Microsoft Japan Says 4-Day Workweek Boosted Workers' Productivity By 40% Employees at Microsoft Japan worked four days a week, enjoyed a three-day weekend — and got their normal, five-day paycheck. As part of the trial, the company also capped meetings at 30 minutes. Bill Chappell
Apple Pledges $2.5 Billion To Combat California's Housing Crisis The plan includes $1 billion for a mortgage assistance fund for first-time homebuyers in the state, and $1 billion for an open line of credit to develop "very low- to moderate-income housing." Bill Chappell
Amazon has a 'secret apartment.' What's in it? We found out There’s a secret apartment on the 30th Floor of Amazon’s Day One building in Seattle. We’ve wanted to get inside for months. This week, we finally did. Joshua McNichols
How Some Companies In Germany Are Trying To Cut Down On The Number Of Retail Returns The rise of online retail has meant the rise of online returns. One country where that is particularly apparent is Germany. Some companies there are trying to find ways to cut down on the costs. Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi
U.S. Employers Added 128,000 Jobs In October The stock market rallied Friday after a better-than-expected jobs report. U.S. employers added 128,000 jobs in October, despite the General Motors strike, which idled tens of thousands of workers. Scott Horsley
Hunt is on for location for additional commercial airport for Puget Sound region The hunt is on for a second major airport to serve the Puget Sound region after Seattle-Tacoma International Airport reaches capacity. A newly-created public commission on Wednesday kicked off a planned two-year search for a new airport location. Tom Banse
Grocery delivery war heats up as Amazon waives delivery fee for Prime members Selling groceries is big business, but the profit margins are thin. Yet, companies like Amazon have been putting a lot of money toward growing their market share. Ruby de Luna
Job Market Resilient In October Despite GM Strike, Beating Expectations U.S. employers added 128,000 jobs last month. The unemployment rate inched up to 3.6%. The drop in job creation reflects a slowing economy, but a strike at General Motors was also a factor. Scott Horsley
Apple, Disney Enter Streaming Market Apple TV+ launches Friday, setting off a new round of competing streaming services, with Disney+ on Nov. 12 and HBO Max in May 2020. Eric Deggans
The 7-Year Car Loan: Watch Your Wallet Americans are buying more expensive cars — nearly $38,000 for new cars, on average. And longer-term loans are enabling many people to make the payments, but at a cost. Chris Arnold