Companies Are Pushing Employees Back to the Office Despite Resistance
Though 90% of companies plan to implement return-to-office policies by 2024, the 5-day in-office workweek is likely gone forever as most adopt a hybrid model.
Key Facts & Points
- 90% of companies will have return-to-office policies by end of 2024, with 30% threatening to fire noncompliant employees.
- Office occupancy has remained around 47% of pre-pandemic levels despite back-to-office pushes.
- Leaders justify return policies citing company culture, collaboration, and productivity concerns.
- Experts say 5-day office weeks are "dead," with most adopting 2-3 day hybrid models.
- Transparency around policies is key to maintain employee trust and prevent turnover.
Media Mogul Byron Allen Bids $10 Billion to Acquire ABC from Disney
Comedian and media executive Byron Allen has made a preliminary $10 billion offer to acquire ABC, FX, National Geographic and local TV stations from Disney.
Key Facts & Points
- Allen's bid is one of several Disney is considering for its linear TV assets amid market changes.
- Allen would work with banks and equity firms to finance the deal and may sell some stations to avoid conflicts.
- The bid aligns with Allen's recent investments in media like the Weather Channel and local stations.
- Disney CEO Bob Iger is looking to cut costs and evaluate selling some traditional TV properties.
Fipto Raises €15M to Enable Instant Blockchain Payments for Businesses
French fintech startup Fipto has raised €15 million in seed funding to develop its blockchain-based payment and treasury management platform. Fipto enables instant international payments for businesses in both fiat and digital currencies. The funding will support Fipto's ambitions to become a global leader in blockchain financial services.
Key Facts & Points
- Fipto's platform allows businesses to manage corporate treasuries and make instant international payments using blockchain.
- The solution supports payments in fiat currencies and digital assets like cryptocurrencies.
- Fipto is compliant with French and upcoming EU regulations around digital asset service providers.
- The €15 million seed round was led by Serena and Motier Ventures.
- Fipto's founders have over 20 years of experience in banking and payments.
Alternative Dietary Changes May Promote Healthy Aging Without Calorie Restriction
According to a new yeast study, switching to a healthier diet in early life without calorie restriction may suppress cellular aging and extend the period of good health in later life.
Key Facts & Points
- Researchers switched yeast's normal glucose diet to galactose, finding this dietary change in early life delayed senescence and maintained fitness in aged cells.
- The diet swap worked best when yeast was young, having little effect when old, suggesting healthy diets from an early age aid longevity.
- Molecular changes accompanying aging did not occur in yeast fed galactose, despite no increase in lifespan, indicating extended healthspan is achievable through dietary optimization.
- The findings propose an alternative to calorie restriction for improving healthy lifespan that may be more achievable through dietary adjustments alone.