A survey has found employees are willing to pay 44% more for workers skilled in artificial intelligence (AI) for the IT sector and 41% more for staff working in research and development.

The study was conducted by Access Partnership on behalf of Amazon Web Services, with the key outcome being a scarcity of AI-skilled staff across various industry areas. In response, employers are willing to increase remuneration to future-proof their workforce.

4,664 employers and 14,896 workers across several Asia-Pacific markets, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, and Indonesia, were polled.

The findings detailed India as willing to provide the greatest increase across the region, offering a 54% salary spike, compared to an average of 33%, for workers who attain the relevant AI knowledge.

In sales and marketing, employers are prepared to splash out a further 39% increase, the same in business operations, whilst in finance, the figure stands at 37%.

What would employers get in return for higher salaries?

The AWS survey outlined there would be no ‘giveaway’ in salary gains for Asia-Pacific workers, which is expected to be proportional to increases in productivity as part of AI implementation.

Employers believe AI can boost productivity by more than half (51%) if fully leveraged across all functions, with staff on board with this aim. Those questioned said AI can increase productivity up by 50%.

On improvements to daily activity, 64% of employers stated task automation with 60% citing improved workflow and outcomes. A further 59% believe communication would be enhanced and 49% said innovation and creativity would be harnessed.

IT, business operations, and finance were identified as key departments to gain from the rollout of AI with scores of 91%, 89%, and 88%, respectively.

In terms of the departments that would benefit most from AI, 91% pointed to IT, while 89% and 88% highlighted business operations and finance, respectively.

The vast majority, 93%, believe AI skills will have a positive impact on their careers, acting as a catalyst for improvements such as better job satisfaction and faster career progression. 83% want to develop the requisite AI skills, including 87% of Gen Z workers and 79% of Gen X.

In a further breakdown, 68% of the workforce aged 55 or above, baby boomers, are ready to take on AI upskilling if presented with the opportunity.

Image credit: John Guccione/Pexels

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Gen Z employees are seeking support from the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT as they navigate their first few years in the professional world.

This generation is one of the fastest-growing ages in the workforce, but they’re said to have little faith in and poor experience with their higher-ups.

Employees born between 1997 and 2012 say they get better career advice from friends and family, Google, social media, and AI. Almost half (47%) said they prefer to turn to ChatGPT, as managers ‘don’t care about their career development,’ a report by INTOO and Workplace Intelligence has found.

Other commonly reported issues with managers are that they’re ‘more focused on their own career’ and ‘they don’t know how to help’ with role development. A significant, 62% of participants say they’d like to talk to their manager more often about their career, but their manager is too busy.

These young adults are seeking further support from companies, but are asking for more than what learning and development teams are currently offering. 80% of employees think employers should offer self-paced learning courses, while only 49% of companies have this on their radar.

With the expectation of available opportunities to help people advance in their careers not being met, HR professionals are predicting a quarter of employees are likely to quit within the next six months due to a lack of support for their careers. This figure rises to 44% when speaking about Gen Z.

How managers can support Generation Z

As more teenagers and twenty-somethings enter the workforce, HR consultants are urging current managers to remember that every person has different needs. 

Speaking with CNBC, Stacie Haller chief career advisor at Resume Builder explains the steps to be taken: “When new employees enter the company, there should be a conversation with them about what their aspirations may be, what their long-term goals are. It should be built into their onboarding.”

Mentorship programs are another recommendation to help guide workers throughout their journey in the corporate world.

Featured image: Ideogram

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Rockstar Games, the developers behind the incredibly popular Grand Theft Auto franchise, have told staff that they are expected to be in the office five days per week starting in April, reports Bloomberg.

A subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar announced in November 2023 that Grand Theft Auto 6 was on its way, though leaks as far back as September 2022 had all but confirmed that the game was in development.

It’s the threat of leaks along with the need for productivity and focus that have resulted in this decision by Rockstar. In an email to staff Jenn Kolbe, Rockstar’s Head of Publishing, cited security and productivity as the key factors. “Making these changes now puts us in the best position to deliver the next Grand Theft Auto at the level of quality and polish we know it requires, along with a publishing roadmap that matches the scale and ambition of the game,” said Kolbe in the email.

In addition to these earlier leaks, the Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer was leaked just days before the official trailer launch date. This resulted in some disappointment from Rockstar but didn’t harm the launch – people loved the trailer. It was found that a British teenager performed the trailer leak from a hotel room.

Rockstar is moving into the final stage of development as staff return to offices in April

An early 2025 release might actually happen y’all! pic.twitter.com/qTQLvx0wld

— Synth Potato (@SynthPotato) February 28, 2024

Rockstar Games’s Culture of Crunch

While a desire to prevent further leaks in the last phase of development is an understandable one, some eyebrows will be raised at the second part of the reasoning – “productivity”. The topic of working from home versus in-office is a contentious one, and often split on managerial lines, with workers saying they get more done at home and managers saying they see higher productivity when people are in offices. It is undeniably much harder to enforce crunch (compulsory overtime) when people are working from home.

Rockstar is notorious for crunch, and staff were regularly working over 100 hours per week in the run-up to Red Dead Redemption 2’s launch. With the games industry in an incredibly volatile state (studio after studio announcing mass layoffs and game cancellations), it becomes much easier to manipulate those who have stayed employed into tolerating harsh working conditions.

A pervasive fear that it could be your studio and your job next in line will lead to developers doing more for less, and with their stated focus on “productivity,” it’s hard not to see this as a euphemism that Rockstar is hiding behind to ensure Grand Theft Auto 6 meets its planned release window.

Rockstar Games has offices in the USA, UK and India. It is unclear if the work-from-office mandate applies to all staff.

A UK-based Rockstar Games employee, who did not want to be named, told Readwrite.com: “People are speculating that it’s a soft mass layoff” and “by making conditions worse” people will quit “so there wouldn’t be any severance.”

Rockstar Games has been approached for comment.

Featured image credit: Rockstar Games

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If you have ambitions to work for Facebook or Instagram, maybe even WhatsApp, you will know all about the parent company Meta.

Securing an interview with the social media giant is no mean feat, but what if you could get a foot inside the door before your actual interview to increase your chances of landing a prestigious role at the forefront of social media development?

That is what is on offer from interviewing.io – a platform dedicated to a mock interview process with access to a senior engineer at a FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Alphabet, formerly Google) company. The San Francisco-based project wants to enhance the experience and recently laid out some of its tips for securing an engineering job at Meta.

How do I get an engineering job at Meta?

With the extent of cuts across the industry at present, it is an employer’s market so to speak and within software engineering, Meta can flex its dominance in hiring, and specifically in the terms it is offering to prospective new hires.

