Morning Brew - 🎃 Pumpkins

We all know complete privacy doesn’t exist when it comes to our work devices, but exactly what information our employers have access to is always a bit of a mystery. Can they just access our Slack messages and Google history, or do they know what’s in our Amazon cart and that we’re sitting here in our PJs eating Special K from the box?

For the Guardian, writer Sandy Milne reported on the Covid-era work surveillance boom, with a rise in companies using “tattleware” to keep tabs on their employees. Milne noted that in April 2020, Google searches for “remote monitoring” increased 212% YoY. This year, searches skyrocketed by another 243%.

If interested, companies have a wide range of tattleware to choose from. Sneek, the first service mentioned in the piece, captures live photos of employees “every minute or so.” There’s also FlexiSpy, NetVizor, ActivTrak, Hubstaff, and EmailAnalytics, which give employers access to everything from your phone calls to your full email history. When scrolling through these programs’ client lists, you’ll find some pretty recognizable names: Dow Jones, Uber, Instacart, Venmo, and The New York Times, as well as other, smaller businesses.

Thankfully, there is some good news. Most companies don’t have the resources or desire to comb through their employees’ computers using these programs. But especially for those in favor of working from home after Covid, it pays to be cautious about what you do (and don’t do) on company property.

Enjoy the best season of the year (yeah, we said it) with these fall essentials.

• Otherland’s new Manor House Weekend collection has something for every candle lover. There’s the subtle Cardamom Milk, smoky Dappled Wood, and Maliah’s favorite, Mountain Lace, with elderflower, pear, and apple blossom.
• We love Jungalow for its bold patterns, like on these two-toned plates from their fall collab with Target, but we're also eyeing up this adorable pumpkin-shaped candle.
• Josh Sternberg, Morning Brew’s B2B executive editor, says his favorite thing about having a house is mowing his lawn. "I love the hour or two each Saturday or Sunday that I get to myself, just me catching up on my podcasts and getting in the only exercise I get each week," he explained. LOL. Around this time of year, he busts out his EGO leaf blower.
• Once you’re done raking the leaves in your own backyard, go see them on trees where they belong with this fall foliage prediction map.
• Check out what’s blooming in your area with this seasonal food guide, then visit a farmers market near you for an extra-fresh butternut squash bounty.

Read: This piece dives into why everyone (literally everyone, cough, cough, preschool archnemesis) is heading to the immersive Van Gogh experience. Blame Emily in Paris.

Listen: Step into a witchy coffee shop, Renaissance village, or pumpkin chariot via Autumn Cozy. Unlimited fall foliage and soothing sounds await.

Watch: Add a touch of fall to your front porch with this arts ‘n’ crafts project. Don’t worry, no plastic pumpkins, hay stacks, or cursive signs that just say “fall” here.

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A few of our favorite pumpkin foods and recipes for 2021.

• Purely Elizabeth’s pumpkin cinnamon granola will cure your fall cravings, even at 8am.
• Brb, we’re adding DIY pumpkin spice to every dish, even homemade chicken fingers.  Best of all: You probably own all the ingredients.
• Hate on the PSL all you want, but pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, and coffee is an unbeatable combo. Whip up your own version at home to save an extra buck, and don’t forget the extra foam on top.
• This year’s Trader Joe’s pumpkin selection does not disappoint. We couldn’t pick one winner, so we’re sharing three of our faves: pumpkin butter, pumpkin ice cream, and pumpkin cream cheese.
• For a more savory take on the fruit (yes, pumpkin is a fruit), dress up store-bought pasta with this creamy pumpkin sauce recipe. Top with oodles of Parmigiano Reggiano. Not optional.