2026: The Year of Ultimate Business Efficiency

Hosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer

Summary

In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer discuss the transformative impact of AI on business efficiency as they enter 2026. They explore the financial implications of AI adoption, the role of Gen Z in integrating AI into workplaces, and how AI is reshaping corporate hierarchies. The conversation also touches on predictions for the future of work and pop culture, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advancements. Listen in!

Chapters

0:00 New Year Reflections

01:34 The Rise of AI in Business Efficiency

07:25 Financial Implications of AI Adoption

12:01 AI's Impact on Corporate Hierarchies

16:25 Gen Z's Role in AI Development

18:22 AI in the Workplace

21:24 AI as a Communication Coach

25:25 Predictions for 2026: Business and Beyond

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.

Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.

Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.

Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Smart HR Solutions for Today’s Business Leadership Challenges

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Alison Stevens, Senior Director of HR Solutions, Paychex

Summary

In this episode of the At Work in America show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Alison Stevens from Paychex to unpack insights from the 2026 Business Leader Priorities Report. Together, they explore what’s top of mind for small business leaders right now - especially the growing HR challenges that come with running lean teams in a complex environment. The conversation dives into practical ways organizations can streamline onboarding, make smarter benefits decisions, and use automation to lift administrative weight off already stretched leaders. At the heart of it all is a clear focus on helping businesses stay agile, support their people, and keep growth and retention front and center, even when the landscape feels anything but simple.

Chapters

02:45 The Role of HR in Business Success

06:04 Insights from the Paychex 2026 Business Leader Priorities Report

08:56 Strategies for Growth in a Cost-Challenged Economy

15:58 The Importance of Efficient Onboarding

18:43 Selecting Strategic Benefits for Employee Retention

24:42 The Challenge of HR Administrative Tasks

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, an industry-leading human capital management (HCM) company that helps businesses of all sizes succeed with its award-winning combination of digital HR technology and advisory services.

Discover what 600 business leaders are prioritizing in 2026 — and how they're overcoming today's biggest obstacles. Uncovered insights and strategies from this year’s Paychex Priorities for Business Leaders survey results to:

• Reclaim time spent on admin tasks

• Reduce turnover costs and keep top talent

• Protect your data and defend against cyber threats

• Turn your biggest challenges into wins in 2026

Head to paychex.com/awia to read the full report. Don’t just guess your priorities — know them.

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.

Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.

Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.

Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at

AI and Cultural Values: A Unique Blend

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Kamwin Story, Senior Manager, System Support at Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Summary

In this episode of the HR Happy Hour show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed speak with Kamwin Story from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The conversation explores the transformative impact of AI on business operations, highlighting the integration of AI tools like Grow and Dynamic Skills into existing systems. They also discuss the importance of seamless functionality and collaboration with Oracle's innovation team to enhance efficiency in the workplace.

Chapters

• Introduction to Oracle AI World and Event Overview
• Choctaw Nation's Unique Governance
• Collaboration with Oracle
• AI Integration and Benefits
• Cultural Values and Vendor Relationships
• Reflections and Future Prospects

Learn about Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications HERE

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it. Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value. The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle. So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward. Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.