In its findings, interviewing.io stated Meta has a monopoly on FAANG hiring as things stand, with figures showing its rate of new staff is up tenfold on January 2023.

The trade-off on their openings is the rough deal Meta is supposedly dishing out, in how they are treating candidates.

Meta is said to have adopted a centralized hiring approach, pooling together those who are going through the process and then taking a team matching path after initial screening is completed, but way before any job offer is on the table.

The harsh tactics come to the fore with a ‘down-level’ process where a thick skin and some negotiating power will be required. This will be needed when Meta lowballs you, with a contract offer including a salary $50k or more below the going rate, with the added pressure of a short timeframe to respond.

Unless you have other offers from comparable companies, your pleas for increased terms are likely to fall on deaf ears. That is how brutal the whole process has been portrayed but you can fight your corner to succeed.

How to negotiate with Meta?

Have other offers

In what is likely to be an extensive process, you will need to have other options available to an extent. Don’t put your eggs in the one basket, as contacts and communications with other FAANG companies on their openings will work massively in your favour.

Don’t share too much

When it comes to the details of the interview with Meta, do not share anything more than is necessary.

At the same time, your hiring manager presents an opening to strike up a rapport and lay the groundwork for a solid working relationship. It can sound like a contradiction but it is more of a delicate balancing act in your approach and one that can pay off when interviewing for Meta.

Treat ’em mean, keep ’em keen

Treat the recruiter mean, keep the hiring manager keen! You could even ask for the manager’s email address for any follow-up questions. This can work in your favor for time if the recruiter is pushing you hard for a response.

After that, it comes down to the art of negotiating, where you will need a solid case, ideally a couple of other offers and the nous to present a compelling case as to why you merit the terms you are pushing for.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Julio Lopez; Pexels

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Another huge player in the video game industry has today (Feb.27) declared significant layoffs will be needed. Sony has announced they will be laying off 900 employees from PlayStation – around 8% of the console maker’s global workforce.

Major PlayStation development studios affected include Naughty Dog, Insomniac, and Guerrilla Games, Jim Ryan, Sony Entertainment’s CEO said in a statement on Tuesday. Additionally, Sony’s London Studio, focused on VR development, will be shut down completely. There will also be staff reductions at recently acquired studios Firesprite and Bungie.

Why is Sony making layoffs at PlayStation?

The sweeping job cuts come amid several challenges for PlayStation. While the PS5 console continues to sell very well, Sony is struggling with high game development costs and a lack of profitable live service titles. The cancellation of The Last of Us multiplayer spinoff after years of work also points to strategic struggles.

Explaining the decision Ryan said: “The industry has changed immensely, and we need to future ready ourselves to set the business up for what lies ahead.

“We need to deliver on expectations from developers and gamers and continue to propel future technology in gaming, so we took a step back to ensure we are set up to continue bringing the best gaming experiences to the community. ”

Questions will arise about whether PlayStation management should have acted sooner to trim costs and better position studios for long-term success in a hit-driven business.

Many of Sony’s peers and competitors in the tech industry have been shedding staff for months.

In January, Microsoft laid off 1,900 staff across its gaming divisions, impacting employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox and around 2,000 employees were due to be laid off by gaming software developer Unity. Amazon, Meta, Discord, YouTube, Google are just a handful of the tech companies that sacked a total of 31,007 employees in January alone with February seeing 12,950 lay offs so far, according to Layoffs.fyi.

Featured image: Pexels

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Writing, translation, and customer service jobs have experienced the largest decrease in the freelance work market due to the influence of AI, according to a new study.

Data from Upwork, an American freelancing platform, analyzed by Bloomberry, showed that there were 33% fewer writing jobs from November 1, 2022, to February 14, 2024. At the same time, translation jobs declined by 19%, while customer service jobs saw a 16% decrease.

On the upside, demand for video editing, graphic design, as well as web development saw a significant increase, with video production jobs up 39%.

Graphic design jobs have also seen an 8% increase, while web design positions have risen by 10%. Additionally, software development roles are on the rise, with backend development jobs increasing by 6% and web development jobs growing by 4%.

The study looked at freelance jobs because it is believed that any impact on specific jobs is likely to be seen first in the freelance market, as large companies tend to adopt AI tools at a slower pace. 

Secondly, the latest earnings report from Upwork reveals that tech layoffs have had minimal effect on freelance platforms, shown through a 14% revenue growth year-over-year in their most recent quarter. This suggests that there are few other factors responsible for any declines in job postings.

However, the research revealed that the number of jobs related to developing chatbots exploded by 2000% since the release of ChatGPT and the OpenAI API.

A decline in hourly pay

Translation jobs reportedly had the biggest decrease in hourly pay, seeing rates decline by 20%, followed by video editing and market research. However, graphic design and web design jobs appeared to be the most resilient, even witnessing a slight increase in pay.

An important takeaway from the study shows that graphic and web design jobs are still in demand, and not being replaced by AI tools just yet. The report author believes that this is because programs such as DALL-E and MidJourney still require some knowledge and creativity.

Other research has recently found that around 9% of the current US workforce may be displaced by AI. It reported that 11% of workers could lose their jobs and struggle to find new employment thanks to the new technology. Meanwhile, a 2023 report found that highly sought-after AI researchers could receive $750,000 per year at top tech companies right after completing their studies.

Featured image: Canva / DALL·E

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Embracer Group, a Swedish video game holding company, announced in a prepared statement that they will be continuing with restructuring which has resulted in over 1300 layoffs since June, with more likely.

In the statement, Lars Wingefors, CEO of the company behind studios that created the Borderlands, Metro and Saints Row series, stated: “Our overruling principle is to always maximize shareholder value in any given situation.”  While it’s true that publicly traded companies are expected to maximize shareholder profit, it’s rare for such transparency and statements are usually more couched.

“As part of the restructuring program, Embracer still has a few larger structured divestment processes ongoing that could strengthen our balance sheet and further reduce [capital expenditure],” Wingefors said. “Processes are in mature stages.”

The CEO continued, stating “Certain companies might initiate restructuring before any divestment is announced,” suggesting that further layoffs could be coming. He added, “The reductions are managed locally on the operative group level with a focus on informing affected employees first, and then carried out with compassion, respect and integrity towards those affected.”

What’s next for Embracer Group?

Embracer’s massive restructuring started in June 2023 when it announced plans to reduce its net debt to SEK 8 billion before March 31. Wingefors stated “Certain divestments could significantly reduce net debt post March 31, 2024” adding further weight to speculation that layoffs and restructuring will continue for the foreseeable future.

To further reduce debt, they gaming giant also intends to be more “selective” with acquisitions and investments in the future.

