# Optimism Wanes but SMB Health Solid, Burnout on Rise, States Step Up AI Laws

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/thrive-a-paychex-business-podcast-1231062/optimism-wanes-but-smb-health-solid-burnout-on-rise-states-step-up-ai-laws
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/thrive-a-paychex-business-podcast-1231062/optimism-wanes-but-smb-health-solid-burnout-on-rise-states-step-up-ai-laws.md
Podcast: [THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/thrive-a-paychex-business-podcast-1231062)
Published: 2026-06-04T04:02:00+00:00
Episode link: https://paychexbusiness.podbean.com/e/wir-06012026/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7x2xxdc6fk9ufmv4/WIR_06012026annye.mp3
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Duration seconds: 493

## Resource

The construction sector takes the least of a hit on the National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Optimism Index, while retail suffers worst decline. Add that to a Glassdoor survey reporting that employee confidence is at record lows and burnout is on the rise, and it’s no wonder that owners rate the financial health of their small businesses at good to excellent. Wait, what? Host Gene Marks explains why this might be happening. There also are new AI laws in a handful of states creating additional compliance complexities, especially around AI-driven employment decisions and discrimination risks. Listen to the podcast. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:19 – Optimism Declines Again 02:00 – Employee Confidence and Burnout 04:57 – State Step Up with AI Laws 06:43 – Episode Wrap-up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Register for AI webinar: https://bit.ly/ai-webinar-series 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.

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