THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

Tired of pressing 1, then pressing additional numbers to work through an automated system? Think how your customers feel if they are having the same experience. Well, chatGPT is all the talk, and it’s the talking part that has the tech sector excited. This artificial intelligence system is conversational – it can continue a dialogue as it “learns” more. Gene Marks shares insights on how this can h...

You’ve heard of Yelp, but are you using it to its fullest potential for your business? On this episode of Paychex THRIVE, Gene Marks talks with Emily Washcovick, Senior Marketing Manager and Small Business Expert at Yelp about how Yelp works to help businesses build connections with customers and succeed in their industry. Listen in as Emily shares her insights on the good that can come from a bad...

The employee retention tax credit is getting a lot of attention after a recent IRS announcement extended the deadlines to file amended returns. Gene Marks tells eligible businesses to go for it because there is meaningful money potentially waiting. However, in this episode of the Week in Review, he also warns that the added attention has brought out scammers and make-shift third-party vendors tryi...

Businesses throughout the United States have been forced to navigate an array of unprecedented challenges throughout the past few years. As we look towards the approaching new year, what can we expect to see in 2023? On this episode of Paychex THRIVE, CNN reporter, Matt Egan, talks with Gene Marks about the economic outlook of 2023. Hear what he had to say about consumer spending, a possible reces...

In this episode of the Week in Review, Gene Marks says he thinks the lame duck Congress might actually move the needle on retirement and tax legislation – and that’s a benefit to businesses. The many bills on retirement could become SECURE Act 2.0, leading to additional tax credits and incentives. Plus, extending the research and development tax credit is on the table. Listen to the podcast. DISCL...

Robotics and automation are becoming increasingly important in our everyday life. The same goes for businesses, including those in the restaurant industry. CEO of Miso Robotics, Mike Bell, is talking with host, Gene Marks, about the how his company is bringing robotic solutions to an industry that is struggling to fill positions – the restaurant industry. Listen in as Bell talks about the customiz...

With inflation nearing 8 percent and some industries reporting costs for materials much higher than that, the thought that a new yet divided Congress might have a tough time fixing this. However, Gene Marks points out that people’s spending habits don’t match the doom-and-gloom economy that many say the country is in. He shares his insights in this week’s podcast. DISCLAIMER: The information prese...

As the economy begins to slow down, many companies may be forced to turn to employee layoffs, now and in the future. Hear from Lenny Feigel, labor and employment attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP, about what you need to consider. Find out why it’s so important to plan, how to select where your layoffs are going, what companies are offering in terms of separation and severance pay, and much more. Top...

We won’t know the makeup of Congress for another month following the mid-term elections, but a slim majority for either party primarily will result in few big pieces of bi-partisan legislation. Gene Marks takes a look at a handful of potential outcomes on where the government will spend its money, who might benefit, and some other issues such that will impact businesses. Listen to the podcast. DIS...

The Equal Employee Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the primary federal agency in charge of enforcing the employment discrimination laws in the United States. On this episode, Gene Marks is talking with Vice Chair of the EEOC, Jocelyn Samuels, about what small businesses need to know about the agency, including the importance of understanding discrimination laws, how being an inclusive workplace i...

We’re kicking off Season 4 of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, with Congressman Ben Cline from the sixth congressional district in Virginia. Listen in as host Gene Marks talks with Rep. Cline about his proposed legislation, the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act, which is designed to help small businesses understand and comply with new regulations. Hear what inspired this bil...

With the U.S. Department of Labor’s recent proposed new rule, businesses might have to make some adjustments if independent contractors are reclassified. It could change how your business pays taxes, as well as increase your costs if these individuals must be treated as employees. Listen to our THRIVE Week in Review with Gene Marks podcast. Learn more about tax forms for independent contractors at...

Bonus episode: Cybersecurity – it’s not just for big businesses. In fact, small businesses are often prime targets for cyber-attacks. On this episode of THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast, you’ll hear from Kristin Harper, Manager of Operations Security at Paychex, as she talks to Gene Marks about what you should know and what you can do to protect your company from cyber criminals. Topics Include:...

The unemployment rate is at a 50-year low but there are still more than 10 million open jobs. That’s going to create competition for talent. Use every resource available, including the federally funded Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which can either reduce your income tax or payroll tax if you hire certain types of candidates such as military veterans or the long-term unemployed, to name a few. Host...

With projected increases expected for workplace health plans, you have options to help manage the costs; health savings accounts, health reimbursement accounts or level-funded plans. Your business can even contribute more to employee health insurance costs and take a deduction. Gene Marks provides some insights that can help your business. Listen to the podcast Other resources HRA vs. HSA: Which i...

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, host Gene Marks shares some insights on how businesses across the country are not immune to natural disasters and should consider a business continuity plan. Having a chain of communication and a way to pay your employees on time are just two ways to get your operations up and running quickly in the event of interruption. Listen to the podcast. Other Resources: u...

As we close out season 3 of THRIVE, Gene Marks talks with Jeremy Bilsky, Senior Director and General Manager of Advance Partners about the current state of the staffing industry and how finding good talent is harder than ever before. Hear what Jeremy had to say about topics such as temp-to-hire versus direct hire, redefining employment, the impact of remote work on staffing, and much more. Topics...

With interest rates going up another 75 basis points, and another increase expected, businesses are going to find loans and financing more expensive to secure. Gene Marks offers a few tips, including paying down credit card debt or looking to high-yield checking or money market accounts to let your money work for the business in the short term. Listen to the podcast. DISCLAIMER: The information pr...

With recently passed legislation, California is looking to improve regulations and rules for the fast-food industry. That’s why when it comes to policy changes in the fast-food industry, the state of California is turning to employees, employers, and other key stakeholders. Listen in as David Madland, Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor at American Worker Project for the Center for American Progress,...

With the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasting a 16 percent increase in energy costs in 2023 – higher for some regions such as New York state that could see a 124% increase – businesses should control what they can. Gene Marks offers a handful of tips, some as simple as changing light bulbs, to help businesses prepare. Listen to the podcast. DISCLAIMER: The information presented in th...

Despite the Great Resignation, startup businesses are booming. Why is this? Stephanie Gorski, Strategy Managing Director/Partner at Accenture has some thoughts. Listen in as she talks with host Gene Marks about the recent study from Accenture, the changing business owner demographic, and more. Topics Include: 00:20 – An introduction to Stephanie Gorski 01:37 – Small businesses are not enterprise b...

After a survey revealed that 54 percent of small businesses expect their revenue to increase in 2023 despite inflation, host Gene Marks takes a look at ways to accomplish this. He offers several tips on using a Customer Relationship Management system, communicating with customers, and focusing on forecasting. Listen to the podcast. DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is...

What is on the minds of small business owners? That is what Microsoft went out to find in their Small Business State of Mind study. On this episode of THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast, host Gene Marks is talking with Travis Walter, Microsoft Stores Vice President of Retail. Hear what he had to say about what this study found, including the impact of Generation Z, navigating inflation issues, why...

California could be trendsetting or setting up businesses for more challenges with the signing of a law that regulates the fast-food industry. A council would have the power to increase the minimum wage and change safety standards. It gives employees a seat at the table. It gives all businesses something to consider. In this week’s episode, Gene Marks discusses the pros and cons. Listen to the pod...

Starting, building, and growing a business can be very exciting and rewarding, it can also be very isolating. That’s why it’s so important to connect with your customers and other business owners to create communities to learn, share, and build relationships. On this episode of THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast, Gene Marks is talking with Rebecca Michals, Director of Community Engagement at eBay...