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.

Read More...

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.

Read More...

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.

Read More...

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.

Read More...