> This is the same argument we get about how companies should invest more in training rather than expecting the labor market to provide. Without a way to captur

> This is the same argument we get about how companies should invest more in training rather than expecting the labor market to provide. Without a way to capture the value of that training, they have very little incentive to do so. Workplace culture changes are a _massive_ reason why popular support for globalization is on the decline, and why a populist candidate gained traction in both parties. Even though our economy is "better," most people have been experiencing a declining quality of life. I think if we as Americans support a busy-body work culture that OP describes, our culture will go the same way that Japan did, except the inequality will make our situation much, much worse. Hopefully things will change, or else things could get very bad in our country.