Canada, tariffs, trade war, trump

Woman Nabbed After Walking Across Frozen Detroit River To Canada

No information was released about the woman or the reason she did so


A woman from Detroit was arrested after walking across the frozen Detroit River into neighboring Canada.

According to The Metro Detroit News, the unidentified woman was caught on a Canadian police drone near Riverside Park, which borders the Michigan city. Police officers from the Detroit Police Department arrested her after Canadian authorities notified them of the incident. Detroit police reportedly took her in after she returned from the neighboring country.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection was also summoned to the scene, but she reportedly provided no reason for taking such a risky route into Canada. No information was released about the woman’s identity or the charges against her.

A little more than two years ago, a woman was arrested after jumping into the Detroit River to save an elderly woman’s dog. Police 1 reported that the incident took place on Nov. 8, 2024, when the 49-year-old woman witnessed the 84-year-old woman walking her pet at Bishop Park in Wyandotte, Michigan and saw the dog jump into the river.

The unidentified woman saved the dog, and when the Wyandotte Fire Department arrived on the scene, they helped bring her and the dog back up. After police officers asked her for her identity, she refused to give them her name and became uncooperative, leading police to notice that she was intoxicated.

After identifying the woman, it was discovered that she had multiple arrest warrants for several misdemeanors, and her alcohol level, when tested, blew nearly twice the legal limit. Before she was arrested, the police offered to take her home, but she refused and continued to act “unruly.” This led to her being taken into custody for public intoxication.

“We couldn’t leave her out there in that state, even though she did a good deed by saving the dog,” Wyandotte Police Chief Archie Hamilton said.

She spent 24 hours in jail before being released.

RELATED CONTENT: First Woman Mayor Of Detroit Revives Inaugural Ball After Half a Century

Don Lemon|

Don Lemon Arrested After Anti-ICE Church Protest, Lawyer Calls It An ‘Attack On The First Amendment’

Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents for his involvement in an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minneapolis.


Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles two weeks after he reported on the front lines of an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minneapolis.

The former CNN anchor was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles on Jan. 29 while in the city to cover the Grammy Awards, CBS News reports. A source says the arrest followed a coordinated effort that included a newly empaneled grand jury, with investigations by both the FBI and Homeland Security.

The arrest came two weeks after Lemon livestreamed an anti-immigration protest for his YouTube channel that disrupted a church service in Minnesota, reporting his attorney Abbe Lowell says was fully protected journalism.

“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell said in a statement.

“The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable. There is no more important time for people like Don to be doing this work.”

Lowell also criticized the Justice Department for prioritizing Lemon’s arrest over investigating the federal agents involved in the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, calling that decision “the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case.”

“This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court,” he said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi took to social media to claim credit for the arrest of Don Lemon and three others “in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota,” she wrote. Prosecutors have accused Lemon of conspiracy to deprive others of their civil rights and violating the federal FACE Act, which protects access to places of worship, by allegedly interfering with the exercise of others’ First Amendment rights inside the church service.

Lemon said he attended the protest to cover it as a journalist, admitting that although he had been tipped off beforehand, he did not know activists planned to disrupt the service. Video from the scene shows Lemon engaging a parishioner over immigration enforcement as protesters targeted Cities Church in St. Paul, objecting to David Easterwood, a church pastor who also serves as ICE’s acting field office director in Minnesota.

Trump administration officials swiftly condemned the protest, accusing demonstrators of intimidating Christian worshippers, with the president himself echoing rapper Nicki Minaj in calling for Lemon’s arrest.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Pastor Warns Don Lemon Against Church Protest: ‘It’s Going To The Royal Rumble’ 

Arthur Jones IV, Super Bowl Champion,

ICE Agents Will Conduct Enforcement Operations During Super Bowl LX

The announcement comes as Americans express opposition to ICE following the shooting deaths of two Americans in Minneapolis


The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be on-site at Super Bowl LX to conduct enforcement operations. The NFL championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8.

