The BARF

By WRKdefined

Breaking news, Acquisitions, Research, and Funding is The BARF. A look back into last week’s most talked about news in the world of work, what’s happened, what does it mean, and why should you care. A... more

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FAQs about The BARF:

How many episodes does The BARF have?

The podcast currently has 53 episodes available.

The BARF episodes:

October 28, 2024THE BARF: Toxic Positivity, LinkedIn Cringe Culture, and Union Trends in 2025
Toxic positivity, union trends, and cringe-worthy LinkedIn posts are shaping today’s HR landscape. We explore top challenges in employee engagement, changing leadership roles, and AI’s growing role in monitoring. Discover what it means for workplace culture, leadership, and future workforce trends.
In this episode, we look at Toxic Positivity, Union Trends, LinkedIn Culture, HR Leadership, AI Monitoring, Workplace Violence, Remote Work, Discrimination, and Employee Engagement—spotlighting how these factors reshape workforce management, training, and employee sentiment.
Key Takeaways
Toxic positivity in workplaces can mask deeper issues, hindering genuine improvement.
Surging union petitions reflect shifting employee engagement and a push for workers’ rights.
LinkedIn’s cringe culture highlights the growing need for authenticity in professional spaces.
Modern HR leadership changes are critical for updating workplace practices and culture.
Evolving workplace violence policies now include controversial firearm allowances in vehicles.
AI monitoring in the workplace sparks significant concerns around employee privacy and autonomy.
CEO perspectives on remote work are becoming more assertive, challenging traditional flexibility.
Discrimination cases, such as those involving Hooters, underscore ongoing hiring biases.
Strict training policies, like those at EY, reflect a no-tolerance approach to compliance.
Workforce investments in skills and training are rising as companies adapt to digital demands.
Mergers and acquisitions in HR tech drive innovation and strengthen workforce solutions.

Chapters
00:00 Kicking it off - what is WRKdefined up to?
02:58 Toxic Positivity and Glossing Over Issues
06:04 Union Trends and Employee Engagement
08:57 Cringe Culture on LinkedIn
12:02 HR Leadership Changes in Major Companies
14:58 Workplace Violence and Firearm Policies
17:59 AI Monitoring in the Workplace
21:00 CEO Perspectives on Remote Work
23:59 Hooters and Allegations of Discrimination
27:00 EY's Strict Policies on Training Attendance
29:27 Strategic Acquisitions in Business
34:21 Innovations in Workforce Management
37:15 Balancing Human and Tech Skills
39:22 Trust in Leadership and Employee Sentiment
43:39 Shifts in Employment Preferences
46:43 Investment Trends in Workforce Solutions
50:24 Recruitment Trends and AI Integration
52:25 Funding and Financial Strategies for Startups

