Plain English with Derek Thompson Work in America Is Broken—Can Remote Work Save Us?
Dec 7, 2021
Anne Helen Petersen, a journalist and author known for her insights on modern work culture, joins for a deep dive into America's work landscape. They discuss the blurred lines between personal and professional life in remote work settings. Anne shares her own journey from academia to digital journalism in Montana, examining work-life balance amid nature. The conversation critiques biases in traditional office environments and highlights the importance of community connection and flexible work arrangements in fostering a healthier work culture.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Move to Montana
- Anne Helen Peterson and Charlie Warzel relocated to Montana in 2017, seeking a change of pace and a connection to nature.
- They were already experiencing work-life balance challenges before the pandemic, due to their demanding work as journalists.
Office Bias
- Traditional offices often favor individuals comfortable in such environments, often white men without caregiving responsibilities.
- The office setting can unintentionally create biases due to factors such as neurotypicality and implicit social cues.
Work Efficiency
- Many remote workers realized their jobs require less than the standard workweek.
- This is because in-office work often involves "live action role-playing" to appear busy, rather than focusing solely on deliverables.
