The EXCUSE Economy - AI, Layoffs and Gun Violence

Gun violence, layoffs, and the shifting balance of workplace power—this episode covers it all. We break down the rise in corporate safety concerns, the hard truths behind layoff trends, and how AI is being used (and misused) in the conversation. We also explore the quirks of business travel, the slow grind toward gender equality, and why “quiet cracking” might be the new quiet quitting. Plus: acquisitions, funding news, and what’s next for workplace relationships. In this episode we talk about HR Tech, workplace safety, layoffs, AI, and employee satisfaction, connecting the dots between economic pressures and evolving workforce dynamics. From China’s demographic shifts to digital compliance tools, we explore how technology, policy, and culture intersect. The conversation also digs into business travel realities, relationship norms at work, and the latest funding news shaping the future of how we work. Key Takeaways ➡ Gun violence is increasingly seen as a corporate HR issue, pushing workplace safety to the forefront. ➡ Layoffs have spiked 140% year over year, signaling broader economic instability. ➡ AI is often used as a convenient scapegoat for layoffs, masking poor planning. ➡ China’s labor market is still feeling the demographic effects of past population policies. ➡ Digital signage is emerging as a fast, scalable tool for labor law compliance. ➡ Business travel is losing its luster, with many employees viewing it as a burden. ➡ “Quiet cracking” shows dissatisfaction without performance drop-offs—making it hard to detect. ➡ SAP’s acquisition of SmartRecruiters could reshape the talent acquisition tech stack. ➡ Workplace relationships remain common, impacting team dynamics and culture. ➡ Women’s representation in management is improving, but progress is slow and uneven. Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices