Companies reported on their quest to fill jobs in the Fed’s Beige Book. The arrival of AI may have changed hiring needs.

As workers settle into hybrid work routines, some employers are upgrading to nicer spaces with a smaller footprint.

A labor shortage in manufacturing seems to be tempting them.

For restaurants and retailers in particular, it can lead to something the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book calls “lumpy” pricing.

The latest edition includes comments from community bankers, real estate brokers, farm-implement suppliers—you name it.

They may find it attractive to earn money while others are playing.

The influential update, also known as the Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions, comes out Wednesday.

That’s one takeaway from the latest Beige Book, a snapshot of the economy from the 12 Federal Reserve banks around the country.

Many are questioning just how inclusive and diverse one of the Fed’s regular reports on the economy is.

The collection of anecdotes lets us in on interesting economic realities.