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     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.

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 Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome01:46 – Meet Alex Papazis: HR Risk and Response Partner03:00 – Why California employment laws matter nationwide04:34 – Minimum wage and exempt salaries08:12 – The value of outsourcing HR compliance08:54 – Workplace Know Your Rights Act12:05 – How Paychex can help navigate compliance13:29 – Personnel file and training record requirements16:53 – Pay transparency regulations20:07 – Stay or pay agreement changes21:49 – Episode recap and key takeaways24:22 – 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.

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. 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.

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 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.

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 Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include:00:00 – Episode preview and welcome01:50 – Guest introduction: Louis Gutierrez03:33 – Louis’s journey into AI05:03 – AI’s role in business07:16 – Challenges with AI accuracy11:01 – How data and objectives can impact AI performance13:48 – Creating your AI governance strategy16:46 – The future of marketing automation19:27 – Building customer trust in AI-powered tools23:08 – Current and future AI capabilities27:34 – Fine-tuning AI models for better results29:37 – Will AI replace jobs?32:24 – 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.

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

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

On this week's episode of the Paychex THRIVE Week in Review, host Gene Marks dives into the ongoing government shutdown and its profound impact on small businesses, strategies to conserve cash during these turbulent times, and Google’s latest initiatives to help small businesses leverage AI in a rapidly digitalizing economy. Plus, a deep dive into how tariffs are challenging yet reshaping industries for the better. Additional resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex 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.

The economy has its cheerleaders and detractors, but one thing that is keeping it propped up is the small businesses of America. The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch shows that despite the hourly earnings growth coming in below 3% for 11 straight months, it has stayed consistent at about 2.7%. This is based on real payroll numbers, and with government job numbers not based on that – and missing last week because of the shutdown – it’s important to have reliable job and wage data. Gene Marks shares a new way to measure income data, plus he discusses how data doesn’t reflect AI taking people’s jobs in America as of yet. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Check out how Paychex helps 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.

In this episode of THRIVE, Gene Marks sits down with Jason Rose, Senior Vice President of Digital Sales and Marketing at Paychex, to unpack what really drives marketing success. From his unlikely start as a CPA to leading marketing at publicly traded companies, Jason shares insights on building brands that turn customers into evangelists. Discover why “ruthless consistency” beats flashy campaigns, how AI-powered search is improving lead quality, and the one question Jason asks to measure marketing success (hint: it’s not about metrics). Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur crafting your first Google ad or a seasoned business owner building a marketing department, Jason delivers practical advice you can implement immediately. Year-end is just around corner! Get your payroll in order with this checklist: https://bit.ly/4nzDFb5 Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include:00:00 – Episode preview and introduction01:57 – Jason’s career journey from CPA to marketer05:00 – Marketing strategy and data complexity07:33 – Companies doing marketing right 10:27 – Beyond leads: Building your brand13:33 – Why everyone is in marketing15:37 – Scaling your marketing: Messaging and content strategy19:15 – SEO in the AI era24:17 – Paid advertising for small businesses27:35 - Hiring marketing talent29:55 - Evaluating marketing performance32:36 - The future of marketing with AI35:42 - Marketing as a service organization37:17 - Jason’s dream business38:03 - 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.

The economy looks to have taken a turn in the right direction with Gross Domestic Product showing growth in the second quarter, while consumer spending also increased again. Gene Marks says this is a positive step, but he also warns businesses about relying on statistics that keep getting revised. And speaking of reliability, a major bank reported that nearly one-quarter of businesses are in survival mode and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that 76% of businesses surveyed are comfortable with their cash flow. One thing is for sure, the labor market is softening and if businesses are thinking about recruiting, then TikTok videos might be the way to get the good word out. Listen to the podcast.  Additional ResourcesCheck out how Paychex helps 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.  

A provision in the new tax law offers employees no tax on tips, so Gene Marks level sets what guidance has been provided — proposed job eligibility, the deduction limit, what taxes still must be deducted — and points to other information employers and employees will require. Gene says that employees need to be aware this is a deduction to be taken at tax filing time, that employers should be aware that state tip credit is not impacted, and they should help educate employees on the new W-2 forms that will be required in 2026. Listen to the podcast. Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex Learn more about no taxes on tips and overtime: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips See what jobs are eligible for no tax on tips: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips-eligible-jobs 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.

Think you know what female employees want? Think again! Wharton economist Dr. Corinne Low joins Gene Marks to shatter conventional wisdom with surprising research from her new book Having It All. Dr. Low shares why today’s mothers spend twice as much time with their children as previous generations and how this shift is reshaping workplace needs in unexpected ways. The biggest surprise? Women don’t actually want flexibility — they crave predictability. From debunking the “lean in” myth to exposing the hidden costs of burnout, this episode delivers data-driven strategies that will transform how you think about supporting your female workforce. Tune in and turn research into your competitive advantage. 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 Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include:00:00 – Episode preview and introduction03:50 – Dr. Low’s background and research05:28 – Overview of Dr. Low’s new book07:31 – Why modern motherhood feels harder09:09 – Debunking the flexibility myth12:32 – Predictibility vs. flexibility14:19 – Gender differences in workplace needs15:17 – Understanding “The Squeeze” period22:01 – The childcare cost crisis25:28 – The lifecycle investment approach30:40 – 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.

