2024 Work Trends: Return to Office, Sneaky Layoffs and are MBAs Worth it?
Dec 23, 2024
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Kyle Hagge, host of Per My Last Email, and Kaila Lopez, a workplace expert, dive into evolving work trends. They discuss the pressure for employees to return to the office, revealing the rise of 'backdoor layoffs' among major companies. The duo unpacks how AI is reshaping productivity and communication, especially among Gen Z. They also explore the paradox of MBA programs gaining interest despite questionable job market outcomes, emphasizing the value of practical experience over formal credentials in today’s competitive landscape.
The return to office mandates by companies like Amazon and Starbucks are leading to ethical concerns about 'sneaky layoffs' and workforce reductions.
Rising MBA applications indicate a response to job market shifts, yet skepticism about their value persists amid increasing unemployment rates for recent graduates.
Deep dives
The Push for Return to Office Policies
Companies are increasingly mandating a return to the office, with Amazon and Starbucks leading the charge by enforcing strict in-office work policies. This move, seen by some as a method of executing 'backdoor layoffs,' raises concerns that companies may be using these policies to reduce their workforce without directly implementing layoffs. Employees who prefer working from home might choose to leave voluntarily, allowing companies to reduce staff without the negative backlash of formal layoffs. The implications of these policies suggest a potential shift in workplace culture and employee relations going into 2025.
Sneaky Layoffs and Company Policy Enforcement
The concept of 'sneaky layoffs' has emerged, where companies use minor infractions to justify terminations instead of conducting formal layoffs. Examples include Meta firing employees for misusing meal credits and EY dismissing workers for attending multiple online training sessions simultaneously. This trend suggests that organizations might be strategically enforcing rules to achieve a reduction in headcount, aiming for a more favorable public image while cutting costs. Such practices raise ethical questions about fairness and the treatment of employees, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
The Growing Influence of AI in the Workplace
AI adoption in the workplace is surging, with 93% of Gen Z respondents in a recent survey indicating they use two or more AI tools weekly. Workers are leveraging AI for tasks such as drafting emails, taking notes, and generating ideas to alleviate overwhelming workloads. However, there remains a stigma around openly admitting to using AI in communication, with many feeling that over-reliance on these tools could signal a lack of engagement or effort. As AI technology advances, finding a balance between efficiency and authenticity in workplace communication will be crucial.
The Resurgence of MBA Applications
Applications for MBA programs have seen a significant rebound, with overall applications rising by 11% and top-tier schools experiencing even higher increases. This trend is driven by professionals seeking additional credentials in response to job market fluctuations and the prevalence of layoffs, viewing an MBA as a pathway to enhancing their career prospects. Despite the increased interest, there's also a growing skepticism towards the value of an MBA, with reports indicating recent graduates facing higher unemployment rates. This dichotomy presents questions about the future of business education and whether traditional pathways remain relevant in an evolving job landscape.
Episode 480: Kyle Hagge and Kaila Lopez join Neal and Toby and discuss the year in work trends. What is the latest of return to office mandates? How will AI impact work? Should you even get an MBA at this point? All of that and more in the first ever MBD x PMLE crossover!
Listen to Per My Last Email here: https://www.permylastemailshow.com/