Throughout the pandemic, Embracer acquired many studios (Including THQ Nordic, Koch Media, and Gearbox, who are now rumored to be for sale) that are now facing shutdowns and game cancellations as the Group struggles to maintain momentum.

“While we will still do third-party publishing in the future, we will be considerably more selective,” Wingefors said. “Our future games portfolio will be more focused around established, owned IPs and studios which we are confident will generate better predictability as well as increased [return on investment] and profitability going forward.”

As has been oft-repeated of late, this is part of an on-going trend of layoffs in the gaming and tech industries, with staff and fans left reeling amid seemingly relentless rounds of cuts.

Featured image: Borderlands

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Slack AI has been launched, in an upgrade for the team communication platform owned by Salesforce.

Described on the official company website as a “secure, trustworthy, and intuitive AI experience”, the generative tech will bring new features such as search answers, channel recaps, and thread summaries.

The update is said to require no further training for existing users in what will be an enhancement of the service provided by Slack.

It is no surprise to see Slack embracing AI given its proliferation around the tech space, but you may be wondering what it will do differently for what many would consider to be an already effective, agile, communication hub.

Slack AI is designed to bring greater functionality to the app for all workplace conversations or project plans, whilst Denise Dresser, Slack CEO made the following comments to mark the launch:

“For the past decade, Slack has revolutionized the way we work, bringing people, apps and systems together in one place. With Slack AI, we’re excited to take this transformation to the next level. These new AI capabilities empower our customers to access the collective knowledge within Slack so they can work smarter, move faster, and spend their time on things that spark real innovation and growth.”

“In the era of generative AI, Slack is the trusted, conversational platform that connects every part of a business to supercharge team productivity.”

Say hi to Slack AI

Find what you need faster
Summarize conversations instantly
Declutter your day with custom recaps (coming soon)

Learn more: https://t.co/5Gz0bjOLgs pic.twitter.com/m9B7ljHgw4

— Slack (@SlackHQ) February 14, 2024

Personalized search for work

One very useful addition to the Slack space is the AI-powered “holy grail of enterprise search”.

Instead of frantically flicking through several chats and discussions with different colleagues to find the required answers, the generative AI tool will instantly find what you require with direct citations to Slack messages.

All that is required is to ask a question as you would in a conversation to receive key recommendations based on your dialogue with colleagues, as well as any public statements from your company.

Image: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

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PayPal is set to layoff approximately 9% of its workforce, a move announced by CEO Alex Chriss in a recent letter to staff, as per a recent Bloomberg report. This decision comes as the company faces increasing competition, profit pressures, and a series of analyst downgrades. The layoffs, which will affect about 2,500 employees, are part of Chriss’s strategy to streamline the company and enhance its agility and profitability.

Chriss, who took the reins at PayPal in September, emphasized the need to “right-size” the organization through both direct cuts and the elimination of open roles. This restructuring aims to enable PayPal to respond more swiftly to customer needs and foster profitable growth. The company, which had around 29,900 employees at the end of 2022, had previously executed a similar round of layoffs in January of the same year.

PayPal’s shares have seen a significant decline, dropping over 20% in the past year amid faltering earnings and lowered guidance for its full-year adjusted operating margin. The appointment of Chriss as CEO was a response to these challenges, as he replaced former CEO Dan Schulman.

The payments giant, once a pioneer in the industry, now grapples with stiff competition from entities like Apple Inc. and Zelle. This competitive landscape has led to at least four analysts downgrading PayPal’s stock this month, citing concerns ranging from increased rivalry to profitability pressures.

On the third-quarter earnings call, Chriss acknowledged the company’s “cost base and complex structure” as impediments to progress. He has committed to addressing these issues to improve PayPal’s operating leverage. The company, based in San Jose, California, is expected to report its fourth-quarter results in the coming week.

Chriss’s tenure so far has been marked by a reshuffling of leadership roles and a clear intent to streamline operations, which had expanded significantly during the pandemic. This move mirrors actions by other companies in the sector, such as Block Inc., which also announced job cuts as part of its workforce reduction plan.

Layoffs across the industry

The recent layoffs at PayPal are part of a broader trend of workforce reductions across the tech industry. Several major companies, including Google and Microsoft, have also announced significant job cuts, reflecting the challenges faced by the sector in the current economic climate.

Google, one of the tech giants, has recently initiated layoffs affecting hundreds of employees. The decision comes as the company navigates through a period of economic uncertainty and shifting market demands. This move by Google is indicative of the broader industry trend where companies are reassessing their workforce needs in response to changing business environments.

Similarly, Microsoft has announced plans to lay off approximately 1,900 employees, impacting its Xbox and Activision Blizzard divisions. This decision is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on key growth areas, particularly as the company integrates the newly acquired Activision Blizzard. The layoffs at Microsoft underscore the challenges faced by even the largest players in the tech industry as they adapt to a rapidly evolving market.

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Microsoft will lay off 1,900 staff across its gaming divisions, impacting employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox.

The cuts, reported by The Verge, amount to around 8% of Microsoft’s total gaming workforce of 22,000.

In an internal memo on Thursday (Jan.25), Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer called the layoffs “painful” but necessary to “align on a strategy and execution plan with a sustainable cost structure.”

Most of the eliminated roles were at Activision Blizzard, which Microsoft acquired in a huge $68.7 billion deal last October. However, some positions at Xbox and ZeniMax studios were also cut.

Alongside the broad layoffs, Blizzard President Mike Ybarra announced his departure after overseeing the merger. Blizzard’s in-development survival game was also canceled, with staff being shifted to other early-stage projects. Ybarra took to X and in a lengthy post said his “heart is with each” of those who have been affected.

I want to thank everyone who is impacted today for their meaningful contributions to their teams, to Blizzard, and to players’ lives. It’s an incredibly hard day and my energy and support will be focused on all those amazing individuals impacted – this is in no way a reflection…

— Mike Ybarra (@Qwik) January 25, 2024

The gaming cuts come amid a wave of tech industry layoffs as companies brace for potential economic slowdowns. Just this month, Riot Games, Google, Discord, Twitch, Unity, eBay, and others have announced staff reductions.

For Microsoft specifically, Thursday’s news follows a round of 10,000 layoffs across the company last year. Next week, the tech giant will report its first earnings since closing the Activision deal, offering Wall Street its first glimpse into the merger’s impact. Despite the turmoil, the tech giant remains confident in its gaming strategy, according to Spencer, with plans to “bring more games to more players around the world.”

This week Microsoft surpassed the $3 trillion market cap milestone thanks to its leading position in consumer artificial intelligence (AI). It is on track to overtake Apple and become the planet’s most valuable company.

