Are Managers Still Needed in the Age of AI?

Which Hiring Reports Can Inform Strategic Workforce Planning in 2026?

Which hiring reports can help you build a comprehensive, data-driven work strategy in 2026? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute breaks down the key labor market data sources that leaders and professionals alike should be paying attention to — and why relying on only one report isn't enough. The episode explores what traditional reports like the BLS Jobs Report, the JOLTS, and the ADP National Employment Report can tell you — and what they miss. Also learn about a crucial but often overlooked piece of the labor market puzzle: freelancers, who represent 28% of skilled knowledge workers. Whether you're designing your team structure or future-proofing your skill set, this episode offers a practical cheat sheet for making data-informed decisions in 2026.

What's the Impact of a Low Hire, Low Fire Job Market?

How do organizations and workers stay agile in a low hire, low fire job market? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute explores what it means to lead and grow in an economy in which hiring is slow, layoffs are limited, and movement across the labor market is stalled. While the job market feels frozen, the demands on both businesses and workers continue to accelerate. This episode breaks down the latest labor market data and offers key strategies to stay agile in the midst of uncertainty — from investing in skills and adopting emerging technologies to rethinking engagement and building long-term relationships with freelancers. Whether you're navigating this economy as a decision-maker, an employee, or a freelancer, this episode offers practical guidance to help you build momentum — even when the market is standing still.

How Can Leaders Build Workplaces Where Women Stay and Thrive?

Why are experienced women leaving the workforce in record numbers — and what can leaders do to change course? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute digs into the data behind an uptick in women exiting the workplace. Turnover among women isn't about balancing caregiving or other personal priorities, but is rather about outdated systems, stalled promotions, and inflexible work models that push workers out rather than helping them advance. Explore how slow advancement, pay inequity, and return-to-office mandates disproportionately impact women — and why this isn't simply a retention issue, but a serious business risk. Also learn key shifts leaders can make right now to build workplaces where women stay and thrive.

Why Do Fewer Than Half of U.S. Workers Hold Quality Jobs?

Why do fewer than half of U.S. workers hold what research defines as a quality job? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute explores data from Gallup's American Job Quality Study 2025, revealing the five components that define job quality — and how most roles fall short. Learn how leadership decisions around pay, scheduling, advancement, and employee voice shape the experience of work. Also discover how skilled freelancers are creating higher quality jobs for themselves through greater autonomy, flexibility, and skill development. Whether you're an executive, manager, or team lead, this episode features actionable ideas to help workers on your team thrive — and increase productivity and innovation at your organization as a result.

Are Managers Still Needed in the Age of AI?

How are manager roles changing amid increased AI adoption? With AI tools taking over more operational tasks, some leaders are questioning whether managers are still relevant. But new research from the University of Chicago's Becker Friedman Institute and Glassdoor tells a different story. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu, Senior Manager at The Upwork Research Institute, discusses the long-term value great managers bring. Effective managers support improved talent matching, internal mobility, salary outcomes, and employee engagement. You'll learn why managers are more than coordinators — they're architects of worker potential. Whether you're a leader rethinking team structure or an individual contributor seeking growth, gain actionable insights to maximize your potential.