Culture News & Analysis
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Market Mood
SolComms Allows Remote Work for August, Boosts Revenue
SolComms, a New York City-based PR firm, allowed its 53 employees to work remotely for the entire month of August, deviating from its usual four days in-office policy. The initiative, named 'Work from Anywhere August,' was driven by CEO Bruno Solari's experience working remotely from Spain. Employee surveys indicated increased productivity, improved work-life balance, and happiness, along with a modest revenue boost for the company. This move contrasts with larger firms tightening remote-work policies due to a competitive job market favoring employers. Solari emphasized the need to adapt to employee expectations while maintaining company culture. The remote-work perk reflects a growing trend in hybrid work models, with SolComms typically requiring on-site work for four days and remote work on Fridays.
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US Tipping Culture Rising: 20% Expected at Restaurants
In many US cities, a tip of 20% is now often expected at restaurants, with anecdotal accounts highlighting pressure from both customers and servers. In New York, servers like Kate Santos earn $11 per hour, relying heavily on tips to supplement their income. The number of American visitors to Iceland surged from 50,810 in 2010 to 660,114 last year, leading to the introduction of tipping at some local restaurants. This shift has created tensions, as locals find the new practice unreasonable, indicating a notable cultural clash regarding tipping standards.
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