The agency’s announcement comes as more Americans express opposition to ICE following the shooting deaths of two Americans in Minneapolis. In a recent YouGov poll, a majority (57%) of Americans somewhat or strongly disapprove of the way ICE is handling its job. Another 58% of Americans say that ICE’s tactics are too forceful. That’s reportedly a 5-percentage-point increase from earlier this month.

Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, confirmed the operations to TMZ.

“DHS is committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the Super Bowl is safe for everyone involved, as we do with every major sporting event, including the World Cup,” she said. “Our mission remains unchanged.”

She added, “We will not disclose future operations or discuss personnel.”

Trump Administration Previously Threatened More ICE Agents At The Super Bowl

According to WBLS, the Trump administration is following through with threats of more ICE agents at the game. The threat from Corey Lewandowski, chief adviser to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, was in response to Roc Nation, the NFL, and Apple Music’s announcement of Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He’s often referred to as the “King of Latin Trap.”

“There is nowhere that you can provide a safe haven to people who are in the country illegally, said Lewandowski on The Benny Johnson Show. “Not the Super Bowl, not anywhere else.”

He added, “We will find you … apprehend you … we will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you.”

On the podcast, Lewandowski criticized the NFL’s decision to make Bad Bunny the first Latin male to headline its halftime show.

“It’s so shameful that they’ve decided to pick somebody who just seems to hate America so much to represent them at the halftime (show),” said Lewandowski.

It’s important to note that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. Acquired in 1898 after the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rican residents are U.S. citizens.

RELATED CONTENT: Bad Bunny Unveils Super Bowl LX Halftime Trailer Celebrating Diversity

Trump Campaign, Hacked, Election, trump, Foo Fighters, Foo Fighters

Trump Says He Wants Housing Prices To Go Up, Not Down

The median home price nationally soared to a record $433,000. Zillow predicts housing prices to increase by 1.9% in 2026.


As more Americans struggle to afford a home, President Donald Trump said he wants housing prices to go up rather than down.

Trump said his comments during a Jan. 29 Cabinet meeting. He made it clear that he wants it to be easier for Americans to buy a home, but not by lowering costs. He suggested that housing will become easier to buy with lower interest rates that he expects from his upcoming pick to lead the Federal Reserve. The president nominated former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh.

“I don’t want to drive housing prices down. I want to drive housing prices up for people that own their homes,” Trump said. “And they can be assured that’s what’s going to happen.”

The president’s meeting with Cabinet secretaries added that having more opportunities to buy a home shouldn’t mean lowering the costs for people who he thinks didn’t work hard for it.

“Existing housing, people that own their homes, we’re going to keep them wealthy,” Trump said. “We’re going to keep those prices up. We’re not going to destroy the value of their homes so that somebody who didn’t work very hard can buy a home.”

He continued, “I want to protect the people who, for the first time in their lives, feel good about themselves. They feel like, you know, that they’re wealthy people.”

Housing Crisis

Since his comments, some Americans are calling out the president for being out of touch with reality. 

“Has the President lost his mind? ‘We’re gonna keep those prices up’—so no one can afford them? Who in God’s name is advising him that this is anything but a terrible position?” lawyer Tom Renz posted on social media.

According to USA Today, housing prices increased by 0.6% in November over the previous month. The median home price nationally soared to a record $433,000 at the same time, and Zillow predicts housing prices to increase by 1.9% in 2026.

Trump has issued several policies aimed at expanding homeownership. On January 20, Trump issued an executive order that bans institutional investors from buying single-family homes.

The president, however, opposed a plan endorsed by his White House economic team that would allow Americans to use retirement savings from their 401 (k) accounts to make down payments on homes.

“I’m not a huge fan. Other people like it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Washington from Davos, Switzerland, where he had attended the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting.

“One of the reasons I don’t like it is that their 401(k)s are doing so well.”

