The BARF

By WRKdefinedNews News Commentary Business News Tech News

The BARF episodes

July 15, 2024The Workday Doom Loop, SHRM’s Diversity Stunt, Global Job Growth Mirage, and the Six-Day Workweek Backlash
SHRM’s shift towards inclusion and diversity, misleading job growth numbers, Pennsylvania’s current events, Greece’s six-day workweek, Guitar Center’s digital transformation, OpenAI and Arianna Huffington’s AI health coach, and more HR tech industry news.

Key Takeaways
SHRM's change in focus from equity to inclusion and diversity has sparked pushback from HR DEI experts.
The job growth numbers in the labor market report are misleading as they only focus on growth for those with in-demand skills.
Recent events in Pennsylvania include an assassination attempt, middle schoolers impersonating teachers on TikTok, and a court denying an injunction for city employees to return to the office.
Greece's six-day workweek has received backlash from labor unions and workers, but it is not mandatory and workers only get paid if they work.
Guitar Center is undergoing digital transformation with the appointment of a new CTO and CIO, aiming to remain relevant and attract new talent while training older employees on new technology.
OpenAI and Arianna Huffington are collaborating to build an AI health coach, leveraging OpenAI's expertise in the field. The standoff between retail workers and employers reflects the adapt or die moment for the younger generation in the retail industry.
The use of AI in interviews, such as the VR-based interview platform Zilta, provides candidates with realistic interview experiences and the opportunity to practice their responses.
The introduction of digital worker employee records by Lattice highlights the growing importance of AI in HR and the need for equal treatment of AI employees.
The exploitation of data workers in the tech industry raises ethical dilemmas and questions about fair compensation and working conditions.
The layoffs at Intuit demonstrate the shift towards AI and the need for companies to reinvest in growth areas.
The acquisition of Salt Labs by Chime expands its reach in the enterprise market and offers new opportunities for employee rewards and engagement.
The establishment of the Generative AI Center of Excellence by IBM and HCL Tech highlights the importance of AI in current and future workflows.
The consolidation of Pep Talker and Medi-Cool shows the trend of mergers and acquisitions in the HR tech industry.
The doom loop of negative work environments emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being and create a positive work culture.
The growth of the HR software market reflects the increasing demand for HR technology and the potential for further expansion in the future. Automation and AI are becoming strategic priorities for organizations to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.
Work surveillance can negatively impact mental health and job satisfaction, and ethical concerns arise when implementing surveillance measures.
Many HR tech investments fail due to poor implementation, integration issues, and misalignment within organizations.
An increasing number of companies are no longer requiring bachelor's degrees for certain positions, focusing more on skills-based hiring.
Innovative healthcare solutions that prioritize transparency and eliminate co-pays can improve employee satisfaction and retention.
Video-based knowledge transfer platforms are helping organizations capture and transfer institutional knowledge for better succession planning.
HR Path secured significant funding to consolidate its position as a leader in HR transformations.

Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network
The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok
Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 30 min
July 08, 2024Greece installs 6 day work week, Tractor Supply ditches DEI and Pride Support, Monster and CareerBuilder get hitched
Crazy Week! Greece passes a 6 day work week and Tractor Supply say peace out to it's support of LGBTQ+ and DEI - Phenom People goes shopping and Microsoft pays $14 million in California for employee retaliation.

