Dec 2, 2021

Omicron could keep older workers on the sidelines

After a long day back to school during the coronavirus outbreak, the mature adult teacher packs up her things. She is wearing a protective mask. SDI Productions via Getty Images

We'll also hear why a bartender chose to make a career shift and how a company that injects play into work still does so online.

Segments From this episode

How Fed "tapering" can make mortgages more expensive

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Dec 2, 2021

It opens the door to interest rate hikes.

Homebuyers have been benefiting from low interest rates. The Federal Reserve's plan to reduce bond purchases may change that.

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

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United States of Work

Why this longtime bartender quit the service industry

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Dec 2, 2021

Neil Cairns of Oregon has been on an employment roller coaster the past two years. Now he’s trying something new.

Economists and central bankers abound are watching today's jobs report to get a gauge on inflation.

Photo by Thomas Patterson for Marketplace

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A small but crucial part of the supply chain

In a quick preview of an upcoming “Temporarily Unavailable” story, Kai Ryssdal gives us an up-close look at what the term “drayage” means.

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COVID-19

How omicron may affect China's ports, a key to the global supply chain

by Amanda Peacher

Dec 2, 2021

China's no-tolerance COVID-19 protocols may keep the variant at bay but may slow down shipping again.

If the omicron variant were to cause port shutdowns, they would likely coincide with Lunar New Year closures. Above, workers at a container port in Wuhan, China.

Getty Images

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Workplace Culture

Omicron worries could keep some workers out of labor force

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Dec 2, 2021

There are signs that health concerns, particularly for older Americans, are decreasing interest in being employed or “unretiring.”

Workers over 65 were the fastest-growing segment of the labor force pre-COVID but have retired at an accelerated pace over the last two years.

alvarez via Getty Images

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My Economy

This facilitator uses creativity and play to bring teams together

by Sarah Hawkins and Anais Amin

Dec 2, 2021

Jessica Shaw founded a company that brings play into workplaces to cultivate the human connection.

“We found that games and wordplay were a great way of supporting that sense of people reaching through the screen," said Jessica Shaw, founder of PACT Creative Training.

SDI Productions via Getty Images

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How search algorithms shape our visual world

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Dec 2, 2021

Stock images are everywhere. What implicit biases are they reinforcing?

iStock’s search results for "hand isolated." Though some token people of color appear, most photos show white people.

Screenshot made in October 2021 by Shoshana Gordon

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Music from the episode

Deep East 17, Ian Curnow / Phil Harding

Lay Low Gallway Flex

Faraway Kulakostas

Palm Trees Loop Schrauber

Passionfruit Drake

Gun Metal Grey The Budos Band

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

Andie Corban Associate Producer

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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