2026: The Year of Ultimate Business Efficiency

2026: The Year of Ultimate Business EfficiencyHosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer SummaryIn this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer discuss the transformative impact of AI on business efficiency as they enter 2026. They explore the financial implications of AI adoption, the role of Gen Z in integrating AI into workplaces, and how AI is reshaping corporate hierarchies. The conversation also touches on predictions for the future of work and pop culture, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advancements. Listen in! Chapters0:00 New Year Reflections01:34 The Rise of AI in Business Efficiency07:25 Financial Implications of AI Adoption12:01 AI's Impact on Corporate Hierarchies16:25 Gen Z's Role in AI Development18:22 AI in the Workplace21:24 AI as a Communication Coach25:25 Predictions for 2026: Business and Beyond Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage. Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year. Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Smart HR Solutions for Today’s Business Leadership ChallengesHosts:&nbsp;Steve Boese&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trish SteedGuest:&nbsp;Alison Stevens, Senior Director of HR Solutions,&nbsp;Paychex&nbsp;SummaryIn this episode of the&nbsp;At Work in America&nbsp;show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Alison Stevens from Paychex to unpack insights from the 2026&nbsp;Business Leader Priorities Report. Together, they explore what’s top of mind for small business leaders right now - especially the growing HR challenges that come with running lean teams in a complex environment. The conversation dives into practical ways organizations can streamline onboarding, make smarter benefits decisions, and use automation to lift administrative weight off already stretched leaders. At the heart of it all is a clear focus on helping businesses stay agile, support their people, and keep growth and retention front and center, even when the landscape feels anything but simple.Chapters02:45&nbsp;The Role of HR in Business Success06:04&nbsp;Insights from the Paychex 2026 Business Leader Priorities Report08:56&nbsp;Strategies for Growth in a Cost-Challenged Economy15:58&nbsp;The Importance of Efficient Onboarding18:43&nbsp;Selecting Strategic Benefits for Employee Retention24:42&nbsp;The Challenge of HR Administrative TasksThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!&nbsp;This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, an industry-leading human capital management (HCM) company that helps businesses of all sizes succeed with its award-winning combination of digital HR technology and advisory services.&nbsp;Discover what 600 business leaders are prioritizing in 2026 — and how they're overcoming today's biggest obstacles. Uncovered insights and strategies from this year’s Paychex Priorities for Business Leaders survey results to:• Reclaim time spent on admin tasks• Reduce turnover costs and keep top talent• Protect your data and defend against cyber threats• Turn your biggest challenges into wins in 2026&nbsp;Head to&nbsp;paychex.com/awia&nbsp;to read the full report. Don’t just guess your priorities — know them.The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman.&nbsp;The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.&nbsp;Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.workhuman.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

AI and Cultural Values: A Unique BlendHosts:&nbsp;Steve Boese&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trish SteedGuest:&nbsp;Kamwin Story, Senior Manager, System Support at Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma&nbsp;SummaryIn this episode of the&nbsp;HR Happy Hour&nbsp;show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed speak with Kamwin Story from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The conversation explores the transformative impact of AI on business operations, highlighting the integration of AI tools like Grow and Dynamic Skills into existing systems. They also discuss the importance of seamless functionality and collaboration with Oracle's innovation team to enhance efficiency in the workplace.&nbsp;ChaptersIntroduction to Oracle AI World and Event OverviewChoctaw Nation's Unique GovernanceCollaboration with OracleAI Integration and BenefitsCultural Values and Vendor RelationshipsReflections and Future ProspectsLearn about Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications&nbsp;HERE&nbsp;Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!&nbsp;The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it.&nbsp;Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value.&nbsp;The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle.&nbsp;So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward.&nbsp;Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at&nbsp;Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.&nbsp;

Human-Centered Development in a Data-Driven WorldHosts:&nbsp;Steve Boese&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trish SteedGuest:&nbsp;Matthew Daniel, Senior Principal, Talent Strategy at Guild&nbsp;SummaryIn this episode of the&nbsp;At Work in America&nbsp;show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed speak with Matthew Daniel from Guild to discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development in the workplace. They explore the importance of integrated talent strategies, the reimagining of tuition reimbursement into tuition assistance, and the value of degrees in today's job market. The conversation looks into skill acquisition, the role of AI in talent development, and the need for supportive learning environments to enhance employee retention and satisfaction. They also cover the importance of collaboration among HR leaders to tackle workforce challenges and improve talent pipelines.&nbsp;Chapters00:55&nbsp;Exploring Learning and Development03:47&nbsp;The Importance of Integrated Talent Strategies08:05&nbsp;Reimagining Tuition Reimbursement&nbsp;15:42&nbsp;Aligning Skills with Job Opportunities19:51&nbsp;Managing Talent Development Effectively25:35&nbsp;Leveraging AI in Talent Development29:02&nbsp;Understanding Breaking Points in Learning34:37&nbsp;Innovative Approaches to Workforce DevelopmentThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!&nbsp;The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it.&nbsp;Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value.&nbsp;The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle.&nbsp;So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward.&nbsp;Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at&nbsp;Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.&nbsp;

