Introducing the M4 chip into the iPad Pro is more than just a routine upgrade; it represents a paradigm shift in Apple’s approach to processing technology. With a 24% increase in speed over its predecessors and benchmark scores topping the charts, the M4 chip is setting new standards for what consumers can expect from high-end computing devices. This chip isn’t just about keeping up with demands; it’s about anticipating and exceeding future needs.

Max Tech explores why Apple skipped the M3 chip for the new iPad Pro and went straight to M4:

Why the leap from the M3 to the M4?

Why the leap from the M3 to the M4? It appears that Apple, in collaboration with its manufacturing partner TSMC, opted for a skip-generation upgrade to capitalize on the advanced capabilities of the N3E process node. This decision illustrates Apple’s forward-thinking mindset and highlights its commitment to maintaining a lead in a fiercely competitive market. The implications of this technological advancement extend beyond faster processing speeds, suggesting significant enhancements in energy efficiency and thermal management, which are crucial for the next generation of high-performance computing devices.

With such an impactful debut, the M4 chip within the iPad Pro is poised to reshape expectations and set a new benchmark for what is possible in mobile computing. As Apple continues to push the boundaries, the tech industry watches eagerly, knowing that this is just a glimpse into the future of digital technology, where speed, efficiency, and power converge to create unprecedented user experiences.

Unpacking the Power of M4

The M4 chip’s remarkable capabilities stem from Apple’s relentless pursuit of excellence in semiconductor architecture. This chip boasts a 10-core design that delivers a single-core performance score of 3,823 points, making it the fastest consumer chip globally for single-core tasks. Such unprecedented power underscores Apple’s focus on enhancing multitasking abilities and significantly boosting each core’s individual processing capabilities.

Benchmarks That Speak Volumes

The M4 chip’s impressive single-core results do not end with its leap in performance. In multi-core tests, the M4 demonstrates approximately a 25% speed increase over the M3, indicating substantial improvements in handling complex and demanding applications. This increase is particularly notable because it suggests that the M4 chip can outperform the base models of the previous generation’s more professional-grade chips, such as those in the higher-end MacBook Pro models.

A Deep Dive into Architectural Innovations

At the heart of the M4’s performance leap is its construction using the new 3-nanometer technology from TSMC. This advancement allows for a denser, more efficient chip layout and dramatically reduces power consumption, an essential factor in mobile computing. The transition to this technology has enabled Apple to pack more transistors into a smaller space, increasing throughput while managing thermal output more effectively.

A Breakthrough in Efficiency

The efficiency of the M4 chip is not just about power; it’s about how that power is utilized. Apple’s optimization of this new silicon involves an intricate balance between performance and power consumption, ensuring that the iPad Pro can handle more tasks simultaneously without a significant drain on battery life. This balance is crucial for professionals and creatives who rely on their devices for intensive tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and software development, making the iPad Pro a more versatile tool than ever before.

As Apple continues to innovate with its silicon, the M4 chip in the iPad Pro not only sets a new standard for what’s possible in mobile computing but also signals future directions for the entire Mac lineup. With this chip, Apple is not merely keeping pace with the demands of today’s applications but is also paving the way for next-generation technologies that will require even more processing power and efficiency.

What This Means for M4 Macs

The debut of the M4 chip in the iPad Pro heralds a new era for Apple’s hardware ecosystem, particularly for the upcoming M4 Macs. Given the M4 chip’s performance benchmarks, it’s clear that Apple is setting the stage for a significant overhaul in its next generation of Mac computers. These machines are expected to offer unprecedented levels of efficiency and power, which could redefine professional workflows.

Implications for Professional Computing

For professionals relying on Macs for high-end graphic design, video editing, software development, and other resource-intensive tasks, the M4 chip promises a substantial boost in productivity. With its improved single-core and multi-core performances, the M4 Macs will likely handle complex computations more quickly and smoothly, reducing the time spent on rendering and processing large files. This could be particularly beneficial in fields like animation and scientific modeling, where processing speed directly correlates with operational efficiency.

Anticipated Release and Specs

Rumors suggest that the first M4 Macs might arrive as soon as this fall, starting with the high-end MacBook Pros. These devices will likely leverage the full potential of the M4’s capabilities, incorporating both the speed and energy efficiency improvements into their design. Additionally, integrating the M4 chip across the Mac lineup could standardize a high level of performance, even extending into more consumer-oriented models like the MacBook Air, which may see the introduction of M4 variants by spring 2025.

A New Standard in Hardware Integration

The transition to M4 chips across Apple’s Mac lineup will enhance performance and improve how these devices interact with other Apple products. Enhanced continuity features, more seamless Handoff capabilities between macOS and iOS devices, and unified app ecosystems are potential benefits that could stem from this hardware upgrade. With more robust internals, Macs with the M4 chip could handle more on-the-fly computations for real-time syncing across devices, offering a smoother user experience.

These advancements signal a transformative phase for Apple’s Macs, aligning them closer to the performance once reserved for desktop towers, yet in increasingly portable formats. As Apple continues pushing the boundaries of what its integrated systems can achieve, the M4 Macs are poised to offer a compelling upgrade for new customers and loyal users looking to replace older models.

