💻 REMOTE WORK

Small tech companies are taking back remote work

Before the pandemic, remote work was the bread and butter of small, forward-thinking tech companies like Doist, GitLab, and Chili Piper.

During that time, Big Tech companies like Facebook, Google, and Apple built massive “campus” offices with ping pong tables, free food, and nap pods. It showed they were different and forward-thinking, unlike those stuffy suit-wearers at big corporations.

But once COVID made offices dangerous, Big Tech quickly claimed the remote work throne as tens of thousands of their employees set up home offices.

The problem is Big Tech has now become the suit-wearing stuffy business people…

They want butts in seats stating that “remote doesn’t work” while their PNL sheets show record profits during COVID.

Research from Scoop reveals that when it comes to remote work, policies at Big Tech are closest to their non-tech peers like Citigroup & Starbucks.

In the meantime, small smart tech companies are taking back their rightful spot as the kings of remote work. But one thing has changed… workers got a taste of remote work, and they don’t want to go back to the office.

Will Big Tech lose the talent war as the best workers jump over to remote-first small startups? Only time will tell, but the writing may already be on the wall…

💻 REMOTE WORK

Kevin O’Leary is the remote work hero we didn’t expect

When it comes to remote work, small tech companies have found an unlikely ally in Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary

While investors and Big Tech CEOs have spent the last few months ranting against remote work, Mr. Wonderful has been speaking on news shows about why his companies are actually doubling down on remote work.

A few weeks ago he appeared on Fox News’ Outnumbered where the panelists were speaking in support of Martha Stewart’s anti-remote work commentary.

“The problem with saying everybody has to work in the office is you won't be able to hire the best talent," O'Leary said.

He went on to state that the economy has changed, and there is no going back.

Check out the full, slightly infuriating, conversation below 👇

🗺️ TRAVEL

Saudi Arabia launches new airline Riyadh Air at Paris Air Show

Saudi Arabia is looking to join its Middle Eastern neighbors Dubai and Qatar in the airline race by launching its new national airline Riyadh Air.

The country made the official announcement this week at the Paris Air Show.

Riyadh Air has already purchased 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with another possible 33 on the way.

Tony Douglas, the new CEO of Riyadh Air who previously ran Etihad, said that they do not plan on competing directly with their much bigger neighbors in transcontinental flights and will instead focus on closer locations.

The two big questions on consumers’ minds are:

• Will this help introduce more competition and hopefully lower prices?

• Can you drink alcohol on Riyadh Air?

Unfortunately, only time will tell as far as prices go, but on the alcohol front, the company hasn’t made any official announcements yet, but there have been some hopeful comments from the leadership.

🚨 WORD ON THE WEB

• End of influencers on Instagram? Many influencers on the platform feel like they’re being betrayed by IG’s algorithm and looking for other options

• The top city for creative digital nomads. Istanbul took the top spot thanks to its low cost of living, affordable coworking, and culture

• Japan is promoting remote work for parents. A new plan by the labor ministry wants to require companies to give parents of young children the option to WFH

• Remote work health dangers. Studies find that remote workers are in just as much danger of developing musculoskeletal issues as industrial workers

• The best workation destinations of 2023. Can’t take a long vacation but need some time away from your routine? These 10 cities are sure to provide the cure

📆 UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 25-July 2: Bansko Nomad Fest [📍 Bansko, Bulgaria] - for digital nomads, freelancers, and founders in the mountains of Bulgaria

July 15-29: Nomad City Festival 2023 [📍Gran Canaria] - the original nomadic unconference presented by Repeople. Get inspired, learn, & make connections at the biggest nomad event in the Canary Islands.

Dec 7-13: Nomad Island Fest [📍 Madeira, Portugal] - Learn from world-class industry experts on topics like mindset, marketing, tech, wealth & health

🌍 WFA JOBS:

Looking for a job that’s not just remote, but that you can work from anywhere in the world? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Check out these awesome WFA positions 👇

⭐️ Client Support Rep @ The Tech Tribe

⭐️ Support Specialist @ Adblock

⭐️ Mastermind Community Director @ Growth Tools

⭐️ Head of Growth @ GymDesk