Adam Ruins Everything (2015) s01e08 Episode Script
Adam Ruins Work
1 good morning.
(laughing) look at you.
Shaina, high-five.
Ah! thank you, mr.
Harris.
Ah! thank you, mr.
Harris.
benny.
thank you, mr.
Harris.
benny.
Mr.
Harris is my dog's name, benny.
Mr.
Harris is my dog's name, and she's a rescue.
Mr.
Harris is my dog's name, and she's a rescue.
Hey, I spot a birthday boy.
And she's a rescue.
Hey, I spot a birthday boy.
happy birthday to you Hey, I spot a birthday boy.
happy birthday to you thank you, thank you.
happy birthday to you thank you, thank you.
Um, how did you know? thank you, thank you.
Um, how did you know? you're my employee, Um, how did you know? you're my employee, and I love you.
Says here you went to grad school for 12 years and never graduated? School for 12 years and never graduated? Very untraditional.
Graduated? Very untraditional.
Tell me, what's your greatest Very untraditional.
Tell me, what's your greatest weakness? Tell me, what's your greatest weakness? well, I'm legally blind in Weakness? well, I'm legally blind in one eye, I throw up on well, I'm legally blind in one eye, I throw up on roller coasters, and people tell One eye, I throw up on roller coasters, and people tell me I am not a people person.
Roller coasters, and people tell me I am not a people person.
(chuckles) Me I am not a people person.
(chuckles) hi, I'm adam conover.
(chuckles) hi, I'm adam conover.
yeah, it says Hi, I'm adam conover.
yeah, it says your name right-- yeah, it says your name right-- and this is "adam ruins Your name right-- and this is "adam ruins everything".
and this is "adam ruins everything".
you know what? Your hair reminds me of my dog.
mmm.
Your hair reminds me of my dog.
mmm.
and I like that.
mmm.
and I like that.
How would you like this job? and I like that.
How would you like this job? This is a great place to work.
How would you like this job? This is a great place to work.
And I don't mean to toot my own This is a great place to work.
And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty good And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty good boss.
Horn, but I'm a pretty good boss.
I accept.
Boss.
I accept.
And no, you're not.
I accept.
And no, you're not.
what? And no, you're not.
what? you're a terrible boss.
what? you're a terrible boss.
This is a soul-crushing place you're a terrible boss.
This is a soul-crushing place to work, and I accept.
This is a soul-crushing place to work, and I accept.
Thanks, I could really use To work, and I accept.
Thanks, I could really use the job.
Thanks, I could really use the job.
soul-crushing? The job.
soul-crushing? But we have a ping pong table, soul-crushing? But we have a ping pong table, a jukebox, nerf guns, But we have a ping pong table, a jukebox, nerf guns, and we still have four-- A jukebox, nerf guns, and we still have four-- make that two darts left.
And we still have four-- make that two darts left.
So, yeah, it's a fun office.
Make that two darts left.
So, yeah, it's a fun office.
these people don't look like So, yeah, it's a fun office.
these people don't look like they're having fun.
these people don't look like they're having fun.
And you know, a lot of them They're having fun.
And you know, a lot of them aren't even working.
And you know, a lot of them aren't even working.
So, why do they have to be here Aren't even working.
So, why do they have to be here today? So, why do they have to be here today? uh, 'cause it's a work day Today? uh, 'cause it's a work day and they have work to do.
uh, 'cause it's a work day and they have work to do.
interesting theory.
And they have work to do.
interesting theory.
Let's ask one.
interesting theory.
Let's ask one.
Hi there, uh, shaina.
Let's ask one.
Hi there, uh, shaina.
Looks like all your work is Hi there, uh, shaina.
Looks like all your work is done.
Done.
So, why are you still here? So, why are you still here? because I'm a hard worker And I'm working hard.
is that true, shaina? is that true, shaina? no, I love my work.
no, I love my work.
mmm.
mmm.
thanks a lot.
thanks a lot.
the only reason shaina is still here is because you the only reason shaina is still here is because you enforce a five day, 40 hour Still here is because you enforce a five day, 40 hour work week.
ah, the rhythm of life.
sorry, but that schedule you're clinging to is an sorry, but that schedule you're clinging to is an outdated relic that does nothing You're clinging to is an outdated relic that does nothing but exhaust your employees and Outdated relic that does nothing but exhaust your employees and hurt your business.
But exhaust your employees and hurt your business.
no, it isn't.
Hurt your business.
no, it isn't.
That's just how long it takes to no, it isn't.
That's just how long it takes to get the work done.
That's just how long it takes to get the work done.
not true.
Get the work done.
not true.
Most of that time is wasted.
not true.
Most of that time is wasted.
A recent survey found that Most of that time is wasted.
A recent survey found that employees spent only 45% of the A recent survey found that employees spent only 45% of the work day on primary job duties.
Employees spent only 45% of the work day on primary job duties.
well, what do they do with Work day on primary job duties.
well, what do they do with the other 55%? well, what do they do with the other 55%? mostly browse facebook and go The other 55%? mostly browse facebook and go to pointless meetings.
mostly browse facebook and go to pointless meetings.
okay, corporate scheduled To pointless meetings.
okay, corporate scheduled this meeting scheduling meeting okay, corporate scheduled this meeting scheduling meeting to schedule a meeting on our This meeting scheduling meeting to schedule a meeting on our Schedule.
well, that's just the way the work week works.
It's always been that way.
The work week works.
It's always been that way.
actually, it used to be way It's always been that way.
actually, it used to be way worse.
actually, it used to be way worse.
100 years ago the average worker Worse.
100 years ago the average worker clocked ten hour days 100 years ago the average worker clocked ten hour days six days a week.
Clocked ten hour days six days a week.
oh, one day off a week, Six days a week.
oh, one day off a week, that's not bad.
oh, one day off a week, that's not bad.
off nothing.
That's not bad.
off nothing.
(whistle blows) off nothing.
(whistle blows) on sundays we had to go to (whistle blows) on sundays we had to go to church.
On sundays we had to go to church.
Oh, heavenly father Church.
Oh, heavenly father back then, most workers Oh, heavenly father back then, most workers rarely had even a single day back then, most workers rarely had even a single day all to themselves.
Rarely had even a single day all to themselves.
Luckily, there were two groups All to themselves.
Luckily, there were two groups that fought for the modern Luckily, there were two groups that fought for the modern Saturday-- labor unions.
That fought for the modern Saturday-- labor unions.
workers' rights! Saturday-- labor unions.
workers' rights! Workers' rights! workers' rights! Workers' rights! and jewish people.
Workers' rights! and jewish people.
so, it would be nice to take and jewish people.
so, it would be nice to take the day to go to temple, so, it would be nice to take the day to go to temple, maybe visit your bubbie The day to go to temple, maybe visit your bubbie or what have you.
Maybe visit your bubbie or what have you.
and those two groups had an Or what have you.
and those two groups had an unlikely ally-- the founder of and those two groups had an unlikely ally-- the founder of ford motor company, henry ford.
Unlikely ally-- the founder of ford motor company, henry ford.
yes, in 1926 I gave all my Ford motor company, henry ford.
yes, in 1926 I gave all my workers two days off a week.
yes, in 1926 I gave all my workers two days off a week.
This inspired numerous companies Workers two days off a week.
This inspired numerous companies to follow suit.
This inspired numerous companies to follow suit.
wow, henry ford, To follow suit.
wow, henry ford, the original good boss.
wow, henry ford, the original good boss.
Hashtag, #goodboss! Hashtag, #goodboss! also, I know who's also, I know who's responsible for world war I-- The jews.
oh, jeez, get it off! oh, jeez, get it off! Get it off! Get it off! oy.
oy.
henry ford was super racist and he despised labor unions.
henry ford was super racist and he despised labor unions.
So, he didn't help change the And he despised labor unions.
So, he didn't help change the work week out of love for these So, he didn't help change the work week out of love for these guys.
Work week out of love for these guys.
correct, I did it for me.
Guys.
correct, I did it for me.
Overworked employees are less correct, I did it for me.
Overworked employees are less productive, and worse yet, Overworked employees are less productive, and worse yet, have no time to buy my stuff.
Productive, and worse yet, have no time to buy my stuff.
You there, why aren't you out Have no time to buy my stuff.
You there, why aren't you out buying a car? You there, why aren't you out buying a car? I'm building one.
Buying a car? I'm building one.
fine, take the day off and go I'm building one.
fine, take the day off and go buy a car.
fine, take the day off and go buy a car.
Ford wins again.
Buy a car.
Ford wins again.
(laughing) Ford wins again.
(laughing) ford didn't give an f-150 (laughing) ford didn't give an f-150 about his employees' leisure ford didn't give an f-150 about his employees' leisure time.
About his employees' leisure time.
He helped create Saturday Time.
He helped create Saturday because he knew it would be good He helped create Saturday because he knew it would be good for business.
Because he knew it would be good for business.
And as technology improved and For business.
And as technology improved and productivity rose, everyone And as technology improved and productivity rose, everyone thought the work week would keep Productivity rose, everyone thought the work week would keep getting shorter.
Thought the work week would keep getting shorter.
In 1930, the economist john Getting shorter.
In 1930, the economist john maynard keynes predicted In 1930, the economist john maynard keynes predicted by 2030, we will be working Maynard keynes predicted by 2030, we will be working for as little as 15 hours a by 2030, we will be working for as little as 15 hours a week.
For as little as 15 hours a week.
even richard nixon agreed.