The Future of Apple Silicon

As Apple continues to innovate with its Silicon, the introduction of the M4 chip marks a significant milestone and sets the trajectory for future developments in Apple’s chipset technology. The evolution from the M1 to the M4 has showcased a consistent trend towards increasing power efficiency and dramatic performance gains. This evolution underscores Apple’s commitment to leading the industry in chip design, potentially influencing broader technological trends in personal and professional computing.

Beyond Performance: Sustainability and Integration

Looking forward, Apple Silicon will likely emphasize performance, sustainability, and integration. As the tech world increasingly moves towards environmentally friendly solutions, Apple’s chip development could focus on further reducing power consumption and utilizing more recyclable materials. Additionally, tighter integration with Apple’s software ecosystem will likely be a priority, enhancing security features and optimizing software specifically for Apple Silicon, ensuring that hardware and software work perfectly.

Expanding the Ecosystem

Another significant aspect of Apple Silicon’s future is its potential expansion into other product categories. While currently powering everything from Macs to iPads, future iterations of Apple Silicon could find their way into new domains such as augmented reality devices or more advanced wearables. This expansion would leverage the efficiency and performance of Apple’s chips to deliver new, immersive experiences that could redefine consumer technology yet again.

AI and Machine Learning Capabilities

With advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, future versions of Apple Silicon will likely incorporate more sophisticated AI capabilities. This could include more advanced neural engines and greater provisions for machine learning tasks, significantly enhancing features like facial recognition, voice interaction through Siri, and real-time translation services. Such improvements would enhance user interaction and push Apple’s initiatives to provide more personalized and context-aware device functionalities.

In essence, the future of Apple Silicon appears to be a roadmap towards more intelligent, integrated, and environmentally sustainable computing. With each new chip iteration, Apple strengthens its position in the technology market and sets new standards for what consumers and professionals alike can expect from their devices. The ongoing development of Apple Silicon promises exciting new possibilities for all users in the Apple ecosystem.

OpenAI’s vision for ChatGPT is ambitious: a conversational model that responds intelligently and remembers past interactions. This functionality allows it to contextualize conversations, recall user preferences, and adapt its responses over time, effectively becoming more attuned to the individual’s needs with each use.

The process of activating this feature is straightforward. Users can manage ChatGPT’s memory through a dedicated section in the settings, where preferences can be adjusted and items remembered or forgotten on command. For those concerned about privacy, a temporary chat mode ensures that no data from the session is retained.

In testing this functionality, Matt found that it could recall and integrate these facts in future dialogues after instructing ChatGPT to remember specific personal details, such as his family structure or professional interests. This capability simulates a more natural interaction, akin to speaking with a digital assistant who knows you well.

OpenAI also introduced customization options that allow users to dictate how much the AI remembers. This feature not only addresses potential privacy concerns but also gives users control over the depth of ChatGPT’s memory. For example, while testing, I could delete memories or adjust settings to prevent the AI from storing conversation details.

Critically, as AI technology progresses, the implications of such features extend beyond convenience. They raise significant questions about privacy, data security, and the ethical use of AI in remembering personal information. However, OpenAI anticipates these concerns with robust, customizable privacy controls.

The rollout of this memory function may mark a pivotal shift in how we interact with AI. As ChatGPT continues to evolve, it promises to offer a more personalized, context-aware service that could redefine the boundaries between technology and personal assistance.

What remains to be seen is how these advancements will play out in the long term, both in user adoption and in the broader context of AI ethics. For now, users like me are experimenting with these new capabilities, enjoying a more personalized and engaging interaction with ChatGPT.

Broadening the Tech Horizon

Historically known for its digital signature solutions, DocuSign is now venturing into comprehensive agreement lifecycle management. “Our launch today extends our technology’s reach to support every aspect of the agreement process,” explained Thygesen. This platform is designed to facilitate the initial signing and enhance compliance and fulfillment monitoring post-signature.

Yahoo Finance’s Brian Sozzi recently interviewed DocuSign CEO Allan Thygesen to discuss the launch of their new AI tool.

Tackling the ‘Agreement Trap’

DocuSign’s initiative comes in response to the ‘agreement trap’, a term the company uses to describe the economic inefficiencies tied to poor contract management, estimated to cost the global economy around $2 trillion annually. This platform promises to minimize these losses by leveraging advanced AI for better management practices. “We’re integrating AI to extract and analyze essential terms directly from contracts, ensuring businesses can proactively manage their agreements with unprecedented precision,” Thygesen stated.

The Role of AI in Transforming Agreements

AI is central to DocuSign’s new offering, automating extracting critical data from contracts to provide businesses with actionable insights and oversight, significantly reducing the risk of compliance issues. “This technology facilitates a dynamic contract management environment that adaptively addresses terms and performance across the contract’s lifespan,” added Thygesen.

