May 10, 2023
Offices are Adapting to a New Hybrid Normal
While management and workers continue sparring over remote work, a new normal is starting to surface. Flexible work schedules are in-demand with recent PR graduates citing hybrid work as a top incentive. With nearly one-third of all work in the U.S. remaining remote, companies must better support employees with hybrid professional development. Experts say a transformation in perspective is essential for organizations adapting to an evolving workplace.
Although most young professionals prefer flexibility, some bosses are pushing back. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently called remote work one of “the tech industry’s worst mistakes in a long time.” Despite the divide, a new report reveals a majority of companies have adopted a middle ground with hybrid options.
Reporters and Journalists Face Risks and Intimidation Worldwide
Around the world, media members face risks reporting and confronting power. The World Press Freedom Index has designated a record 31 countries with ‘very serious’ press freedom problems. Driving the indicators are fake content industries and increased propaganda, often fueled by disinformation and AI. Journalists are also experiencing more hostility—more than 360 journalists are imprisoned in 30+ countries, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
With more press under fire, government and nonprofit organizations are taking action. The U.S. announced Reporters Shield, a new program providing reporters resources against legal threats abroad. Politico founder Robert Allbritton is launching a new nonprofit initiative to train aspiring journalists. For their landmark reporting, the United Nations awarded its highest press freedom prize to three imprisoned Iranian journalists.
Social Media Under Scrutiny from Regulators and Representatives
Social media uncertainty has led to increasing scrutiny from regulators and representatives. Bipartisan U.S. legislation has been proposed to prohibit people under age 13 from creating accounts. The Federal Trade Commission is moving to prevent Meta from monetizing minors’ data. A looming TikTok ban is leading some creators to focus on other platforms.
Twitter remains in the spotlight as controversies grow. After pushback, Twitter has reinstated free API access for public service providers delivering critical information. More government communicators are considering leaving the platform after ongoing verification issues, which recently led to election confusion. Tucker Carlson, who was just fired from Fox News, announced he is launching a new program on Twitter.
Sequence Summaries: Office Adaptation, Reporter Risks, and Social Media Scrutiny
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