Week.
even richard nixon agreed.
the four-day work week is even richard nixon agreed.
the four-day work week is inevitable within our time.
the four-day work week is inevitable within our time.
Also, I hate jews.
Inevitable within our time.
Also, I hate jews.
(tape rewinding) Also, I hate jews.
(tape rewinding) I hate jews.
(tape rewinding) I hate jews.
God, I love this little tape I hate jews.
God, I love this little tape recorder.
God, I love this little tape recorder.
and for a while, it looked Recorder.
and for a while, it looked like they might have been right.
and for a while, it looked like they might have been right.
For decades work hours steadily Like they might have been right.
For decades work hours steadily decreased.
For decades work hours steadily decreased.
But in the '70s, americans Decreased.
But in the '70s, americans started working longer and But in the '70s, americans started working longer and longer hours.
Started working longer and longer hours.
We now work nearly four more Longer hours.
We now work nearly four more weeks a year than we did in We now work nearly four more weeks a year than we did in Weeks a year than we did in And all those extra hours are And all those extra hours are actually terrible for your And all those extra hours are actually terrible for your business.
Actually terrible for your business.
Overtime increases the rate of Business.
Overtime increases the rate of mistakes and safety mishaps Overtime increases the rate of mistakes and safety mishaps among industrial workers by 61%.
Mistakes and safety mishaps among industrial workers by 61%.
(paper shredder whirring) Among industrial workers by 61%.
(paper shredder whirring) no, no.
(paper shredder whirring) no, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! no, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! and longer hours also lowered No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! and longer hours also lowered the scores on cognitive and longer hours also lowered the scores on cognitive performance tests, which means The scores on cognitive performance tests, which means you are literally working your Performance tests, which means you are literally working your employees stupid.
You are literally working your employees stupid.
he am? Employees stupid.
he am? no, I'm not.
he am? no, I'm not.
Our hard work is why we're the no, I'm not.
Our hard work is why we're the richest country in the world.
Our hard work is why we're the richest country in the world.
(chuckles) no, it isn't.
Richest country in the world.
(chuckles) no, it isn't.
There are plenty of wealthy (chuckles) no, it isn't.
There are plenty of wealthy countries that work far less There are plenty of wealthy countries that work far less than we do.
Countries that work far less than we do.
Workers in germany, the Than we do.
Workers in germany, the strongest economy in europe, Workers in germany, the strongest economy in europe, work an average of 400 hours Strongest economy in europe, work an average of 400 hours less a year than the average Work an average of 400 hours less a year than the average american worker.
Less a year than the average american worker.
yeah, our lives are better American worker.
yeah, our lives are better than yours.
yeah, our lives are better than yours.
do you have any idea how much Than yours.
do you have any idea how much 400 hours a year is? do you have any idea how much 400 hours a year is? That's ten full work weeks.
400 hours a year is? That's ten full work weeks.
what?! That's ten full work weeks.
what?! That's crazy! look, working long just isn't the same thing as working hard.
Your employees would be happier, The same thing as working hard.
Your employees would be happier, healthier and more productive Your employees would be happier, healthier and more productive if they had more time off.
Healthier and more productive if they had more time off.
Not to mention, you'd be more If they had more time off.
Not to mention, you'd be more popular.
Not to mention, you'd be more popular.
ooh, I do like that.
Popular.
ooh, I do like that.
But how do I know a shorter work ooh, I do like that.
But how do I know a shorter work week won't ruin my bottom line? But how do I know a shorter work week won't ruin my bottom line? well, let's talk to a boss Week won't ruin my bottom line? well, let's talk to a boss who had the guts to actually well, let's talk to a boss who had the guts to actually try it.
Who had the guts to actually try it.
(chuckles) Try it.
(chuckles) ah, meet ryan carson.
(chuckles) ah, meet ryan carson.
He's the ceo of treehouse, Ah, meet ryan carson.
He's the ceo of treehouse, an online school.
He's the ceo of treehouse, an online school.
hey, benny.
An online school.
hey, benny.
So, yeah, in 2006 we switched hey, benny.
So, yeah, in 2006 we switched to a four-day work week for our So, yeah, in 2006 we switched to a four-day work week for our entire company.
Entire company.
and this is good for your and this is good for your business? so, it just seemed to make a lot of sense.
A lot of sense.
When people come to work When people come to work well-rested, they have more Well-rested, they have more energy and better ideas.
Energy and better ideas.
We're also able to retain We're also able to retain top talent for longer, which Top talent for longer, which saves us a ton of money in the long term.
Saves us a ton of money in the long term.
well, that's very compelling.
Long term.
well, that's very compelling.
and it's not just good for well, that's very compelling.
and it's not just good for business.
and it's not just good for business.
you know, if I'm lucky, Business.
you know, if I'm lucky, I have 2,500 weekends left in my you know, if I'm lucky, I have 2,500 weekends left in my entire life.
I have 2,500 weekends left in my entire life.
And with the four-day work week, Entire life.
And with the four-day work week, I get 50% more time with my wife And with the four-day work week, I get 50% more time with my wife and kids.
I get 50% more time with my wife and kids.
That's what's important to me.
And kids.
That's what's important to me.
yeah, it'd be wonderful to That's what's important to me.
yeah, it'd be wonderful to spend more time with mr.
Harris.
yeah, it'd be wonderful to spend more time with mr.
Harris.
I know it would.
Spend more time with mr.
Harris.
I know it would.
Thanks, ryan.
I know it would.
Thanks, ryan.
Look, american business has Thanks, ryan.
Look, american business has changed so much in the last Look, american business has changed so much in the last century.
Changed so much in the last century.
But you're still clinging to the Century.
But you're still clinging to the same schedule we used back in But you're still clinging to the same schedule we used back in henry ford's day out of sheer Same schedule we used back in henry ford's day out of sheer habit, even though it hurts Henry ford's day out of sheer habit, even though it hurts your business.
Habit, even though it hurts your business.
So, yeah, you are a bad boss.
Your business.
So, yeah, you are a bad boss.
Hashtag, #badboss.
So, yeah, you are a bad boss.
Hashtag, #badboss.
Anyway, when do I start? Hashtag, #badboss.
Anyway, when do I start? (chuckles) Anyway, when do I start? (chuckles) no.
no.
No, no, no, no, no, I'm not No, no, no, no, no, I'm not a bad boss, I'm a good boss.
And I'll prove it to you! This is trista.
This is trista.
She's an intern here.
She's an intern here.
I help this young woman develop I help this young woman develop the skills she'll need for her future career.
The skills she'll need for her future career.
oh, trista, so, uh, do you do Future career.
oh, trista, so, uh, do you do real work here? oh, trista, so, uh, do you do real work here? yeah.
Real work here? yeah.
and do you get paid? yeah.
and do you get paid? no.
and do you get paid? no.
oh, well, congratulations, no.
oh, well, congratulations, benny, you're a criminal.
oh, well, congratulations, benny, you're a criminal.
what? oh, man, is this my desk? This is so cool.
Could we make it a standing desk This is so cool.
Could we make it a standing desk though? Could we make it a standing desk though? Standing is really good for you.
Though? Standing is really good for you.
Though I do love to lean on Standing is really good for you.
Though I do love to lean on occasion, and squatting has Though I do love to lean on occasion, and squatting has recently been shown to-- Occasion, and squatting has recently been shown to-- oh, I don't know, maybe I Recently been shown to-- oh, I don't know, maybe I should have hired another oh, I don't know, maybe I should have hired another intern.
Should have hired another intern.
ah, yes, the great american Intern.
ah, yes, the great american intern.
ah, yes, the great american intern.
They get our coffee, they make Intern.
They get our coffee, they make our copies.
They get our coffee, they make our copies.
And sure, they may not be paid, Our copies.
And sure, they may not be paid, but they receive something far And sure, they may not be paid, but they receive something far more valuable in return-- But they receive something far more valuable in return-- skills and experience.
More valuable in return-- skills and experience.
finally making some sense, Skills and experience.
finally making some sense, adam.
finally making some sense, adam.
Maybe it wasn't a big mistake-- Adam.
Maybe it wasn't a big mistake-- yeah, too bad that's a total Maybe it wasn't a big mistake-- yeah, too bad that's a total myth.
yeah, too bad that's a total myth.
Internships are nothing but a Myth.
Internships are nothing but a way for companies to exploit Internships are nothing but a way for companies to exploit young people for free labor.
Way for companies to exploit young people for free labor.
And in many cases, they're Young people for free labor.
And in many cases, they're totally illegal.
And in many cases, they're totally illegal.
whoa, really? Totally illegal.
whoa, really? trista just gets us coffee whoa, really? trista just gets us coffee and stuff.
trista just gets us coffee and stuff.
Who says that's illegal? And stuff.
Who says that's illegal? the department of labor.
Who says that's illegal? the department of labor.
who says they say that? the department of labor.
who says they say that? the former secretary of who says they say that? the former secretary of labor.
(snaps) meet robert reich.
He was secretary of labor under Meet robert reich.
He was secretary of labor under bill clinton.
He was secretary of labor under bill clinton.
Now, he lives in this Bill clinton.
Now, he lives in this powerpoint.
Now, he lives in this powerpoint.
yeah, well, times are tough.
Powerpoint.
yeah, well, times are tough.
Hi, adam.
yeah, well, times are tough.
Hi, adam.
According to the labor Hi, adam.