Enhancing Negotiation with AI

While AI does not replace human negotiators, it is a powerful tool that prepares users by pinpointing potential negotiation pitfalls and recommending optimal contractual language. “Imagine it as having a knowledgeable assistant who prepares you for negotiations and suggests the best contractual clauses based on historical data and trends,” Thygesen elaborated.

Strategic Partnerships and Integration

Reflecting on the company’s growth strategy, Thygesen highlighted the deepening collaboration with tech giants like Microsoft. “Our integration with Microsoft’s platforms, particularly Azure and the newer AI tools like GPT, significantly enhances our product capabilities,” he noted. Being featured on the Azure marketplace exemplifies DocuSign’s efforts to integrate more fully with the infrastructures of leading global technology providers.

The AI Technological Epoch

Thygesen compared the ongoing surge in AI capabilities to major tech revolutions like the advent of the internet or the proliferation of mobile technology. “This wave of AI innovation is redefining what’s possible across industries, ushering in a transformative era for technology at large,” he remarked, suggesting a bright future for AI in enhancing enterprise efficiency and decision-making processes.

Outlook on DocuSign’s Evolution

With this launch, DocuSign is not just introducing new products but is also pivoting strategically from its signature management roots to a broader, more integrated suite of agreement management solutions. “The potential to fundamentally enhance how businesses execute and manage agreements is vast, and we’re just scratching the surface,” Thygesen concluded optimistically.

As DocuSign enters this new phase, its innovative platform sets the stage for a new era in business process management, promising to make digital agreement management seamless and more effective than ever.

In a recent video, The Nerdy Novelist dives into the impact that AI is having on professional writing and which tools are best.

Understanding the Limitations of ChatGPT in Writing

ChatGPT, the frontrunner among AI writing assistants, is celebrated for its ability to churn out content across various formats—from marketing materials to narrative prose. However, its utility in professional writing is undermined by several critical flaws. The primary issue is AI’s propensity to generate dramatic prose. This writing style, often laden with unnecessary adjectives and overly complex sentences, can complicate rather than clarify the intended message.

For example, when prompted to write the beginning of an urban fantasy novel, ChatGPT might produce a passage like:
“The first light of dawn hadn’t yet broken the grip of the night’s shadow as I pulled into the familiar yet ever so slightly foreboding parking lot of the precinct…”

Such prose, characterized by its purple hue, may possess a certain poetic flair but is generally unsuitable for professional or commercial writing, where clarity and conciseness are prized.

Exploring Superior Alternatives to ChatGPT

As the AI writing landscape evolves, several alternatives to ChatGPT have emerged, promising greater accuracy and adaptability for creative tasks. For instance, tools like Claude and Gemini offer enhanced capabilities for brainstorming and developing narrative content. These platforms are designed to facilitate creative ideation more effectively than ChatGPT, which tends to deliver generic and predictable outputs.

Claude, in particular, is noted for its ability to mimic human-like prose more faithfully. It can adjust its output significantly based on the style cues provided, making it a valuable tool for authors seeking to maintain a consistent voice throughout their works. On the other hand, Gemini excels at offering innovative ideas and fleshing out complex story arcs, which can be particularly useful for writers experiencing a creative block.

The Potential and Promise of AI-Assisted Writing

Despite its current shortcomings, AI has immense potential to transform writing practices. Future iterations of AI writing tools are expected to learn from vast datasets of human writing, enabling them to understand and replicate nuanced stylistic decisions and complex rhetorical strategies more effectively. This learning process will be crucial in overcoming AI writing aids’ current limitations.

Moreover, AI’s role in writing isn’t confined to just drafting text. It extends to research, data organization, language translation, and more, which can significantly reduce the workload on human writers and allow more time for creative thought processes.

Ethical Considerations and Future Directions

As AI writing technology advances, it also raises ethical questions about authorship, creativity, and the economic impact on professional writers. The writing community must navigate these challenges thoughtfully, ensuring that AI tools supplement human creativity, not replace it.

While tools like ChatGPT have introduced new possibilities in writing, they are not without significant flaws that limit their utility in professional contexts. However, as technology advances and new models are developed, there is potential for these tools to become invaluable assistants to human writers. The future of AI in writing looks promising but requires careful consideration and continuous refinement to ensure that these tools enhance rather than inhibit creative expression. For now, AI in writing serves best as a collaborator, not a substitute, in the creative process.

1. Pinning for Prioritization:
The Pin feature allows users to designate important emails by pinning them to the top of their inbox. This allows users to effectively prioritize their tasks and stay on top of their workflow by ensuring critical messages remain prominently displayed.

2. Advanced Rules and Quick Steps:
Microsoft introduces enhanced Rules and Quick Steps functionalities, empowering users to automate repetitive tasks such as flagging emails and categorizing them into folders. Users can streamline their email management process by creating custom rules tailored to their preferences and focusing on more pressing matters.

3. Seamless Integration with Microsoft To-Do:
For individuals seeking a comprehensive task management solution, Outlook now offers seamless integration with Microsoft To-Do. This integration allows users to transition flagged emails into actionable tasks effortlessly, ensuring nothing falls through their daily workflow.

