THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prevalent throughout our world, business owners are wondering how it fits into their world. On this episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, host Gene Marks is talking with Chief Futurist at ARK Investment Management, Brett Winton about what he’s seeing in the AI front. Hear what he had to say about everything from how AI is changing softw...

As the U.S. Department of Labor delays the announcement of OT Rule, speculation begins on what the salary threshold will be. Some hint it could go as high as $80,000, but Gene Marks suggests that $60K seems more likely. Speaking of change, if pen doesn’t hit paper to resolve the writers’ strike, small businesses that rely on those people working to make a living will take the biggest hit, which ot...

Congresswoman Stephanie Bice from Oklahoma and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania are part of a bipartisan group working towards the creation of a federal paid family leave. Take a listen as both Representatives talk with host Gene Marks about how they are approaching this initiative, where the money may come from to support it, how they would help business owners, and more. Topics I...

Nearly 340,000 jobs added in May in the United States and another 10.1 million job openings reported. If people want to work, the jobs are there, especially in service industry such as leisure and hospitality. Gene Marks suggests businesses be ready to offer competitive salaries and the right benefits to land employees. However, some small businesses indicated using AI to reduce the workforce (and...

Queen Latifah – you know her as a recording artist, actress, producer, label president, and entrepreneur, but did you know all that she’s doing to support business owners? On this episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, Gene Marks is talking to the Queen herself about her Lenovo “Evolve Small” campaign and how it’s supporting small businesses. Listen in to also hear her talk about the impor...

There’s funding still available for businesses to help them recover from pandemic-related challenges, from Maine to the federal government, and Gene Marks says small businesses need to take advantage. As tweaks are being requested for SECURE 2.0, Gene also suggests businesses not let the opportunity pass to strengthen their workplace retirement benefits. And fueling the remote work debate is an NY...

When it comes to labor and the workplace, what is the difference between rules and laws? And what topics are top-of-mind within Washington, D.C.? Find out on this episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, as host Gene Marks talks with Labor and Employment Reporter for the Bloomberg Industry Group, Diego Areas Munhoz. Hear about where some of the key labor rules stand, including those on worke...

The tax deduction that pass-through businesses have been enjoying is set to expire in 2025, but Congress is proposing it become permanent. Gene Marks comments on the significance of that 20% deduction, as well as gives a thumbs-down to the DOL for trying to curtail independent contractors, of which 80% surveyed said they felt more economically secure with multiple sources of income. Marks also loo...

Over the past several years, we have seen mental health stigma disintegrate on a social front. Now, it's your job as an employer to help break down the stigma of mental health in the workplace to better support your employees. Listen as host Gene Marks talks with the CEO of Talkspace, Jon Cohen about the importance of talking about mental health, how essential mental health benefits are for your c...

It took the ever-changing tech world just a few years to realize that an entire remote work force tamps down what makes tech work best. Now, they want changes, and according to Gene Marks, more creativity is the reason. Gene also is a proponent of states such as North Carolina considering legislation that incentivizes work by waiving state taxes on overtime, and why the Small Business Reorganizati...

Generation Z continues to enter the workforce in droves — where, doing what, and for how much? A Paychex special report analyzed the data to answer these questions and Gene Marks shares his own insights on the impact. Plus, job numbers exceed expectations, and every business will be in the mix to hire the right talent. And what is one Florida restaurant thinking by tacking on a huge service fee to...

With the recent bank failures, many people and businesses throughout the U.S. are wondering what the future may hold for the banking industry. That’s why we’re talking with Sayee Srinivasan, Chief Economist and Head of Research for the American Bankers Association. Hear what he had to say about the state of the banking sector, the importance of micro vs. macro trends, why businesses should build a...

Government agencies and state governments have artificial intelligence on the radar, making noise about regulations to protect the American public especially regarding potential discrimination around lending and housing. Gene Marks also shares insights on which states, according to recent reports, are tough to start a business or hire employees. Listen to the podcast. DISCLAIMER: The information p...

When it comes to operations management, finding the right CRM platform is essential for businesses, especially those in the home services industry. That’s why CEO Sam Pillar co-founded the Jobber platform, to help them with organization, scheduling, invoicing, and more. Tune in to this episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, to hear what Sam had to say about how Jobber came to be, the user...

As unemployment numbers go up amid layoffs by large companies, small businesses might be the beneficiary of a growing talent pool. One bit of good news is a Pew study that shows a rise in private-sector retirement plans offered by businesses in states that mandate workplace retirement plans. Gene Marks shares his thoughts on the benefits of proposed federal pay transparency legislation and wonders...

With the changing U.S. economy that includes a tumultuous banking system, rising interest rates, and inflated pricing, comes a changing consumer, one that is willing to push back on companies. Take a listen to hear from the Executive Editor of Yahoo! Finance, Brian Sozzi as he talks about just this with host of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, Gene Marks. Topics Include 00:00 – Welcome, Brian S...

Healthcare benefits are an important part of your ability to attract and retain talent which is why it’s so important to choose your offerings based on what best fits your employees and your business. On this episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, host Gene Marks is talking with Shane Foss, Founder and CEO of Hooray Health, a platform that provides unique healthcare services for businesses...

Access to funds is becoming an issue for small businesses, whether it’s a cash flow shortage or high interest rates for loans. Even mass transit systems in some major cities are finding themselves millions of dollars short, but that’s because fare evasion. A study found that 26% of businesses interviewed have only enough funds to stay open 60 days if their cash flow dried up. Gene Marks offers ins...

While a report from the Brookings Institution reveals that Americans have shaved a little more than a half hour from their average work week, other news indicates that the work is still getting done. The Services industry continues to expand and employment ticks up, especially in the South. Gene Marks shares insights on why working less and getting more done is a positive trend, as well as who is...

As a Senator for the state of Wisconsin, Ron Johnson knows the enormous impact the government can have on our economy, our businesses, and our lives. That’s why he is working to ensure that there’s more transparency within government. Listen in has Senator Johnson talks with host, Gene Marks about what he’s doing to help businesses, including his work on the Guidance Out of Darkness (GOOD) Act, hi...

New federal support is available for women-owned small businesses, as they comprise nearly half of all businesses launched in 2021 and face unique obstacles. Also, according to a new survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, around half of small business owners rate their access to capital or loans as good. That’s lower than in recent years, and Gene Marks has some thoughts on why. And some of the...

You’ve seen him on Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing New York,” but did you know that Ryan Serhant is also the founder and CEO of the world’s most followed real estate brokerage brand, SERHANT. On this episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, Ryan is talking with Gene Marks about the economic outlook for 2023, 2024, and 2025 and what that means for commercial real estate. Listen in as he share...

In several recent surveys, results show that only 27% of owners have a fully laid-out plan to pass a family-owned business to the next generation, while in another, small-business owners said minimum-wage increases have little negative impact on their operations. Gene Marks shares insights such as being upfront and getting all succession plans in writing. On the minimum wage topic, he has some dou...

The SECURE Act 2.0 was signed into law at the end of 2022, building upon the work that the original SECURE Act did to address the retirement crisis in the U.S. On this episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast; host Gene Marks is talking with the CEO of the American Retirement Association, Brian Graff. Listen in as Brian discusses the impact that SECURE 2.0 will have on businesses and employee...

Illinois joins several states in mandating paid leave to all workers for any reason — and impacting all sized businesses. Plus, a study reveals that 45 percent of Millennials have a side hustle to keep their work-work balance, but will potential upcoming rules by the Department of Labor and court decisions in California change how independent contractors want to work? Gene Marks shares his insight...