Featured Image: Canva/Pexels

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Microsoft has announced the launch of Microsoft Mesh, a new feature intended to enhance hybrid working, responding to the changing dynamics of workplace environments. According to Engadget, Mesh, integrated within Microsoft Teams, allows employees to interact through avatars in a virtual space, regardless of their physical location.

The concept of hybrid working has gained traction in recent years, especially following the global shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Microsoft’s innovative approach comes at a time when numerous organizations are contemplating the return to traditional office settings. Mesh offers a middle ground, combining the flexibility of remote work with the interactive essence of physical office environments.

Several organizations, including Accenture and the pharmaceutical company Takeda, have been early testers of Microsoft Mesh. Takeda’s Chief Technology Officer, Leo Barella, highlighted the significance of maintaining human connections in work settings. He pointed out that casual interactions, such as chats during lunch or coffee breaks, are vital for employee satisfaction and professional success. According to Barella, the use of Mesh for meetings has led to more engaging and interactive sessions, indicating favorable feedback.

One of the unique aspects of Microsoft Mesh is its user-friendly design. It provides an array of pre-made spaces that can be customized with various features, such as informational videos and company logos, all without the need for coding. Furthermore, the Mesh toolkit, which operates through Unity (Microsoft’s 2D and 3D development platform), allows further tailoring of these virtual environments. This means companies can virtually recreate desired retreats or meeting spaces, offering a new dimension to team interactions.

Microsoft Mesh can be used on desktop computers and Meta Quest VR devices, appealing to users looking for a more engaging experience. Microsoft provides a six-month trial at no cost for business and enterprise clients. After the trial period, the cost ranges from $4 monthly per user for the Microsoft Teams Essentials plan to $57 monthly per user for the extensive Microsoft 365 E5 package.

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New research suggests that most jobs could be disrupted in some way by generative AI in the next ten years.

The study published on January 10th by tech consulting firm Cognizant, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, found that around 9% of the current US workforce may be displaced by the new technology. It also reported that thanks to AI, 11% of workers may lose their jobs and struggle to find new employment.

This difficulty comes as the skills workers possess for their current roles may not be easily transferable to a job market increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.

A specialized model was used to reveal three scenarios reflecting low, middle, and high levels of AI business adoption, which first examined how quickly artificial intelligence would be utilized within a company.

The authors explain that from 2023 to 2026, users will be in the “experimentation and cautious” phase, with organizations tentatively deploying generative AI for tasks that are “manageable in scope and low in risk — like image creation, text generation for reports and emails, and code suggestions for developers.” It is expected that 13% of businesses will implement this during this period.

It is said that by 2026 to 2030, there will be a notable rise in Al’s role across a range of professions. The top-end prediction reveals that AI usage will leap from 13% to 31% in just four to eight years. The research also claims that more than half of all general managers and operations managers will be exposed to AI by this time.

The researchers also believe that after 15 years, while AI employment will continue, it is likely to slow down.

Recommendations for upskilling the workforce

The study recommends that employees are “reskilled” in order to try and protect them from job losses and to maintain a brand’s reputation. It also proposes that organizations build a robust technological infrastructure designed to accommodate the rapid pace of AI development, including policies, structures, and operating processes.

At the same time, it warns against potential bias formulated by AI. The research calls for organizations to create safeguards that minimize the risk of partiality, error, and ethically problematic decisions. Finally, it also encourages using AI to benefit employees’ lives by shortening the workday or week.

The video gaming industry has already called for guardrails against AI. In December, the game workers union at Zenimax announced that they had reached an agreement with Microsoft that “commits ZeniMax to uses of AI that augment human ingenuity and capacities, to ensure that these tools enhance worker productivity, growth, and satisfaction without causing workers harm.”

Featured image: DALL-E

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eBay has become the latest tech giant to announce mass layoffs in the first month of 2024.

The online marketplace has this week confirmed it plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 1,000 – equating to roughly 9% of its full-time workforce – in an attempt to “better position eBay for long-term, sustainable growth.” On top of that, it confirms contracts within its alternate workforce are also set to be “scaled back.”

In a note sent to workers, the California-based company’s President and CEO, Jamie Iannone outlined his long-term strategy and confirmed that changes made over the past three years have resulted in “increases in customer satisfaction and a meaningful improvement in our growth.”

However, Iannone goes on to cite the need to have a more optimized workforce that will allow for decisions to be made quicker, allowing them to be more “nimble”.

Iannone also recognizes external pressures the business faces, such as the challenging macroeconomic environment, before he admits that while eBay believes its current strategy is correct, its “overall headcount and expenses have outpaced the growth of the business.”

“To address this, we’re implementing organizational changes that align and consolidate certain teams to improve the end-to-end experience, and better meet the needs of our customers around the world,” Iannone said.

Founded in 1995, eBay is now worth over $21 billion. The online auction site had forecast fourth-quarter revenue and profit in 2023 would come in below Wall Street estimates.

Intensifying competition from the likes of Amazon and consumer spending cutbacks in developed economies due to inflation pressures have squeezed eBay’s bottom line.

A tough start to 2024 for tech giants

The tech industry continues to make widespread cuts to its workforce following a 2023 that Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg described as “the Year of Efficiency.”

In the first few weeks of 2024 alone, the tech sector has experienced more than 13,000 job cuts from 72 different tech companies, according to layoffs.fyi. That follows over 260,000 from more than 1,100 businesses in the sector in 2023 and 165,000 layoffs in 2022.

Earlier this week, TikTok announced 60 of its US-based workforce was being cut, while Google and Discord have also announced widespread layoffs in the first month of the year.

Featured Image: eBay

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The emergence and rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has intrigued, excited and alarmed people in equal measure.

Some believe it to be an inevitable evolution of technology that will make life easier for people in all areas of life, others claim it will eventually lead to mass unemployment as it becomes more advanced and begins to replace workers. There’s evidence to suggest both scenarios are credible, but analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) claims there can be a happy medium in the not-too-distant future.

The report points to the strength of global markets and economies and how their standing will relate to the ability to experience, adapt to or suffer from the growth of AI and its inevitable introduction to more labor-intensive workplaces.

Will AI take our jobs?

Almost 40% of global employment is already exposed to AI but, as IMF’s report points out, while previous introductions of new technology to the workplace have seen economies adapt and benefit quickly, AI is a completely different beast because of its ability to impact high-skilled jobs. The report goes on to claim that “as a result, advanced economies face greater risks from AI – but also more opportunities to leverage its benefits – compared with emerging marketing and developing economies.”