4. Scheduled Send and Schedule Polling:
With Scheduled Send and Schedule Polling features, Outlook enhances its scheduling capabilities, allowing users to schedule emails for optimal delivery times and facilitate seamless coordination of meetings across different time zones. These features promote efficient communication and collaboration by providing greater flexibility in email timing and meeting scheduling.

5. Quick Steps for Rapid Email Processing:
Outlook introduces Quick Steps for rapid email processing, enabling users to perform common actions with a single click. Whether it’s moving emails to specific folders, forwarding messages to colleagues, or applying predefined actions, Quick Steps streamline email management and enhance productivity.

6. Sweep Functionality for Inbox Decluttering:
The Sweep functionality offers users a convenient way to declutter their inboxes by quickly managing and organizing emails in bulk. With Sweep, users can effortlessly delete, archive, or move multiple emails simultaneously, keeping their inboxes tidy and manageable.

7. Enhanced Security Features:
Microsoft Outlook prioritizes security with enhanced features to safeguard users’ sensitive information and protect against phishing attacks and malware. By implementing robust security measures, Outlook provides users peace of mind, knowing their data is secure and protected from potential threats.

8. Simplified Calendar Management:
Outlook streamlines calendar management with intuitive features that make scheduling appointments, setting reminders, and coordinating meetings effortlessly. With a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Outlook functionalities, managing calendars becomes a breeze.

9. Improved Search Functionality:
Microsoft enhances Outlook’s search functionality, allowing users to quickly and accurately find emails, contacts, and attachments. With advanced search filters and indexing capabilities, users can easily locate information within their inboxes, saving valuable time and increasing productivity.

10. Enhanced Collaboration Tools:
Outlook introduces enhanced collaboration tools, including seamless integration with Microsoft Teams and OneDrive. These features enable users to collaborate more effectively with colleagues, share files securely, and streamline communication within their organization.

In conclusion, Microsoft Outlook’s ten new features represent a significant leap forward in email management technology. Focusing on efficiency, productivity, and security, these enhancements empower users to take control of their inboxes and streamline their workflow like never before. As Microsoft continues to innovate, users can expect further advancements that will elevate their digital communication experience.

1. Custom Images for Announcements:
The return of custom images for posts marks a significant upgrade in the new Microsoft Teams. Users can now upload custom images to announcements, adding a personal touch to their messages. This feature, prevalent among educators, allows for more engaging and visually appealing announcements.

2. New UI for Posts:
Microsoft Teams introduces a revamped user interface for posts, streamlining the process with a simplified layout. With fewer options cluttering the interface, users can focus on essential features like emojis, GIFs, and attachments, making communication more intuitive and efficient.

3. Message Forwarding:
Enhancing collaboration, Teams now enables users to effortlessly forward messages within chats. Users can share important messages with individuals or groups with just a few clicks, facilitating seamless information exchange and workflow management.

4. Improved Audio and Video Controls:
With enhanced dropdown controls, meeting participants gain greater control over audio and video settings. From adjusting microphone settings to selecting preferred speakers and cameras, users can easily fine-tune their meeting experience, ensuring optimal audiovisual quality.

5. Annotations in Meetings:
Microsoft Teams enhances collaboration during meetings with improved annotation tools. Participants can annotate shared screens in real-time, facilitating interactive discussions and visual presentations. A laser pointer feature further enhances engagement and clarity during presentations.

6. Status Setting via Taskbar:
Teams users can now set their status directly from the taskbar, streamlining communication management. With a simple right-click, users can adjust their availability status from ‘available’ to ‘do not disturb,’ ensuring that colleagues know their availability and focus status.

These updates underscore Microsoft Teams’ commitment to empowering users with innovative features that streamline communication, enhance collaboration, and boost productivity. As remote work continues to evolve, these enhancements position Teams as a leading platform for seamless digital collaboration. Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft innovates in digital communication and teamwork.

In a world where effective communication is paramount, Microsoft Teams’ latest features offer a glimpse into the future of collaboration, where simplicity meets functionality, and productivity knows no bounds.

“Since its launch just under two months ago, Gemini on mobile has undergone a series of significant changes, each aimed at refining the user experience and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AI-driven conversation,” says Floyd, whose expertise in the field has made him a trusted source of information for tech enthusiasts worldwide.

March brought a flurry of updates and announcements, signaling Google’s unwavering commitment to enhancing Gemini’s capabilities and accessibility. “One of the most eagerly awaited updates was the introduction of Gemini for Google Messages,” explains Floyd, who has been closely monitoring the platform’s evolution. “Integrating Gemini into messaging threads represents a bold step forward in conversational AI, offering users a seamless and intuitive way to interact with AI-powered chatbots.”

But Gemini’s influence extends beyond messaging apps. “Gemini in Google Keep opens up new possibilities for productivity and organization,” says Floyd, whose deep understanding of technology trends has earned him a dedicated following. “From creating shopping lists to brainstorming project ideas, Gemini in Google Keep offers users a streamlined and efficient way to stay on top of their tasks and goals.”

