigating some tough waters. In today’s episode, we’ll quiz Burt on the top five challenges HR professionals report in managing hybrid models, and reveal why solving those doesn’t mean the job is done. 00:48 - Introduction from Phil 02:15 - Look back at AAIM Leadership Conference 05:09 - Remote Work and Engagement 06:06 - Survey of Remote Work at AAIM 08:30 - Burt on Remote Work 10:40 - Phil's Tough Truth 14:17 - Burt's Work from Home Policy Thoughts and Remote Work Agreements 15:39 - Phil on Bending Work from Home Policy 18:08 - AAIM Membership 18:40 - Lawyer on the Clock 19:15 - No Tax on Tips 24:50 - 8th Cricut EEOC Case of Deaf Truck Driver 30:15 - More thoughts on legal issues from Burt 35:05 - Pop Quiz with Burt on Remote/Hybrid Work