Remote work enables mass exodus from Silicon Valley - October 5, 2021

Louisiana-based nonprofit Ochsner Health announced it will charge workers an additional $200 per month to insure their unvaccinated spouses or partners covered by the hospital group’s insurance policies due to the high costs of treating COVID-19 patients. If adult dependents wish to remain unvaccinated and avoid the fee, they can seek insurance elsewhere, Oschner said in a statement. Oschner already requires all 32,000 of its employees to be vaccinated unless they qualify for a religious or medical exemption. Judging 'sincerely held' religious belief is tricky for employers mandating vaccines - NPR Dept. of Health Addresses HIPAA Applicability to COVID-19 Vaccination Information - The National Law Review DraftKings is adding its second-largest office space in the U.S. with the plan to house more than 1,000 employees. The Las Vegas space will occupy 90,000 square feet in early 2022. DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish said the move “further exemplifies DraftKings’ investment in its employees and the future of the company, as well as the local community.” Office space still a compelling investment — with risks - Advisor The Great Disconnect: Many More Employers Than Workers Want To Return To Offices - Forbes Remote work policies have enabled a mass exodus from Silicon Valley, leaving many former tech offices in San Francisco sitting empty. With the ability to work from anywhere, employees are escaping the San Francisco area, which is the most expensive real estate market in the country. However, Google employees could see a significant pay cut — anywhere from 5% to 25% — if they move from a more expensive hub like San Francisco or New York City. 39% of businesses increased productivity with remote work during covid restrictions - Acrofan 'We will never go back': These execs made big calls on remote work and are sticking to them - Dallas Business Journal Military personnel in the UK started driving fuel tankers Monday to combat a shortage of truck drivers that has closed some gas stations