New research shows that not only are back-to-the-office mandates unpopular with employees, they lead to more turnover and chase away the employees with the most skills. We’ll delve into the findings. Plus: when a job is quite literally a balancing act. As part of our ongoing “What’s That Like?” series exploring odd jobs, we hear from a Cirque du Soleil high wire performer.

Here in the United States, a partial government shutdown looms after the House of Representatives voted down a Trump-backed temporary spending package. We’ll parse some of the practical implications. Then, we’ll hear about some of the economic headwinds Germany is facing after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence and the German government collapsed. Also on the show: A strike at a number of Amazon locations is entering day two.

From the BBC World Service: An investigation has exposed how Vietnamese migrants in the United Kingdom are working illegally in nail bars to avoid detection. The U.K. government says it’s ramped up raids since July, with fines for employers reaching $75,000 for repeat offenses. But that’s not stopping everyone. Plus, nearly 80 million Christmas trees are sold each year in Europe. We’ll take a look at what goes in to growing them all.

Stock and bond markets took unnerving tumbles yesterday when the Federal Reserve Chair suggested there won’t be as many interest rate cuts next year. The S&P fell 3% and the Dow fell more than 1,100 points. We could also get a partial federal government shutdown by the end of the week. We’ll discuss the latest economic headlines. Plus, some Amazon workers go on strike today, and we’ll hear more about the merch economy.

From the BBC World Service: A new report from the European Central Bank and the European Union’s insurance regulator calls for a big shake-up in Europe’s climate insurance system. It’s planning for a new EU-wide insurance plan that would help protect businesses and homeowners from extreme weather and uses reinsurance, which pools risks, to make sure people are actually covered. Also: Concert merch, once a reliable profit source for performers, is becoming squeezed.

A deal to keep the government funded through the holidays and into the new administration has run into opposition. President-elect Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk are urging Republicans in Congress to vote down a government funding extension. We’ll hear more. Plus, stock futures are pointing to a small rebound after stock prices dropped sharply on warnings that higher interest rates could linger. And later: What’s it like to work at the circus?

Something a tad nontraditional on the wishlist of more children this year? Skin care products. This $180 billion industry has caught the attention of young people born 2010 onward (even if they already have a naturally youthful look). Now, dermatologists are warning families that some of these products can cause long-term damage if used too young. But first, a droopy stock index is getting attention this morning.

Even though inflation has come down from its pandemic highs, some of it is still sticking. Yet average pay has been keeping up with — and even outpacing — rising prices. Turns out, low- and middle-income workers have been making up some ground. We dig in. Plus: a closer look at AI’s growing role in processing health insurance claims and talks of a potentially tectonic shift in the global auto industry.

From the BBC World Service: A potential merger of two of Japan’s largest carmakers could be in the cards; Nissan and Honda have said they’re “exploring various possibilities for future collaboration.” Also on the show: The global skincare market is worth billions of dollars, but it’s not just adults who are spending big — kids are also making more purchases than ever, and dermatologists are warning unsuitable products could damage their skin.

President-elect Donald Trump confirmed at a news conference on Monday that he is “looking at” the idea of privatizing the U.S. Postal Service. That comes as the USPS ended its last fiscal year with a net loss of $9.5 billion. On this morning’s program, we’ll unpack the finances of the postal service. Also: the fine print of November retail sales and the resurgence of the supper club.

Most people like their health insurance. That may come as a surprise after jokes and vitriol over the American health care system flooded social media in the wake of the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing. But those who don’t like their insurance are often the ones forced to use it most. We’ll dig into what the research says. Plus, the Senate is expected to take up the Social Security Fairness Act this week.