Future of Work Roundup - Week of September 26

Welcome to the Future of Work Roundup. Each week, we bring you five top stories—drawing from the latest academic research and industry trends—to give you an easily-digestible snapshot of how work is changing—and why it matters.

“Future of Work” roles see a decline

New research finds that the proportion of technology and communications companies hiring for future of work-related positions dropped in August 2022 (compared to July 2022, as well August 2021 last year). One key driver of this is likely businesses’ increased focus on short- and medium-term results as opposed to the longer time horizon that is synonymous with “future of work.”

Fun doesn't equal money

CNBC covered a recent company All Hands at Google where CEO Sundar Pichai addressed criticisms of cost-cutting measures such as thinner travel and swag budgets. Fighting back, Pichai noted that “we shouldn’t always equate fun with money.” What do you think? Is fun at work dependent on a cushioned budget?

Wanting to retire by age 50

The New York Times reported that millennials want to retire by age 50. Unfortunately, as the piece notes, these dreams are being stymied by the financial realities of retiring early.

A call for more work/life blurring

A piece in the Wall Street Journal advocated for keeping the lines between work and life blurred as companies return to the office. Author Alexandra Samuel advocates for more fluidity between work and family for increasing creativity, productivity, and well-being. She writes, “If I took an unapologetic break from work to go for a 2-hour walk with a friend, the combination of exercise, fresh air and conversation often led to a breakthrough on a business problem or writing challenge.” Should we try to uphold some of the work-life blur that has defined much of the past couple of years?

Mexico City becomes a remote work hub

CBS News reported that young professionals are choosing Mexico City as their remote work destination. Yet, as Vox wrote earlier this year, Mexico City’s rise in popularity as a remote work destination has contributed to rising housing prices and inflation, which has made it less affordable for locals.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for next week’s Future of Work roundup.