2025 Year in ReviewHosts:&nbsp;Jack McFarlane&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Nick SchlemmerGuest:&nbsp;Carleigh McFarlane&nbsp;SummaryIn this episode of&nbsp;The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer reflect on the significant events of 2025, covering top news stories, political highlights, sports achievements, and the most streamed music and movies. They discuss the impact of AI technology on daily life and business, and share their favorite moments from the year. The conversation emphasizes community engagement and looks forward to the opportunities and challenges of the upcoming year. Listen in!&nbsp;Chapters0:00&nbsp;Introduction&nbsp;01:53&nbsp;Top News Stories of 202506:14&nbsp;Political Highlights and Elections07:20&nbsp;Major Sports Trades and Events08:15&nbsp;Most Streamed Songs and Albums15:25&nbsp;Top Artists and Their Impact23:31&nbsp;Personal Favorites and Closing Thoughts38:19&nbsp;Top Businesses of 202548:23&nbsp;Reflections and Future AspirationsThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it.&nbsp;Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value.&nbsp;The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle.&nbsp;So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward.&nbsp;Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at&nbsp;Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.&nbsp;

Who’s Really Moving the Needle? How Recognition Data Reveals Hidden TalentHosts:&nbsp;Steve Boese&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trish SteedGuest:&nbsp;Kevin Heinzelman, SVP of Product Management at&nbsp;Workhuman&nbsp;SummaryIn this episode of the&nbsp;HR Happy Hour&nbsp;show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed engage with Kevin Heinzelman from Workhuman to discuss the significance of recognition in the workplace. They explore how recognition data can unlock insights about company culture, employee engagement, and business outcomes. Kevin shares his journey at Workhuman, the role of AI in enhancing recognition programs, and how organizations can align their recognition efforts with their core values. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment and the transformative power of recognition data.&nbsp;TakeawaysRecognition data provides authentic insights into employee interactions.AI enhances the understanding of recognition data.Visualizing recognition data helps identify key contributors in organizations.Recognition can drive significant business outcomes like retention.Understanding recognition data can help align company values with actions.Learn More Here:&nbsp;How Work Gets Done (Now)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Workhuman Human Intelligence&nbsp;Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!&nbsp;The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it.&nbsp;Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value.&nbsp;The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle.&nbsp;So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward.&nbsp;Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at&nbsp;Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.&nbsp;

Translating Employee Data into ImpactHosts:&nbsp;Mervyn DinnenGuest:&nbsp;Kinsey Li, HR and People Analytics Leader&nbsp;SummaryIn this episode of the&nbsp;HR Means Business&nbsp;podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen interviews Kinsey Li, an HR and People Analytics leader. They discuss the evolution of people analytics from basic HR reporting to a strategic business tool, the impact of AI, and the importance of data transparency and ethical practices. Kinsey shares insights from her book, "People Analytics Explained," and emphasizes the need for a strong data foundation in organizations.&nbsp;Chapters00:00&nbsp;Introduction to People Analytics01:30&nbsp;The Impact of AI03:45&nbsp;Building a Strong Data Foundation06:15&nbsp;Transparency and Ethics in Data08:30&nbsp;Optimizing People Investment10:45&nbsp;The Future of People AnalyticsThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!Welcome to HR Means Business, a part of the HR Happy Hour Network, sponsored by Workhuman.&nbsp;Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it.&nbsp;Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value.&nbsp;The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle. So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward.&nbsp;Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at&nbsp;Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.&nbsp;