According to the labor department, internships are only According to the labor department, internships are only legal if it's for the benefit of Department, internships are only legal if it's for the benefit of the interns, not the company, Legal if it's for the benefit of the interns, not the company, the payment isn't just the The interns, not the company, the payment isn't just the promise of a job at the end, The payment isn't just the promise of a job at the end, it doesn't displace any regular Promise of a job at the end, it doesn't displace any regular employees, and it's similar to It doesn't displace any regular employees, and it's similar to what you'd learn in an Employees, and it's similar to what you'd learn in an educational environment.
What you'd learn in an educational environment.
thanks, bob, stick around.
Educational environment.
thanks, bob, stick around.
We're gonna need you later.
thanks, bob, stick around.
We're gonna need you later.
it's okay, I'll pause myself.
We're gonna need you later.
it's okay, I'll pause myself.
and like most unpaid it's okay, I'll pause myself.
and like most unpaid internships, you are blatantly and like most unpaid internships, you are blatantly violating these rules.
Internships, you are blatantly violating these rules.
Trista's doing the work of a Violating these rules.
Trista's doing the work of a secretary, she's not benefitting Trista's doing the work of a secretary, she's not benefitting or learning anything.
Secretary, she's not benefitting or learning anything.
yes, she is, she's learning Or learning anything.
yes, she is, she's learning important business terms.
yes, she is, she's learning important business terms.
yeah, like "tall", "grande", Important business terms.
yeah, like "tall", "grande", "pumpkin spice", "half-caf".
yeah, like "tall", "grande", "pumpkin spice", "half-caf".
it makes her more employable.
"pumpkin spice", "half-caf".
it makes her more employable.
actually, a new study it makes her more employable.
actually, a new study suggests that unpaid interns go actually, a new study suggests that unpaid interns go on to have nearly exactly the Suggests that unpaid interns go on to have nearly exactly the same hiring rate as people who On to have nearly exactly the same hiring rate as people who have never interned at all.
Same hiring rate as people who have never interned at all.
really? Have never interned at all.
really? yeah.
really? yeah.
And because you're not being yeah.
And because you're not being paid anything, someone else has And because you're not being paid anything, someone else has to support you while you work Paid anything, someone else has to support you while you work for free.
To support you while you work for free.
my mom pays my rent.
For free.
my mom pays my rent.
yeah, and you're lucky.
my mom pays my rent.
yeah, and you're lucky.
People from lower income yeah, and you're lucky.
People from lower income families can't take internships People from lower income families can't take internships because we have to support Families can't take internships because we have to support ourselves.
Because we have to support ourselves.
I literally cannot afford to Ourselves.
I literally cannot afford to work here.
I literally cannot afford to work here.
That's messed up.
Work here.
That's messed up.
that's an excellent point.
That's messed up.
that's an excellent point.
(scoffs) that's an excellent point.
(scoffs) trista, you deserve to get (scoffs) trista, you deserve to get paid as much as anyone.
trista, you deserve to get paid as much as anyone.
But benny here is asking you to Paid as much as anyone.
But benny here is asking you to get coffee for free, and all But benny here is asking you to get coffee for free, and all he's offering in return is the Get coffee for free, and all he's offering in return is the promise of a job that will He's offering in return is the promise of a job that will never come.
Promise of a job that will never come.
you know what, mr.
Harris? Never come.
you know what, mr.
Harris? Get your own damn coffee.
If this were full, that would have been really bad-ass.
okay, I know this looks bad.
Have been really bad-ass.
okay, I know this looks bad.
Adam, we are good folk here.
okay, I know this looks bad.
Adam, we are good folk here.
We have volunteer team-building, Adam, we are good folk here.
We have volunteer team-building, I give people jobs.
We have volunteer team-building, I give people jobs.
Eric! Eric! I give people jobs.
Eric! Eric! hey.
Eric! Eric! hey.
eric started here as an hey.
eric started here as an intern, and now look at him.
eric started here as an intern, and now look at him.
He works here as a freelancer! Intern, and now look at him.
He works here as a freelancer! oh, a freelancer.
He works here as a freelancer! oh, a freelancer.
So, you must set your own hours.
oh, a freelancer.
So, you must set your own hours.
no, I have to be here from So, you must set your own hours.
no, I have to be here from 9 to 5.
no, I have to be here from 9 to 5.
Can I leave early today? 9 to 5.
Can I leave early today? oh, I'm sorry, I just don't Can I leave early today? oh, I'm sorry, I just don't have the bandwidth.
oh, I'm sorry, I just don't have the bandwidth.
well, they must give you Have the bandwidth.
well, they must give you benefits.
well, they must give you benefits.
no, but we get free cupcakes Benefits.
no, but we get free cupcakes on fridays, and sometimes no, but we get free cupcakes on fridays, and sometimes there's enough left over On fridays, and sometimes there's enough left over for lunch.
There's enough left over for lunch.
well, sounds like he's For lunch.
well, sounds like he's working here illegally.
well, sounds like he's working here illegally.
illegally?! Working here illegally.
illegally?! We can't have that.
illegally?! We can't have that.
Boys, take him to jail! We can't have that.
Boys, take him to jail! no, no, stop! Boys, take him to jail! no, no, stop! Benny, you're the one who's no, no, stop! Benny, you're the one who's breaking the law.
Benny, you're the one who's breaking the law.
Here, let's talk to robert reich Breaking the law.
Here, let's talk to robert reich again.
Here, let's talk to robert reich again.
crap, ow! Again.
crap, ow! oh, bobby! crap, ow! oh, bobby! ow, ow! oh, bobby! ow, ow! I've gone to screensaver! ow, ow! I've gone to screensaver! Thanks.
I've gone to screensaver! Thanks.
The misclassification of Thanks.
The misclassification of salaried employees as The misclassification of salaried employees as freelancers is a very common Salaried employees as freelancers is a very common problem in corporate america.
Freelancers is a very common problem in corporate america.
A company is probably working Problem in corporate america.
A company is probably working you as a freelancer illegally A company is probably working you as a freelancer illegally if they You as a freelancer illegally if they Impose requirements over you on If they Impose requirements over you on shift times, meetings or office Impose requirements over you on shift times, meetings or office attendance, Attendance, don't give you the freedom to Or just in general, treat you like staff.
Like staff.
thanks, bob.
thanks, bob.
uh, wait, wait.
Could you move the mouse again uh, wait, wait.
Could you move the mouse again before Could you move the mouse again before Ahh! Before Ahh! adam, I hear your concerns, Ahh! adam, I hear your concerns, but we still hire a staff and adam, I hear your concerns, but we still hire a staff and they're not going anywhere.
But we still hire a staff and they're not going anywhere.
yes, they are.
They're not going anywhere.
yes, they are.
In 1995, 93% of american workers yes, they are.
In 1995, 93% of american workers were full-time or part-time In 1995, 93% of american workers were full-time or part-time staff.
Were full-time or part-time staff.
But today, nearly one in three Staff.
But today, nearly one in three are freelance or temp.
But today, nearly one in three are freelance or temp.
Why do you think that is? Are freelance or temp.
Why do you think that is? we hire freelancers because Why do you think that is? we hire freelancers because they're cheap.
we hire freelancers because they're cheap.
aha! They're cheap.
aha! Yep, bosses like you love to aha! Yep, bosses like you love to cut corners.
Yep, bosses like you love to cut corners.
That's why you turn staffers Cut corners.
That's why you turn staffers into freelancers, so you don't That's why you turn staffers into freelancers, so you don't have to pay them the benefits Into freelancers, so you don't have to pay them the benefits they're entitled to.
Have to pay them the benefits they're entitled to.
By avoiding unemployment, taxes, They're entitled to.
By avoiding unemployment, taxes, workman's comp and health care, By avoiding unemployment, taxes, workman's comp and health care, you save up to 30% on wages.
Workman's comp and health care, you save up to 30% on wages.
what?! You save up to 30% on wages.
what?! That's crazy! yes, it is crazy just how much you're being cheated.
come on, adam.
Look at all these fun perks.
In this economy, we all have to Look at all these fun perks.
In this economy, we all have to make sacrifices.
In this economy, we all have to make sacrifices.
That's the only way a business Make sacrifices.
That's the only way a business is gonna survive.
That's the only way a business is gonna survive.
(funk music playing) Is gonna survive.
(funk music playing) (record skipping) (funk music playing) (record skipping) don't blame the economy.
(record skipping) don't blame the economy.
Even taking the recession into don't blame the economy.
Even taking the recession into account, american businesses Even taking the recession into account, american businesses make more money now than ever, Account, american businesses make more money now than ever, yet wages haven't risen to Make more money now than ever, yet wages haven't risen to match, all because companies Yet wages haven't risen to match, all because companies keep pleading poverty and Match, all because companies keep pleading poverty and "making sacrifices.
" Keep pleading poverty and "making sacrifices.
" so, tell you what.
"making sacrifices.
" so, tell you what.
Why don't you skip all the So, tell you what.
Why don't you skip all the meaningless perks and give Why don't you skip all the meaningless perks and give trista and eric a proper salary Meaningless perks and give trista and eric a proper salary with benefits? Trista and eric a proper salary with benefits? yeah.
With benefits? yeah.
We don't need a ping pong table yeah.
We don't need a ping pong table or a break room with a wii We don't need a ping pong table or a break room with a wii in it.
Or a break room with a wii in it.
We need money.
In it.
We need money.
trista agrees.
We need money.
trista agrees.
I can't even eat cupcakes.
trista agrees.
I can't even eat cupcakes.
