An MIT study reveals that AI can do the tasks equal to 11.7% of the U.S. workforce, but Gene Marks says AI isn’t ready to replace jobs, so employers should be looking to train their people on how to maximize AI usage. Here’s some holiday cheer: 77% of consumers surveyed would rather do their holiday shopping at small businesses. Plus, don’t be a Grinch with praise. Recognition improves morale and productivity, and although 99% of owners agree, less than half of that feel they have the resources to do it. Learn what Gene thinks about doing the small things that engage employees.

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Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs

AI for Small Business: https://bit.ly/ai-sentiment 

Non-Traditional Benefits: https://bit.ly/affordable-benefits

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Discover how AI tools are reshaping the marketing landscape and how businesses can leverage these innovations to grow their brand presence online. Karly Scott, Manager of Client Services at Logical Position, joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of YouTube marketing, including organic and paid strategies for boosting visibility, engagement, and conversion rates. Karly shares insights into the significance of AI tools in enhancing video content and discusses strategies for optimizing YouTube ads.

Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics

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Despite a dip on the Small Business Optimism Index, it’s the 12-point drop on the uncertainty index and a cooling of price hike intentions that has Gene Marks pointing to a potential brighter run in the new year. Gene also shares insights on why nobody wants to become a manager and sees this as an opportunity to make improvements in training. AI keeps marching through the workplace, with 30% of firms surveyed noting that they will use the tech to replace workers in 2026. What industries are most susceptible?

Additional Resources

Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs

AI for Small Business: https://bit.ly/ai-sentiment    

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California is rewriting the employment law playbook, and if you employ anyone in the Golden State, including remote workers, you need to pay attention. In this episode, Paychex HR expert Alex Papazis unpacks five critical employment laws hitting California in 2026: minimum wage increases, new exempt salary thresholds, stricter pay transparency rules, mandatory emergency contact updates, and the end of stay-or-pay agreements. Not in California? Don’t tune out. These regulations apply to any business with California-based employees, and history shows us that what starts in California often becomes the national standard. Get ahead of the curve — understand these changes now before they become your problem tomorrow.

Need help navigating new employment laws where you do business? Let our experts help: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex

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00:00 – Episode preview and welcome

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The government shutdown will leave lingering issues for businesses even after it ends. Gene Marks comments on the delayed payments from the government and slow service from agencies such as the IRS. Plus, another shutdown is looming. Gene takes a look at the mixed bag of data on job growth and hourly wage growth from the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch – one’s consistent and one’s consistently below 3%. And if businesses are looking for funding, the preference hasn’t been the big corporate banks but, rather, small banks that are local. Gene explains why.

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Large businesses are shedding workers, including 14,000 by Amazon. People are pointing at artificial intelligence and automation, but Gene Marks says it’s something different – at this point. He also says there is opportunity for small businesses now. Plus, health insurance is so convoluted that businesses are popping on Reddit to get firsthand accounts and advice from other businesses about what to do. And, if life knocks you down, get a lift from an advertising campaign. Learn how a German company turned the heist at the Louvre into a clever campaign about their machinery. Listen to the podcast.

Additional Resources

Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex

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Is AI really living up to the hype, or just creating more work? Gene Marks sits down with Louis Gutierrez, director of AI at Constant Contact, for a conversation about AI’s sometimes messy reality and promising future. From “work slop” to data disasters, Louis reveals why adoption is only the first step — and shares what’s coming next. Plus, learn why your team shouldn’t fear AI, why AI governance matters, and how fine-tuning could turn C-student AI into an A-plus performer.

Spending too much time on HR tasks? Discover how the right support can give you hours back in your week at https://bit.ly/meet-paychex

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Many potential holiday shoppers and business owners who stand to benefit are showing preseason cheer, as they express their desire to buy gifts despite anxiety about the economy and inflation. Gene Marks shares details of the Intuit survey, as well as news about the AICPA pushing the IRS to deliver additional guidance on no tax on tips and overtime to clarify for business owners their responsibilities. He also talks about the Grinch-like behavior of predatory legal firms targeting small businesses with lawsuits over their website accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Listen to the podcast.

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Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex

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As Congress continues its staring contest over how to open the federal government, impacts of the shutdown are starting to threaten more than just furloughed employees or the individuals being fired. Tax credits that help small businesses and regulations required to know how to stay compliant with laws are thrown into the murky water. Meanwhile, businesses trying to hire for the holiday season have plenty of applicants to pick from but might need to adjust their slow-moving process. Gene Marks also talks about a dip in small business optimism that doesn’t seem to push the needle beneath historic highs. Listen to the podcast to learn more.  

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Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex

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Thinking about becoming a franchise owner? Bill Mathis, chairman of the National Association of Subway Franchisees and multi-unit operator, knows the recipe for success and he’s sharing it on this episode of THRIVE. Learn why interviewing your franchisor is just as important as being interviewed, how to avoid common pitfalls that sink new franchisees, and Bill's proven strategies for hiring and retaining good employees. From real-time AI tracking systems to building the right partnership with your franchisor, discover what it really takes to succeed in the franchise world.

Some of the leading franchises trust Paychex with their payroll and HR needs. Let us help you with yours: https://bit.ly/4qkKmQa

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