Women Are Losing Pay – What Employers Can Do

Episode 349: New research shows women’s earnings are falling further behind - but the reasons go beyond bias. With return-to-office mandates, childcare costs, and promotion patterns, Phil, Burt, and fan favorite Mikey Mac unpack what’s really driving women’s declining pay. They’ll also share what employers can do right now to close the gap, retain key talent, and build trust through fair compensation strategies.

Timestamps:  00:08 – Opening Topic:  women earn $0.81 for every dollar men earn. 01:32 – Government Shutdown: how the NLRB and EEOC slowdowns are affecting employers. 02:54 – Special Guest Returns: Compensation expert Mikey Mac joins the show. 04:29 – Lawyer on the Clock: Thrive Inc. case expanding NLRB remedies for unfair labor practices. 08:19 – Federal judge strikes down Biden-era protections under the Affordable Care Act. 11:01 – HR Reminder: Illinois’ personnel file access law and why employers must stay compliant. 16:51 – Main Discussion: Phil and Mike dive into the gender pay gap and why it’s widening again. 19:01 – Companies offering “return-to-office” pay incentives and how it may worsen pay inequity. 23:08 – Families spend up to 24% of income on daycare, influencing women at work.  26:12 – Should pay be based on competency or tenure? The panel debates what’s fair and legal. 33:31 – Payroll tax and fringe benefit updates for 2026 and how to join AAIM’s December sessions.