Remote Work Data: Are Employees Working Less or Smarter? Plus, BoA Demands Staff Return to the Office

Remote Work Data: Are Employees Working Less or Smarter?

Recent research suggests that remote workers are spending less time working compared to office-based employees. A study using data from the American Time Use Survey shows a significant decline in working hours for remote workers, with the most notable decrease in 2023 for women. While this data might raise concerns, some argue it doesn't tell the whole story. They suggest that remote workers might be more productive and efficient, requiring less time to achieve the same results. Others suggest the change in time-use reflects differences in the types of remote jobs and the potential for burnout among women.

Bank of America Demands Staff Return to the Office

Bank of America (BoA) has been sending letters to employees demanding they return to the office, threatening disciplinary action if they fail to comply. The bank has reportedly been sending similar messages since last autumn. BoA joins other financial giants like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup in pushing for in-office work. Goldman Sachs has reported that its in-office attendance is back to pre-pandemic levels from Monday to Thursday.

Chipotle Denied Raises to Unionized Workers

The National Labor Relations Board's general counsel is issuing a formal complaint against Chipotle for allegedly refusing to give raises to unionized workers at a Michigan restaurant. The complaint alleges that Chipotle withheld raises from employees who voted to join the Teamsters union in 2022, claiming they were ineligible for pay bumps because of their unionization.

Nearly Half of Full-Time Workers Struggle to Make Ends Meet

New research suggests that 44% of full-time working Americans are struggling to cover their basic needs due to low wages. According to a report by Dayforce and the Living Wage Institute, workers need an average hourly wage of $23 to have a liveable wage, but only half of full-time female workers and 62% of male workers achieve this income level. The report also highlights significant disparities among racial groups, with Black and Latino workers disproportionately struggling to make ends meet.

US Customs Agency Found Guilty of Pregnancy Discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has found the US Customs and Border Protection Agency guilty of pregnancy discrimination. A class action lawsuit alleges that pregnant employees were required to take temporary light duty without a proper assessment of their ability to continue working in their roles with or without reasonable accommodations. The case represents over 1,000 women, and a final settlement amount is expected in September.

Musk's Latest Communication Raises Eyebrows

Elon Musk has sparked concerns among employees at X (formerly Twitter) with a recent communication that appears to require staff to justify why they deserve to cash in their stock options. Employees will need to submit a one-page summary of their contributions to access their options. This has added to existing tensions at the company, with reports of delays in the promotion process and outstanding annual equity refreshers.

Ohio Bill Targets Employers Hiring Non-Citizens

Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill that aims to punish employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. The bill proposes a three-year probation or license suspension for employers found in violation, and allows the attorney general's office to maintain a database of violators. Employers can prove compliance by using the e-verify program or other status verification systems.