Here's what we covered:
Microsoft's layoffs of a thousand employees are minimal relative to the company's size.
Local unions in Philadelphia have sued over mandates for city workers to return to the office.
OSHA's proposed rule aims to protect workers from extreme heat by ensuring water and rest breaks.
Tractor Supply has cut DEI and Pride support, focusing on rural American customers and community integration.
Greece has implemented a six-day work week to boost the economy, rather than for worker benefits.
Alaska Airlines offers pay raises to flight attendants for timely passenger boarding assistance.
Phenom's acquisition of Tidy highlights a shift towards improved employee onboarding and enterprise market penetration.
The 2024 US Workforce Trends Report indicates that half of companies plan to upgrade their HR tech solutions by 2026.
Certain industries still place high value on college degrees, especially master's degrees.
Communication skills are increasingly valued in the job market.
Gen X is worried about retirement and financial security.
Americans take fewer vacation days compared to other countries, highlighting work culture differences.
Cross-border investments in the HR tech industry are on the rise.
Career development apps are evolving to meet Gen Z's needs, emphasizing the importance of positive social platforms for a supportive online community.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
04:36 Microsoft Layoffs and the Significance of Numbers
05:42 OSHA's Proposed Rule to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat
10:14 Tractor Supply's Decision to Slash DEI and Pride Support
18:44 Greece Implements Six-Day Work Week
20:39 Alaska Airlines Pays Flight Attendants for Efficient Boarding
22:59 Microsoft Faces Consequences for Retaliating Against Employees on Parental Leave
25:18 Bonusly Launches Performance Enablement Solution
28:14 Monster and CareerBuilder Merge to Become Major Player in Online Job Advertising
31:12 HIG Growth Partners Acquires Mobile Health for Proactive Health Management
39:06 Half of Companies Plan to Enhance HR Tech Solutions by 2026
42:52 The Value of College Degrees
41:38 The Importance of Communication Skills
43:12 Americans' Limited Vacation Days
44:05 The Impact of AI on Employee Well-being
45:37 The Work Culture at Microsoft
46:41 Americans' Vacation Habits
48:13 Gen X's Fear of Retirement
53:02 The Impact of AI on Well-being
56:18 WorkTech Investment Trends
58:43 The Evolution of Career Development Apps
01:03:41 The Significance of Positive Social Platforms
01:05:39 The BARF Video Intro Epidemic.mp4

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 10 min
June 30, 2024Taylor Swift & Beyonce at Work, Firing Fake Workers, McDonalds Fires it's AI, John Deere Pays Up on Racism.
In this episode we laugh our way through the weeks news - Sharing Taylor Swift friendship bracelets, Wells Fargo Fires 12 Fake Employees, McDonalds Fires it's AI, John Deere Pays Up on Racism, NEETs (Your kids are scamming you)

Takeaways:
Strict measures in employee management: Wells Fargo fires for simulated activity, Netflix uses a "keeper test."
AI integration: McDonald's AI errors, Target implements a chatbot for employees.
Industry changes: Meta reduces VP positions, Freelance.ca and TopTal make strategic acquisitions.
Social responsibilities: John Deere's racial discrimination settlement, importance of AI legislation, Sephora's LGBTQ+ success.
Workplace culture: Prevalence of NEETs, impact of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé on morale, addressing complaints and annoying colleagues.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
04:00 Fake Employees and AI Drive-Through Errors
08:36 Layoffs at Meta and Racial Discrimination at John Deere
23:43 The Rise of NEETs and Recent Acquisitions in the Freelance Marketplace and Remote Workforce
28:54 AI Legislation and Regulation
30:23 Taylor Swift and Beyonce in the Workplace
33:47 Complaining in the Workplace
37:52 Sephora's Success in LGBTQ+ Representation
41:51 Dealing with Annoying Colleagues
46:59 Funding Rounds in the HR Tech Industry
50:01 Niche HR Tech Solutions

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 3 min
June 23, 2024Best and Worst States for Working Dads, Workplace Harassment, Corporate Espionage, and 1.5 Million TikTok Followers Can't Be Wrong
This week we talk about the best and worst states for working dads, workplace harassment, corporate espionage, China spying on the US, Weiss Markets doing employees dirty, and of course we cover where the $$$ went this week.

