HR Happy Hour Podcast Network

2/6/2026

The Hidden Power of Middle Management Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen Guest: Gary Cookson Summary In this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen speaks with Gary Cookson about the often-overlooked role of middle managers in organizations. They discuss the challenges faced by middle managers, including the emotional labor they perform, the invisible work that goes unrecognized, and the need for better preparation and support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of middle managers in navigating change, particularly in the context of AI and hybrid working environments. They also highlight the need for organizations to redefine the role of middle managers and empower them to create a positive impact on workplace culture and performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Middle Management Dynamics 05:15 The Emotional Reality of Middle Management 10:05 Invisible Work and Its Impact 13:21 Navigating Change and Uncertainty 21:18 Adapting to AI and Hybrid Work 25:18 Transforming Perspectives on Middle Management 27:21 The New Manager Bounce and Its Implications 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. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.

1/6/2026

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 Workhuman.com