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Company Town

Reading this news made me think that we might be inching towards a company town model so employers get their employees report to work every day and stop fussing about it. The pandemic gave way too many people the magic window of opportunity to immerse in their real lives, together with those who mean the most in their lives. It turns out an overwhelming majority really loved what they found there - getting in touch with their own humanity, experiencing the power of love and connection, the joys of being able to an active part of their children's life - these things do not begin to compare with showing up to the office to work. So its no surprise that employees are resistant to returning to the before times.

They are questioning why this is needed when there is a more humane way to earn a living. The powers that be are trying a carrot and stick technique. This "discounted" hotel on campus is an oddity - is this a carrot or a stick or something in between. Maybe it is a carrot-stick that does a bit of both at once and quite disgusting. Would be better if they could open up rows of bunk beds for employees to sleep - it could be spun as a return to camp experience of youth. Afterall there is a strong culture of infantilizing employees to build camaraderie at work. Why not kick that up a notch and run summer camp all year long to collocate and bond with your co-workers. Surely we are all dying to return to our childhoods and live there forever. 

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