Real-time Recognition with AI: A Game-changer for OrganizationsHosts:&nbsp;Steve Boese&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trish SteedGuest:&nbsp;Naomi Dishington, Consulting Director at&nbsp;Workhuman&nbsp;SummaryIn this episode of the&nbsp;HR Happy Hour&nbsp;show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed re joined by Naomi Dishington from Workhuman to discuss the transformative power of recognition data in organizations. They explore how AI and recognition platforms can unlock insights into employee performance, culture, and engagement, offering a more holistic view of employee contributions. The conversation highlights the importance of real-time recognition and its impact on organizational culture and decision-making.&nbsp;TakeawaysThe Role of Recognition DataAI and Recognition PlatformsImpact on Organizational CultureReal-Time Recognition BenefitsThe Future of Recognition with AIThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!&nbsp;The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Workplace recognition is more than feel-good moments. It’s a powerful source of people data that transforms cultures and businesses. Workhuman unlocks that power with Human Intelligence — AI trained on millions of coworker “thank-yous” to uncover the hidden patterns shaping your culture. Who’s actually driving projects forward? Where are the skills gaps? Which teams are thriving—and which need support? Say goodbye to the guesswork. And leverage the collective wisdom of your people for insights you can act on. And here’s the best part: Workhuman guarantees measurable results. Real culture improvements that drive real business outcomes. Visit&nbsp;workhuman.com&nbsp;to turn your recognition data into a competitive advantage. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network!

Responsible AI: Navigating the Hype and RealityHosts:&nbsp;Mervyn DinnenGuest:&nbsp;Martyn Redstone,&nbsp;AI Governance &amp; Readiness Advisor&nbsp;SummaryIn this episode of the&nbsp;HR Means Business&nbsp;podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen talks with AI governance expert Martyn Redstone to explore the responsible use of AI in HR. They discuss the current landscape of AI adoption, common misconceptions among HR leaders, and the essential non-negotiables for implementing AI ethically. The conversation also covers the importance of vendor relationships, the risks of bias in AI, and the need for AI literacy within organizations. The discussion emphasizes the significance of augmented judgment in decision-making and outlines strategic priorities for HR leaders as they prepare for the future of work with AI.&nbsp;Chapters00:00&nbsp;Understanding AI in HR03:26&nbsp;AI Capability vs Competence06:37&nbsp;Non-negotiables for Responsible AI Implementation08:07&nbsp;Vendor Relationships and Questions to Ask11:17&nbsp;Bias in AI14:13&nbsp;Building Internal Support for AI Initiatives17:12&nbsp;AI Literacy Across an Organization21:35&nbsp;Enhancing Human Decision-Making&nbsp;Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Workplace recognition is more than feel-good moments. It’s a powerful source of people data that transforms cultures and businesses. Workhuman unlocks that power with Human Intelligence — AI trained on millions of coworker “thank-yous” to uncover the hidden patterns shaping your culture. Who’s actually driving projects forward? Where are the skills gaps? Which teams are thriving—and which need support? Say goodbye to the guesswork. And leverage the collective wisdom of your people for insights you can act on. And here’s the best part: Workhuman guarantees measurable results. Real culture improvements that drive real business outcomes. Visit&nbsp;workhuman.com&nbsp;to turn your recognition data into a competitive advantage. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network!

Harnessing AI for Enhanced ProductivityHost:&nbsp;Steve BoeseGuest:&nbsp;Emma Crockett, Head of People Insights,&nbsp;Atlassian&nbsp;Welcome back to the&nbsp;System of Record!In this conversation, Steve Boese engages in a dynamic conversation with Emma Crockett, Head of People Insights at Atlassian. They explore the transformative role of AI in enterprise technology, focusing on Atlassian's innovative approaches to collaboration and HR processes. Emma shares insights into Atlassian's journey to becoming a fully distributed company and the impact of AI on productivity and employee experience.&nbsp;Key highlights:Atlassian's Distributed Workforce JourneyAI's Role in HR TransformationCollaboration Tools and Team SuccessAI-Powered Onboarding and Employee ExperienceFuture of Work with AIThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Workplace recognition is more than feel-good moments. It’s a powerful source of people data that transforms cultures and businesses. Workhuman unlocks that power with Human Intelligence — AI trained on millions of coworker “thank-yous” to uncover the hidden patterns shaping your culture. Who's actually driving projects forward? Where are the skills gaps? Which teams are thriving—and which need support? Say goodbye to the guesswork. And leverage the collective wisdom of your people for insights you can act on. And here's the best part: Workhuman guarantees measurable results. Real culture improvements that drive real business outcomes. Visit&nbsp;workhuman.com&nbsp;to turn your recognition data into a competitive advantage. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network!