RELATED CONTENT: Housing Affordability By Generation

Teddy Riley, memoir, New Jack City

SoundCloud Promotes Maurice Slade To Head Of Music

He is a music industry veteran who has worked with an array of stars.


SoundCloud has elevated Maurice Slade to head of music at the company.

Slade will report to CEO Eliah Seton and lead SoundCloud’s global music strategy, including artist development, cultural programming, and ecosystem partnerships. He’ll focus on supporting musicians, artists, and creators earlier in their careers and on protecting experimentation in an industry driven by algorithms.

“SoundCloud has always been the place where artists come to experiment and grow,” said Slade in a written statement. “My focus is on building systems that support creators before the moment—not after—and on protecting experimentation in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, bots, and AI.”

Slade was previously SoundCloud’s head of marketing, artist relations, for four years. According to Music Week, former global head of music Emmy Lovell has left the audio and music streaming platform.

“Maurice has a deep understanding of artists, culture, and how careers are actually built,” said Eliah Seton, CEO of SoundCloud. “He brings deep cultural credibility, sharp strategic instincts, and a clear point of view on how platforms can serve artists without compromising creativity. As SoundCloud continues to invest in creators at the earliest stages of their journey, Maurice’s leadership will help shape how the next generation of artists are discovered, supported, and sustained.”

Before SoundCloud, Slade’s resume included stints in marketing, strategy, and artist development. At Epic Records, he was responsible for campaigns for artists such as Travis Scott and 21 Savage. While at Roc Nation, he helped develop creative branding and marketing strategies for J. Cole, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Big Sean. And at Universal Motown, he helped develop artists such as Drake, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Kid Cudi.

The music executive is also a co-founder of several live-event platforms, including Grits & Biscuits and Dial-Up, which sell tens of thousands of tickets annually.

RELATED CONTENT: Sinners’ Debuts As First Film To Stream With Black American Sign Language

Angela Rye

Black Enterprise’s 2026 Luminary Award Nominee Angela Rye Is A Justice Advocate Whose ‘Impact’ Blends Media And Politics

Rye uses her various platforms to drive conversation on social justice and racial equity.


Angela Rye has created her own lane to spark change, blending media, politics, and social justice through her vast platform.

As a 2026 Luminary Award Nominee for Black Enterprise’s Women of Power Summit, Rye is being highlighted for her influence and reach as Principal/CEO of IMPACT Strategies. The crisis management firm does more than public relations; it changes the very landscapes of traditional institutions that often shun diversity. IMPACT’s professional development program has fostered a pipeline of diverse talent to lead governments, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.

Its success is shaped by Rye and her own mission, using her voice to transform industries and society for the better. Her passion lies in political advocacy and change, and she uses her coalition, State of the People, to provide relief, education, and empowerment to vulnerable communities.

The media host and lawyer got her start in coalition building and political strategy, serving as the Congressional Black Caucus’s executive director and general counsel. Since then, she has become a legal analyst and podcaster with Native Land Pod, helping everyday people navigate an ever-evolving political landscape.

As a media trailblazer, Rye continues to lend her voice on several platforms, co-creating Reason Choice Media with co-founders Lenard “Charlamagne tha God” McKelvey and Chris Morrow. A former CNN contributor, she has become a go-to for holistic political insight, serving as a special correspondent for ESPN for segments integrating race, politics, and sports.

A champion of Black upliftment in politics, academia, and beyond, she serves on the boards of several institutions, including Wilberforce University, the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, and Black Futures Lab. As a self-proclaimed “empowermenteur,” her work also encourages advocates, no matter the industry, to speak out and drive change in their sectors.

This cultural commentator continues to shape conversation on racial equity, social justice, and the U.S. political climate, empowering others to remain civically engaged and critically informed. She will also join a cohort of esteemed women trailblazers at BE’s Women Of Power Summit this March, with registration to join this inspiring event available now.

