Tech Review – emporia TALKglam flip phone

The Emporia TALKglam is a compact and user-friendly flip phone designed for the needs of seniors and those looking for a simple, no-frills mobile device in mind.

This has a  2.4-inch screen flip phone with an emergency call function, and speed-dial keys M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility. The Flip phone has a large keyboard with and MicroSD card slot of 8 GB (max), Bluetooth   3.0,  Frequency 2G  900/1800 MHz,

This came with a USB C charging cable (no plug)

Design and Ergonomics

The standout feature of the TALKglam is its lightweight construction, weighing in at just 94g. This makes it comfortable to hold and use, even for those with limited dexterity. The large, raised buttons provide excellent tactile feedback and are easy to press, a crucial consideration for the target audience. The 2.4-inch display, while modest by today’s standards, is clear and readable. 

Specifications:

Functionality

Setting up the TALKglam is a straightforward process, though manually inputting the date and time may be required. The menu structure is intuitive, with quick access to essential functions like the camera and emergency call feature. While the camera resolution is low at 0.3MP, it can still capture basic images if needed.

The phone’s audio quality is commendable, with M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility for an enhanced listening experience. The impressive battery life, with up to 320 minutes of talk time and 200 hours of standby, ensures users can rely on the TALKglam for extended periods without the need for frequent charging.

Company and Warranty

Emporia, the manufacturer of the TALKglam, has been in the business of developing user-friendly mobile devices for over 30 years, with a focus on the older generation. The company’s headquarters are located in Austria, and it sells its products in the UK, Ireland, and throughout the European Union.

The warranty provided with the TALKglam is a mixed bag, with 6 months of coverage for the battery and 1 year for the handset itself. While the shorter battery warranty is somewhat disappointing, the presence of a local UK and Ireland support number is a positive.

Conclusion

The Emporia TALKglam is a solid choice for those seeking a basic, easy-to-use flip phone. Its large buttons, clear audio, and emergency call functionality make it an attractive option for seniors or those who prefer to disconnect from the constant connectivity of modern smartphones. While it may lack the advanced features and capabilities of more sophisticated devices, the TALKglam excels at its core purpose of providing reliable and accessible communication. This is a straightforward and user-friendly mobile solution.

See other emporia reviews

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KLEM is the First AI Act Signed by Irish Record Label

In a landmark music industry moment, Irish independent record label Strange Brew are pleased to  announce that today they become the first Irish based independent record label to sign an AI act, adding  the anonymous act KLEM KolecUv to their roster.

KLEM have also been signed to UK independent record label Alcopop!, and received an undisclosed advance  as part of their deal with both labels. They released their first single ‘Cyberstalkin’ Queen’ independently in  June this year as a free download on Soundcloud where it has garnered some industry aIenJon by clocking  up more than 1 million streams.  

Their next single ‘Oppenhaimer’, featuring vocalist Day-V, will be released on Friday 20th September 2024  on all good digital plaUorms plus a limited physical NFT release through Strange Brew.  

KLEM KolecJv is a not-for-profit project, and the group have revealed that any profits generated from their  acJons will be donated to Orquesta Juvenil del Sodre Uruguay. The enigmaJc crew have yet to clarify  exactly why profits will be donated to a South American youth orchestra, but all will be revealed in good  Jme.  

Whilst they may have a similar approach to some of the AI acts that have preceded them—using varying  degrees of ArJficial Intelligence in the creaJon and producJon process—where KLEM are unique is that  their reason for existence is not to profit from or promote the use of AI tools but, through direct  experience, explore and document the impact of AI on music and art.

The group have been booked for a public appearance at Output Music Conference in Belfast on  November 12th 2024. Here they will reveal their idenUty, describe their process, discuss why they exist,  and display how their observaUons impact music, art, and society.

By remaining anonymous KLEM have circumnavigated the constraints of image and idenJty poliJcs, raising  each release above customary commodificaJon.  

CommenJng on their work, the KolecJv say: “Music, stories and art have been the threads that have  bound the fabric of society together since Ume immemorial. Now as we witness the weE and warp of  that fabric change irrevocably, as counterfeit threads are shot through the weave, we observe, we learn,  we create, and now we choose to act. We are KLEM.”  

