Automation: Google may lay off thousands due to new AI
Rumors that Google will soon lay off thousands of workers in their ad business, since AI can do it better and costs less.
Climate: McDonald’s doesn’t think there will be a ban on meat
Despite calls to ban meat, McDonald's plans to grow, by a lot. Also governments are spending billions to expand airports while other say we need to ban air travel.
Drones: “Fast mile” drone-based delivery services
Drone deliveries to the home, where that works, will mostly make sense for high value density items, but grocery deliveries, not so much.
Social marketing: Brilliant response by North Face to a social media video that went viral
A young woman hiking in the rain in NZ had an issue with her North Face jacket. North Face responded in viral fashion - well done!
Climate economics: Net Zero might not increase employment or reduce costs
Politicians say Net Zero will create jobs, grow the economy, but maybe not - for obvious reasons.
Business: Work-from-home trend has fallen off, and flat-lined
The "days worked from home" has fallen sharply from the peak and is now in a slow decline.
Demographics, Education: Half of companies eliminating 4-year degree requirement
55% of companies eliminated a 4-year degree requirement in 2023 for some jobs, and 45% will eliminate it in 2024.
Business: “Pay tip first” culture has turned tips into bribes
With tipping out of control, tips have turned into bribes: Pay up front or then get crappy service.
Retail: Walmart to have “quiet hours” 8-10 am
Starting Nov 10, Walmart will move to "quiet hours" in stores from 8am to 10 am. This is great for those who have sensory overload issues.
Automation: Starbucks to increase use of automation
Starbucks will improve efficiency by adding more automation.