I'm hypoglycemic.
I can't even eat cupcakes.
I'm hypoglycemic.
yeah! I'm hypoglycemic.
yeah! why do you even bother, yeah! why do you even bother, benny? why do you even bother, benny? because-- because those Benny? because-- because those meaningless perks are cheaper, because-- because those meaningless perks are cheaper, okay? Meaningless perks are cheaper, okay? You got me.
Okay? You got me.
I try to win your loyalty with You got me.
I try to win your loyalty with sugar and nerf, and I got I try to win your loyalty with sugar and nerf, and I got caught.
Sugar and nerf, and I got caught.
Are you happy, adam? Caught.
Are you happy, adam? like, in general, Are you happy, adam? like, in general, or right now? like, in general, or right now? Eh, the answer to both is yes.
Or right now? Eh, the answer to both is yes.
(chuckles) Eh, the answer to both is yes.
(chuckles) (dinging, coins jingling) (chuckles) (dinging, coins jingling) the paychecks are here! (dinging, coins jingling) the paychecks are here! (laughing) the paychecks are here! (laughing) paychecks are here! (laughing) paychecks are here! payday, payday Paychecks are here! payday, payday everyone loves me on payday payday, payday everyone loves me on payday (humming) everyone loves me on payday (humming) oh I like this better than (humming) oh I like this better than direct deposit.
oh I like this better than direct deposit.
I like to feel my money.
Direct deposit.
I like to feel my money.
oh, what's your salary? I like to feel my money.
oh, what's your salary? Benny offered me 75k.
oh, what's your salary? Benny offered me 75k.
you just can't tell people Benny offered me 75k.
you just can't tell people your salary like that.
you just can't tell people your salary like that.
oh, no, there are numerous Your salary like that.
oh, no, there are numerous reasons I can and should.
oh, no, there are numerous reasons I can and should.
And in fact, by telling me I Reasons I can and should.
And in fact, by telling me I can't, you are breaking the law.
And in fact, by telling me I can't, you are breaking the law.
guys, not now.
Can't, you are breaking the law.
guys, not now.
yeah, I had more to say.
(whistling) hey, vanessa, 35k a year.
Not bad.
hey, vanessa, 35k a year.
Not bad.
Megan, ooh, 70, good going.
Not bad.
Megan, ooh, 70, good going.
Bob, six figures.
Megan, ooh, 70, good going.
Bob, six figures.
Whew, very impressive.
Bob, six figures.
Whew, very impressive.
(chuckles) and charles, six Whew, very impressive.
(chuckles) and charles, six Dollars? (chuckles) and charles, six Dollars? You only make six dollars Dollars? You only make six dollars a year? You only make six dollars a year? asking for a raise is mean.
A year? asking for a raise is mean.
stop this right now, adam.
asking for a raise is mean.
stop this right now, adam.
You can't discuss salaries stop this right now, adam.
You can't discuss salaries openly like this.
You can't discuss salaries openly like this.
why not? Openly like this.
why not? because it's illegal.
why not? because it's illegal.
no, it definitely isn't.
because it's illegal.
no, it definitely isn't.
The right to share your salary no, it definitely isn't.
The right to share your salary is protected by the national The right to share your salary is protected by the national labor relations act.
Is protected by the national labor relations act.
Employees have the right to Labor relations act.
Employees have the right to engage in-- ugh.
Employees have the right to engage in-- ugh.
Man, this comic's boring.
Engage in-- ugh.
Man, this comic's boring.
You get the idea.
Man, this comic's boring.
You get the idea.
And being public with your You get the idea.
And being public with your salary actually benefits you.
And being public with your salary actually benefits you.
So, without further adieu Salary actually benefits you.
So, without further adieu no! So, without further adieu no! I mean, even if it's legal, it no! I mean, even if it's legal, it makes me really uncomfortable.
I mean, even if it's legal, it makes me really uncomfortable.
exactly.
Makes me really uncomfortable.
exactly.
Americans have an enormous taboo exactly.
Americans have an enormous taboo against talking about money.
Americans have an enormous taboo against talking about money.
Most people would rather discuss Against talking about money.
Most people would rather discuss their sex lives than their Most people would rather discuss their sex lives than their salaries.
Their sex lives than their salaries.
(laughing) oh, yeah.
Salaries.
(laughing) oh, yeah.
So, anyway, that's where I enjoy (laughing) oh, yeah.
So, anyway, that's where I enjoy fingers during intercourse.
So, anyway, that's where I enjoy fingers during intercourse.
oh, fascinating.
Fingers during intercourse.
oh, fascinating.
Say, how much money do you make? oh, fascinating.
Say, how much money do you make? Ah! Say, how much money do you make? Ah! how dare you! Ah! how dare you! ah! Oh, god! how dare you! ah! Oh, god! Look, all that taboo does is ah! Oh, god! Look, all that taboo does is take power away from the Look, all that taboo does is take power away from the employee and give it to the Take power away from the employee and give it to the company.
Employee and give it to the company.
but if people know how much Company.
but if people know how much money I make, they'll resent me.
but if people know how much money I make, they'll resent me.
I mean, they'll know that I'm Money I make, they'll resent me.
I mean, they'll know that I'm filthy stinking Middle-class! I mean, they'll know that I'm filthy stinking Middle-class! no, they won't, they'll Filthy stinking Middle-class! no, they won't, they'll resent the company.
no, they won't, they'll resent the company.
Look, here's what you think will Resent the company.
Look, here's what you think will happen if you share your salary.
Look, here's what you think will happen if you share your salary.
I make 85,000 a year.
Happen if you share your salary.
I make 85,000 a year.
you dickhead.
I make 85,000 a year.
you dickhead.
You should make less money.
you dickhead.
You should make less money.
and here's what would You should make less money.
and here's what would actually happen.
and here's what would actually happen.
I make $85,000 a year.
Actually happen.
I make $85,000 a year.
you dickhead.
I make $85,000 a year.
you dickhead.
I should make more money.
you dickhead.
I should make more money.
bosses like benny love it I should make more money.
bosses like benny love it when you keep your salary a bosses like benny love it when you keep your salary a secret, because it tilts pay When you keep your salary a secret, because it tilts pay negotiations in their favor.
Secret, because it tilts pay negotiations in their favor.
It's a concept called Negotiations in their favor.
It's a concept called information asymmetry.
It's a concept called information asymmetry.
If you don't know what the going Information asymmetry.
If you don't know what the going rate is for your salary, If you don't know what the going rate is for your salary, it's easier for the company to Rate is for your salary, it's easier for the company to rip you off.
It's easier for the company to rip you off.
I can only offer you Rip you off.
I can only offer you $100 a day.
I can only offer you $100 a day.
I guess that's what everyone $100 a day.
I guess that's what everyone here makes.
I guess that's what everyone here makes.
and this perpetuates the Here makes.
and this perpetuates the pay gap.
and this perpetuates the pay gap.
For instance, african american Pay gap.
For instance, african american women make 64 cents for every For instance, african american women make 64 cents for every dollar the average white guy Women make 64 cents for every dollar the average white guy makes.
Dollar the average white guy makes.
I can only offer you Makes.
I can only offer you $64 a day.
I can only offer you $64 a day.
I guess that's what everybody $64 a day.
I guess that's what everybody here makes.
I guess that's what everybody here makes.
the bottom line is if you Here makes.
the bottom line is if you don't have all the information, the bottom line is if you don't have all the information, you could get scammed big time.
Don't have all the information, you could get scammed big time.
we can only offer you You could get scammed big time.
we can only offer you six dollars a year.
we can only offer you six dollars a year.
I guess that's what everyone Six dollars a year.
I guess that's what everyone here makes? I guess that's what everyone here makes? (whimpers) Here makes? (whimpers) (sighs) (whimpers) (sighs) buddy, how do you survive? (sighs) buddy, how do you survive? I live here.
discussing your salary with your coworkers is your right as an employee.
Your coworkers is your right as an employee.
When you let these guys stop you An employee.
When you let these guys stop you from doing it, you push your own When you let these guys stop you from doing it, you push your own wages down, which means you're From doing it, you push your own wages down, which means you're spending more years of your life Wages down, which means you're spending more years of your life slaving away in a job that Spending more years of your life slaving away in a job that doesn't pay you what you're Slaving away in a job that doesn't pay you what you're really worth.
Doesn't pay you what you're really worth.
you're right.
Really worth.
you're right.
All of this is a waste of time.
you're right.
All of this is a waste of time.
(laughing) All of this is a waste of time.
(laughing) you say all these people are (laughing) you say all these people are wasted and it's not even 5:00? You say all these people are wasted and it's not even 5:00? It's a joke.
Wasted and it's not even 5:00? It's a joke.
stop trying to lighten the It's a joke.
stop trying to lighten the mood with your fantastic boss stop trying to lighten the mood with your fantastic boss humor.
Mood with your fantastic boss humor.
This is all your fault.
Humor.
This is all your fault.
My name is shaina monroe This is all your fault.
My name is shaina monroe and I make $30,000 a year.
My name is shaina monroe and I make $30,000 a year.
my name is becca neeson And I make $30,000 a year.
my name is becca neeson and I make 40,000 a year.
my name is becca neeson and I make 40,000 a year.
my name is charles wicket.
And I make 40,000 a year.
my name is charles wicket.
I make six dollars a year my name is charles wicket.
I make six dollars a year and I demand a raise I make six dollars a year and I demand a raise Please.
And I demand a raise Please.