Tablet users, too, have reason to rejoice, as recent updates to the Google Search app hint at Gemini integration for larger screens. “Leaked screenshots reveal a familiar interface optimized for tablets,” observes Floyd, whose keen eye for detail has uncovered many hidden gems in the tech world. “Google’s commitment to making Gemini accessible across a wide range of devices is evident in these developments.”

In a surprising twist, rumors suggest Apple may explore incorporating Gemini into its services. “While details remain scarce, the potential implications of such a move are intriguing,” says Floyd, whose insightful analysis has shed light on the ever-changing landscape of digital innovation. “Gemini’s growing influence and appeal in the tech industry are undeniable, and its integration into Apple’s ecosystem could mark a significant milestone for the platform.”

Meanwhile, Pixel 8 owners can look forward to the arrival of Gemini Nano in a feature drop slated for June. “This integration underscores Google’s dedication to providing ongoing support and innovation for its devices,” notes Floyd, whose expertise in the field has made him a sought-after commentator on all things tech.

As Gemini continues to evolve and expand its reach, users can expect even more exciting developments. “Whether it’s expanded compatibility, enhanced features, or unexpected partnerships, the journey of Gemini on mobile is just beginning,” says Floyd, whose passion for technology and innovation is evident in every word. “The future promises endless possibilities and opportunities for discovery, and Gemini is at the forefront of it all.”

As a guest on Small Business Quick Wins, presented by Thrive, Hayden shared her expertise and insights into the pitfalls to avoid and the tips that small business owners need to know for effective accounting and bookkeeping practices.

Hayden’s journey to becoming an accounting expert started nine years ago when she founded Kickstart Accounting. Drawing from her experience as a CPA and CFO, Hayden recognized the need to provide tailored accounting solutions to small businesses. Her company has since become a leading firm in the field, specializing in helping small businesses make informed financial decisions.

One of the key points Hayden emphasized is the importance of separating personal and business finances—a common mistake she encounters among small business owners. By maintaining separate accounts for business transactions, owners can ensure clarity and compliance, reducing the risk of legal and financial complications.

Moreover, Hayden highlighted the misconception that business owners need to be proficient in accounting before hiring professional help. She debunked this myth, emphasizing the value of outsourcing specialized tasks to qualified experts. Whether it’s bookkeeping, tax preparation, or payroll management, Hayden stressed the importance of entrusting these responsibilities to professionals, allowing business owners to focus on what they do best.

Throughout the discussion, Hayden underscored the role of accountability in financial management. As an accountability partner to her clients, she ensures that they stay organized and compliant with financial regulations. By providing regular reports and guidance, Kickstart Accounting helps small business owners confidently navigate the complexities of financial management.

In addition to her practical advice, Hayden addressed the common misconceptions surrounding bookkeeping and accounting. She emphasized the need for clarity and transparency in financial reporting, urging business owners to prioritize accuracy and consistency.

Wrapping up the conversation, Hayden shared her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and helping them thrive in their business endeavors. Through her podcast, “Business by the Book,” and personalized services, she remains committed to supporting small businesses on their journey to success.

As the podcast concluded, Hayden’s insights resonated with listeners. She offered practical solutions and dispelled myths surrounding accounting and bookkeeping. With her guidance, small business owners can approach financial management with clarity and confidence, knowing that they have a trusted partner in Kickstart Accounting.

Many companies are trying to bring their employees back to the office part-time, with some pushing for a full-time return. The efforts have not been popular with employees, many of whom have maintained that they are just as productive working from home.

It seems Yelp agrees with that position, telling Fortune it has seen major benefits from maintaining a remote-first policy. Among the benefits are 43% more job applicants across the board, with some divisions seeing 52% and even 103% more applicants.

“It’s rewarding to see both the level of interest and the quality of our applicants,” Carmen Amara, chief people officer at Yelp, told Fortune. “Remote work has allowed us to attract a number of candidates who previously would not have applied to Yelp due to their location.”

Yelp has also disproved many critics’ claims that remote work is not conducive to team-building and collaboration, with 90% of the company’s employees finding ways to collaborate effectively and 91% happy with their long-term prospects for advancement. In addition, 89% credit the company’s remote-first policy with contributing to a better work-life balance.

“Anecdotally, employees have told us that Yelp’s remote posture has allowed them to spend more time with their children, take up new hobbies and live closer to friends and family—all of which we believe significantly contribute to overall happiness,” says Amara.

Yelp’s success should serve as a lesson for other companies evaluating their return-to-office versus remote work policies.

Harley Finkelstein, COO of Shopify, discusses how COVID has dramatically sped up the timeline for commerce moving online and has also moved Shopify closer to its goal of becoming the world’s first retail operating system:

Shopify Evolving Into World’s First Retail Operating System

Most people assume that Shopify is an ecommerce provider. We have more than a million stores on Shopify. If you were to aggregate our stores in the US we’d be the second-largest online retailer in America. Of course, we’re not a retailer but we’re a platform. But we now have these great economies of scale that we’re using to level the playing field for entrepreneurs and small businesses. That being said, what really Shopify is evolving into is the world’s first retail operating system. 

