Editor's Note: Some linked articles may be behind subscription paywalls.
1. 4.5 Million Workers Quit Jobs in November
In the era of the "Great Resignation," the latest numbers from the Labor Department show a record 4.53 million workers quit their jobs in the U.S. during November, CNBC reports. This figure represents an 8.9% increase from October.
“The Great Resignation shows no sign of abating, with quits hitting a new record. The question is why, and the answers are for starkly different reasons,” said Robert Frick, corporate economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. “COVID-19 burnout and fear are continuing, but also, many Americans have the confidence to quit given the high level of job openings and rising pay.”
2. NYC Mayor Doubles Down on Return-to-Work Policies
New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants Wall Street banks and other major companies in the city to return to office amid fears empty offices could hurt the recovery, CNN reports.
Companies like JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Jefferies have updated back-to-office plans due to rising omicron infections.
"Adams worries that empty offices will hurt the broader ecosystem of businesses that rely on office workers and business travelers, including everything from dry cleaners and restaurants to hotels," the news outlet reports.
Additionally, the New York Times reports the city's overall labor force won't recuperate to pre-pandemic levels until late 2025, lagging the overall country.
3. Hurdles Remain but Hotel Development Improves
Developing new hotels could be easier in 2022 compared to the past two years, but several challenges linger, HNN's Sean McCracken reports.
Peachtree Hotel Group Chief Operating Officer Mitul Patel said three major hurdles include material shortages, the availability and cost of labor and local government restrictions.
"You've got to be buying ahead of time or you've got to be creative," he said.
4. CDC Tries To Clarify Isolation, Testing Guidance
Following widespread confusion around isolation periods and testing for those with COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday offered clarification, ABC News reports.
The recent update still doesn't recommend that people test negative before leaving isolation because data shows a negative rapid or PCR test doesn't always mean someone stopped spreading the virus. However, there is some guidance for those who "have access" to tests and "want to test."
In terms of isolation, "people who test positive after five days should isolate for another five days, the CDC says, while people who test negative should still follow the guidance for those who don’t test: until day 10, wear a mask, avoid high-risk people, don’t travel and don’t eat or drink around others," the news outlet reports.
5. 'NYC Hotel Week' Promotion Kicks Off
As holiday travel subsides in January, destination marketing organization NYC & Company launched this week its inaugural "NYC Hotel Week," Forbes reports.
The promotional campaign gives guests a 22% discount off standard room rates at more than 110 hotels, both independent and branded, across five boroughs from Jan. 4 to Feb. 13.
“As we welcome the new year, we stand firm in our commitment to support the city’s hospitality industry, which has shown resilience in these unprecedented times,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company, in a news release.