I want a raise too! Please.
I want a raise too!
(laughing) look at you.
Shaina, high-five.
Ah! thank you, mr.
Harris.
Ah! thank you, mr.
Harris.
benny.
thank you, mr.
Harris.
benny.
Mr.
Harris is my dog's name, benny.
Mr.
Harris is my dog's name, and she's a rescue.
Mr.
Harris is my dog's name, and she's a rescue.
Hey, I spot a birthday boy.
And she's a rescue.
Hey, I spot a birthday boy.
happy birthday to you Hey, I spot a birthday boy.
happy birthday to you thank you, thank you.
happy birthday to you thank you, thank you.
Um, how did you know? thank you, thank you.
Um, how did you know? you're my employee, Um, how did you know? you're my employee, and I love you.
Says here you went to grad school for 12 years and never graduated? School for 12 years and never graduated? Very untraditional.
Graduated? Very untraditional.
Tell me, what's your greatest Very untraditional.
Tell me, what's your greatest weakness? Tell me, what's your greatest weakness? well, I'm legally blind in Weakness? well, I'm legally blind in one eye, I throw up on well, I'm legally blind in one eye, I throw up on roller coasters, and people tell One eye, I throw up on roller coasters, and people tell me I am not a people person.
Roller coasters, and people tell me I am not a people person.
(chuckles) Me I am not a people person.
(chuckles) hi, I'm adam conover.
(chuckles) hi, I'm adam conover.
yeah, it says Hi, I'm adam conover.
yeah, it says your name right-- yeah, it says your name right-- and this is "adam ruins Your name right-- and this is "adam ruins everything".
and this is "adam ruins everything".
you know what? Your hair reminds me of my dog.
mmm.
Your hair reminds me of my dog.
mmm.
and I like that.
mmm.
and I like that.
How would you like this job? and I like that.
How would you like this job? This is a great place to work.
How would you like this job? This is a great place to work.
And I don't mean to toot my own This is a great place to work.
And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty good And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty good boss.
Horn, but I'm a pretty good boss.
I accept.
Boss.
I accept.
And no, you're not.
I accept.
And no, you're not.
what? And no, you're not.
what? you're a terrible boss.
what? you're a terrible boss.
This is a soul-crushing place you're a terrible boss.
This is a soul-crushing place to work, and I accept.
This is a soul-crushing place to work, and I accept.
Thanks, I could really use To work, and I accept.
Thanks, I could really use the job.
Thanks, I could really use the job.
soul-crushing? The job.
soul-crushing? But we have a ping pong table, soul-crushing? But we have a ping pong table, a jukebox, nerf guns, But we have a ping pong table, a jukebox, nerf guns, and we still have four-- A jukebox, nerf guns, and we still have four-- make that two darts left.
And we still have four-- make that two darts left.
So, yeah, it's a fun office.
Make that two darts left.
So, yeah, it's a fun office.
these people don't look like So, yeah, it's a fun office.
these people don't look like they're having fun.
these people don't look like they're having fun.
And you know, a lot of them They're having fun.
And you know, a lot of them aren't even working.
And you know, a lot of them aren't even working.
So, why do they have to be here Aren't even working.
So, why do they have to be here today? So, why do they have to be here today? uh, 'cause it's a work day Today? uh, 'cause it's a work day and they have work to do.
uh, 'cause it's a work day and they have work to do.
interesting theory.
And they have work to do.
interesting theory.
Let's ask one.
interesting theory.
Let's ask one.
Hi there, uh, shaina.
Let's ask one.
Hi there, uh, shaina.
Looks like all your work is Hi there, uh, shaina.
Looks like all your work is done.
Done.
So, why are you still here? So, why are you still here? because I'm a hard worker And I'm working hard.
is that true, shaina? is that true, shaina? no, I love my work.
no, I love my work.
mmm.
mmm.
thanks a lot.
thanks a lot.
the only reason shaina is still here is because you the only reason shaina is still here is because you enforce a five day, 40 hour Still here is because you enforce a five day, 40 hour work week.
ah, the rhythm of life.
sorry, but that schedule you're clinging to is an sorry, but that schedule you're clinging to is an outdated relic that does nothing You're clinging to is an outdated relic that does nothing but exhaust your employees and Outdated relic that does nothing but exhaust your employees and hurt your business.
But exhaust your employees and hurt your business.
no, it isn't.
Hurt your business.
no, it isn't.
That's just how long it takes to no, it isn't.
That's just how long it takes to get the work done.
That's just how long it takes to get the work done.
not true.
Get the work done.
not true.
Most of that time is wasted.
not true.
Most of that time is wasted.
A recent survey found that Most of that time is wasted.
A recent survey found that employees spent only 45% of the A recent survey found that employees spent only 45% of the work day on primary job duties.
Employees spent only 45% of the work day on primary job duties.
well, what do they do with Work day on primary job duties.
well, what do they do with the other 55%? well, what do they do with the other 55%? mostly browse facebook and go The other 55%? mostly browse facebook and go to pointless meetings.
mostly browse facebook and go to pointless meetings.
okay, corporate scheduled To pointless meetings.
okay, corporate scheduled this meeting scheduling meeting okay, corporate scheduled this meeting scheduling meeting to schedule a meeting on our This meeting scheduling meeting to schedule a meeting on our Schedule.
well, that's just the way the work week works.
It's always been that way.
The work week works.
It's always been that way.
actually, it used to be way It's always been that way.
actually, it used to be way worse.
actually, it used to be way worse.
100 years ago the average worker Worse.
100 years ago the average worker clocked ten hour days 100 years ago the average worker clocked ten hour days six days a week.
Clocked ten hour days six days a week.
oh, one day off a week, Six days a week.
oh, one day off a week, that's not bad.
oh, one day off a week, that's not bad.
off nothing.
That's not bad.
off nothing.
(whistle blows) off nothing.
(whistle blows) on sundays we had to go to (whistle blows) on sundays we had to go to church.
On sundays we had to go to church.
Oh, heavenly father Church.
Oh, heavenly father back then, most workers Oh, heavenly father back then, most workers rarely had even a single day back then, most workers rarely had even a single day all to themselves.
Rarely had even a single day all to themselves.
Luckily, there were two groups All to themselves.
Luckily, there were two groups that fought for the modern Luckily, there were two groups that fought for the modern Saturday-- labor unions.
That fought for the modern Saturday-- labor unions.
workers' rights! Saturday-- labor unions.
workers' rights! Workers' rights! workers' rights! Workers' rights! and jewish people.
Workers' rights! and jewish people.
so, it would be nice to take and jewish people.
so, it would be nice to take the day to go to temple, so, it would be nice to take the day to go to temple, maybe visit your bubbie The day to go to temple, maybe visit your bubbie or what have you.
Maybe visit your bubbie or what have you.
and those two groups had an Or what have you.
and those two groups had an unlikely ally-- the founder of and those two groups had an unlikely ally-- the founder of ford motor company, henry ford.
Unlikely ally-- the founder of ford motor company, henry ford.
yes, in 1926 I gave all my Ford motor company, henry ford.
yes, in 1926 I gave all my workers two days off a week.
yes, in 1926 I gave all my workers two days off a week.
This inspired numerous companies Workers two days off a week.
This inspired numerous companies to follow suit.
This inspired numerous companies to follow suit.
wow, henry ford, To follow suit.
wow, henry ford, the original good boss.
wow, henry ford, the original good boss.
Hashtag, #goodboss! Hashtag, #goodboss! also, I know who's also, I know who's responsible for world war I-- The jews.
oh, jeez, get it off! oh, jeez, get it off! Get it off! Get it off! oy.
oy.
henry ford was super racist and he despised labor unions.
henry ford was super racist and he despised labor unions.
So, he didn't help change the And he despised labor unions.
So, he didn't help change the work week out of love for these So, he didn't help change the work week out of love for these guys.
Work week out of love for these guys.
correct, I did it for me.
Guys.
correct, I did it for me.
Overworked employees are less correct, I did it for me.
Overworked employees are less productive, and worse yet, Overworked employees are less productive, and worse yet, have no time to buy my stuff.
Productive, and worse yet, have no time to buy my stuff.
You there, why aren't you out Have no time to buy my stuff.
You there, why aren't you out buying a car? You there, why aren't you out buying a car? I'm building one.
Buying a car? I'm building one.
fine, take the day off and go I'm building one.
fine, take the day off and go buy a car.
fine, take the day off and go buy a car.
Ford wins again.
Buy a car.
Ford wins again.
(laughing) Ford wins again.
(laughing) ford didn't give an f-150 (laughing) ford didn't give an f-150 about his employees' leisure ford didn't give an f-150 about his employees' leisure time.
About his employees' leisure time.
He helped create Saturday Time.
He helped create Saturday because he knew it would be good He helped create Saturday because he knew it would be good for business.
Because he knew it would be good for business.
And as technology improved and For business.
And as technology improved and productivity rose, everyone And as technology improved and productivity rose, everyone thought the work week would keep Productivity rose, everyone thought the work week would keep getting shorter.
Thought the work week would keep getting shorter.
In 1930, the economist john Getting shorter.
In 1930, the economist john maynard keynes predicted In 1930, the economist john maynard keynes predicted by 2030, we will be working Maynard keynes predicted by 2030, we will be working for as little as 15 hours a by 2030, we will be working for as little as 15 hours a week.
For as little as 15 hours a week.
even richard nixon agreed.