RELATED CONTENT: Angela Rye Speaks At United Justice Coalition Summit

Keith Lee,turkey giveaway

Keith Lee Is Hosting 1st Food Festival In New Orleans On May 16

"We’ve been working a year on this, and I can’t wait for y’all to see it."


TikTok food critic phenom Keith Lee is hosting announced a food festival. The Familee Festival will take place in New Orleans on May 16.

Lee alerted his fans and followers on social media about the event.

“I got to be honest with y’all,” Lee said in the video. “It’s way deeper than that to me. This is something we’ve been working on for the last year. I think it’s going to be the best festival on planet Earth.”

He said people should come out to support the festival, citing the food in addition to big musical acts that will resonate with kids, adults, and grandparents, making it a real family event. He mentioned fun activities, such as carnival rides and sports, including an obstacle course overseen by his family.

Lee said that though this is his first food festival, he plans to do it annually in different cities to promote the local food in each city. For this year, thought, he advised attendees to purchase their tickets when they become available on Feb. 9, warning that prices will increase closer to the event.

“We’ve been working a year on this, and I can’t wait for y’all to see it.”

People can head to Keith Lee’s Familee Day website to sign up for the email list and learn about the upcoming food festival. Nola.com reported that Lee is doing this festival in conjunction with Live Nation Urban and New Orleans restaurateur Larry Morrow.

There is little known about the event other than what Lee mentioned in his video. “So far, Lee has revealed that Kajunlicious Food Therapy has signed on as one of the featured restaurants at the event, which he said will feature well-known artists and family-friendly activities with affordably priced tickets,” Nola.com reported.

RELATED CONTENT: Keith Lee Named TikTok’s First U.S. Creator Of The Year At Inaugural Awards Ceremony

Allen Iverson, Hampton., Morgan State University

Allen Iverson Catches Heat Down Under Over Botched Visit With Sick Children In Australia

One former basketball player called AI an "absolute sh-t human" over his behavior.


Allen Iverson is in hot water over a botched visit with sick children during a trip to Australia.

The basketball and style icon went down under to host a meet-and-greet with kids diagnosed with cancer. According to Hot97, a Reddit user’s account of the fan event went viral because of Iverson’s apparent “disgusting” behavior.

The Reddit user described the Jan. 22 scene as less than desirable, stating that their younger brother was one of the cancer patients meeting Iverson. The event was reportedly organized in partnership with the local charity Challenge, which supports kids with cancer, and Iverson’s management.

However, as soon as the NBA All-Star arrived at the event, hosted at the Cavalo Prestige Melbourne car dealership, things immediately took a turn.

“My little brother, who is 12 years old and is currently receiving chemotherapy for ALCL lymphoma, was so excited to meet one of his idols,” shared the Redditor. “He came out to be extremely disgusted and disappointed in Allen Iverson’s behaviour, and so were the other families.”

The disgruntled attendee then explained that Iverson’s security informed the families that the 50-year-old was having a “bad day,” and thus did not wish to meet anyone.

The Reddit thread continued, “We were waiting in a downstairs room with his security with all of the kids, and his security told us he was ‘having a bad day’ and didn’t want to come out. Shortly after, we were told to go upstairs to meet him, and we did not get to meet him.”

Finally, Iverson did indeed meet with the children. However, the Reddit user claimed that he appeared unimpressed by the entire ordeal. The entire experience left the families “extremely sad,” given that many considered him their idol.

“We were lined up, and all the kids got was a photo, and he did not seem impressed about that. He had his hands in his pockets and did not smile or put his arm around any kids in any photos,” added the Redditor. “He knew the kids were sick, and still did not put any effort or acknowledgement to that. Everyone was so disgusted in his behaviour, it was honestly so disappointing.”

As the thread went viral across social media, the CEO of Challenge also confirmed the disheartening experience with Iverson.

“Challenge was deeply disappointed with the meet and greet involving Allen Iverson,” explained Challenge Chief Executive Officer David Rogers.

