Seattle Times

Millions of Americans have gotten a taste of working from home during the pandemic, and, boy, have they liked it.

Last spring, as offices closed across the country and kitchen tables became desks, contemplating the possible upsides of the new professional conundrum felt like a means of survival.

Having worked in economic development for a decade before serving in Congress, I’m accustomed to visiting with employers in my neck of the woods.

Seattle-based Bean Box has 20 employees, and three of them were hired through Northwest Center Employment Services, a nonprofit that places people with disabilities in jobs throughout Washington and in Idaho.

After allegations of racial bias in its promotions, Starbucks said Wednesday it reached a voluntary agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to resolve the allegations and would change its promotion practices.

As corporate America faces pressure to improve diversity within its ranks, Glassdoor has begun disclosing race and gender data on its employment site, breaking down how women and people of color rank their workplaces.

It’s a pressing question that has yet to be answered: Once the pandemic passes, what will the return to work look like for millions of Americans?

As vaccinations continue across the U.S., some companies are offering financial incentives to encourage their workers to get the shots.

Swedish and Starbucks allow it. QFC and Bartell Drugs do not. The grocery union is willing to fight about it, legal experts say it’s federally protected and some customers think it’s a reason to change where they shop.

Back in the pre-COVID-19 days, Mitchell Spearman didn’t talk to his staff much about their feelings.

Call it a CEO tax — or more accurately, a management or boss tax. Oh and throw in the millionaire pro athletes, too.