Week.
even richard nixon agreed.
the four-day work week is even richard nixon agreed.
the four-day work week is inevitable within our time.
the four-day work week is inevitable within our time.
Also, I hate jews.
Inevitable within our time.
Also, I hate jews.
(tape rewinding) Also, I hate jews.
(tape rewinding) I hate jews.
(tape rewinding) I hate jews.
God, I love this little tape I hate jews.
God, I love this little tape recorder.
God, I love this little tape recorder.
and for a while, it looked Recorder.
and for a while, it looked like they might have been right.
and for a while, it looked like they might have been right.
For decades work hours steadily Like they might have been right.
For decades work hours steadily decreased.
For decades work hours steadily decreased.
But in the '70s, americans Decreased.
But in the '70s, americans started working longer and But in the '70s, americans started working longer and longer hours.
Started working longer and longer hours.
We now work nearly four more Longer hours.
We now work nearly four more weeks a year than we did in We now work nearly four more weeks a year than we did in Weeks a year than we did in And all those extra hours are And all those extra hours are actually terrible for your And all those extra hours are actually terrible for your business.
Actually terrible for your business.
Overtime increases the rate of Business.
Overtime increases the rate of mistakes and safety mishaps Overtime increases the rate of mistakes and safety mishaps among industrial workers by 61%.
Mistakes and safety mishaps among industrial workers by 61%.
(paper shredder whirring) Among industrial workers by 61%.
(paper shredder whirring) no, no.
(paper shredder whirring) no, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! no, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! and longer hours also lowered No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! and longer hours also lowered the scores on cognitive and longer hours also lowered the scores on cognitive performance tests, which means The scores on cognitive performance tests, which means you are literally working your Performance tests, which means you are literally working your employees stupid.
You are literally working your employees stupid.
he am? Employees stupid.
he am? no, I'm not.
he am? no, I'm not.
Our hard work is why we're the no, I'm not.
Our hard work is why we're the richest country in the world.
Our hard work is why we're the richest country in the world.
(chuckles) no, it isn't.
Richest country in the world.
(chuckles) no, it isn't.
There are plenty of wealthy (chuckles) no, it isn't.
There are plenty of wealthy countries that work far less There are plenty of wealthy countries that work far less than we do.
Countries that work far less than we do.
Workers in germany, the Than we do.
Workers in germany, the strongest economy in europe, Workers in germany, the strongest economy in europe, work an average of 400 hours Strongest economy in europe, work an average of 400 hours less a year than the average Work an average of 400 hours less a year than the average american worker.
Less a year than the average american worker.
yeah, our lives are better American worker.
yeah, our lives are better than yours.
yeah, our lives are better than yours.
do you have any idea how much Than yours.
do you have any idea how much 400 hours a year is? do you have any idea how much 400 hours a year is? That's ten full work weeks.
400 hours a year is? That's ten full work weeks.
what?! That's ten full work weeks.
what?! That's crazy! look, working long just isn't the same thing as working hard.
Your employees would be happier, The same thing as working hard.
Your employees would be happier, healthier and more productive Your employees would be happier, healthier and more productive if they had more time off.
Healthier and more productive if they had more time off.
Not to mention, you'd be more If they had more time off.
Not to mention, you'd be more popular.
Not to mention, you'd be more popular.
ooh, I do like that.
Popular.
ooh, I do like that.
But how do I know a shorter work ooh, I do like that.
But how do I know a shorter work week won't ruin my bottom line? But how do I know a shorter work week won't ruin my bottom line? well, let's talk to a boss Week won't ruin my bottom line? well, let's talk to a boss who had the guts to actually well, let's talk to a boss who had the guts to actually try it.
Who had the guts to actually try it.
(chuckles) Try it.
(chuckles) ah, meet ryan carson.
(chuckles) ah, meet ryan carson.
He's the ceo of treehouse, Ah, meet ryan carson.
He's the ceo of treehouse, an online school.
He's the ceo of treehouse, an online school.
hey, benny.
An online school.
hey, benny.
So, yeah, in 2006 we switched hey, benny.
So, yeah, in 2006 we switched to a four-day work week for our So, yeah, in 2006 we switched to a four-day work week for our entire company.
Entire company.
and this is good for your and this is good for your business? so, it just seemed to make a lot of sense.
A lot of sense.
When people come to work When people come to work well-rested, they have more Well-rested, they have more energy and better ideas.
Energy and better ideas.
We're also able to retain We're also able to retain top talent for longer, which Top talent for longer, which saves us a ton of money in the long term.
Saves us a ton of money in the long term.
well, that's very compelling.
Long term.
well, that's very compelling.
and it's not just good for well, that's very compelling.
and it's not just good for business.
and it's not just good for business.
you know, if I'm lucky, Business.
you know, if I'm lucky, I have 2,500 weekends left in my you know, if I'm lucky, I have 2,500 weekends left in my entire life.
I have 2,500 weekends left in my entire life.
And with the four-day work week, Entire life.
And with the four-day work week, I get 50% more time with my wife And with the four-day work week, I get 50% more time with my wife and kids.
I get 50% more time with my wife and kids.
That's what's important to me.
And kids.
That's what's important to me.
yeah, it'd be wonderful to That's what's important to me.
yeah, it'd be wonderful to spend more time with mr.
Harris.
yeah, it'd be wonderful to spend more time with mr.
Harris.
I know it would.
Spend more time with mr.
Harris.
I know it would.
Thanks, ryan.
I know it would.
Thanks, ryan.
Look, american business has Thanks, ryan.
Look, american business has changed so much in the last Look, american business has changed so much in the last century.
Changed so much in the last century.
But you're still clinging to the Century.
But you're still clinging to the same schedule we used back in But you're still clinging to the same schedule we used back in henry ford's day out of sheer Same schedule we used back in henry ford's day out of sheer habit, even though it hurts Henry ford's day out of sheer habit, even though it hurts your business.
Habit, even though it hurts your business.
So, yeah, you are a bad boss.
Your business.
So, yeah, you are a bad boss.
Hashtag, #badboss.
So, yeah, you are a bad boss.
Hashtag, #badboss.
Anyway, when do I start? Hashtag, #badboss.
Anyway, when do I start? (chuckles) Anyway, when do I start? (chuckles) no.
no.
No, no, no, no, no, I'm not No, no, no, no, no, I'm not a bad boss, I'm a good boss.
And I'll prove it to you! This is trista.
This is trista.
She's an intern here.
She's an intern here.
I help this young woman develop I help this young woman develop the skills she'll need for her future career.
The skills she'll need for her future career.
oh, trista, so, uh, do you do Future career.
oh, trista, so, uh, do you do real work here? oh, trista, so, uh, do you do real work here? yeah.
Real work here? yeah.
and do you get paid? yeah.
and do you get paid? no.
and do you get paid? no.
oh, well, congratulations, no.
oh, well, congratulations, benny, you're a criminal.
oh, well, congratulations, benny, you're a criminal.
what? oh, man, is this my desk? This is so cool.
Could we make it a standing desk This is so cool.
Could we make it a standing desk though? Could we make it a standing desk though? Standing is really good for you.
Though? Standing is really good for you.
Though I do love to lean on Standing is really good for you.
Though I do love to lean on occasion, and squatting has Though I do love to lean on occasion, and squatting has recently been shown to-- Occasion, and squatting has recently been shown to-- oh, I don't know, maybe I Recently been shown to-- oh, I don't know, maybe I should have hired another oh, I don't know, maybe I should have hired another intern.
Should have hired another intern.
ah, yes, the great american Intern.
ah, yes, the great american intern.
ah, yes, the great american intern.
They get our coffee, they make Intern.
They get our coffee, they make our copies.
They get our coffee, they make our copies.
And sure, they may not be paid, Our copies.
And sure, they may not be paid, but they receive something far And sure, they may not be paid, but they receive something far more valuable in return-- But they receive something far more valuable in return-- skills and experience.
More valuable in return-- skills and experience.
finally making some sense, Skills and experience.
finally making some sense, adam.
finally making some sense, adam.
Maybe it wasn't a big mistake-- Adam.
Maybe it wasn't a big mistake-- yeah, too bad that's a total Maybe it wasn't a big mistake-- yeah, too bad that's a total myth.
yeah, too bad that's a total myth.
Internships are nothing but a Myth.
Internships are nothing but a way for companies to exploit Internships are nothing but a way for companies to exploit young people for free labor.
Way for companies to exploit young people for free labor.
And in many cases, they're Young people for free labor.
And in many cases, they're totally illegal.
And in many cases, they're totally illegal.
whoa, really? Totally illegal.
whoa, really? trista just gets us coffee whoa, really? trista just gets us coffee and stuff.
trista just gets us coffee and stuff.
Who says that's illegal? And stuff.
Who says that's illegal? the department of labor.
Who says that's illegal? the department of labor.
who says they say that? the department of labor.
who says they say that? the former secretary of who says they say that? the former secretary of labor.
(snaps) meet robert reich.
He was secretary of labor under Meet robert reich.
He was secretary of labor under bill clinton.
He was secretary of labor under bill clinton.
Now, he lives in this Bill clinton.
Now, he lives in this powerpoint.
Now, he lives in this powerpoint.
yeah, well, times are tough.
Powerpoint.
yeah, well, times are tough.
Hi, adam.
yeah, well, times are tough.
Hi, adam.
According to the labor Hi, adam.