Rogers also called the matter “challenging” and “at times disrespectful.” However, he did not go into further detail beyond acknowledging the families’ disappointment.

However, Iverson’s lackluster trip continued with several let-down events. He apparently skipped out on another community engagement the following day, this time hosted by CreativeCubes.Co. Another retired NBA player, Chris Anstey, who attended the event, called Iverson’s no-show the only “problem” with the charitable event.

Other professional basketball players also spoke out against AI’s behavior. Retired Australian player Jason Cadee spoke on his podcast, “Cut to the Jase,” about Iverson’s apparent disinterest in his home country.

“Late to stuff, barely spoke, first interview they asked him how Australia was or something, and he just laughed and said ‘I haven’t left my room’,” stated Cadee, according to Basketball Network. Just things where I’m like ‘why would you come’ if you’re going to be like this.”

Another player, Andrew Bogut, called AI an “absolute sh-t human” over his performance in a post on X.

No word from Iverson’s camp as to why the NBA legend acted in such a way.

RELATED CONTENT: Allen Iverson Reveals Hard Truths, Trials & Tribulations In New Docuseries

Jessica Care Moore, Nicki Minaj

Jessica Care Moore Pens A Poem About The ‘Disgrace’ That Is Nicki Minaj

As Nicki Minaj continues to fangirl for Trump many observers, like Care Moore, are confused.


Detroit Poet Laureate Jessica Care Moore is using her craft to send a pointed message to Nicki Minaj as she embraces her new role as MAGA Barb. 

In recent weeks, Minaj has jumped headfirst into the political arena as a hype woman for President Donald Trump and his administration. Her last appearance seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for Care Moore. In an Instagram post, Care Moore posted a video of Minaj during her latest visit to the White House in support of Trump Accounts.

In the video, Minaj waxed poetic about her love and admiration for Trump. She made it clear that she is unbothered by criticism stemming from her political alignment. In Care Moore’s caption for the post, she too waxed poetic. The “Motor City” laureate spoke to what troubles many when observing Minaj kowtow to the Trump and MAGA establishments. She questions the rapper’s “self-worth” and states that as Minaj holds hands with the “dictator,” she is a “disgrace.”

On a stage holding this dictator’s

hand & smiling when

nothing is funny about

whatever you

sacrificed, gave up,

swallowed

your dignity

evaporating with every forced smile

what a waste of

good weave & acrylic nails

what a disgrace to women

emcees.  every where

what a wild distorted fraud

of a scene,

millions of mics  at half mast

mourning the lost of

the heart, the beat, the core

that makes black art

the voice

of the people.

for the people.

not a  black barbie standing with

a saggy nut pedophile Ken

at her side.

We are the prize, not capitalisms

side chick.

Our backs already built this

country’s economy.

Go write a rhyme bout how you

turned the devil down.

Write poems that show our girls

our true wealth.

Go read

Nikki Giovanni or Nikky Finney.

I promise you will find your self worth

inside their pages.

Nicki, Don’t you know?!!

We are worth more than

what they could ever afford to

pay any of us.

-Jessica Care Moore

As Minaj continues to fangirl for an administration that has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement into major American cities to round up and deport immigrants, many observers, like Care Moore, are confused. The Trinidadian rapper is also an immigrant. Though she has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, the rapper had not sought to gain citizenship until a Change.org petition to deport her received nearly 100,000 signatures.

After one of her appearances, Minaj took to X to show off her newly acquired “Gold Card,” given to her by the Trump administration. According to the official government website, the Gold Card is a pay-to-play path to permanent residency. Minaj denies that her immigration path is the reason for her unexpected public political appearances and rhetoric. 

“Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak, as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President,” and “Gold Trump card free of charge.”