Takeaways
Technology is integral to the workplace, impacting everything from payroll software to recruitment co-pilots.
Employee benefits, like coverage for diabetes drugs, significantly influence talent attraction and retention.
Companies must address workplace harassment to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all employees.
The return-to-office debate highlights a preference among some employees to work from home, despite potential career advancement sacrifices.
Tech firms are increasing security measures due to concerns about business espionage and data security.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Workplace Software
01:43 Employee Benefits and Diabetes Drugs
05:01 Co-pilots for Staffing and Recruiting
11:09 Tech Firms and Staff Security
15:39 Addressing Workplace Harassment
17:35 Addressing Workplace Harassment and Employee Assistance Programs
19:26 Warehouse Quota Violations and the Impact of Automation
21:17 AI Models for HR Professionals and Legal Compliance
23:29 Improving Employee Communication with Video Tools
24:36 Funding News in the HR Tech Industry
43:55 The BARF Video Intro Epidemic.mp4

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
48 min
June 17, 2024 The BARF: Apple Vison Pro, Jobless Claims, The Use of Body Cameras by Retail Employees, The C-Suite Trying to Manipulate Layoffs
This week we talk about C-Suite executives admitting to "hoping" for turnover by requiring return to office policies to prevent the need for layoffs, Apple's expansion of its Vison Pro, Cornerstone Connect, Care Washing, and Body Cameras in TJ Maxx?

Takeaways:
1. Apple's Vision Pro expansion highlights increasing interest in virtual reality technology.
2. Aligning actions with employee care programs is crucial, as demonstrated by the concept of 'care washing.'
3. Rising jobless claims indicate people are staying in jobs longer, fearing difficulty in finding new employment.
4. Use of body cameras by retail employees raises privacy and customer perception concerns.
5. Acquisitions in the HR tech industry, like Jobvite acquiring Trust Crude, show trends toward consolidation and expanded services.
6. Cloud-based platforms are being developed to enhance communication and coordination for frontline teams.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Recap of Cornerstone Connect Event
02:53 Apple Expands Vision Pro and the Rise of Virtual Reality
04:19 The Problem of 'Care Washing' in Employee Care Programs
06:08 Jobless Claims on the Rise: Fear of Finding Another Job
09:30 The Use of Body Cameras by Retail Employees
12:25 Acquisitions in the HR Tech Industry: Clear Company, JobGit, TrustCruit
22:33 Hopes for Turnover with Return to Work Policies
23:03 High School Students' Concerns about AI
23:48 Challenges Faced by the Hourly Workforce
26:15 Imposter Syndrome Among CEOs
29:05 The Ineffectiveness of Junior Professionals Teaching Senior Professionals
33:35 Funding News: Accelerating Innovation and Platform Expansion
41:03 Cloud-Based Platforms for Frontline Teams

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
46 min
June 10, 2024 The BARF: OpenAI Robotics Revived, Chrono Working, ACLU vs. Aon, $200+ Million in HR Tech Funding
This week we are live at Cornerstone Connect in Orlando. We talk OpenAI Robotics Revived, Chrono Working, ACLU vs. Aon, $200+ Million in HR Tech Funding, Some BIG acquisitions and more.

What we talk about:
1. Zoom's cooking up AI clones to attend your meetings.
2. ACLU calls out Aon's AI for being biased.
3. LEGO's tying bonuses to emission cuts—sustainability for the win.
4. OpenAI is back at it with robots learning by watching.
5. ADP's report gives the scoop on private sector jobs.
6. Daxtra buys Pivot CX and brings in Jane Seara as VP of Growth Marketing.
7. Chrono working: syncing work hours with your natural sleep.
8. SAP snaps up WalkMe in a flurry of HR tech acquisitions.
9. Survey says: AI is now your everyday work buddy.
10. Pay structures are evolving for more equity and transparency.
11. Wellness programs pay off big time—invest in them.
12. Older workers aren't leaving—don't ignore them.
13. Tailor job apps by age to meet diverse workforce needs.
14. AI tools make managers sharper and decisions smarter.
15. Hearing benefits should be part of employee packages.
16. Employees are sticking with their employers.
17. Fresh funding for AI in recruitment, remote engineering, mental health, and project collaboration.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
01:39 Zoom's Plan for AI Clones
06:22 LEGO's Bonuses Tied to Emission Reduction
08:00 OpenAI's Revived Robotics Project
09:23 ADP's National Employment Report
11:58 Daxtra's Acquisition of Pivot CX and Hiring of Jane Seara
14:07 The Rise of Chrono Working
19:27 Recent Acquisitions in the HR Tech Space
23:30 Kronos Acquires Imperative: Solving the Purpose Gap
27:15 Cypher Acquires Shape Payroll: Euro Payroll Fish Eats Another Euro Payroll Fish
28:19 Slack Says Workers Are Using AI
34:04 Financial Stress Levels Among Employees
35:26 Changing Pay Structures for Equity and Transparency
40:41 The Importance of Employee Well-being and the Positive ROI of Wellness Programs
42:07 Challenging the Notion of Older Workers Leaving the Workforce
43:24 Catering to the Needs of All Age Groups in the Workforce
44:48 Exploring Age-Appropriate Job Applications
45:02 The Impact of AI Tools on Managers
49:39 The Importance of Hearing Benefits in the Workplace
53:31 The Trend of Employees Staying with Current Employers
58:11 Recent Funding News in the HR Tech Industry