The level of mysJque around the KolecJv is part of their intrigue; KLEM can be contacted through their  social media channels, but none of their label reps have managed to speak to them directly yet. “We’ve  been given a landline number, but we’ve been told that the phone ringer has been disconnected. Someone 

from KLEM answers the phone at the same Jme every day, but we don’t know what Jme that is, and we  haven’t called at the right Jme yet. We hope to guess right before the single drops in September.”  

Strange Brew label manager, Gugai, says of the project: “We’re thrilled and a li_le scared to welcome our  first AI act to the label. It’s a bold step into the future, but with KLEM KolecUv that step is an ethical one  that promises to have a posiUve impact on the music industry in Ireland and beyond. We can’t ignore AI  music, it’s here, it’s not going away, and it’s changing music as we’ve known it. KLEM are the first act to  address this head on, and we’re excited to partner them in that. We all want to ensure that auto-tune  doesn’t develop into an autocracy.”  

When it comes to AI music elsewhere in the music industry, the genie is already well and truly out of the  boIle. Kizuna AI is a Japanese virtual Youtuber and performer who built up 4 million followers on the  channel ader debuJng in 2016. Kizuna has performed to both virtual and live audiences, taking a hiatus in  2022.  

Capitol Records in the US signed AI rapper FN Meka in 2022. The robot rapper was dropped by the label less  than two weeks ader releasing their first single. A significant backlash to racial slurs in the digital  performer’s lyrics prompted Capitol to sever Jes with the act and publish an apology.  

In Autumn 2023 Warner Music Central Europe signed Noonoouri, a virtual influencer and performer.  Noonoouri counts Kim Kardashian among her fans, and has worked on campaigns with Dior, Versace and  Vogue. 

HP Wolf Security study finds growing concern about attacks on hardware supply chains as one in five businesses impacted

HP released the findings of a global survey highlighting the growing concern over nation-state threat actors targeting physical supply chains and tampering with device hardware and firmware integrity. The study of 800 IT and security decision-makers (ITSDMs) responsible for device security highlights the need for businesses to focus on device hardware and firmware integrity, with attacks on hardware supply chains and device tampering expected to increase.

Key findings include:

  • Almost one-in-five (19%) organisations surveyed say they have been impacted by nation-state threat actors targeting physical PC, laptop or printer supply chains. In the US, this figure rises to 29%.
  • Over a third (35%) of organisations surveyed believe that they or others they know have already been impacted by nation-state threat actors targeting supply chains to try and insert malicious hardware or firmware into devices.
  • Overall, 91% believe nation-state threat actors will target physical PC, laptop or printer supply chains to insert malware or malicious components into hardware and/or firmware.
  • Almost two-thirds (63%) believe the next major nation-state attack will involve poisoning hardware supply chains to sneak in malware.

“System security relies on strong supply chain security, starting with the assurance that devices are built with the intended components and haven’t been tampered with during transit. If an attacker compromises a device at the firmware or hardware layer, they’ll gain unparalleled visibility and control over everything that happens on that machine. Just imagine what that could look like if it happens to the CEO’s laptop,” comments Alex Holland, Principal Threat Researcher in the HP Security Lab.

Holland continues, “Such attacks are incredibly hard to detect, as most security tools sit within the operating system. Moreover, attacks that successfully establish a foothold below the OS are very difficult to remove and remediate, adding to the challenge for IT security teams.”

Considering the scale of the challenge, it’s unsurprising that 78% of ITSDMs say their attention to software and hardware supply chain security will grow as attackers try to infect devices during transit.

Organisations are concerned that they are blind and unequipped to mitigate device supply chain threats like tampering. Over half (51%) of ITSDMs are concerned that they cannot verify if PC, laptop or printer hardware and firmware have been tampered with during transit. A further 77% say they need a way to verify hardware integrity to mitigate the risk of device tampering.

“In today’s threat landscape, managing security across a distributed hybrid workplace environment must start with the assurance that devices haven’t been tampered with at the lower level. This is why HP is focused on delivering PCs and printers with industry-leading hardware and firmware security foundations designed for resilience, to allow organisations to manage, monitor and remediate device hardware and firmware security throughout the lifetime of devices, across the fleet,” comments Boris Balacheff, Chief Technologist for Security Research and Innovation, HP Inc. Security Lab.