According to the labor department, internships are only According to the labor department, internships are only legal if it's for the benefit of Department, internships are only legal if it's for the benefit of the interns, not the company, Legal if it's for the benefit of the interns, not the company, the payment isn't just the The interns, not the company, the payment isn't just the promise of a job at the end, The payment isn't just the promise of a job at the end, it doesn't displace any regular Promise of a job at the end, it doesn't displace any regular employees, and it's similar to It doesn't displace any regular employees, and it's similar to what you'd learn in an Employees, and it's similar to what you'd learn in an educational environment.
What you'd learn in an educational environment.
thanks, bob, stick around.
Educational environment.
thanks, bob, stick around.
We're gonna need you later.
thanks, bob, stick around.
We're gonna need you later.
it's okay, I'll pause myself.
We're gonna need you later.
it's okay, I'll pause myself.
and like most unpaid it's okay, I'll pause myself.
and like most unpaid internships, you are blatantly and like most unpaid internships, you are blatantly violating these rules.
Internships, you are blatantly violating these rules.
Trista's doing the work of a Violating these rules.
Trista's doing the work of a secretary, she's not benefitting Trista's doing the work of a secretary, she's not benefitting or learning anything.
Secretary, she's not benefitting or learning anything.
yes, she is, she's learning Or learning anything.
yes, she is, she's learning important business terms.
yes, she is, she's learning important business terms.
yeah, like "tall", "grande", Important business terms.
yeah, like "tall", "grande", "pumpkin spice", "half-caf".
yeah, like "tall", "grande", "pumpkin spice", "half-caf".
it makes her more employable.
"pumpkin spice", "half-caf".
it makes her more employable.
actually, a new study it makes her more employable.
actually, a new study suggests that unpaid interns go actually, a new study suggests that unpaid interns go on to have nearly exactly the Suggests that unpaid interns go on to have nearly exactly the same hiring rate as people who On to have nearly exactly the same hiring rate as people who have never interned at all.
Same hiring rate as people who have never interned at all.
really? Have never interned at all.
really? yeah.
really? yeah.
And because you're not being yeah.
And because you're not being paid anything, someone else has And because you're not being paid anything, someone else has to support you while you work Paid anything, someone else has to support you while you work for free.
To support you while you work for free.
my mom pays my rent.
For free.
my mom pays my rent.
yeah, and you're lucky.
my mom pays my rent.
yeah, and you're lucky.
People from lower income yeah, and you're lucky.
People from lower income families can't take internships People from lower income families can't take internships because we have to support Families can't take internships because we have to support ourselves.
Because we have to support ourselves.
I literally cannot afford to Ourselves.
I literally cannot afford to work here.
I literally cannot afford to work here.
That's messed up.
Work here.
That's messed up.
that's an excellent point.
That's messed up.
that's an excellent point.
(scoffs) that's an excellent point.
(scoffs) trista, you deserve to get (scoffs) trista, you deserve to get paid as much as anyone.
trista, you deserve to get paid as much as anyone.
But benny here is asking you to Paid as much as anyone.
But benny here is asking you to get coffee for free, and all But benny here is asking you to get coffee for free, and all he's offering in return is the Get coffee for free, and all he's offering in return is the promise of a job that will He's offering in return is the promise of a job that will never come.
Promise of a job that will never come.
you know what, mr.
Harris? Never come.
you know what, mr.
Harris? Get your own damn coffee.
If this were full, that would have been really bad-ass.
okay, I know this looks bad.
Have been really bad-ass.
okay, I know this looks bad.
Adam, we are good folk here.
okay, I know this looks bad.
Adam, we are good folk here.
We have volunteer team-building, Adam, we are good folk here.
We have volunteer team-building, I give people jobs.
We have volunteer team-building, I give people jobs.
Eric! Eric! I give people jobs.
Eric! Eric! hey.
Eric! Eric! hey.
eric started here as an hey.
eric started here as an intern, and now look at him.
eric started here as an intern, and now look at him.
He works here as a freelancer! Intern, and now look at him.
He works here as a freelancer! oh, a freelancer.
He works here as a freelancer! oh, a freelancer.
So, you must set your own hours.
oh, a freelancer.
So, you must set your own hours.
no, I have to be here from So, you must set your own hours.
no, I have to be here from 9 to 5.
no, I have to be here from 9 to 5.
Can I leave early today? 9 to 5.
Can I leave early today? oh, I'm sorry, I just don't Can I leave early today? oh, I'm sorry, I just don't have the bandwidth.
oh, I'm sorry, I just don't have the bandwidth.
well, they must give you Have the bandwidth.
well, they must give you benefits.
well, they must give you benefits.
no, but we get free cupcakes Benefits.
no, but we get free cupcakes on fridays, and sometimes no, but we get free cupcakes on fridays, and sometimes there's enough left over On fridays, and sometimes there's enough left over for lunch.
There's enough left over for lunch.
well, sounds like he's For lunch.
well, sounds like he's working here illegally.
well, sounds like he's working here illegally.
illegally?! Working here illegally.
illegally?! We can't have that.
illegally?! We can't have that.
Boys, take him to jail! We can't have that.
Boys, take him to jail! no, no, stop! Boys, take him to jail! no, no, stop! Benny, you're the one who's no, no, stop! Benny, you're the one who's breaking the law.
Benny, you're the one who's breaking the law.
Here, let's talk to robert reich Breaking the law.
Here, let's talk to robert reich again.
Here, let's talk to robert reich again.
crap, ow! Again.
crap, ow! oh, bobby! crap, ow! oh, bobby! ow, ow! oh, bobby! ow, ow! I've gone to screensaver! ow, ow! I've gone to screensaver! Thanks.
I've gone to screensaver! Thanks.
The misclassification of Thanks.
The misclassification of salaried employees as The misclassification of salaried employees as freelancers is a very common Salaried employees as freelancers is a very common problem in corporate america.
Freelancers is a very common problem in corporate america.
A company is probably working Problem in corporate america.
A company is probably working you as a freelancer illegally A company is probably working you as a freelancer illegally if they You as a freelancer illegally if they Impose requirements over you on If they Impose requirements over you on shift times, meetings or office Impose requirements over you on shift times, meetings or office attendance, Attendance, don't give you the freedom to Or just in general, treat you like staff.
Like staff.
thanks, bob.
thanks, bob.
uh, wait, wait.
Could you move the mouse again uh, wait, wait.
Could you move the mouse again before Could you move the mouse again before Ahh! Before Ahh! adam, I hear your concerns, Ahh! adam, I hear your concerns, but we still hire a staff and adam, I hear your concerns, but we still hire a staff and they're not going anywhere.
But we still hire a staff and they're not going anywhere.
yes, they are.
They're not going anywhere.
yes, they are.
In 1995, 93% of american workers yes, they are.
In 1995, 93% of american workers were full-time or part-time In 1995, 93% of american workers were full-time or part-time staff.
Were full-time or part-time staff.
But today, nearly one in three Staff.
But today, nearly one in three are freelance or temp.
But today, nearly one in three are freelance or temp.
Why do you think that is? Are freelance or temp.
Why do you think that is? we hire freelancers because Why do you think that is? we hire freelancers because they're cheap.
we hire freelancers because they're cheap.
aha! They're cheap.
aha! Yep, bosses like you love to aha! Yep, bosses like you love to cut corners.
Yep, bosses like you love to cut corners.
That's why you turn staffers Cut corners.
That's why you turn staffers into freelancers, so you don't That's why you turn staffers into freelancers, so you don't have to pay them the benefits Into freelancers, so you don't have to pay them the benefits they're entitled to.
Have to pay them the benefits they're entitled to.
By avoiding unemployment, taxes, They're entitled to.
By avoiding unemployment, taxes, workman's comp and health care, By avoiding unemployment, taxes, workman's comp and health care, you save up to 30% on wages.
Workman's comp and health care, you save up to 30% on wages.
what?! You save up to 30% on wages.
what?! That's crazy! yes, it is crazy just how much you're being cheated.
come on, adam.
Look at all these fun perks.
In this economy, we all have to Look at all these fun perks.
In this economy, we all have to make sacrifices.
In this economy, we all have to make sacrifices.
That's the only way a business Make sacrifices.
That's the only way a business is gonna survive.
That's the only way a business is gonna survive.
(funk music playing) Is gonna survive.
(funk music playing) (record skipping) (funk music playing) (record skipping) don't blame the economy.
(record skipping) don't blame the economy.
Even taking the recession into don't blame the economy.
Even taking the recession into account, american businesses Even taking the recession into account, american businesses make more money now than ever, Account, american businesses make more money now than ever, yet wages haven't risen to Make more money now than ever, yet wages haven't risen to match, all because companies Yet wages haven't risen to match, all because companies keep pleading poverty and Match, all because companies keep pleading poverty and "making sacrifices.
" Keep pleading poverty and "making sacrifices.
" so, tell you what.
"making sacrifices.
" so, tell you what.
Why don't you skip all the So, tell you what.
Why don't you skip all the meaningless perks and give Why don't you skip all the meaningless perks and give trista and eric a proper salary Meaningless perks and give trista and eric a proper salary with benefits? Trista and eric a proper salary with benefits? yeah.
With benefits? yeah.
We don't need a ping pong table yeah.
We don't need a ping pong table or a break room with a wii We don't need a ping pong table or a break room with a wii in it.
Or a break room with a wii in it.
We need money.
In it.
We need money.
trista agrees.
We need money.
trista agrees.
I can't even eat cupcakes.
trista agrees.
I can't even eat cupcakes.
I'm hypoglycemic.
