Employco USA's HR Podcast

Workplace drug testing trends can provide valuable insights for employers looking to maintain a safe and productive workforce. In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss findings from Quest Diagnostics’ Drug Testing Index, differences between hair, urine, and oral testing, and how marijuana and other substance use affect workplace safety. They also explore employer testing policies, reasonable suspicion testing, and the importance of manager training.

For guidance on workplace drug testing, HR best practices, or to request a reasonable suspicion checklist, contact [email protected].

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 engagement.

For guidance on employee training, workforce retention strategies, and HR best practices, contact [email protected].

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 employees value most, how organizations can remain competitive, and why balancing cost management with retention strategies remains a key challenge for employers.

For guidance on employee benefits planning, workforce retention strategies, and HR best practices, contact [email protected].

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 to recognize red flags and protect their organizations from emerging threats.

For guidance on HR best practices, risk mitigation, and AI usage policies, contact [email protected].

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 employee development programs, workforce planning, and HR strategy, contact [email protected].

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 while protecting employees.

For support with workplace safety, OSHA compliance, and HR strategy, contact [email protected].

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.

For guidance on workforce planning, compliance, and HR strategy, contact [email protected].

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, training, or policy development, contact [email protected].

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 which roles are suited for hybrid work, maintaining a strong workplace culture, using tools like desk-scheduling or collaboration hubs, and ensuring policies are applied consistently and fairly across the workforce.

If you’d like help reviewing your hybrid work program or developing a formal policy, contact [email protected].

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.