The Producer Price Index is declining and the Purchasing Price Index has fallen a third time in 2025, all used to determine inflation, yet Gene Marks says the “Big I” isn’t the huge threat everyone thinks it is. He looks at potential interest cuts as a possible result, which might help businesses. Also, a boon or manufacturing businesses is a new SBA loan program with less red tape and an 85% guarantee by the agency. Safety training programs are getting better funded, which is great news for workers and employers who want to avoid OSHA penalties. And talk about “safety net” but 67% of pet owners would switch jobs if they had to give up remote work and staying with their pets. Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex 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.

The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch reports job numbers remain flat, while national hourly earnings stay below 3% growth for a 10th straight month. Gene Marks points to a continued slow down, citing the paltry 22,000 jobs reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a national unemployment rate at 4.3%. However, Gene says this creates opportunity for small businesses to snap up top talent. Also, a survey notes that more than one-quarter of participating employees are seeking financial resources from employers, a perfect time for employers to offer added value. And can entrepreneurship be taught? Gene has some thoughts on to what degree this is possible. Additional resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex  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.

Is your business secretly driving away top talent? This episode of THRIVE will tell you how to find out. Join host Gene Marks as he sits down with Paychex HR experts Alison Stevens and Michael Majors to chat about Employer IQ — a game-changing diagnostic tool that reveals exactly where your HR practices are helping or hurting your business. Discover the most common blind spots, learn exactly when it’s time to hire your first HR person, and find out how this simple assessment can transform your business from a revolving door into a talent magnet. Ready to find out your Employer IQ? Visit: https://bit.ly/3IedlUq Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include:00:00 – Episode preview and welcome01:11 – Employer IQ overview04:34 – Motivation behind Employer IQ06:25 – How to use the platform09:42 – Roll-out strategy12:19 – Usage scenarios and benefits14:45 – Future vision for platform17:23 – Employee input and industry verticals18:55 – How to access Employer IQ19:58 – 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.

Businesses earned a victory for the second time when an appeals court upheld a ruling that the administration’s tariffs are unconstitutional. However, Gene Marks says that regardless of an appeal, the bag of tricks is endless to keep taxing businesses with tariffs. And this is on top of the de minimis exemption expiring, meaning any imported goods of less than $800 will also face tariffs. Employers also face disengaged and disenchanted employees experiencing quiet cracking. Gene suggests employers get cracking to offset the 54% of employees whose productivity has declined. Additional resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex 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.  

As news of tariffs comes and go, one recent study found that a majority of small businesses have had zero exposure to international supply chains and 45% source more than half of their materials from their city or state. Gene Marks also talks about high levels of optimism among these businesses. More good news: Manufacturing expanded at its fastest pace in August since 2022. Tempering that is a projected 10% hike in healthcare costs that could create challenges for businesses, so Gene offers tips on how to approach this. Plus, a major jump in AI adoption by small businesses. Webinar: ICE Raids and I-9 Audits: How to protect your business from costly mistakes. (go.paychex.com/i9webinar) 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.

Forget waiting until 65 to enjoy life — what if you could “retire” for a month every single year? In this episode of THRIVE, we dive into the concept of mini-retirement with Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often and host of the Retire Often podcast. Think you can't afford it? Think your business would crumble without you? Jillian breaks down exactly how to make mini-retirement work — whether you're an employee dreaming of adventure or a business owner ready to build a company that succeeds without your constant presence. From cross-training benefits to succession planning secrets, this episode reveals why companies are embracing mini-retirements as the ultimate employee perk.   Check out this comprehensive article to learn more about mini-retirements and their benefits: https://bit.ly/41lXWYP   Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics   Topics include:00:00 – Episode preview and welcome02:31 – Defining mini-retirement05:05 – Balancing work and leisure during mini-retirement09:01 – How to communicate your mini-retirement13:06 – Mini-retirement as an employee benefit16:19 – Identifying high performers through absence20:40 – Building and communicating your mini-retirement policy25:26 – Employer tax benefits of mini-retirement26:28 – Mini-retirements as succession planning28:12 – Preparing for mini-retirements and retirement31:31 – 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.

The Producer Price Index, which is an indicator for the rate of inflation, rose to a point that is significantly higher than it has been recently. This means consumers could be seeing higher costs come their way. However, Gene Marks points out that consumers don’t seem deterred. They are spending, and the retail sales uptick bears that out. Small businesses also don’t appear worried, as the latest Small Business Optimism Index jumped 14 points while 65% of those surveyed rated their business health as excellent or good. 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.