In recognition of these risks, HP Wolf Security is advising customers to take the following steps to help proactively manage device hardware and firmware security, right from the factory:

  • Adopt Platform Certificate technology, designed to enable verification of hardware and firmware integrity upon device delivery.
  • Securely manage firmware configuration of your devices, using technology like HP Sure Admin (for PCs) or HP Security Manager (Support). These enable administrators to manage firmware remotely using public-key cryptography, eliminating the use of less secure password-based methods.
  • Take advantage of vendor factory services to enable hardware and firmware security configurations right from the factory, such as HP Tamper LockSure Admin, or Sure Recover technologies.
  • Monitor ongoing compliance of device hardware and firmware configuration across your fleet of devices.

Watch this space: Further findings from the study will be shared later this year.

Skullcandy Announces Limited-Edition Nora Vasconcellos Collaboration

Skullcandy announced an all-new collaboration with American professional skateboarder and Skullcandy athlete, Nora Vasconcellos. The limited-edition collection will include Crusher Evo True Wireless Headphones and Smokin’ Buds True Wireless Earbuds, featuring Vasconcellos’ original “Party Hat” artwork, allowing devoted fans exclusive access to Nora’s Happy Place. The new collab will begin selling August 6 ranging from £39.99 – £179.99 MSRP on Skullcandy.co.uk and at select boardsport retailers.

“With a signature style and creative approach, Nora is one of the most recognisable faces in skateboarding, and has proven herself to be a role model for the next generation of skaters,” shared Justin Regan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy. “With this collaboration, Skullcandy is honored to provide another platform to showcase Nora’s boundless creativity.”

Known for her prowess in flipping into lip tricks, her fierce determination, and her signature color lavender, Vasconcellos has not only risen to the top echelon of skateboarders but has also captured the hearts of fans worldwide. In 2017, she clinched 1st place in the Vans Park Series World Championships, cementing her status as a dominant force in the sport. Thrasher Magazine honored Vasconcellos by ranking her 4th on their prestigious Top 10 Women and Non-Binary Skaters of 2019 list. Her magnetic charm and powerful skating style have inspired countless young enthusiasts. Vasconcellos made history as the first woman to join the Adidas skate team, launching multiple shoe collections. Beyond skateboarding, she ventured into entrepreneurship by founding JuneShine, a successful beverage company.

The fan-favorite Crusher Evo features a one-of-a-kind immersive bass experience with Skullcandy’s patented Sensory Haptic Bass, and a wide range of features to meet the everyday lifestyle demands of today’s audio consumer. Smokin’ Buds delivers a full range of features and stellar audio experience including expertly tuned drivers and EQ modes – the earbuds deliver clear, full range sound backed by impressive bass depth. Smokin’ Buds are also thoughtfully designed with a consolidated part count, mindful battery capacity, and 50% certified recycled plastics, minimizing the stress on the environment.

About Nora Vasconcellos:

  • Achievements: 1st place in the 2017 Vans Park Series World Championships, 4th on Thrasher Magazine’s Top 10 Women and Non-Binary Skaters of 2019.

  • Pioneering Spirit: First woman to join the Adidas skate team and founder of JuneShine, a successful beverage company.

  • Inspirational Figure: Known for her prowess in flipping into lip tricks, fierce determination, and signature lavender color.

Product Highlights:

Crusher Evo Wireless Headphones – £179.99 MSRP

  • 40 Hours Total Battery Life

  • Rapid Charge: 10-minute charge for 4 hours of playtime

  • Adjustable Sensory Bass: Skullcandy’s patented technology for an immersive bass experience

  • Personal Sound: Real-time audio test for a customised sound profile

  • Media Controls: Call, track, and volume controls directly from the headphones

  • Built-In Tile Finding Technology: Locate misplaced headphones with the Tile app

  • Flat-Folding and Collapsible Design for portability

Smokin’ Buds True Wireless Earbuds – £39.99 MSRP

  • 20 Hours of Battery Life: 8 hours in earbuds + 12 hours in charging case

  • Rapid Charge: 10-minute charge for 2 hours of playtime

  • IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant

  • Music, Movie & Podcast EQ Modes for optimised audio quality

  • Noise Isolating Fit for comfort and better sound isolation

  • Capacitive Touch Controls: Manage volume, calls, EQ modes, and activate device assistants

  • Microphone in Each Earbud: Use either bud solo without losing call functionality

  • Auto On/Connect for seamless pairing

See our Skullcandy reviews

Tech Review – LightinX car and home charger

The LightinX is a new way to charge your devices and the first with a Lightning port we have done many other reviews in the past and more to come but today we check out what LightinX has to offer.