William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/
Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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1h 4min
October 21, 2024THE BARF: Work Tech Soars: $2.6 Billion Invested in Q3 2024, Trends and Insights
Q3 saw a staggering $2.6 billion invested in Work Tech, alongside impactful M&A deals and rising AI trends. We dive into Workday’s UNTAPPED documentary, Walgreens’ game-changing student loan 401(k) match, and SHRM’s major acquisition, reshaping corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives across industries.
In this episode, we look at HR trends, Work Tech investments, AI-driven HR tools, Talent Acquisition strategies, Diversity & Inclusion, layoffs, hybrid work preferences, and future workplace strategies. We discuss key developments shaping the HR landscape and how these innovations will impact the future of work.
Key Takeaways:
Q3 2024 saw $2.6 billion invested in Work Tech, a 20% increase from Q2.
181 work tech deals were disclosed in Q3, compared to 150 in Q2, with early-stage investments driving growth.
M&A activity surged, with 336 acquisitions in the first three quarters of 2024.
Workday’s UNTAPPED documentary follows six young adults pursuing internships at Fortune 500 companies through the Year Up program.
Walgreens announced a 401(k) student loan match, launching in January 2025, to ease the burden on employees with student loans.
SHRM’s acquisition of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion strengthens its influence in corporate D&I leadership.
Immigrant workers have fueled 88% of U.S. workforce growth since 2019, highlighting their critical role in labor markets.
Toptal laid off 70% of its engineering team despite positioning itself as a leader in freelance hiring solutions.
AI tools, like SmartRecruiters’ Winston, revolutionize talent acquisition with features like intelligent scheduling and real-time candidate engagement.
Recent college graduates are struggling with workplace professionalism, with 81% of employers noting a lack of etiquette training.
Digital twins and AI-driven agents are transforming HR by automating 80% of repetitive tasks, freeing up time for strategy.
Hybrid work is valued by employees, equating to a 7.6% pay raise for those working remotely.
89.4% of women report their work benefits don’t address needs related to perimenopause, highlighting a major gap in HR benefits.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
02:58 Documentary Spotlight: Untapped by Workday
05:57 Walgreens' Innovative 401K Match for Student Loans
09:01 Work Tech Investment Trends
12:00 Legal Insights: Layoffs During Medical Leave
14:55 The Role of Immigrant Workers in Workforce Growth
17:59 TopTal's Layoffs and the Freelance Economy
20:51 Hybrid Work: Pay Raises vs. Flexibility
23:58 Chatbots and Workplace Civility
26:53 Acquisitions and SHRM's New Direction
30:07 Research Findings on New Graduates' Professionalism
30:34 The Importance of Etiquette Training for New Graduates
36:53 Digital Twins: The Future of Work
40:03 Evolving Definitions of Tech Talent
44:37 Hiring Challenges in the Fast-Paced Job Market
48:29 Addressing Menopause in the Workplace
50:28 Innovations in HR Tech Funding
53:03 AI in Sales Training and Role-Playing
56:26 Advancements in Accessibility Technology
58:40 Modern Payroll Solutions for a Diverse Workforce

Connect with us here:
William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/
Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network
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1h 6min
October 13, 2024THE BARF: Mr. Beast Acquires Vouch, AI Bosses, Political Uprising = $900K per week in employee productivity and Dell Shits the Bed
This week we explore key developments shaping the modern workplace, from RTO shifts at Dell and Spotify to Vimeo’s strategic rebrand under a new CMO. The episode delves into Home Depot’s innovative employee engagement, Mr. Beast’s acquisition of Vouch and the competitive tension between Indeed and ZipRecruiter. The discussion also highlights the economic toll of mental health, the impact of tax credits for 529 accounts as an emerging benefit, and the influence of AI acquisitions on HR innovation and leadership dynamics.
In this episode, the conversation covers AI boss, RTO, acquisitions, employee experience, mental health, political polarization, and funding, offering insights into the trends driving the future of work and the digital transformation of HR.
Key Takeaways
RTO policies are shifting, with Dell enforcing a strict return to office.
Spotify's HR chief emphasizes trust in remote work.
Vimeo is rebranding itself to focus on business video hosting.
Tax credits for 529 accounts are emerging as a new employee benefit.
Jody Kaminsky's hire at icims is seen as a significant move for the company.
Home Depot's strategy of requiring corporate employees to work in stores is innovative.
Mr. Beast's acquisition of Vouch is a strategic move in the creative job market.
Mental health issues in the workplace are costing the economy significantly.
Indeed's lawsuit against ZipRecruiter highlights competitive tensions in the job market.
Guild goes shopping and Acquires Nomadic Learning
AI acquisitions are reshaping the HR landscape.
Employee experience is enhanced through innovative platforms.
Digital transformation is crucial for HR consulting firms.
Political polarization significantly impacts workplace productivity.
Workers are open to AI management if it enhances performance.
A majority of jobs are unlikely to be replaced by AI soon.
There is a disconnect between HR professionals and CEOs on diversity.
Innovative funding is driving advancements in AI and robotics.
Healthcare benefits are becoming increasingly important for employees.

Connect with us here:
William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/
Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network
The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok
Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

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...more
1h 4min
October 06, 2024THE BARF: Google's $2.7 Billion Rehire, Udemy's AI Training Controversy, Burner Jobs, and Menless-Pause
We explore some of the biggest challenges facing today's workplace, from burner jobs and menopause to Google's stunning $2.7 billion rehire and Eric Schmidt's candid comments. AI is at the forefront, reshaping how companies like Udemy train their employees and how corporate secrets are protected.
In this episode we look at family dynamics, Eric Schmidt, AI, workplace trends, burner jobs, corporate acquisitions, healthcare innovations, and how they’re all transforming the future of work.
Key Takeaways:
AI's role in reshaping workplace training is under intense scrutiny, especially at Udemy.
Eric Schmidt’s take on AI reflects a larger debate in corporate leadership.
Google’s rehire of top talent emphasizes the value of experience in tech.
Burner jobs illustrate shifting employee priorities and loyalty in today’s job market.
Menopause is becoming a key workplace concern, particularly for millennial women.
Corporate acquisitions are being driven by the rise of niche employee benefits and healthcare initiatives.

