Are we expected to tip robots now?

Jun 1, 2023
Replacing face-to-face service interactions with automation could change American tipping culture.
A loss of face-to-face tipped interactions, often replaced by self-checkout or automated transactions, could change our culture of tipping.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Wage increases haven't really boosted inflation, new Fed research says

May 31, 2023
Businesses have been finding ways to absorb wage increases without charging customers more.
Rising wages are only responsible for about a tenth of a percentage point of the increase in PCE, research from the San Francisco Fed says.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Could artificial intelligence be your next coworker?

May 5, 2023
Workplace AI is coming, and one study of a Fortune 500 company found it can be a productivity boon.
A new study of call center workers at a Fortune 500 company found that AI integration boosted productivity, especially among less skilled and less experienced workers.
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How labor nominee's worker advocacy history informs her work today

A landmark sweatshop case and immigrant parents helped inspire Julie Su's efforts for vulnerable workers, a 19th reporter says.
Julie Su goes before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on April 20.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

The economic — and political — consequences of reforming France's pensions

Mar 30, 2023
More than a million people have taken to the streets across France since President Emmanuel Macron forced through legislation raising the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Protesters take part in a students' demonstration against the French government's pension reforms.
Thomas Samson/AFP via Getty Images

How low unemployment lifts workers at the bottom

Mar 29, 2023
In "Moving the Needle: What Tight Labor Markets Do for the Poor," authors Newman and Jacobs advocate letting tight labor markets stay that way.
"When unemployment goes below about 4.5%, folks who've been out of work find work and keep work," said author Elisabeth Jacobs.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Hot demand creates staff opportunities at Seattle candle bar

Mar 9, 2023
For Noir Lux Candle Bar, interest in off-site candle pouring events is waxing, not waning.
Candle maker Colina Bruce of Noir Lux is thinking of "divvying out" some of her responsibilities to her team.
Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

As the Family and Medical Leave Act turns 30, millions of Americans still lack access to paid leave

Feb 3, 2023
The U.S. is the only wealthy country in the world that doesn’t guarantee workers a single day of paid leave.
An estimated 44% of Americans are not entitled to paid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NYC for Paid Leave

With labor and supply still tight, a Detroit business owner finds an optimistic new normal

Feb 1, 2023
Supply chain hangups and labor shortages have frustrated small businesses. But for a custom frame shop in Detroit, optimism is high for 2023.
Eric Vaughn of Eric's I've Been Framed Shop has handled business smoothly, despite being down to just two employees.
Courtesy Vaughn