Ok so it is a plug, cable and car charger and that’s what people will say and most do not get and I get it, a cable is a cable and a charger is a charger to most people, you will see them on sale in petrol stations and bargain stores with fancy colours and in retail you will be fleeced for them as you would with phone cases.

This lot offers more though and is the worlds first with a Lightning port, many folk today still have iPhones etc using this so it is a win for those plus it can be used with standard USB A and USB-C. Yep we have see others before offering three ports to charge but this is Lightning.

What does this mean for both products, well lets thing about it, for your car to start you can charge three devices on the go if you have other cables which most do and this is not only phones it is earbuds headphones and more, for the wall plug you can do the same but it has USB A which everyone has and again charge three items with one plug which means one plug and less cables if you desire or just use what comes with the package and in short less of a mess and of course less plugs.

Check the video review for more below..

The creation of LightinX was driven by the goal of addressing all user needs with a single product while compensating for the shortcomings of other chargers on the market. Imagine these scenarios: when traveling, do you need to carry multiple different cables to power your devices?

Or when working outside, do you struggle with insufficient charging speed for both your laptop and phone, hindering your productivity? Or perhaps at home, are you frustrated by a cluttered desk full of tangled cables? LightinX addresses these pain points!

As the world’s only charger with Lightning Port and our self-developed Versa Charging technology, LightinX allows you to power all your daily devices with just one charger and a Type-C to L cable. With up to 65W PD Fast Charging and multiple ports, you can charge all your devices to a full day’s worth of power in just 30 minutes!

Self-innovated Chip

LightinX has developed cutting-edge technology with a customized GaN chip that supports the PD 65W fast charging protocol, offering lower temperatures and enhanced safety. With a 100% increase in operational frequency, an innovative stacking design, and an upgraded circuit board structure, our proprietary technology ensures their latest chargers are smaller without compromising power.

Versa Charging Technology

Their self-developed Versa Charging technology is unique to LightinX, making us the only company in the world to produce chargers with Lightning Port. This core technology aims to revolutionize the industry. Imagine having a L device and a Type-C device that both need charging. With just one Type-C to L cable, you can power both devices. Simply unplug the Type-C connector and insert the L connector into the charger’s Lightning Port to switch charging between devices. This is what we are proud of: this versatile approach allows a single charger and one cable to serve most commonly used devices on the market.

Patents

LightinX’s patented chip and technology, combined with advanced damping plug folding design, enable rapid charging for any portable device connected to any power source. These features integrate seamlessly with the LightinX charger, ensuring safe connections, optimal charging speeds, and convenience for portability.

Simple and Portable

Designed with user convenience in mind, LightinX weighs only 97 grams, making it easy to slip into your pocket or bag without the need to carry bulky chargers or power banks. Its minimalist, compact, and foldable design ensures easy portability. The use of recyclable materials for the casing highlights its durability and commitment to environmental sustainability. With LightinX, you can enjoy a stylish and long-lasting charger.

Multi-Port Simultaneous Charging

LightinX features three different ports to accommodate various devices and charging scenarios: USB, L, and Type-C ports. Coupled with LightinX’s Versa Charging technology, you only need a single cable with two different connectors to fully experience the benefits of Versa Charging. If you have a cable with three different connectors, the experience is even more seamless. Our chip minimizes power loss during simultaneous charging, ensuring efficient power distribution across all three ports, so you get optimal charging performance and speed, far surpassing other chargers on the market.

Power Performance

Experience L-fast charging with their powerful PD 65W GaN charger. LightinX charges your devices three times faster than standard chargers, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time being productive. Whether you’re heading to a meeting or catching a flight, LightinX keeps your devices ready and powered up in no time.

Device Compatibility

LightinX is your universal charging solution, compatible with any smartphone, tablet, MacBook, smartwatch, earphones, Airpods and iPad. It eliminates the need for multiple chargers, simplifying your tech life.

Wherever you are, LightinX meets all your charging needs, enhancing convenience and reducing clutter. This innovative charger is ideal for frequent flyers and travelers.

