Goodbye Suits, Hello Pajamas: Has the Casual Office Gone Too Far?

Hi there, and welcome back to b. Building from business.com. This is the highlight reel of the b. Newsletter — your digest of bite-sized news, thought and brand leadership, and entertainment. For the full-length version of the b., sign up here to get the full edition in your inbox two times a week.?

In this edition, we discuss whether there is hope for the casual office, explore the hidden costs of “dark work”, get inspired by one college student’s Covid reinvestment, and much more.

As always, our meme of the week offers a relatable knee-slapper to coax you back into flow state. Let's dive right in, shall we?

“Location, location, location” isn’t just about your customers; it’s about your commute. A morning drive under half an hour is becoming a luxury, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Since 2019, the average commute in the U.S. more than doubled, from 10 to 27 miles. Nearly 20% more Americans now travel 50 to 74 miles to work, while 32% more travel over 75 miles.

This is often because workers are seeking cheaper homes away from city centers; plus they’ll accept longer commutes if they can work remotely for a couple days per week. If you’re stuck in traffic for hours upon hours, at least you can ride in style with business.com’s Top 10 Cars for CEOs.

Has the Casual Office Gone Too Far?

???? The casual office trend, fueled by Gen Z's preference for authenticity and the pandemic's impact, has blurred workplace dress codes and expectations. Employers and older workers face challenges as they navigate these evolving norms. Learn how bridging the generational gap can create a harmonious and productive workplace. Read more

Beware of "Dark Work"

????? "Dark work" refers to unplanned tasks that can derail your day and reduce productivity. These invisible interruptions can significantly impact performance and employee well-being. Discover strategies to identify and manage dark work effectively to maintain focus and efficiency. Read more.

How a Teenager Became a Hand Sanitizer Mogul With Gelcard

???? In March 2020, Charles Robinson turned a ￡4,500 tuition refund into a booming business by creating Gelcard, an innovative, customizable hand sanitizer. With orders from major brands and endorsements from celebrities, his company quickly grew to ￡120,000 in six months. Discover the inspiring story behind Gelcard's success. Read more.

Wedding Crash: How ‘I Do’ Downsizing Affects Small Businesses

???? The wedding industry is experiencing a seismic shift as the trend of "micro" weddings gains popularity, with the average wedding size dropping to just 115 guests in 2023. Small businesses within the wedding ecosystem, from florists to videographers, are feeling the impact of budget-conscious couples and shrinking guest lists. Discover how these businesses are adapting to survive in this new landscape. Read more.

Home Depot Kicked Off Halloween 6 Months Early

???? Home Depot surprised everyone by launching their Halloween merchandise in March, including popular items like the 12-foot skeleton and Frankenstein’s Monster. This early start to spooky season was a hit, with products selling out quickly and plans for more releases over the summer. Explore how Home Depot's seasonal marketing strategy boosted sales and created a new trend. Read more.

We Meme Business

Written by Skye Schooley, Lauren Vino, Tess Barker, Elizabeth Barton, and Dan Ketchum.

Coming Up:?

When Is the Best (and Worst) Time to Sell Your Business?

Timing is everything in business. And the same goes for selling off a business. We asked serial entrepreneurs their take, and their response might be right on time for you.

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