It claims around 60% of jobs in advanced economies may be impacted by AI. It’s believed that roughly half of those jobs will benefit from AI integration, while the other half will be at risk of succumbing to AI-powered technology that aims to execute key tasks currently performed by humans. In short, it may replace humans altogether, but only in the most extreme cases so don’t panic.

On the flip side, emerging markets and low-income economies will see their workforce impacted by just 40% and 26% respectively, suggesting there will be fewer immediate interruptions by AI in these areas. However, this is mostly down to these countries not yet having the infrastructure and skilled workforce to take full advantage of AI’s benefits.

How can we stop AI from replacing humans?

IMF’s report stresses the need for countries to act quickly to implement specific policies surrounding the use of AI in specific markets. It has developed an AI Preparedness Index that measures readiness in areas such as digital infrastructure, human capital and labor market policies, innovation and economic integration, regulation and ethics.

This assesses areas such as years of schooling and job-market mobility, as well as the adaptability of digital business models of a country’s legal framework and the presence of strong governance for effective enforcement.

IMF used the index to assess the readiness of 125 countries, with the findings showing that weather economies tend to be better equipped for AI adoption than low-income countries. It’s therefore claimed that stronger economies should embrace and prioritize AI innovation while developing regulatory frameworks, which will help “cultivate a safe and responsible AI environment, helping maintain public trust.”

Featured Image: Image by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

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Pixar, a subsidiary of Disney, is the latest in a long line of firms facing layoffs in 2024, reports TechCrunch. Initial reports suggested that the layoffs could be as much as 20% of Pixar’s workforce, but Pixar has since denied that it will be that many.

The scope of the layoffs and the number of staff who will be affected is being decided based on production schedules and future films that have already been greenlit.

According to insiders, Pixar was required to hire additional staff to bolster its workforce on streaming content for Disney+. As these shows complete production, the studio has more staff than necessary and cuts are inevitable. Disney’s streaming division is yet to turn a profit, despite multiple new Pixar releases being straight-to-streaming.

Disney CEO Bob Iger told investors during a recent earnings call that Disney+ is expected to become profitable by Q4 2024. Iger put this down to restructuring, which “enabled tremendous efficiencies.”

From cinema to streaming and back to cinema

‘Elemental’, Pixar’s most recent film, was considered to be a box-office flop, bringing in just $29.5 million during its opening weekend. However, it went on to be successful and profitable, making its mark as the most-watched film on Disney+ during the quarter it was released.

Analysts believe that the release of several huge Pixar movies (such as ‘Soul’ and ‘Turning Red’) on Disney+ instead of in cinemas has “trained audiences to expect big, hot Pixar content at home.” Speaking to TechCrunch, Brandon Katz of Parrot Analytics continued, “Retraining the audience to re-embrace the theatrical experience and prioritize that…takes time.”

As well as this consumer habit shift, Katz mentioned the other changes undergoing audience behavior, which include a move away from sequels. In the 2010s, pre-established IPs were popular with audiences, requiring lower effort marking and coming with pre-established buy-in from fans. Now though, franchise fatigue is plaguing audiences.

The race to streaming profitability will be a driving force for companies in 2024, with mergers and buyouts abound. However, a spate of layoffs has plagued the tech industry and does not look to be stopping. It is a tumultuous time as a whole and staff everywhere will be uneasy at the continued job cuts.

Earlier today (Jan.12), the communication platform Discord released plans to lay off 170 staff.

Featured image credit: Disney/Pixar

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Artificial intelligence gets a lot of media attention, and for good reason. Surveys of CEOs conducted by organizations like Gartner and EY have predicted it to be the most disruptive technology of 2024. This is because an AI-augmented workforce provides increased efficiency and productivity, enhanced data analysis and decision-making, and automation of routine tasks.

For example, imagine an employee’s timesheet being tracked automatically so they can focus on higher-value tasks.

The Pros and Cons of AI

The impact of AI is clear. It streamlines operations by processing vast amounts of data at speeds incomprehensible to humans, reducing downtime, and optimizing workflows. It also enables predictive maintenance in industries with heavy machinery that can fail and cripple operations. And it provides data-driven insights that were previously hidden or too complex to discern.

Of course, there are also challenges, including employee anxiety over displacement and fear of redundancy. Automation through AI and machine learning can make certain jobs obsolete. And, if they aren’t immediately displaced, employees have concerns about its introduction into the workforce.

The Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding AI

Making matters worse, AI systems are trained on data. Biases in this data can be perpetuated or even amplified if not kept in check. This makes transparency and accountability important as developers work to address moral and ethical concerns.

It’s a topic leaders are just now starting to think about. Strong governance is needed to face these obstacles head-on to ensure human and AI integration run smoothly.

The Impact of AI on the Workforce

Although the recent wave of development with large language models (LLMs) and other generative AI has leaders finally understanding the power of these tools, AI development has been around for some time. American Express, for example, employs AI to analyze millions of transactions in real time. It identifies potentially fraudulent activities, saving the company millions and enhancing customer trust.

The most important aspect leaders need to be aware of in an AI integration is their ethical responsibility. It’s tempting to focus on the bottom line and drive efficiency, but leaders have a responsibility to prioritize human beings with a human-centric approach. This requires soft skills like empathy and understanding to create an inclusive company culture built on trust and acceptance.

Taking Bad Actors Into Account

However, with great power comes great responsibility. These AI systems work with large volumes of proprietary data, and developers aren’t always transparent about updates. Bad actors can warp the data (check out this AI poisoning tool from researchers at the University of Chicago), and data breaches at companies like OpenAI and Microsoft’s Wiz expose the problems that could occur.

Because of this, leadership needs to implement a strong human and AI integration plan accounting for potential hazards while focusing on an AI-augmented workforce.

Fostering Human and AI Integration

It’s important for leadership to set the strategic direction of the human and AI integration. They must have a clear understanding of their strategic goals, whether that’s improving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, or driving innovation.

The AI rollout should align with organizational goals and involve all stakeholders to ensure buy-in. Employee involvement is essential, and this means being transparent and communicating priorities and goals to the entire team. Create a forum and foster a dialog among all applicable stakeholders (internally and externally) to address concerns and clearly define expectations. This puts everyone on the same page.

Here are four key steps to rolling out an AI-augmented workforce:

1. Identify AI Integration Opportunities.

The first step is a comprehensive assessment of your organization’s operations. Leaders must identify areas where AI can add significant value, like enhancing customer service, streamlining data analysis, or optimizing supply chain management.

A gap analysis is crucial in this phase, comparing the current state of operations with the desired outcomes to pinpoint specific gaps that AI can effectively address. Estimating the potential return on investment (ROI) for AI initiatives is equally important in determining the prioritization of AI projects; focus on those that offer the most impact and are feasible within the organization’s capabilities and resources.

