Remote possibility of 'hush vacation'
In a poll, 29% admitted to taking a “hush vacation” where they didn’t tell their employer because they wanted to save their accrued paid time off. Credit: Getty Images / Thomas Barwick
Even as companies and their remote workforces battle over return-to-office mandates, the home office may have a branch location: the hotel pool.
Fifty-four percent of Americans who work from home said they would work remotely while on vacation, according to a poll from hospitality industry services provider Mews. Most said they did so because they enjoyed their work or had pressing deadlines. But 29% admitted taking a “hush vacation” where they didn’t tell their employer because they wanted to save their accrued paid time off.
Employers mandating a return to the office often cite the difficulty of tracking the productivity — and whereabouts — of remote workers. Companies also worry about heightened cybersecurity threats when employees use poorly secured Wi-Fi at locations like hotels.
Sony warns on ‘unauthorized’ A.I. use
Sony Music, which represents major artists including Billy Joel, Beyoncé and Doja Cat, has warned hundreds of AI tech companies against the “unauthorized use” of its music for “training, development or commercialization of AI systems,” according to Bloomberg News. Some AI companies have been using copyrighted recordings without permission to create programs that produce new music based on the songs.
A car news site said there have been several incidents where Hertz charged Tesla renters a “skip-the-pump refueling charge.” Credit: NDZ / STAR MAX / IPx
Pumped-up fuel charge
If you rent an electric vehicle for your next business trip or vacation, take an especially close look at the bill. Car industry news site The Drive says there have been several incidents where Hertz charged Tesla renters a “skip-the-pump refueling charge” of several hundred dollars for gasoline. Hertz told The Drive the charge was caused by a “systems error” that it has corrected.
Instacart teams with Uber Eats
Grocery delivery company Instacart is partnering with Uber Eats to offer a new perk to its customers: restaurant delivery. Restaurant orders will be delivered by Uber Eats drivers. Instacart said its Instacart Plus members — who pay $9.99 per month for free grocery deliveries over $35 — will also get free restaurant delivery for orders over $35. Regular Instacart members will be charged Uber Eats delivery fees. — AP
