Mapping durable skills, decoding labor data, and chasing sun with unused PTO. In this crosspod episode, George and Kate unpack a week of seismic shifts across the HR and Work Tech landscape. UKG launches a venture fund, Personio exits the U.S. with layoffs in tow, and Mercor’s $10B valuation sparks debate about the ethics and economics of AI training. They spotlight Plum’s Durable Skills Index, explore Gen Z’s pivot toward “boring” jobs, and navigate the fog of missing labor data with alternative sources. Plus, a clever Florida tourism campaign reminds us to use that PTO before year-end. Pit and peak reflections round out the episode with personal and policy-driven insights. Topics in this episode: UKG launches venture fund, backing early-stage HR tech innovation. Personio exits U.S. market after limited traction and layoffs. Mercor’s $10B valuation raises concerns about AI training labor. Plum’s Durable Skills Index maps soft skills by city and role. Gen Z embraces “boring jobs” for AI-resistant career paths. HR leaders turn to private data amid missing jobs report. St. Pete offers PTO incentive for end-of-year beach travel. Subscribe to catch new episodes of Up Next at WorkTech every other week, where we cut through the noise and surface what matters most in HR and Work Tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices