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Companies Push Return to Office as Auto Strike Looms, AI Startups Offer Alternatives, 19 Million Earn Under $15/Hour, WeWork Renegotiates Leases

  • Companies like Meta and Merck pushing employees to return to the office more often post-Labor Day. Tips on managing back-to-work routine.

  • UAW warns potential auto worker strike looks likely as deal with automakers remains out of reach. Companies need to prepare for climate disasters' impact.

  • AI "agents" being developed by startups as alternative to large foundation models. UNESCO issues guidance on risks of generative AI in education.

  • 19 million U.S. workers earn less than $15/hour, with two-thirds in their prime working years. Quality jobs linked to greater productivity and optimism.

  • WeWork plans to renegotiate leases to cut costs and stay in business after warning ability to continue was in doubt. Had 777 locations as of June.

forbes.com
Relevant topic timeline:
Return to office mandates pick up steam as Labor Day nears but many employees resist
Return-to-office mandates are gaining momentum as the pandemic fades, with 90% of companies expected to require employees to work in person at least some of the time by the end of next year, despite pushback from many employees.
Return to work mandates are ridiculous, unnecessary and, in some instances, even cruel
Return-to-office mandates are not about productivity or better meetings but rather about companies wanting to become the center of employees' lives, even if the data on the impact of office work versus remote work is inconclusive.
Workers are Resisting Calls to Return to Offices - Slashdot
America's return-to-office has been slow and stagnant, with office occupancy at around 47.2 percent of pre-pandemic levels, and the majority of hybrid arrangements failing to foster meaningful connections, leading some companies to resort to threats to get employees back in the office.
The state of return-to-office policies: a post-Labor Day reset?
Some big-name employers are enforcing return-to-office mandates after Labor Day, with noncompliance potentially resulting in disciplinary action, including lower performance ratings or dismissal.
Return-to-Office Mandates Used as 'Covert Layoffs' to Cut Staff Without Firings, Report Finds
The return-to-office policies implemented by companies could be used as a covert layoff tactic to restructure the workforce and avoid legal and financial obligations associated with layoffs.