2. Build AI Competency.

Success in AI integration is heavily dependent on the workforce’s ability to adapt and work alongside these new technologies. Skill mapping is essential to identify the specific skills and knowledge that employees will need in an AI-enhanced workplace. It’s essential to recognize that training needs will vary. Investing in customized training programs that cater to different roles and skill levels within the organization is vital.

Because AI and related technologies are continually evolving, fostering a culture of continuous learning through regular training sessions and refresher courses is crucial to keep staff up-to-date with the latest developments and applications in AI.

3. Create Synergy Between AI and Human Teams.

Building effective hybrid teams that combine AI systems and human employees is critical. These teams should leverage the strengths of both — AI’s capabilities such as data processing and consistency, and human skills like creativity and empathy. Clearly defining roles within these hybrid teams is imperative, ensuring employees understand when to rely on AI and when to apply human judgment.

It is also essential to invest in collaborative tools that enhance the interaction between AI and human teams. These tools, such as intuitive dashboards, alert systems, and communication platforms, can significantly improve productivity and the overall efficacy of AI integration.

4. Continuously Improve Through Engagement.

It is pivotal to implement an open feedback system where employees can share their experiences and suggestions regarding AI tools. Regular meetings, surveys, or suggestion boxes can serve as effective channels for gathering this feedback, ensuring your AI processes are evolving to meet changing needs and remaining user-friendly.

By actively seeking and responding to employee feedback, leaders improve AI systems and empower their employees, making them active contributors to the AI integration process. This approach enhances the effectiveness of AI tools and fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among the workforce.

AI is a powerful technology that can augment human capabilities in the workforce. However, great care must be taken to ensure its implementation is both ethical and efficient. With a strategic approach, leaders can build an AI-augmented workforce that improves the bottom line and everyone’s quality of life.

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Artificial intelligence and AI-powered chatbots are becoming integral to providing the competitive advantages many companies need. One Intercom survey found that chatbots increased sales in 67% of businesses and saved companies $300,000 a year on average. However, to harness this technology effectively, it’s essential to prioritize training human employees on how to use AI at work.

What does AI training for employees look like? How should companies begin to equip their teams with the skills and knowledge of AI? This article investigates AI training for businesses, particularly on using AI chatbots. It focuses on how organizations can optimize employees’ use of AI in the workplace and align this powerful technology with job roles and responsibilities.

Why Employees Must Evolve to Work Alongside AI-Powered Chatbots

In 2022, Gartner predicted that by 2027, chatbots will be the main customer service channel for about 25% of all businesses. It also found that more than half of survey respondents were already using some form of chatbot or conversational AI in customer-facing applications.

Advances in AI and the release of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools could compound these numbers.

That’s because AI can now automate basic and repetitive tasks, and chatbots can adequately answer simple customer inquiries for most organizations.

With these advances, AI in the workplace will become more commonplace, requiring human employees to evolve their ways of working.

How Roles Will Shift

Here are just a few ways the role of workers will likely shift to maximize the benefits of AI:

• Customer service roles are shifting focus. Humans will handle more nuanced, sensitive, and complex issues that require empathy and a personal touch beyond AI’s scope.
• AI oversight is becoming a pivotal task, where humans monitor, train, and refine chatbot interactions to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Human employees are transitioning to roles that require complex decision-making skills while using AI chatbot data to inform strategic business choices.
• Collaborative roles are emerging. Humans and AI will work in tandem to combine the speed and efficiency of AI with the creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and adaptability of human employees.
• Continuous AI training for employees will be critical to equip them for their new, more complex roles. AI training for business is essential for leaders to manage this shift and stay ahead of AI trends to integrate new technologies successfully.

Critical Considerations for the Effective Use of Chatbots

As with any digital transformation, embracing new technologies begins with accurately assessing their benefits and aligning features and advantages with business objectives before communicating, implementing, and managing deployment. Technology leaders must seek the answers to the following questions to ensure their teams can use AI in the workplace, especially chatbots:

• What specific tasks or problems will an AI chatbot solve? How does this align with business objectives?
• How will a chatbot create value? What is the estimated ROI?
• Can a chatbot integrate easily with existing systems and workflows?
• How will AI change the roles of existing employees?
• What new human responsibilities will be created?
• What level of customization is available to ensure a chatbot meets the unique needs of the business?
• What are the privacy and security measures required for data processed by AI?
• How does a chatbot handle complex queries beyond programmed responses?
• How is a chatbot’s performance measured? What metrics will there be for effectiveness?
• Is the chatbot interface user-friendly for employees and end users?
• Is the business ready for digital transformation? How will this change be managed?

The Risks of Chatbot Implementation

AI-powered chatbot implementation is not without risk. Failure to deploy an appropriately calibrated chatbot with the proper oversight from human employees could result in a loss of credibility, brand reputation, and customers.

AI chatbot deployment must be treated as a strategic implementation rather than a simple technology purchase.

A substantial part of this strategy will be communication followed by robust AI training with employees. It also includes continuous development to move employees to their new responsibilities and ensure future success.

Bridging the Gap: 4 Steps to Align AI and Employee Workflows

How can organizations bridge the gap and provide robust training and support so employees can work alongside AI?

1. Communicate the Change

Many employees are fearful of AI replacing them. The potential of AI to augment customer service roles makes it all the more important to understand and answer employee concerns and effectively communicate a strategic AI adoption.

If employees understand that using AI will make their roles easier and less repetitive and open up opportunities for their development and even progression, human alignment with AI will go more smoothly.

2. Implement Upskilling Programs

Organizations can implement upskilling programs tailored to their workforce’s needs, including online courses, workshops, and hands-on projects involving AI applications relevant to their roles. Employees can be empowered with the skills to combine AI with their roles, work in tandem with AI, and use AI’s data.

3. Leverage Partnerships

AI solution providers will likely offer AI and workforce training. This may include specialized training sessions that help employees calibrate and use tools and platforms. Taking advantage of onboarding programs and ongoing AI training initiatives will ensure competence and confidence.

4. Establish Mentorship Programs and a Continuous Learning Culture

Initiatives such as creating AI ambassadors or technology mentors combined with a continuous learning culture will encourage regular knowledge-sharing and collaborative problem-solving. Employees will be able to learn from AI experts, adapt to integration, and be motivated to achieve more with their new tools.

The Bottom Line: Effective AI Training for Employees Is Essential

To embrace and harness AI, and in this case, AI-powered chatbots, a strategy that begins with answering key questions and communicating the transition before focusing on an ongoing culture of learning and development is vital. Training for employees on AI will help overcome anxieties and introduce workers to their new responsibilities.

