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. Want a quick reference? Reach out to [email protected] to request our PDF recap of these six HR trends.

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 dive? Reach out to [email protected] to request our latest HR Insights article on this topic.

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 potential issues.

Thinking about offering Unlimited PTO or updating your current policy? Reach out to Employco’s HR experts at [email protected] for guidance!

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 company time and money on rehiring. Need a PIP template? Contact us at [email protected].

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 bridge the gap. Employee culture is a top priority, “it’s more than just a word, it’s an action.”

For more guidance on this topic contact [email protected]. Thanks for listening and happy holidays from the Employco team!

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 employers manage renewals effectively.

Tune in for practical insights on staying compliant and ensuring your employees are well-informed during open enrollment. Have questions? Reach out to Employco today, [email protected].

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 hadn’t. They also explore the delicate balance employers must maintain between free speech and a respectful workplace, updating workplace policies, coaching supervisors, ensuring heated political debates don’t escalate into conflicts involving protected classes, and more.

If your company needs guidance on drafting or updating policies, don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected].

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 organization, examine the impact of state laws and legalized marijuana, and more.

They also share information on valuable resources, including a reasonable suspicion checklist, HR Insights articles, and tips on enhancing your drug testing program. Reach out to [email protected] for more details.

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 mid-year.

Stay informed on how to comply with these new regulations and other upcoming HR changes. Need further assistance? Reach out to [email protected] for personalized support and resources.

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 and mitigate risks in the workplace. Need further assistance? Reach out to [email protected] for personalized support and resources on manager training, performance improvement plans, and termination best practices.