Chapters
00:00 Weekend Adventures and Family Dynamics
04:59 Reflections on Eric Schmidt's Stanford Talk
10:02 Google's $2.7 Billion Rehire and AI Innovations
15:11 Udemy's AI Training Controversy
20:00 The Rise of Burner Jobs in the Workforce
24:58 Menopause in the Workplace: A Growing Concern
29:56 AI Assistants and Workplace Secrets
35:02 Corporate Acquisitions and Learning Technologies
40:01 Funding Trends in Tech Startups
44:59 Niche Benefits and Healthcare Innovations

Connect with us here:
William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/
Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network
The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok
Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

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...more
51min
September 22, 2024Mr. Beast Training and Analytics Documents Leaked, OpenAI hits 11 Million Paid Users and Boeing Shits the Bed
We talk about it all, from OpenAI hitting 11 million paid subscribers to Amazon's controversial return-to-office mandate. We explore how AI-assisted recruiting is empowering small businesses, discuss Boeing's executive furloughs amid strikes, and question whether meetings are killing productivity.
In this episode we look at HR Tech, OpenAI, Return to Office, AI Recruiting, Employee Engagement, Cybersecurity, and the Future of Work.
Key Takeaways:
OpenAI's explosive growth signifies a pivotal shift in HR Tech and AI integration.
Amazon's return-to-office policies may backfire, leading to employee turnover.
AI Recruiting tools are leveling the playing field for small businesses in talent acquisition.
Boeing's executive furloughs highlight challenges in workforce management during strikes.
Excessive meetings are detrimental to productivity and employee engagement.
Investing in cybersecurity is crucial amid evolving HR Technology landscapes.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Light Banter
06:59 Upcoming Events and Networking Opportunities
09:58 Return to Office Policies and Employee Sentiment
12:01 OpenAI's Subscriber Growth and Market Impact
14:03 Boeing's Executive Furloughs Amid Strikes
15:57 William's Story: Creative Solutions in Retail
18:59 New York City's Employer Wall of Shame
21:00 Mr. Beast's HR Manifesto
25:03 Dan Finnegan's Appointment at Emborder
27:10 Acquisitions in the Labor Analytics Space
31:00 Salesforce's AI Personas Research
32:59 Meeting Overload and Employee Burnout
36:54 iSoft's Champions of Change Report
39:04 Best States for Teachers
41:01 Funding News: Safety Culture and Cyber Protection
42:59 HR One's Pre-Series B Funding
45:05 Mercor's AI Hiring Solutions
49:01 Sensia's Partnership with Workday
51:58 Black Cloak's Cyber Protection for Executives
54:04 Become Dot One's Employee Benefits Initiative

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56min
September 15, 2024The BARF: Disney Cuts Benefits and 34% Gen Z employees lie about their political beliefs to avoid workplace conflict
We dive into how AI jobs are clustered in major tech hubs, Bank of America's minimum wage hike, and the growing layoffs in the gaming sector. We don't shy away from the big issues, like Microsoft's diversity push, panic button mandates for retail, and FedEx's controversial healing policy.
In this episode we look at AI jobs, Bank of America, layoffs, Disney benefits, Microsoft diversity, employee tracking, staffing acquisitions, and the critical impact they all have on the HR tech landscape.
Key Takeaways:
AI jobs are concentrated in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York.
Bank of America is raising its minimum wage to $24 per hour, setting a new standard in banking.
Layoffs in the gaming industry reveal vulnerabilities despite sustained player demand.
Disney's tuition benefits cut impacts employee education and career advancement opportunities.
Microsoft is increasing AI team diversity to combat bias and improve inclusivity.
FedEx’s 100% healed policy may violate ADA regulations, putting the company under scrutiny.

