THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ monthly survey results show good news on the optimism front: the index reached its highest level in more than a year, the percentage of those expecting to create jobs is the highest since 2022, and worries about inflation are down seven points. Host Gene Marks also talks about the unique age-limit approach a restaurant has ta...

Despite economic uncertainty, the U.S. labor market stays stable, which includes a 3.14% growth – the highest increase in five years – in weekly hours worked. Host Gene Marks shares more real-time data from the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch and says employers can find labor but it won’t be inexpensive. Eligible small businesses get a boost if they’ve been compliant ...

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council and top economic advisor in the White House, joins host Gene Marks to break down what today's economy means for small businesses. They explore why companies using AI saw dramatic revenue growth over the past year, how economists read government data alongside private-sector indicators (like the Paychex Small Busines...

Hiring managers forecast that more permanent jobs will be added in the second half of 2026. Gene Marks shares a report that 63% surveyed said that too many projects are being delayed because of staffing shortages. A legal firm is signaling that I-9 enforcement could increase and recommends that employers prepare by conducting an audit. In AI news, Yelp Host is expanding its p...

Just when you thought it was safe to expand your budget and return to importing more products and goods from other countries, a change in policy will leave many businesses paying higher taxes to do so. Host Gene Marks says, unfortunately, the cost of this policy change will fall to customers already battling higher prices because of inflation. He offers a few tips for busines...