THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

Paychex, Inc.
  • 4.9 (11)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

Designed for those who crave the inside scoop on everything from people to policy to profits, each THRIVE episode transforms complex business and HR topics into clear, actionable advice. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an aspiring leader, this podcast is your go-to source for cutting through the noise and gaining a competitive advantage.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Inflation Rising, Monthly Hourly Earnings Decreasing, and Auditing Social Policies

    The prices of goods and energy keep increasing, hitting 3% in January – the highest in seven months – and everyone is wondering when will the cost of eggs go down. Gene Marks points to some factors impacting inflation and expresses some concern that the monthly hourly wage growth, as reported in the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch, is at 2.87%, meaning wages aren’t keeping up with inflation. He also says that with all the changing regulations around DEI at the federal and state level, businesses should review their social and governance policies to ensure they are up to date. Listen to the podcast. DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    7 min

  2. FEB 13

    Funding Freeze Chills Labor Market, Acquisitions Rise, OpenAI Lessens Research Time

    There are more than 7.5 million Americans whose jobs are directly connected to the federal government, so some private-sector and nonprofit businesses began shedding workers when the federal funding freeze was announced. Gene Marks talks about some of the short-term fallout. He also shares details on why acquiring businesses rose in 2024 and the impact of lending criteria on future sales. Gene also points to OpenAI’s Deep Research that academics are enjoying but says warning signs are there for some professions. Listen to the podcast. DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    7 min

  3. FEB 11

    Paychex's Zachary Keep: How SECURE Act 2.0 Can Benefit Your Business

    Is your business capitalizing on SECURE 2.0? On this episode of THRIVE, Gene sits down with Zachary Keep, Manager of Risk Compliance at Paychex, to unpack the game-changing potential of SECURE 2.0. From tax credits that make setting up a 401(k) basically free to the introduction of auto-enrollment, this legislation is transforming how small businesses attract and retain employees. Zach breaks down how these key provisions can make a lasting difference for your employees — and your bottom line. Topics include:00:00 – Episode preview and welcome01:12 – What is SECURE Act 2.0?02:45 – SECURE 2.0 incentives for employers03:12 – Tax credits for new retirement plans05:22 – Matching contribution incentive structure06:42 – New auto-enrollment rules07:58 – Automatic escalation explained09:31 – Rothification of catch-up contributions11:51 – State mandated retirement plans14:21 – SECURE 2.0 key takeaways15:14 – Wrap up and thank you 12 retirement trends you need to know for 2025: https://bit.ly/3WVT3DD More regulatory changes every business should prepare for this year: https://bit.ly/4gfFWE6 DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    16 min

  4. FEB 7

    It’s a Wait and See on Tariffs’ Impact, DeepSeek AI, and Potential Changes to the SBA

    Tariffs were imposed and then suspended for 30 days on Canada and Mexico after the U.S. and our leading trading partners came to an agreement on border security. Tariffs remain in place on China and Gene Marks says this will have some impact on costs of goods and supply chains. He also talks about how the launch of DeepSeek, an AI platform that currently operates more quickly and efficiently than others, could spur U.S. companies to meet the challenge. Amid all this change, the SBA might get a new leader who has her focus on efficiency and changes to some of the loan programs. Listen to the podcast. DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    5 min

  5. JAN 30

    BOI Reporting Update, AI Avalanche of Resumes, NYC Congestion Pricing

    The legal ping-pong match on where things will land on Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting for small businesses saw a few more swings by the courts. Even a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in favor of the Treasury netted no change. Gene Marks explains on this week’s episode. He also shares tips on the how to offset the deluge of resumes created by AI that businesses receive and the lawsuit from Manhattan businesses over the impact congestion pricing is having on their financial well-being. DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    7 min

  6. JAN 28

    Paychex's Stephen Dombroski: Decoding Small Business Tax Changes for 2025

    Taxes are changing — what does that mean for your business? On this week’s episode of Paychex THRIVE, Gene Marks chats with Stephen Dombroski, Senior Compliance Manager at Paychex, to break down the critical tax changes coming as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act approaches its expiration. From bonus depreciation to the Section 199A deduction (and everything in between), Stephen shares what these changes might mean for your business, your employees, and even your personal finances. Whether you're planning capital investments, thinking about R&D credits, or just trying to stay ahead of tax changes, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you prepare.   Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 01:03 – Discussion on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) 02:20 – Provisions of TCJA 04:42 – Impact of fluctuating TCJA depreciation policies 06:35 – Potential bipartisan tax deal and its outcomes 08:29 – Individual income tax changes 10:36 – Future tax changes and employer considerations 12:37 – Employee Retention Credit discussion 14:18 – Implications of possible changes to estates taxes and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit 15:34 – Advice on preparing for tax changes 17:39 – Wrap up and thank you   14 ways to save on small business taxes in 2025: https://bit.ly/3CoMNgy   Regulatory changes every business should know and prepare for this year: https://bit.ly/4gfFWE6   DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    18 min

  7. JAN 23

    New Administration Brings Small Business Optimism and Many Challenges

    Based on surveys from major companies, organizations, and even chambers of commerce, small businesses are giddy for the upcoming four years under a new administration in the White House. The positive outlooks include 70% expecting revenue increases, 76% planning on hiring more, and 91% expressing confidence in growth. In this episode, Gene Marks tempers the enthusiasm by pointing out the potential hurdles, including a labor market that might lose thousands to deportation, proposed tariffs that could up costs for goods, tax incentives that might expire, and inflation still too high. Listen to the episode for more details. DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    7 min

  8. JAN 16

    Everyone Benefits in Assisting CA Wildfire Victims, Small Businesses Resilient, Pay Transparency Laws

    Amid the devastation of the wildfires in California comes the positive that employers can help employees victimized by the natural disaster by covering certain out-of-pocket expenses and earning a tax break or encouraging leave banks for colleagues to donate unused paid leave to help those during recovery. Gene Marks also shares news about the continued leveling off of hourly earnings and other details from the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch. Plus, businesses in the 14 states should understand their pay transparency requirements and Gene makes a suggestion for those in states without a law. DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Designed for those who crave the inside scoop on everything from people to policy to profits, each THRIVE episode transforms complex business and HR topics into clear, actionable advice. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an aspiring leader, this podcast is your go-to source for cutting through the noise and gaining a competitive advantage.

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