I can't even eat cupcakes.
I'm hypoglycemic.
yeah! I'm hypoglycemic.
yeah! why do you even bother, yeah! why do you even bother, benny? why do you even bother, benny? because-- because those Benny? because-- because those meaningless perks are cheaper, because-- because those meaningless perks are cheaper, okay? Meaningless perks are cheaper, okay? You got me.
Okay? You got me.
I try to win your loyalty with You got me.
I try to win your loyalty with sugar and nerf, and I got I try to win your loyalty with sugar and nerf, and I got caught.
Sugar and nerf, and I got caught.
Are you happy, adam? Caught.
Are you happy, adam? like, in general, Are you happy, adam? like, in general, or right now? like, in general, or right now? Eh, the answer to both is yes.
Or right now? Eh, the answer to both is yes.
(chuckles) Eh, the answer to both is yes.
(chuckles) (dinging, coins jingling) (chuckles) (dinging, coins jingling) the paychecks are here! (dinging, coins jingling) the paychecks are here! (laughing) the paychecks are here! (laughing) paychecks are here! (laughing) paychecks are here! payday, payday Paychecks are here! payday, payday everyone loves me on payday payday, payday everyone loves me on payday (humming) everyone loves me on payday (humming) oh I like this better than (humming) oh I like this better than direct deposit.
oh I like this better than direct deposit.
I like to feel my money.
Direct deposit.
I like to feel my money.
oh, what's your salary? I like to feel my money.
oh, what's your salary? Benny offered me 75k.
oh, what's your salary? Benny offered me 75k.
you just can't tell people Benny offered me 75k.
you just can't tell people your salary like that.
you just can't tell people your salary like that.
oh, no, there are numerous Your salary like that.
oh, no, there are numerous reasons I can and should.
oh, no, there are numerous reasons I can and should.
And in fact, by telling me I Reasons I can and should.
And in fact, by telling me I can't, you are breaking the law.
And in fact, by telling me I can't, you are breaking the law.
guys, not now.
Can't, you are breaking the law.
guys, not now.
yeah, I had more to say.
(whistling) hey, vanessa, 35k a year.
Not bad.
hey, vanessa, 35k a year.
Not bad.
Megan, ooh, 70, good going.
Not bad.
Megan, ooh, 70, good going.
Bob, six figures.
Megan, ooh, 70, good going.
Bob, six figures.
Whew, very impressive.
Bob, six figures.
Whew, very impressive.
(chuckles) and charles, six Whew, very impressive.
(chuckles) and charles, six Dollars? (chuckles) and charles, six Dollars? You only make six dollars Dollars? You only make six dollars a year? You only make six dollars a year? asking for a raise is mean.
A year? asking for a raise is mean.
stop this right now, adam.
asking for a raise is mean.
stop this right now, adam.
You can't discuss salaries stop this right now, adam.
You can't discuss salaries openly like this.
You can't discuss salaries openly like this.
why not? Openly like this.
why not? because it's illegal.
why not? because it's illegal.
no, it definitely isn't.
because it's illegal.
no, it definitely isn't.
The right to share your salary no, it definitely isn't.
The right to share your salary is protected by the national The right to share your salary is protected by the national labor relations act.
Is protected by the national labor relations act.
Employees have the right to Labor relations act.
Employees have the right to engage in-- ugh.
Employees have the right to engage in-- ugh.
Man, this comic's boring.
Engage in-- ugh.
Man, this comic's boring.
You get the idea.
Man, this comic's boring.
You get the idea.
And being public with your You get the idea.
And being public with your salary actually benefits you.
And being public with your salary actually benefits you.
So, without further adieu Salary actually benefits you.
So, without further adieu no! So, without further adieu no! I mean, even if it's legal, it no! I mean, even if it's legal, it makes me really uncomfortable.
I mean, even if it's legal, it makes me really uncomfortable.
exactly.
Makes me really uncomfortable.
exactly.
Americans have an enormous taboo exactly.
Americans have an enormous taboo against talking about money.
Americans have an enormous taboo against talking about money.
Most people would rather discuss Against talking about money.
Most people would rather discuss their sex lives than their Most people would rather discuss their sex lives than their salaries.
Their sex lives than their salaries.
(laughing) oh, yeah.
Salaries.
(laughing) oh, yeah.
So, anyway, that's where I enjoy (laughing) oh, yeah.
So, anyway, that's where I enjoy fingers during intercourse.
So, anyway, that's where I enjoy fingers during intercourse.
oh, fascinating.
Fingers during intercourse.
oh, fascinating.
Say, how much money do you make? oh, fascinating.
Say, how much money do you make? Ah! Say, how much money do you make? Ah! how dare you! Ah! how dare you! ah! Oh, god! how dare you! ah! Oh, god! Look, all that taboo does is ah! Oh, god! Look, all that taboo does is take power away from the Look, all that taboo does is take power away from the employee and give it to the Take power away from the employee and give it to the company.
Employee and give it to the company.
but if people know how much Company.
but if people know how much money I make, they'll resent me.
but if people know how much money I make, they'll resent me.
I mean, they'll know that I'm Money I make, they'll resent me.
I mean, they'll know that I'm filthy stinking Middle-class! I mean, they'll know that I'm filthy stinking Middle-class! no, they won't, they'll Filthy stinking Middle-class! no, they won't, they'll resent the company.
no, they won't, they'll resent the company.
Look, here's what you think will Resent the company.
Look, here's what you think will happen if you share your salary.
Look, here's what you think will happen if you share your salary.
I make 85,000 a year.
Happen if you share your salary.
I make 85,000 a year.
you dickhead.
I make 85,000 a year.
you dickhead.
You should make less money.
you dickhead.
You should make less money.
and here's what would You should make less money.
and here's what would actually happen.
and here's what would actually happen.
I make $85,000 a year.
Actually happen.
I make $85,000 a year.
you dickhead.
I make $85,000 a year.
you dickhead.
I should make more money.
you dickhead.
I should make more money.
bosses like benny love it I should make more money.
bosses like benny love it when you keep your salary a bosses like benny love it when you keep your salary a secret, because it tilts pay When you keep your salary a secret, because it tilts pay negotiations in their favor.
Secret, because it tilts pay negotiations in their favor.
It's a concept called Negotiations in their favor.
It's a concept called information asymmetry.
It's a concept called information asymmetry.
If you don't know what the going Information asymmetry.
If you don't know what the going rate is for your salary, If you don't know what the going rate is for your salary, it's easier for the company to Rate is for your salary, it's easier for the company to rip you off.
It's easier for the company to rip you off.
I can only offer you Rip you off.
I can only offer you $100 a day.
I can only offer you $100 a day.
I guess that's what everyone $100 a day.
I guess that's what everyone here makes.
I guess that's what everyone here makes.
and this perpetuates the Here makes.
and this perpetuates the pay gap.
and this perpetuates the pay gap.
For instance, african american Pay gap.
For instance, african american women make 64 cents for every For instance, african american women make 64 cents for every dollar the average white guy Women make 64 cents for every dollar the average white guy makes.
Dollar the average white guy makes.
I can only offer you Makes.
I can only offer you $64 a day.
I can only offer you $64 a day.
I guess that's what everybody $64 a day.
I guess that's what everybody here makes.
I guess that's what everybody here makes.
the bottom line is if you Here makes.
the bottom line is if you don't have all the information, the bottom line is if you don't have all the information, you could get scammed big time.
Don't have all the information, you could get scammed big time.
we can only offer you You could get scammed big time.
we can only offer you six dollars a year.
we can only offer you six dollars a year.
I guess that's what everyone Six dollars a year.
I guess that's what everyone here makes? I guess that's what everyone here makes? (whimpers) Here makes? (whimpers) (sighs) (whimpers) (sighs) buddy, how do you survive? (sighs) buddy, how do you survive? I live here.
discussing your salary with your coworkers is your right as an employee.
Your coworkers is your right as an employee.
When you let these guys stop you An employee.
When you let these guys stop you from doing it, you push your own When you let these guys stop you from doing it, you push your own wages down, which means you're From doing it, you push your own wages down, which means you're spending more years of your life Wages down, which means you're spending more years of your life slaving away in a job that Spending more years of your life slaving away in a job that doesn't pay you what you're Slaving away in a job that doesn't pay you what you're really worth.
Doesn't pay you what you're really worth.
you're right.
Really worth.
you're right.
All of this is a waste of time.
you're right.
All of this is a waste of time.
(laughing) All of this is a waste of time.
(laughing) you say all these people are (laughing) you say all these people are wasted and it's not even 5:00? You say all these people are wasted and it's not even 5:00? It's a joke.
Wasted and it's not even 5:00? It's a joke.
stop trying to lighten the It's a joke.
stop trying to lighten the mood with your fantastic boss stop trying to lighten the mood with your fantastic boss humor.
Mood with your fantastic boss humor.
This is all your fault.
Humor.
This is all your fault.
My name is shaina monroe This is all your fault.
My name is shaina monroe and I make $30,000 a year.
My name is shaina monroe and I make $30,000 a year.
my name is becca neeson And I make $30,000 a year.
my name is becca neeson and I make 40,000 a year.
my name is becca neeson and I make 40,000 a year.
my name is charles wicket.
And I make 40,000 a year.
my name is charles wicket.
I make six dollars a year my name is charles wicket.
I make six dollars a year and I demand a raise I make six dollars a year and I demand a raise Please.
And I demand a raise Please.
I want a raise too! Please.
I want a raise too!