Chapters
00:00 Kicking off the BARF
03:40 AI Job Concentration in Major Cities
07:24 Layoffs in the Gaming Industry
09:09 Changes in Disney's Tuition Benefits
11:19 Microsoft's Diversity Efforts in AI
15:52 FedEx's 100% Healed Policy Controversy
18:23 PWC's Employee Tracking Policy
20:46 Discrimination in Dallas Barber School
25:50 Research on Workforce Readiness Gap
30:56 Politics and Workplace Discussions
34:42 Layoffs and Employee Stress
38:48 Funding News and Company Acquisitions

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54min
September 08, 2024The BARF: Ford Scales BACK Diversity, Faux-ductivity, Amazon deemed a Joint Employer, and 10,000 Strike on Labor Day
In this episode, we tackle a whirlwind of HR headlines, from hotel workers striking to Amazon being named a joint employer. We also dive into Ford scaling back diversity, Aldi’s big employee perks, and why humanities degrees and 'faux-ductivity' are reshaping how we think about talent.
We look at labor, employment, diversity, strike, pay, benefits, joint employer, and HR tech acquisitions. We break down what these shifts mean for HR professionals and how they impact future hiring practices and workplace culture.
Key Takeaways
Hotel workers strike on Labor Day weekend showcases unions' role in securing fair wages and benefits.
Aldi’s pay raise and benefits boost push retail standards higher.
Amazon’s joint employer status with subcontracted drivers brings new challenges for gig economy employers.
Staffing agencies face hefty penalties for non-compliance with sex discrimination laws.
Ford’s rollback on diversity policies sparks concerns over workplace equality.
HR tech acquisitions continue to shape the landscape, with funding surges in Oyster, SkillVue, and more.

Chapters
00:00 Lets Kick it off
02:21 Hotel Workers Strike
04:29 Aldi Raises Pay and Benefits
09:11 Amazon as Joint Employer
13:20 Volkswagen Workers Protest
14:37 Staffing Agency Settles Discrimination Lawsuit
17:19 Ford Scales Back Diversity and Inclusion Policies
18:45 Prevalence of Spam Emails
20:17 Acquisitions in the HR Tech Space
24:06 Challenges of Hiring Recent College Graduates
27:11 The Prevalence of 'Faux-ductivity' in the Workplace
31:41 The Importance of Humanities Degrees
33:50 Funding News in the HR Tech Industry

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49min
September 01, 2024The BARF: Jobless Rates Spike, CEOs prefer RTO (But they work remote), DEI Programs Vanish, and SmartRecruiters Gets a New CEO
In this episode, we look at jobless rates, DEI initiatives, SmartRecruiters, AI, software development, employee benefits, and HR technology. These pivotal topics are reshaping the future of work and impacting how companies navigate the evolving landscape of human resources.
Key Takeaways:
South Dakota boasts the lowest jobless rate at 2%, contrasting sharply with the District of Columbia's 5.5%.
CEOs like those at Starbucks and Victoria's Secret are leading companies remotely, redefining executive leadership.
Companies eliminating DEI initiatives, such as Lowe's and Harley-Davidson, face scrutiny over their commitment to diversity.
The Freelance Isn't Free Act in New York offers new protections against late or missing payments for freelance workers.
AI's growing role in software development could significantly alter the responsibilities of developers.
Voluntary benefits, like supplemental health plans, are becoming crucial in employee attraction and retention strategies.

Chapters
00:00 Jobless Rates and CEOs Working Remotely
10:46 The Elimination of DEI Initiatives
15:56 New Protections for Freelance Workers
18:11 Rising Healthcare Costs
19:44 OSHA Cites Texas Daycare Provider
20:09 Rebecca Carr Appointed as CEO of SmartRecruiters
23:49 The Downward Revision of Job Growth in the US
25:52 The Future of Coding: AI's Impact on Software Development
28:55 Recent Acquisitions in the Staffing Software Industry
37:43 The Rise of Voluntary Benefits
44:55 Innovation and Differentiation in the HR Technology Market
46:28 Improving Office Space and Productivity
51:17 Real-Time Office (RTO) and the Future of Work
57:13 Advancing Gender Equality and AI in the Workplace
59:05 Expanding Global Payroll Platforms
01:03:59 Using AI to Enhance Financial Wellness

