Labor Market Tightens, Gen Z Avoids Managing, Open AI Launches Astra

THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast · Sep 10, 2026 · 11m

Data from the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch and the federal government show weekly hours worked increasing and job openings maintaining. Host Gene Marks offers insights on what employers can do in a tight labor market. He also points to internal issues leaders are having with elevating Gen Z employees, as a survey shows that 60% don’t want managerial jobs. What’s holding them back? Some of the reasons might surprise you. In AI news, the launch of Astra by OpenAI promises advances in browser automation and cybersecurity, but not without controversy. Listen to the podcast.

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