What we’re trying to figure out is what do brands and entrepreneurs and retailers need, not just now but in the future? We think the future of retail is retail everywhere. A brand that’s going to be successful in 5, 10 or 15 years from now needs to sell across any platform and across any channel where they have customers. This idea of enabling Shopify merchants to very easily push their products to the Amazon Marketplace or the eBay marketplace or now the Walmart marketplace, that gives them access to a new set of consumers. The idea is that it all feeds back in one centralized back-office, the retail operating system, which is Shopify. 

Then we’ve gone ahead and asked what else can we do for these merchants? Can we do capital? We’ve now given out about a billion dollars worth of cash advances and loans to small businesses. We’re doing fulfillment and we’re doing shipping. We’re increasing the scope and the relationship that we have with the million stores on Shopify. This is allowing them to become category leaders.

COVID Speeds Up The Ecommerce Revolution

From our view, it seems like the commerce world that would have existed in the year 2030 has really been pulled into the year 2020 (as a result of the COVID crisis). We’ve seen ecommerce as a percent of total retail go from 15 percent to 25 percent in the last three months. That’s the same growth rate that we’ve seen over the last 10 years. What really has emerged here is sort of this tale of two retail worlds. On one side you have these resilient retailers that are doing great, they’re pivoting, and they’re expanding their businesses. On the other side, you have these resistant retailers who have not made it. In many ways, it’s probably the most exciting time for retail in a very long time. 

We talk a lot about these direct to consumer brands that are becoming category leaders. The Allbirds and the Gymsharks who started on Shopify when they were very small and have grown to become the incumbents in their industry. Every 25 seconds a brand new entrepreneur makes his or her (products) for sale on Shopify. We talk a lot about those new startups, those new DTC brands. But actually, what we’re also seeing on Shopify are companies like Lindt Chocolate or Heinz ketchup or Chipotle. They are signing up for Shopify and basically from like five days from contract to launch they are completely changing their businesses. 

This resiliency isn’t simply in the hands of just the smallest of brands. Big companies are also beginning to think a lot more about how to stay resilient in this time. They’re moving well beyond ecommerce or thinking about offline commerce now. They’re thinking about how do they sell across social media? How do they sell across different marketplaces? So no, I don’t think it’s too late (to enter ecommerce) but I do think they have to rethink their strategies.

Once valued at a whopping $47 billion, WeWork was never able to deliver on its promise or navigate the economic challenges and rising interest rates post-pandemic. The company warned in early August that there was “substantial doubt” regarding its “ability to continue as a going concern.”

The company has followed through with the expected bankruptcy, announcing it is entering Chapter 11 proceedings in an effort restructure and “drastically reduce its existing funded debt.”

David Tolley, CEO of WeWork said, “It is the WeWork community that makes us successful. Our more than half-million members around the world turn to us for the best-in-class spaces, hospitality, and technology that our 2,500 dedicated employees and valued partners provide. WeWork has a strong foundation, a dynamic business, and a bright future.”

“Now is the time for us to pull the future forward by aggressively addressing our legacy leases and dramatically improving our balance sheet,” Tolley continued. “We defined a new category of working, and these steps will enable us to remain the global leader in flexible work. I am deeply grateful for the support of our financial stakeholders as we work together to strengthen our capital structure and expedite this process through the Restructuring Support Agreement. We remain committed to investing in our products, services, and world-class team of employees to support our community.”

According to Reuters, the company had $2.9 billion net long-term debt in June and more than $13 billion in long-term leases. The company has struggled as a result of the economy and rising interests rates.

WeWork’s reversal comes after it was valued as high as $47 billion in 2019. Despite SoftBank sinking billions into the company and its efforts to go public, WeWork has never been able to deliver on its promise, or on a fundamentally sound business strategy.

According to CNBC, five of the top banks in the US have laid off a combined 20,000 employees. In fact, the only bank that has yet to announce mass layoffs is the biggest, JPMorgan Chase.

Economic uncertainty and a slowing lending market — as a result of higher rates — have contributed to the situation.

“Banks are cutting costs where they can because things are really uncertain next year,” Chris Marinac, Janney Montgomery Scott research director, told the outlet.

“They need to find levers to keep earnings from falling further and to free up money for provisions as more loans go bad,” he added. “By the time we roll into January, you’ll hear a lot of companies talking about this.”

Despite the number of jobs that have already been cut, at least some bank execs are warning that more cuts are yet to come.

“We still have additional opportunities to reduce headcount,” Wells Fargo CFO Mike Santomassimo told analysts. “Attrition has remained low, which will likely result in additional severance expense for actions in 2024.”

Like many traditional CEOs, Baszucki cites “innovation” as the reason for the change:

I personally hoped that for our culture and our type of work, it might be possible to imagine a heavily hybrid remote culture. But there was a pivotal moment for me when we had our first post-quarantine, in-person group gathering. Within 45 minutes I came away from three separate conversations with spontaneous to do’s and ideas to put in motion, something that hadn’t happened during the past few years of video meetings.