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1h 12min
August 19, 2024The BARF: DHS's $45M Lawsuit, NTI Denies the Visually Impaired work, Massachusetts Enacts Salary Transparency Law, and Colorado Squashes Algorithmic Discrimination
We dive into the latest shifts in HR tech and workforce management.
In this episode we look at DHS and it's $45 million hit, The National Telecommuting Institutes denying the visually impaired work, the impact of remote work, salary ranges in job postings, CFO turnover, algorithmic discrimination, workforce management acquisitions, effective communication, and burnout among employees. We share our thoughts on Eric Schmidt’s views on Google’s remote work challenges, Massachusetts’ new salary range law, the fight against algorithmic discrimination, and effective communication strategies across generations.

Key Takeaways:
Eric Schmidt warns that remote work is causing Google to fall behind in innovation.
Massachusetts’ salary range law aims to promote pay equity in job postings.
CFO turnover in tech is on the rise due to performance issues, but female CFO appointments are increasing.
Key acquisitions in HR tech, such as Payoneer and Corbett, are redefining workforce management.
Burnout is a critical issue; companies must prioritize effective communication to support employees.
Colorado leads in protecting consumers from algorithmic discrimination, setting a new standard in tech ethics.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
06:35 Is Google Falling Behind Due to Remote Work?
10:34 Massachusetts Requires Salary Ranges in Job Postings
13:37 Fiverr Enterprise: A Solution for Remote Work
15:55 Department of Homeland Security Settles Allegations of Forced Limited Positions for Pregnant Workers
18:45 Bank of America Ignores Workload Rules
21:17 Rise of Women in CFO Appointments
22:47 CFO Turnover and the Rise of Female CFOs
24:22 Improving Morale and Retention with Employee Bonuses
28:16 Settling Discrimination Suits and the Importance of Reasonable Accommodations
33:01 Colorado's Legislation Against Algorithmic Discrimination
34:42 Acquisitions Shaping the Future of Workforce Management
40:12 Expanding Student Loan Benefits with Summer's Acquisition of Vault
45:13 Effective Communication Across Generations in the Workplace
46:49 Millennials vs. Gen Z: Communication Preferences
50:15 The Impact of Burnout on Employees
52:39 Smart Voice Messaging Platforms for Remote Teams
57:35 The Importance of Pet Insurance for Employees
01:04:47 Advancements in Human Reasoning AI
01:06:11 Integrated Navigation and Payment for Prescription Services

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1h 14min
August 12, 2024The BARF: Max, the Autonomous Recruiter, EEOC hits $$$, and Skills Gaps=25 days of loss productivity
In this episode, we look at the Max - the Autonomous Recruiter, H1B visa lottery, Beamery's AI audit, workplace politics, summer jobs for teens, ethical AI, Gen X managers, $$$ Millions in EEOC settlements, and how the skills gap creates 25 days of dead space annually per emplpyee
Key Takeaways
H1B visa lottery scams manipulate the system, highlighting the need for regulatory updates.
Beemery's AI audit sets a transparency benchmark, vital for AI in HR.
Meta’s facial recognition settlement stresses the importance of data privacy.
Workplace politics require HR's focus on civil discourse and respect.
Summer job wage hikes reflect the battle for young talent.
Gen X managers lead, but millennials are redefining workplace expectations.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and H1B Visa Lottery Scams
05:21 Beemery's AI Audit and Meta's Settlement with Texas
16:27 Navigating Politics in the Workplace
22:35 The Rise in Wages for Summer Jobs
26:30 Eventbrite's Layoffs and HR's Role in Ethical AI
30:35 Acquisitions and the Excitement Around Them
34:50 The Impact of DEI Backlash and the Need for Effective Communication
39:18 The Significance of Delivering High-Quality Feedback
43:35 Gen X as Managers: The Best Among Colleagues
46:16 The Skills Gap and the Importance of Upskilling
51:59 Autonomous AI Recruiters and Skillful Job Matching
55:46 Student Loan Debt Relief Solutions for Employers

Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network
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1h 12min

FAQs about The BARF:

How many episodes does The BARF have?

The podcast currently has 53 episodes available.