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 10 min
June 02, 2024Hyundai Child Labor Accusations, Fake job postings and Miscalculated overtime pay
This week on the BARF: Fake job postings, miscalculated overtime pay, child labor accusations, workforce intelligence, and 401K millionaires.

We cover:
Fake Job Postings and Government Crackdown
Legal Issues and Penalties for employers not paying employees
Avature and Dayforce with big releases
Acquisitions - Salesforce’s $419M acquisition of Spiff and Cornerstone acquires SkyHive
185K 401(k) millionaires

Chapters
00:00 Exploring HR and Recruiting News and Trends
03:42 Ethical and Legal Considerations in HR
09:51 The Impact of Technology on Workforce Management
11:39 Financial and Industry Trends in HR Tech
33:43 Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being in the Workplace
35:35 Shaping the Future of Work with Technology

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
55 min
May 19, 2024Google Gemini for HR, The Talent Labor Index, Indeed's Agility, Eightfold's AI, and Workvivo bails out Meta
In this episode Ryan Leary and William Tincup debate Google Gemini for HR, The Talent Labor Index, Indeed's Agility, Eightfold's AI, and Workvivo bail out of Meta workspace.

Key Takeaways from this Episode
Google Gemini for HR
Indeed's recognition of agility
Eightfold's native ATS built on AI
Workvivo and Meta
6 hard truths that CEOs face with AI, tech, and change

Chapters
00:00 Advanced Talent Tracking and Intelligence
05:02 Understanding the Cost of Attracting Talent
06:47 Evolution of Workplace Platforms
10:59 AI-Powered Learning and Talent Management
15:53 Acquisitions in the HR and Talent Acquisition Space
25:29 Addressing Workplace Civility and CEO Challenges
44:22 Funding Rounds: Building the Workforce of the Future
46:28 Automating the Sales Stack with AI: Artisan AI's Funding Round
50:26 Streamlining Payroll Services: Vita's 17 Million Euro Raise
53:12 HR and Payroll Solutions for Mexican Companies: Worky's Series A
55:24 Building the Future of AI Interviewing: Prior's 2.8 Million Raise
58:48 Frontline Workforce Management: Sona's 27.5 Million Funding
01:01:34 Investing in AI and International Expansion: Sesame's 23 Million Euro Round

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 5 min
May 12, 2024ChatGPT, Stack Overflow, Child Labor, AI Generated Survey Responses, VCs and PEs Criticizing Employee Bloat
In this episode we move fast - ChatGPT, Stack Overflow, Child Labor, AI Generated Survey Responses, VCs and PEs Criticizing Employee Bloat, EEOC's Finalized Harassment Guidelines, The Crown Act and Non-Compete Bans The Impact of Culture on Job Satisfaction.

$$$$ is flying, Executive hires are flowing. It's been a crazy week.

