As 2025 closed, small business remained resilient with job growth showing very little variation throughout the year, while hourly wage growth finished close to inflation, according to Paychex Small Business Employment Watch. Manufacturing didn’t fare well last year and is in contraction, according to the Purchasing Manager’s Index. Some industries such as computer and electronic products have seen expansion, but eyes are on what impact tariffs will continue to have. Gene Marks offers insights on these topics, as well as details on a lawsuit in NYC on predictive scheduling that cost Starbucks $39 million to settle. Businesses need to be aware of similar laws in their states.

Additional Resources

Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs

On-demand webinar on top regulatory issues: https://bit.ly/2026-top-regs-webinar

Top Regulatory Issues of 2026 article: https://bit.ly/top-regs-2026

No Tax on Tips and OT webinar registration: https://bit.ly/no-tax-on-tips-ot

No Tax on Tips article: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips-ot

DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Employment Is Steady, Manufacturing is Contracting, Predictive Scheduling Issues