Whatever Minaj’s motives, many Black people cannot help but give the rapper a stern scoff and side-eye, Care Moore included. Long gone are the days when Americans avoided speaking about politics in favor of getting along. Many perceive the changes to the American landscape as a shredding of the Constitution, as death, detainment, and denial of civil rights are being captured on video and dismissed by the federal government. Minaj’s alignment with these actions leaves many public figures no choice but to denounce her as the “Queen of Rap”; her time as a cultural icon seems to have come and gone. She is now Queen of the MAGA Barbz.

RELATED CONTENT: Nicki Minaj Posts Pic Of ‘Trump Gold Card’ As President Helps Her Expedite U.S. Residency

5 Tips To Survive Your 9-5 With A Side Hustle

Solving Burnout: 7 Strategies To Enhance Workers’ Mental Health And Productivity In 2026

As workplace models and trends continue to evolve, CANOPY shares seven strategies to attract, retain, and support talent in 2026


Loneliness and burnout—deeply interwined in the workplace—are hitting American workers (and companies) hard.

In 2025, global healthcare firm Cigna found that over half of all employees surveyed felt lonely. Around 57% admitted to feeling unmotivated and stagnant, while two-thirds of full-time workers say they experience burnout on the job, according to a 2025 Gallup study.

The financial toll is jaw-dropping. Harvard Business Review reports that loneliness costs U.S. companies up to $154 billion annually through lost productivity, increased burnout, and employees resigning. Globally, Gallup puts the cost of low engagement at $8.9 trillion in 2024—approximately 9% of global GDP.

Leaders at Google, Apple, Microsoft, and other major companies are bringing staff back to the fold through return-to-office mandates, citing concerns around eroding company culture and collaboration. Starting in February, Meta’s Instagram will require all employees to work in the office five days a week to foster a more creative and collaborative working environment and build a “winning culture.”

But professionals overwhelmingly want to work remotely, at least some of the time, citing enhanced productivity, better work-life balance, and the freedom to work from anywhere. Robert Half, which topped Forbes’ List of America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms for seven consecutive years, reports that fewer than one-fifth of workers said their top choice would be an in-office job last year.

In 2026, business leaders need to answer a key question: What are the best strategies for balancing employee job satisfaction and proven productivity gains with a company culture built on connection?

As workplace models and trends continue to evolve, CANOPY shares seven strategies to attract, retain, and support talent in 2026, from coworking membership stipends to personal wellness budgets.

1. Follow Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in Formally Adopting a Hybrid Model—and Communicate Policies Clearly to Staff.

Hybrid work arrangements—especially those that incorporate varied work locations—are linked to significant reductions in burnout symptoms by restoring balance and personal rhythms to the workday. Flexible work arrangements support the hiring of top talent and reduce workforce churn. Resume builder firm LiveCareer found that 57% of candidates drop out of the interview process when a company’s remote work policy is unclear; Pew Research Center found that nearly half of employees would consider quitting if remote work were removed.

Leaders at major companies, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, have implemented return-to-office mandates, requiring at least three in-office days every week to address eroding company culture and enhance collaboration. Some theorize that working with team members in person for part of the workweek may help people manage their time, stay inspired, and communicate better while avoiding Zoom fatigue.

2. Create a Third Space by Offering Stipends for Coworking Spaces.

Various studies have reported that anywhere from half to 90% of workers say they’re more productive out of the office, citing a lack of commute and coworker interruptions during the day. But the home environment can also bring distractions, including from family members and pets, making it harder for some employees to switch into “work mode” in an environment they associate with relaxation.

Shared offices are an ideal “third location,” restoring the psychological “commute” while allowing workers to benefit from a professional setting as part of a diverse community. Some of the world’s largest companies are jumping on coworking spaces, including Pfizer, Amazon.com, JPMorgan Chase, Lyft, and Anthropic. Staff at HubSpot and website-building company Webflow receive a monthly allowance for remote work expenses; tech jobs platform BuiltIn maintains a running list of more than 1,800 firms offering budgets for home offices.