AI chatbots will change how employees work — especially in customer service roles — with human agents becoming problem solvers and overseers.

AI can improve customer experiences and offer substantial savings to organizations, but only if human employees are confidently working to optimize these results.

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Cybersecurity is an industry of growing opportunities and one with plenty of job openings. There is a demand for qualified, skilled staff, a solid pipeline of work and top salaries to reward those who enter the sector.

As cyberattacks grow in frequency and seriousness, the need for diligent professionals is acute. From governments to big tech companies, the online world, our data and information need to be protected and that gets to the heart of what cybersecurity is.

Our important infrastructure like water, electricity, transport, and even healthcare rely on the IT systems to allow them to function. As part of this, the networks and data systems must be updated, protected, and supported.

What is cybersecurity?

Essentially, cybersecurity is keeping our online, connected world safe and secure. The “cyber” refers to the internet and “security” is self-explanatory.

Cybersecurity professionals ensure that hackers and others with malicious intent are unable to exploit or compromise your computers and to build a defence, to prevent attacks or to identify weaknesses in the system.

The highest salary cybersecurity roles in the US

In the USA, the average cyber security salary is $119,997 or $57.69 per hour.

According to talent.com, this rate of pay ranges from $155, 250 in West Virginia to $80, 000 in Louisiana.

The ten highest cybersecurity professional salaries, per state are as follows: 

West Virginia – $155, 250

Maryland – $145, 463

Wisconsin – $143, 325

Virginia – $142, 922

Massachusetts – $135, 150

Washington – $134, 941

California – $134, 762

Georgia – $132, 667

Hawaii – $132, 500

New Mexico –  $130, 450

Some of the best, highest-paying roles relating to cybersecurity include security engineer, network engineer, security analyst, systems analyst, systems, administrator, and programme analyst.

What are entry-level cybersecurity jobs?

Companies need to nurture new talent, train and retain staff as well as strive to meet the contemporary demand for cybersecurity professionals.

In terms of entry-level cybersecurity jobs, there are different ways to get into the industry depending on your age and current career status.

A formal degree offers a route into cybersecurity but this pipeline of workers is not enough to cover the entire industry meaning there are further opportunities to exploit. Some companies like ThreatX have collaborated with others to provide cybersecurity training, citing a workforce gap of 3.4 million people as part of its initiative.

Additionally, there are introductory courses for re-training or intense boot camp-type environments to get your foot in the door.

You can pursue basic online cybersecurity certificates as a foundation of knowledge and training but this should be backed up further by making contacts, networking, maybe finding a mentor or seeking a side hustle or project in addition to your current main role until a time when you are ready to make the step into a professional cybersecurity job.

Featured Image: Pexels

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“Freelancers to Earn Money Online” (digitalgabber dotcom) refers to platforms where independent professionals can offer their skills and services to a global audience, earning income remotely. These platforms connect freelancers with clients seeking various services, allowing flexible work arrangements and financial independence.

Here are five freelance websites for freelancers based on my personal experience

1. Fiverr

Fiverr.com is a website where people can buy and sell services. It’s like an online marketplace where you can find freelance jobs for things like graphic design, writing, programming, and more.

People who need tasks done can hire freelancers from all over the world. It’s a convenient platform for getting work done or earning money by offering your skills and services online.

Pros of Fiverr

1. Wide Variety of Services: Fiverr offers a vast range of services, from writing and graphic design to programming and marketing. You can find almost any freelance service you need.
2. Affordable Options: Many services start at just $5, making them budget-friendly for buyers and sellers.
3. Global Talent Pool: Fiverr connects you with freelancers from all over the world, allowing you to find experts with diverse skills and backgrounds.
4. User-Friendly Platform: The website is easy to navigate, making it simple to find services, communicate with sellers, and complete transactions.
5. Customization: Buyers can often customize their orders based on their specific needs, ensuring they get exactly what they want.

Cons of Fiverr

1. Quality Varies: Because anyone can offer services on Fiverr, the quality of work can vary. It’s essential to read reviews and check portfolios to find reliable sellers.
2. Additional Costs: While basic services can start at $5, other features or faster delivery often come with extra costs, which can add up quickly.
3. Communication Challenges: Language barriers or different time zones might lead to communication difficulties between buyers and sellers.
4. Service Fees: Fiverr takes a commission from both buyers and sellers, so the final cost of a service can be higher than the listed price.
5. Dependency on Reviews: Sellers heavily rely on positive reviews. One negative review can significantly impact their business, leading to a focus on customer satisfaction, sometimes at the expense of quality.

2. Upwork

Upwork.com is a website where people can find freelance work or hire freelancers for various tasks. Whether you need a writer, designer, programmer, or any other skilled professional, Upwork connects businesses with talented individuals worldwide.

It’s a platform that makes it easy to get work done remotely, allowing employers and freelancers to collaborate on projects and get things done efficiently.

Pros of Upwork

1. Variety of Skills: Upwork has a wide range of professionals, so you can find experts in almost any field.
2. Global Talent: You can hire freelancers globally, giving you access to diverse skills and ideas.
3. Flexibility: Both clients and freelancers can work on their own schedules, making it convenient for everyone involved.
4. Secure Payments: Upwork offers secure payment methods, ensuring that freelancers are paid for their work and clients get the services they pay for.
5. Reviews and Ratings: Clients and freelancers can leave feedback, making it easier to choose reliable and skilled partners.

Cons of Upwork

1. Competition: Because of its popularity, there is a lot of competition for jobs, making it harder for new freelancers to get started.
2. Fees: Upwork charges fees on transactions, which can affect the overall cost for both clients and freelancers.
3. Communication Challenges: Sometimes, language and cultural differences can create communication problems between clients and freelancers.
4. Quality Varies: While there are many skilled professionals, the quality of work can vary, so it’s essential to do thorough research before hiring.
5. Project Management: Managing larger projects with multiple freelancers can be challenging, requiring excellent organizational skills.

3. Freelancer

Freelancer.com is a website where people can find work and hire others to do tasks. It’s a platform where freelancers, who are individuals skilled in various jobs, can connect with clients looking for their services.

People can post projects they need help with, and freelancers bid on those projects, offering their skills and expertise. It’s a hub for jobs in writing, design, programming, and more, allowing businesses and individuals to find the right talent for their projects.

Pros of Freelancer

1. Variety of Jobs: Freelancer.com offers various jobs in different categories, allowing freelancers to find work that matches their skills and interests.
2. Global Opportunities: Freelancers can connect with clients from all around the world, expanding their opportunities beyond local markets.
3. Flexibility: Freelancers can choose their own hours and work from the comfort of their homes, providing an excellent work-life balance.
4. Skill Development: Freelancers can enhance their skills by working on diverse projects and gaining experience in various fields.
5. Payment Protection: Freelancer.com offers payment protection features, ensuring that freelancers are paid for their work, and clients get the work they are paid for.

