May 6, 2021

What’s driving the labor shortage?

Jobs in the public sector still haven't bounced back, which goes against forecasts. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Also, the Biden administration is backing a temporary waiver on COVID-19 vaccine patents, what a flexible work future looks like, and why QR codes are the future of hospitality.

Segments From this episode

COVID & Unemployment

Many employers want to hire — now. Many workers aren't ready to go back.

by Mitchell Hartman

May 6, 2021

Maybe they're not vaccinated. Or they have caregiving responsibilities. Or employers aren't offering attractive wages.

Jobs in the public sector still haven't bounced back, which goes against forecasts.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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COVID-19

Waiving patents on COVID-19 vaccines no magic pill for shortage

by Samantha Fields

May 6, 2021

Global vaccine distribution also depends on access to information and having enough production plants.

To ensure that lifting patent restrictions has an impact, vaccine companies need to share know-how with manufacturers around the world.

Mohd Arhaan Archer/AFP via Getty Images

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"The future of work is flexibility." Discuss.

by Andy Uhler

May 6, 2021

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai used the phrase when announcing Google's move to a hybrid workweek.

"Quiet quitting" is the latest pandemic-driven workplace debate that points to burnout as a cause of decreased engagement and productivity.

Stefan Tomic via Getty Images

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Shelf Life

“Everything you know about home economics is wrong”

by Danielle Dreilinger

May 6, 2021

In her new book, “The Secret History of Home Economics,” Danielle Dreilinger challenges common perceptions of a once-thriving profession.

A home economics lesson in 1953. In a new book on the history of home economics, author Danielle Dreilinger writes about how the profession created a “back door” for women in science, business, and engineering.

Photo by Harrison/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

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Grandmother's foreclosed home tests new California law

by Molly Solomon

May 6, 2021

The law gives tenants and nonprofits the opportunity to match a bid made at a foreclosure auction and purchase a property.

Jocelyn Foreman poses with a community land trust agreement during a signing ceremony and celebration at Malcolm X Elementary School in Berkeley on April 23.

Beth LaBerge/KQED

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Hotels try to follow restaurants' lead and hook consumers on QR codes

by Scott Tong

May 6, 2021

Will the QR code stick around in the long run? Perhaps, if users find the information the codes deliver useful.

From marketing to menus, QR codes have gained traction since the beginning of the pandemic.

Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Becoming a Tree Richard Houghten

To be Remote TOKiMONSTA

Stay a While The Cactus Channel

Occasional Magic Yppah

Samui Sunrise Saib

Everything Now Arcade Fire

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

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