3. Redesign Physical Workspaces To Be Somewhere Employees Choose To Work

In San Francisco, architecture, design, and planning firm Gensler has found that design is no longer a backdrop—it’s the engine driving performance, loyalty, and resilience, redefining the workplace as a destination people choose. “The best workplaces don’t just support work—they reflect what people value most,” said Janet Pogue McLaurin, Gensler’s global director of workplace research.

The trend toward hybrid working necessitates new spaces or the reinvention of existing locations to accommodate flexible models and workforce sizes. At the same time, organizations are recognizing that outdated, poorly lit, and uncomfortable office environments negatively impact productivity and well-being. Conversely, spaces that foster collaboration and interaction help employees thrive—and, more importantly, inspire them to commit to the commute.

Polsinelli Law’s new Clayton, Missouri, office, designed by HOK, features coffee bars and a signature café, along with other hospitality-focused elements, like lounge areas. T-Mobile’s renovated campus headquarters in Washington incorporates two floors of amenities—six diverse dining kiosks, a vintage Airstream serving frozen yogurt—connected by a 1,000-square-foot grand staircase that doubles as amphitheater seating.

4. Integrate Well-Being and Mental Health as an Ecosystem, Not Disconnected Perks and Policies

Mental health should be treated as a core benefit, not “nice to have.” Stress, physical and mental health, loneliness, and burnout are deeply entwined, and workplace policies to tackle them must be holistic, including manager training to recognize the early signs of fatigue. Formal, confidential access to preventative mental health care reduces stigma, supports early help-seeking, and helps de-escalate stress before it becomes burnout, supporting healthier, more engaged teams.

Google offers employee assistance programs (EAPs) with mental health counselling and access to virtual therapy for staff and their families, integrated into broader well-being benefits. Microsoft’s well-being benefits include counseling resources and reimbursed mental health support via its global CARES programs and partnerships with Thrive Global and Headspace.

5. Offer More PTO

Compared to other developed nations, the United States famously has some of the lowest federal allowances for vacation days, and taking time away from the office has become a source of friction—especially in start-up culture where “unlimited PTO” invariably means most employees take none. Several companies use “well-being days,” mental health leave, or additional personal time off specifically for rest or recovery, signalling that employers recognize employee well-being is a business priority, not a reward.

6. Provide Personalized Wellness Budgets

Employers are going beyond health insurance to offer covered, personalized programs that let employees choose which products and services most benefit them. Previously, ahead-of-the-curve companies offered curated activities in-house—Johnson & Johnson’s Live for Life program was founded in the 1970s, helping people be tobacco-free and drive safely—but now many companies, such as Holisticly, offer employee benefit programs as standalone B2B products spanning ceramics classes, meditation, and acupuncture.

Salesforce offers a monthly “Well-being Reimbursement” budget that employees can spend on therapy, mindfulness, fitness, or rest activities. Outdoor apparel company Patagonia encourages employees to spend time outdoors, hosts on-site and off-site yoga, and helps employees with financial stress by providing a 100% college tuition reimbursement and on-site childcare.

7. Reduce Meeting Load and Protect Time for Deep and Focus Work

Meeting overload is a well-documented driver of burnout. When workers are forced to continually context switch, they lose momentum and focus—especially if the meeting has no bearing on their work. In his company-wide memo ordering staff back to the office five days a week in 2026, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri also told workers to reduce meetings to biweekly 1-on-1s and decline meetings that fall during their “focus blocks.” “We all spend too much time in meetings that are not effective, and it’s slowing us down,” Mosseri noted.

Shopify famously used a bot to delete thousands of recurring meetings, freeing up over 322,000 hours of employee time, designating Wednesdays as a permanent meeting-free day. LinkedIn also has “No-Meeting Wednesdays” to give teams uninterrupted time for deep work, reducing cognitive fatigue.

This story was produced by CANOPY and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

RELATED CONTENT: How RTO Went From Being About ‘Where’ To ‘When’ For Employees 

×