Takeaways
Child labor in dangerous jobs in the poultry industry is a serious issue that needs to be addressed
There have been several significant leadership hires in the HR space recently
The EEOC has finalized harassment guidelines that address remote work and gender identity
Google workers are suing for wrongful termination after protesting against a project
The Crown Act aims to protect against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles The Crown Act and non-compete bans are ongoing topics of discussion in the HR industry.
Title VII continues to be relevant in protecting employees from discrimination.
There is a growing trend of VCs and PEs criticizing employee bloat in tech companies.
ChatGPT's partnership with Stack Overflow allows for better assessment of coding skills in job candidates.
DocuSign's acquisition of Lexion enhances their contract management capabilities.
FairGen's use of synthetic data and AI-generated responses in surveys raises questions about the accuracy and validity of survey results. Generative AI is still in its early stages in the enterprise, and there is much to be figured out.
The annual HR practices in Ireland survey provides valuable insights and recommendations for HR professionals.
Culture is a significant factor in job satisfaction, often outweighing wages.
The number of gig workers using Bank of America is increasing, indicating the growth of the gig economy.
Funding announcements highlight the importance of optimizing workflows and improving the employee experience.
Technology is being used to automate and optimize staffing in operating rooms, addressing the projected shortage of healthcare workers.

Chapters
05:57 Child Labor in the Poultry Industry
08:04 Recent Leadership Hires in the HR Space
10:47 EEOC's Finalized Harassment Guidelines
13:15 Google Workers Sue for Wrongful Termination
16:21 The Crown Act: Protecting Against Discrimination
24:11 Title VII and Discrimination Claims
27:41 VCs and PEs Criticizing Employee Bloat
29:25 ChatGPT and Coding Skills Assessment
34:19 DocuSign's Acquisition of Lexion
39:46 FairGen's Synthetic Data and AI-Generated Responses in Surveys
44:30 The State of Generative AI in the Enterprise
45:47 Insights from the HR Practices in Ireland Survey
48:15 Reinventing Talent Acquisition
51:18 The Impact of Culture on Job Satisfaction
53:04 The Rise of Gig Workers Using Bank of America
55:47 Funding Announcements: Improving Workflows and Employee Experience
59:14 Optimizing Staffing in Operating Rooms with AI

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 12 min
May 05, 2024 The April Jobs Report, Chipotles' avocado-cutting Robots, Tesla's Head of HR goes Peace Out
Ryan Leary and William Tincup break down the weeks news and dig into the April Jobs Report, Chipotles' avocado-cutting Robots, a number of key acquisitions and a number funding rounds that you should know about.
Takeaways
1. Leadership turnover at Tesla sparks concerns about organizational stability.
2. April's job report signals hiring slowdown, spotlighting healthcare sector struggles.
3. Shift in hiring practices towards skills-based criteria and diversity initiatives.
4. New York mandates paid prenatal leave, supporting pregnant workers.
5. Federal push towards skills-based hiring in cybersecurity.
6. Department of Labor addresses AI use in workplaces, underscores legal compliance.
7. Chipotle enhances efficiency with avocado-cutting robot, addressing food safety concerns.
8. DailyPay expands to SMBs, offering wage access flexibility.
9. Workplace interruptions, like 'hey,' impact productivity negatively.
10. HR industry innovations reshape talent management and benefits landscape.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Recording Setup
02:05 Leadership Departures at Tesla
03:22 April Jobs Report
06:15 Hiring Managers Widening Their Gaze
09:26 New York Mandates Paid Time Off for Prenatal Care
12:44 Transitioning Federal IT Jobs to Skills-Based Hiring
14:29 Department of Labor's Guidance on AI in the Workplace
15:36 Chipotle Introduces Avocado-Cutting Robot
22:28 The Most Dreaded Word at Work: 'Hey'
23:21 Exploring the Evolving Landscape of HR and the Workplace
25:38 Research Reports on Workplace Trends and Challenges
28:17 Funding Rounds Indicate Investor Confidence
31:03 Transparency in the Workplace
32:15 Stress Among American Workers
36:07 Workforce Challenges for UK Organizations
43:20 Branded Payment Solutions and Benefits Programs
46:13 Bridging the Gap: Technology Enhancing Security and Productivity

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
53 min

About The BARF

From the publisher's feed

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.…

Share The BARF

Sign up to save your podcasts

The BARF

The BARF episodes

About The BARF