A new study from Stanford researchers has concluded that 14% of software engineers working remotely are “ghost” workers who “do virtually nothing,” costing major tech companies billions in wasted wages. Tech companies that were among the first to initiate remote work policies during the pandemic are now among the most vociferous in ordering employees back to the office. With the discovery of widespread “ghost” workers, this shift back to in-person work is perhaps more understandable.
The study highlights that tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, and Google have incurred significant financial losses due to these non-productive remote workers. This revelation may shed light on why many diligent tech engineers feel overburdened. Surveys have shown that about half of all developers are working extensive overtime and report feeling burned out.
Facing “liquidity challenges” exacerbated by an August ransomware attack, Stoli Group USA has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Stanford study on remote inefficiencies
The vodka distributor stated that the cyberattack caused “severe operational disruption” from which it has yet to recover.
Originally founded in Russia in 1938, Stoli now produces its vodka in Latvia and rebranded its Stolichnaya vodka to Stoli in 2022 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tesla is releasing a much-anticipated app for the Apple Watch, enabling users to lock and unlock their cars and access various car information from their wrist. The app also displays the battery charge status and includes functionalities such as opening the front trunk and activating climate control.
Robinhood Markets has announced plans to acquire the portfolio management platform TradePMR, aiming to attract wealthier clients. The online brokerage, known for its presence in the retail investment space, is looking to challenge incumbents like Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments in the wealth management sector. Robinhood has been expanding its offerings by increasing its range of cryptocurrencies, introducing a credit card, and providing traders with the option to bet on election outcomes.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