Now, nearly a year after most of us have returned to our headquarters in San Mateo, we’ve seen how much we can accomplish, how far we can push innovation, and how being together strengthens our culture. For many of us, “Zoom fatigue” is real. A three-hour Group Review in person is much less exhausting than over video and brainstorming sessions are more fluid and creative. While I’m confident we will get to a point where virtual workspaces are as engaging, collaborative, and productive as physical spaces, we aren’t there yet.

Baszucki says not all remote employees will be forced back into the office, as some roles require remote work. For everyone else, the message is simple — come back to the office or find another job:

There will be some remote employees who are not asked to return, specifically 1) teams and roles that are required to be remote (e.g., data centers, moderators, call centers, etc.), and 2) individuals who have niche skill sets or significant institutional knowledge (e.g., multi-disciplinary skills, deep expertise with Roblox systems, etc.). At this time, we will not be extending new offers to remote employees, beyond the exceptions outlined above. For the remote employees whom we are asking to move to in-office roles, we will provide the option to join our three-day, in-office schedule (Tues.-Thurs.) or take a severance package.

According to The Register, Meta leased the office pre-COVID. Since the pandemic, however, the offices have remained empty as employees worked from home. The termination fee is roughly equivalent to seven years of rent at the location.

Despite taking such drastic action, Meta told The Register it remains committed to its London presence.

“The past few years have brought new possibilities around the role of the office, and we are prioritising making focused, balanced investments to support out most strategic long-term priorities and lead the way in creating the workplace of the future,” the company said.

“We remain fully committed to London, as evident by the recent opening of our King’s Cross office further anchoring our local footprint.”

Amazon has been pushing its employees to return to the office, even trying to force some to relocate closer to company offices to make in-person work possible. Executives have failed to produce any data to support the RTO mandates, acknowledging they “don’t have data to back it up” and citing “serendipity” as the motivating reason for wanting people in the office.

Jassy is now adding yet more fuel to the fire, doubling down on the fact that there is no real data to support the company’s decision.

“There was no data when we were deciding to pursue AWS, which was quite different from the rest of our businesses at that time, that we were going to be successful. In fact, most people thought it was nuts internally and externally,” Jassy said during an internal meeting, according to Business Insider.

“Those were judgment decisions by our leadership team,” Jassy continued. “And that is what’s happened here. As a leadership team, we’ve decided that we will be better for customers and for our business being in the office.”

Jassy also made it clear that employees unwilling to return to the office will ultimately need to find other work.

“It’s past the time to disagree and commit,” Jassy said. “And if you can’t disagree and commit, I also understand that, but it’s probably not going to work out for you at Amazon because we are going back to the office at least three days a week, and it’s not right for all of our teammates to be in three days a week and for people to refuse to do so.”

Jassy Confirms CEO Bias Against Remote Work

Interestingly, Jassy appears to have unintentionally confirmed reports that RTO mandates are being driven by workaholic CEOS, who tend to be older men who are increasingly out of touch with their employees.

Jassy said he had spoken to “60 to 80 CEOs of other companies over the last 18 months,” with “virtually all of them” preferring in-office work, says Insider.

As further evidence of his disconnect with employees, disgruntled workers took to the company’s internal Slack channel to express their criticism of Jassy’s leadership, or lack thereof.

“The whole answer sounds like he’s defending making decisions without data,” said one employee.

“It isn’t leaning into innovation and bold leadership. It’s following the herd,” another worker said.

Interestingly, Insider reports that the internal meeting where Jassy made his comments was referred to as “Fishbowl.” Given that fishbowls are isolated, self-contained environments that offer limited perspective and have little to nothing in common with the real world, it seems a fitting name for a meeting where Jassy doubles down on RTO mandates.

Companies large and small have been pushing to bring their employees back to the office despite lower costs and increased productivity associated with remote workers. Not even the threat of losing top talent has been enough to stop some of the biggest names in the CEO field from taking a hard line.

According to Business Insider, there may finally be an explanation, and it all boils down to the workaholic, older male CEO at the top who is increasingly out of touch with employees.

“Because the labor market is looser and there’s more talent to be hired, I think the employers think they’ll be able to get their way,” Dr. Grace Lordan, associate professor in behavioral science at the London School of Economics, told Insider.

“This belief of a certain cohort of people, and they are represented across all sectors, that presentee-ism is productivity, for them it’s perfectly rational that if somebody doesn’t want to come into the office then that basically means they’re not somebody who wants to add value to the firm,” Lordan added.

See Also: Marc Benioff – ‘Office Mandates Are Never Going to Work’

Standford economist Nick Bloom agrees, telling Insider:

For most employees, life is partly work, but partly things outside work. These elite CEOs probably work 100-plus hours a week and they’re much more work-focused.

Even some of the RTO mandates betray CEOs’ motives. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan recently demanded employees return to the office at least two days a week, slamming collaboration via Zoom. As Human Workplace CEO Liz Ryan points out, Yuan’s own argument shows the real reason may not be what he says it is:

Zoom showed their hand when they announced that anybody who lives within 50 miles of the office has to show up there. If you hate commuting enough, you could move 51 miles away. It’s not about their culture. It’s about filling up the office space they’re paying for.

