Employco USA's HR Podcast

Employee training can play a critical role in reducing turnover and improving workforce performance. In this month's HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss why many employers expect turnover to increase in 2026, the rising cost of replacing employees, and how training, career development, competitive benefits, and workplace culture can help organizations improve retention and employee engagemen...

As the labor market continues to shift in 2026, many employers are reevaluating the benefits and workplace perks they offer employees. In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss how current labor market conditions are influencing employer decisions around compensation, flexibility, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and employee expectations. They also explore which perks employe...

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it’s also creating new risks for employers. In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss how AI is being used in workplace scams, including phishing attempts, fraudulent job candidates, and increasingly sophisticated tactics that can impact hiring, payroll, and internal communications. They also share practical steps employers can take t...

As workforce dynamics continue to shift, organizations investing in employee development are better positioned to compete. In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss how employers can strengthen internal talent, adapt to evolving employee expectations around growth, and build more resilient teams through upskilling, cross-training, and increased AI literacy. For support with employe...

In this month’s HR Podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason are joined by special guest Josh Loudermilk, who oversees Loss Control and Client Relations at Employco, to discuss workplace safety and OSHA compliance. They explore how employers can reduce risk through stronger safety programs, build a proactive safety culture, identify common workplace hazards, and take practical steps to improve compliance whi...

In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss key attraction and retention trends shaping the workforce in 2026. They explore the continued growth of the gig economy, the expanding role of artificial intelligence, employee burnout and engagement challenges, layoffs and workforce stability, and how employers can adapt their strategies to remain competitive in a shifting labor market. Fo...

In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss how artificial intelligence is being used across organizations and what employers should focus on as adoption grows. They cover the importance of employee training and upskilling, how to identify skills gaps, common mistakes to avoid, and why clear AI policies are essential to successful implementation. For support with AI readiness, traini...

In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss how hybrid work is evolving and why now is a good time for employers to review their policies and programs for 2026. They highlight Gallup findings showing that hybrid work remains common, even as many large employers push for a full five-day return to the office. The team highlights key considerations for organizations—such as evaluating w...

In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason explore six key workplace trends shaping the second half of 2025. From ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining talent to the growing influence of AI, they break down what’s driving change—and how employers can respond. They’ll also touch on federal enforcement priorities, economic shifts, and new legislation affecting employers nationwide. W...

In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason share practical ways small businesses can boost employee engagement. With retention and productivity more important than ever, they explore how communication, recognition, and thoughtful feedback can strengthen your workplace culture. They also cover tools like anonymous surveys and simple ways to offer more flexibility and growth. Want a deeper di...

In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason dive into the growing trend of Unlimited PTO. They explore the pros and cons employers should consider, including administrative ease, employee perceptions, legal payout obligations, and the impact on workplace culture. They also share insights on how to structure guidelines, address compliance across different states, and set expectations to avoid...

Struggling with employee performance issues? In this episode, Rob, Scott, and Jason break down best practices for implementing a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Learn how a PIP differs from a standard performance review, key elements to include, why proper documentation is crucial, legal pitfalls to avoid, and more. A well-structured PIP can help employees get back on track while saving your c...

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they explore employee retention and turnover in today's workforce. This episode unpacks key insights from a recent survey highlighting a significant disconnect between employee and employer perceptions. Learn why toxic culture and poor leadership are major factors driving turnover, and how exit interviews and engagement surveys can help brid...

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they break down critical topics surrounding benefits, renewal increases, and open enrollment. With renewal rates climbing for the third consecutive year, they explore strategies companies can adopt to navigate these challenges. They touch on adjusting plan designs, using varying communication methods, and give actionable tips to help employe...

In this month's HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason delve into the complex issue of politics in the workplace. With the election season in full swing, many employees find themselves caught in political conversations they’d rather avoid. The team examines a revealing SHRM survey, which shows that while 83% of employees have engaged in political discussions at work, almost the same number wish they ha...

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they dive into best practices for workplace drug testing. In this episode, they cover the alarming increase in drug test cheating and the growing positivity rates in office environments. They explore the four common types of drug testing from an employer's perspective, discuss whether pre-employment drug testing makes sense for your organiza...

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they unpack the FTC's ban on non-compete agreements, set to take effect on September 4th. They go over the specifics, some exceptions and caveats, required actions for compliance, employee notification, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, and more. They also review some upcoming HR regulatory changes you should be aware of for m...

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they discuss "Watch Me Get Fired" videos, a growing concern for employers nationwide. They explore what they are, best practices to follow, some of the legal implications, helpful termination techniques, manager training, the importance of using professionalism and respect, and more. Tune in to learn how to handle terminations effectively an...

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they discuss what happens when a business receives an EEOC charge of discrimination. They go over some best practices and employer guidance, from the moment the complaint arrives in the mail to your options when responding. It’s crucial to act timely! They also provide some insights on internal investigations, tips for negotiation, maintaini...

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they delve into the latest developments in employment regulations. In this episode, they unpack the Department of Labor's new independent contractor rule, set to take effect on March 11th. They provide insights into its background, the changes forthcoming, tips for employers, and crucial preparation strategies for businesses. Listen in as th...

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they discuss workplace boredom and the key trends shaping HR practices in 2024. They take a look at a recent SHRM survey that revealed nearly 70% of employees feel disengaged or bored at work. They dissect potential causes, from communication breakdowns to the challenges of remote work, highlighting the importance of meaningful interactions...

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they delve into the details of the new Form I-9, a critical component of the hiring process. They also highlight HR and employment changes set to roll out in 2024. The new Form I-9 is now mandatory for all new hires. The team discusses some of the improvements, remote verification updates, internal and external audits, fines and penalties, d...

Welcome to this month's HR podcast with Rob, Scott, and Jason, where we dive into changes brought by the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act, scheduled to take effect on January 1st, 2024. In this episode, we break down some of the key components of the law, which mandates up to 40 hours of paid leave for every employee, regardless of the reason. We also discuss the implications for businesses...

Welcome to this month's HR podcast with Rob, Scott, and Jason. In this episode, we review the findings from our Work from Home survey, where we surveyed 3,000 business owners from a variety of states. We discuss the shifting landscape of office space, examine the future of remote work practices, and look at the impact on productivity and profitability. Next, we dive into open enrollment season, wh...

Welcome to this month's HR podcast with Rob, Scott, and Jason. As we approach the end of the year and Q4, we're diving into a hot topic that's on every HR professional’s mind: Performance Management. In this episode, we explore the crucial aspects of the performance management process, why frequent conversations are important (not just once a year), the importance of giving feedback to employees a...