Cons of Freelancer

1. Competition: Due to its large user base, there is intense competition for projects, making it challenging for new freelancers to secure jobs.
2. Fees: Freelancer.com charges fees for using its platform, which can reduce freelancers’ earnings.
3. Quality Concerns: Some freelancers may not deliver high-quality work, leading to client dissatisfaction.
4. Communication Challenges: Miscommunication can occur between clients and freelancers due to language barriers or different time zones, leading to project misunderstandings.
5. Project Insecurity: Clients might face issues such as delayed delivery or incomplete work, although Freelancer.com does provide dispute resolution services to address these concerns.

4. Guru

Guru.com is a website where people can find freelance jobs and hire freelancers to complete various tasks. It’s like a big online marketplace where businesses and individuals can connect with skilled professionals from different fields such as writing, programming, design, and more.

People looking for work can create profiles showcasing their skills and experiences, while employers can post job listings and browse through freelancers’ profiles to find the right person for their project. It’s a platform that helps freelancers find work and clients find talented individuals to get their jobs done.

Pros of Guru

1. Wide Range of Skills: Guru.com offers a diverse pool of freelancers skilled in various fields, from writing and design to programming and marketing.
2. Safe Payment System: The platform provides a secure payment system, ensuring that freelancers get paid for their work and employers get the services they are paid for.
3. Work Flexibility: Both freelancers and employers enjoy the flexibility of working on their terms, making it suitable for part-time or full-time commitments.
4. Transparent Profiles: Freelancers’ profiles showcase their skills, work history, and client reviews, helping employers make informed hiring decisions.
5. Project Management Tools: Guru.com offers tools and features that help manage projects effectively, facilitating smooth communication between freelancers and employers.

Cons of Guru

1. Competition: Due to the large number of freelancers, it can be competitive to secure projects, especially for newcomers.
2. Service Fees: Guru.com charges service fees on transactions, which can impact freelancers’ earnings and employers’ budgets.
3. Quality Discrepancy: While there are many skilled professionals, the quality of work can vary, making it crucial for employers to carefully vet freelancers before hiring.
4. Limited Customer Support: Some users have reported limited customer support, leading to problems resolving issues promptly.
5. Project Delays: Like any freelancing platform, projects might face delays due to communication gaps, differing time zones, or unforeseen circumstances, affecting deadlines.

5. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour.com is a website where people can find freelance work or hire freelancers for various tasks. It’s like an online marketplace where individuals and businesses can connect to get things done.

Whether you need a graphic designer, writer, programmer, or any other freelance service, you can find skilled professionals here. PeoplePerHour.com makes it easy for people to work together online, no matter where they are.

Pros of PeoplePerHour

1. Variety of Services: PeoplePerHour offers a wide range of services, from writing and design to programming and marketing. You can find freelancers for almost any task.
2. Talented Freelancers: The platform allows you to connect with skilled freelancers worldwide, ensuring you can find someone with the needed expertise.
3. Flexibility: Freelancers and clients can work on projects remotely, providing flexibility regarding working hours and location.
4. Secure Payments: PeoplePerHour provides secure payment systems, ensuring that freelancers are compensated for their work and clients get the services they paid for.
5. Reviews and Ratings: Freelancers and clients can leave reviews and ratings, helping others make informed decisions about who to work with.

Cons of PeoplePerHour

1. Fees: PeoplePerHour charges fees for both freelancers and clients. Freelancers may have to pay a commission on their earnings, and clients might need to cover service fees, which can increase the overall cost.
2. Competition: Due to the vast number of freelancers on the platform, there can be intense competition for projects, making it challenging for new freelancers to secure work.
3. Quality Varies: The quality of work can vary since anyone can join as a freelancer. Some freelancers might not meet your expectations in terms of skills or professionalism.
4. Disputes: Occasionally, there might be disagreements between clients and freelancers. Resolving disputes can be time-consuming and might not always result in a satisfactory solution for both parties.
5. Limited Direct Communication: PeoplePerHour encourages communication through their platform, which can be a limitation if you prefer direct communication methods like email or phone calls.

Final words

In conclusion, the world of freelancing offers a tremendous opportunity for individuals to earn money online, allowing them to showcase their talents and expertise to a vast audience. With the rise of online platforms connecting freelancers and clients, the traditional workplace boundaries have blurred, empowering freelancers to work on diverse projects from the comfort of their homes.

These opportunities not only provide financial independence but also foster a global community of skilled professionals. As technology continues to advance, the landscape of online freelancing is expected to expand, creating even more avenues for freelancers to thrive and succeed in the digital age.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Caio; Pexels; Thank you!

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In today’s digital age, where videoconferencing has become a staple in both professional and academic settings, a new study sheds light on the phenomenon of videoconferencing fatigue. Conducted by a team of Austrian researchers, the study, published in Scientific Reports, a journal by Nature Reports, delves into the real and measurable effects of prolonged videoconferencing on individuals.

The research team embarked on a unique approach to understanding the impact of videoconferencing on the brain and body. They enlisted 35 university students to participate in an experiment involving a 50-minute lecture. One group attended the lecture via videoconference, while another experienced it live. The students were hooked to an electroencephalogram to measure brain activity and an electrocardiogram to monitor heart rate changes.

The results were telling. Those who attended the live lecture reported feeling more energetic, happier, and active. In contrast, their counterparts in the online group felt more tired, drowsy, and disengaged. The EEG data supported these self-reports, showing increased brain activity indicative of harder cognitive work in the online group, which can lead to fatigue. Similarly, the heart rate data suggested greater fatigue among those attending the lecture online, hinting at a broader impact on the nervous system.

The study’s findings have significant implications for the modern workplace and educational environments. The authors suggest that videoconferencing should be seen as a complement, not a substitute, for face-to-face interactions. However, they acknowledge the study’s limitations, including its academic setting and the younger average age of participants. The study did not compare the stress of videoconferencing with other stressors, such as navigating traffic to attend in-person meetings.

Broader context: The Techno Stress program

According to The Register, this research is part of a larger Austrian initiative called Techno Stress, which examines the adverse effects of increased interaction with information and communication technologies. The program has published 20 papers on topics like metaverse social interactions, digital detox, workplace electronic surveillance, and others.

As the world continues to embrace digital solutions, understanding the impact of technologies like videoconferencing on our well-being is crucial. This study from Austria offers valuable insights into how our brains and bodies react to virtual environments, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to digital and in-person interactions.

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