— Liz Ryan (@humanworkplace) — August 19, 2023

Lordan and Bloom’s take seems to agree with the evidence, given that studies have shown the costly impact of RTO mandates. Such mandates have cost companies top talent and left them struggling to fill some roles. Similarly, studies have shown that remote workers work longer and are more productive than their in-person counterparts.

Even some of the biggest proponents of RTO efforts, such as Amazon’s Adam Selipsky and Mike Hopkins, admit there is no data to support RTO mandates, relying on “serendipity” as their reason for pushing in-office work.

Employee pushback is not likely to subside anytime soon, with one study showing that 76% of employees plan to quit their jobs if flexible work options are eliminated.

Famed tech icon Marc Andreessen said early on that the shift to remote work was a societal turning point:

“It’s potentially an earthquake,” Andreessen said. “It’s potentially one of those things that in a hundred years, people could look back and say, ‘That was a real turning point for how society developed.’”

Which way society turns will largely depend on whose will is stronger: employees or older, male, workaholic CEOs.

In late July, Amazon began requesting that corporate employees relocate — in some cases across state lines — to be closer to the hubs and offices where their jobs were located. According to CNBC, some employees are opting to quit their jobs altogether rather than disrupt their lives and those of their families.

CNBC cites the example of an employee who was hired specifically for a remote role, complete with assurances the role would remain remote. The employee and their team were later told they would have to work out of one of the company’s physical locations and given a choice of which one they wanted to move close to.

Company spokesperson Rob Munoz confirmed the relocation policy to CNBC but downplayed the impact.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, so we decided that the best thing to do was to communicate directly with teams and individuals who are affected to ensure they’re getting accurate information that’s relevant to them,” Munoz said in a statement. “If an individual feels like they don’t have the information they need, we encourage them to talk with their HR business partner or their manager.”

Data has shown that RTO mandates have been disastrous for many companies, and Amazon is flirting with that danger. The company has repeatedly angered and frustrated employees by acknowledging there is a lack of “actual data” to support RTO mandates, certainly “any data that I think would stand scrutiny.”

Amazon has been aggressively pushing for employees to return to the office (RTO), even asking some employees to relocate closer to one of the company’s offices in order to facilitate RTO. Mike Hopkins, SVP of Amazon Video and Studios, recently upset employees by saying, “I don’t have data to back it up, but I know it’s better,” when referring to RTO mandates.

According to The Seattle Times, AWS boss Adam Selipsky has added fuel to the fire at a recent all-hands meeting. The executive kept falling back to “serendipity” to justify the company’s RTO stance, much to the frustration of those in attendance.

“Just think about … the serendipitous things that can happen,” Selipsky said, referring to employees working in-person.

“Actual data … it’s very hard to come by,” he added, especially “any data that I think would stand scrutiny.”

That revelation did not sit well with employees, with many of them wanting more than just “the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for” (per Merriam-Webster) to justify upending their lives for the sake of RTO mandates.

“The biggest thing that people have complaints about at the moment is the lack of communication and the lack of transparency on what the expectations are right now and what are the expectations shortly down the road,” an AWS manager told the Times. “It’s like pulling teeth to get anything there.”

That same employee said Amazon’s approach was “dehumanizing,” and it felt like the company didn’t trust its employees enough to communicate with them honestly, relying on vague ‘no data’ and ‘serendipity’ arguments instead.

Studies have already shown that RTO mandates have been a disaster for companies, costing organizations valuable employees in an environment where it is already difficult for tech companies to find the talent they need. What’s more, other studies have shown that remote employees work longer and harder than their in-office counterparts.

Evidently, however, Amazon appears to value “serendipity” over facts.

Companies large and small have been pushing their employees to return to the office, often in the face of stiff opposition. Studies have already shown that many employees work harder and more efficiently from home, and many employees have enjoyed the freedom working from home provides.

According to research by Envoy, some 80% of executives wish they had handled the return-to-office differently.

80% of executives say they would have approached their company’s return-to-office strategy differently if they had access to workplace data to inform their decision-making.

“Many companies are realizing they could have been a lot more measured in their approach, rather than making big, bold, very controversial decisions based on executives’ opinions rather than employee data,” Larry Gadea, Envoy’s CEO and founder, told CNBC Make It.

To make matters worse, some organizations have ultimately hurt their standing with their employees by pushing too hard, only to then have to back down in the face of backlash.

“Many organizations that attempted to force a return to the office have had to retract or change their plans because of employee pushback, and now, they don’t look strong,” Kathy Kacher, the president of Career/Life Alliance Services, told Make It. “A lot of executives have egg on their faces and they’re sad about that.”

Despite the preponderance of data showing how detrimental RTO mandates have been, some companies continue to blindly push forward. Amazon executive Mike Hopkins sparked backlash when he admitted he had no data to back up the company’s RTO push.

“I think it’s just time, it’s time to disagree and commit. We’re here, we’re back — it’s working,” he said. “I don’t have data to back it up, but I know it’s better.”

At some point, if companies want to keep their employees happy, the facts will have to prevail over old-school corporate culture.