THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

Paychex, Inc.
  • 4.9 (12)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    Industry Optimism Up, Data Needed for HR Decisions, OpenAI’s New Gadget

    A quarterly check-in with the National Federation of Independent Businesses finds optimism in many industry sectors, led by Manufacturing. Host Gene Marks says he’s hearing the same things when he speaks at association events. On the not-so-rosy side, almost 70% of HR leaders expressed concern over a lack of data to make effective decisions on raises and promotions – citing fragmented systems and manual entry. OpenAI ready to release another gadget: a smart speaker with a speaker that could change the way we make purchases. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs 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 26

    Tariffs: SCOTUS Ruling, Why They’ll Stay, and What to Do with Uncertainty

    Host Gene Marks takes us through a whirlwind few days regarding tariffs, including the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down a majority of the president’s tariffs as unconstitutional. He’ll explain what might happen next with tariffs, why no one should expect a refund without litigation, and what businesses can do moving forward with a new set of tariffs in place. Listen to the podcast.   Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs 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.

    12 min

  3. FEB 19

    Jobs and Wages Steady, Skipping PTO Causes Burnout, Growth Targeted in 2026

    The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch for January reveals that job growth and hourly wage growth remain steady to start 2026, but host Gene Marks expresses some concern that wage growth is hovers around the inflation percentage. A survey from the Philadelphia Business Journal highlights a burnout concern by Millennials and Gen Z workers who continue to fear taking time off and push themselves toward professional burnout. Gene says it is indicative for owners to support employees for the good of the company and individual. Plus, despite daunting economic headwinds, many small business owners are emphasizing growth through marketing expenditures. Listen to the podcast.     Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew Article on employee burnout: https://bit.ly/burnout-prevention-strategies 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.

    8 min

  4. FEB 17

    Best-Selling Author and Host Ken Coleman: Stop Motivating Your Team and Start Doing This Instead

    Forget pizza parties and pep talks — best-selling author and Front Row Seat podcast host Ken Coleman reveals why traditional motivation tactics fail and what actually drives employee engagement. Discover the three human needs that transform retention, productivity, and profitability, plus the two simple questions every leader should ask their team. Ken explains why your job isn’t to motivate anyone and shares his proven framework for helping employees find work they’re “wired to do.” Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 01:03 – “Wired” for work: The three wires 03:58 – Diagnosing misalignment in current role 08:18 – Escaping the “miserable but safe” job 13:27 – Why change fails 17:18 – Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation 18:26 – What to do if you’re not a natural motivator 22:02 – Real-world example: CEO in a cubicle 24:08 – Ken’s personal work fit 27:23 – What really keeps talent: Three human needs 30:22 – Recruiting strategy: You can’t teach hunger 32:48 – Wrap up and thank you 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.

    34 min

  5. FEB 12

    SBA Touts Growth, Capital Programs, a Bill on AI Training, Permit Process Changes

    The Small Business Administration had a busy past few weeks in the news and for their communications department. An article reported on the agency’s reported record growth in 2025, including nearly $100 billion through the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. U.S. manufacturing gained millions in support from the Working Capital Pilot program. A bill in the U.S. Senate aims at providing free AI training and guidance nationwide, and the agency is implementing a program to provide a workaround for permit delays during federal disaster declarations. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Funding sources: https://bit.ly/funding-for-businesses 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.

    8 min

  6. FEB 5

    Shutdowns to Delay Tax Refunds, Agentic Commerce, Supply Chains, Consumer Confidence

    Even with the partial government shutdown now over, the lingering impacts to employers and employees will be felt throughout 2026. The IRS is short-staffed and already communicating that there will be delays in tax refunds, which hurts finances and potentially morale and budgeting. Agentic commerce hits a snag because the payment guardrails aren’t ready for bots yet, creating purchasing bottlenecks. Tariffs are still affecting supply chains, but businesses in 2026 should be redesigning their approach to offset scarcity of some key items. And consumer confidence hits a 12-year low, while other indexes are also bottoming out around labor and income conditions.  Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs 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.

    8 min

  7. JAN 29

    Planning Around a Shutdown, Banks Float 10% Credit Card Rate, AI Hiring Tools

    Regardless of whether a partial federal government shutdown happens this week, businesses should be prepared and plan accordingly for potential impacts. Several large U.S. banks are entertaining the thought of a 10% rate on a credit card, which flies in the face of all warnings the banking industry has put out there on any such move. An AI company has been sued because it allegedly helped companies score job candidates without the candidates’ knowledge of what data was collected or how it was being used to evaluate. This is a bellwether moment for companies that use AI in hiring. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Ai Recruiting Tools article: https://bit.ly/ai-recruiting-tools No Tax on Tips and OT webinar registration: https://bit.ly/no-tax-on-tips-ot No Tax on Tips article: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips-ot 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.

    6 min

  8. JAN 27

    Wage Laws to Tax Rules: What’s Really Changing for Employers in 2026

    Navigate 2026’s biggest regulatory changes with confidence! Gene Marks sits down with Paychex experts to tackle your pressing questions on no tax on tips and overtime, multi-state paid leave requirements, worker classification rules, and mandatory Roth catch-up contributions under SECURE 2.0. From understanding R&D deductions to managing retirement plan updates, this episode breaks down complex regulations into actionable insights. Whether you’re an HR leader, payroll professional, or business owner, discover what you need to know to keep your company compliant and your employees informed in the year ahead. Watch the full webinar: https://bit.ly/4afnAD9 Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview 01:16 – Meet the tax expert 01:51 – No tax on tips and overtime 11:40 – Research and development tax credits 16:09 – Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) updates 18:45 – Tax segment wrap-up 20:13 – Meet the HR expert 20:52 – Paid family and medical leave changes 30:11 – Paid sick leave requirements 37:06 – Worker classification rules 42:03 – Overtime overview 46:00 – HR segment wrap-up 47:32 – Meet the retirement expert 48:05 – What is a Roth 401(k)? 51:01 – SECURE 2.0 and “Rothification” 57:01 – Retirement and employer responsibilities 66:50 – Tax credits under SECURE 2.0 69:20 – Wrap up and thank you 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.

    1h 11m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
12 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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