Quality Control

Positioned as the highest performing charger in the world, LightinX requires unparalleled quality standards. Therefore, we have engaged a third-party quality control team tasked with thoroughly inspecting our production facilities and closely collaborating with our manufacturing partners. This ensures that every LightinX charger is flawless upon leaving the production line.

In addition to our pursuit of perfection, LightinX has undergone rigorous safety compliance evaluations. We proudly hold certifications such as ETL, RoHS, FCC, LVD, CE, and CCC, underscoring our commitment to safety and emphasizing that LightinX meets the highest international safety protocols.

Features

  • Innovative Design: LightinX is the world’s first company to produce chargers with a Lighting port, ensuring compatibility and superior performance.

  • Advanced Safety: Our custom GaN chip supports PD 65W fast charging, offering lower temperatures and enhanced safety.

  • Streamlined Use: Simplify your life with one charger and one cable. No more tangled cords, just easy and efficient charging.

  • Speed and Efficiency: LightinX charges devices up to 3 times faster than standard chargers, saving you precious time.

 

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Travel Sustainably This Bank Holiday Weekend with Too Good To Go’s NEW City Guide

This Bank Holiday Weekend thousands of Irish people will be swapping the umbrellas for beach towels, jetting off to sunny spots like Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy this August Bank Holiday and beyond.

While you’ve packed your travel and accommodation apps, don’t forget to download Too Good To Go – your ticket to sustainable travel through discovering and saving delicious surplus food at a reduced price.  With over 160,000 partners across the world the Too Good To Go new City Guides feature means you can explore local culinary gems wherever you go. Once you download the free Too Good To Go app, and it will notify you when you’re near these participating shops, restaurants, and supermarkets, in that location making it easy to save food and money on the go.

The new City Guides Series adds an extra layer to your experience by providing curated local food recommendations abroad not only are you supporting local businesses, but this feature helps you discover the heart and soul of a city through its food scene, all while making a positive impact on the environment and your travel budget.


Machaela O’Leary, Sales Manager for Too Good To Go commented: “At Too Good To Go, we believe every meal has a story worth savouring. Through City Guides and Too Good To Go we’re not just reducing waste but also supporting local businesses and protecting our planet. Whether you are in London, New York or Rome every city offers a unique culinary journey. We’re excited to help travellers discover these hidden gems while making a positive impact.”


Too Good To Go will continue to add city guides for destinations around the world. The Too Good To Go app has over 95 million registered users and is active in countries across Europe and North America. Too Good To Go users have already saved more than 330 million meals from going to waste, avoiding 891,000 tonnes of CO2e and 267 billion litres of unnecessary water use.

Too Good To Go has grown a strong presence in Ireland, with 2,182 businesses and 586,227 app users actively participating in reducing food waste. This extensive network, highlighted by the recent milestone of rescuing 1 million Surprise Bags, positions the company to significantly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By mobilising collective action towards sustainable development, Too Good To Go is making a substantial impact in Ireland’s fight against food waste and environmental sustainability.

For more information about Too Good To Go, visit https://next.toogoodtogo.com/en-ie

Google announces new settings and features to help parents, teens and families navigate safer experiences online

Parents  think deeply about how their children should use technology, including how to strike the right balance for time spent online. Every family has different needs and perspectives on this topic. Today, Google is announcing a new setting for Android phones and other devices that empowers parents to use a School time feature.

Helping students focus on learning during school hours

Google regularly engages with parents when designing products, and often hears directly from parents who do not want their children distracted at school but still want to be able to get in touch in case of emergency.

That’s why this year Google has introduced School time on Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches. Over the next year, School time will be rolled out to even more devices including select Android phones, tablets and wearables including Samsung Galaxy Watches as part of ongoing work to promote productive learning environments.

School time enables parents to set their child’s personal device to a dedicated home screen with limited functionality during school hours, which helps reduce distractions during class. Parents can schedule and select which apps are allowed during School time in Family Link, the parental controls app for Google and YouTube. Parents will also have the option to allow calls or texts from specific contacts.

School time can also be turned on outside of class when it may be time to focus or take a break from screens. For teens who are not supervised by a parent through Family Link, Focus mode on Android devices can be used to prevent notifications and limit distractions during a specific time period.

Additional settings for teens and teen supervision

As children grow into teens, parents may want different supervision options to better reflect their teens’ understanding and use of technology. Recognising that the settings a family wants to use can differ by age and developmental stage Google is continuing to provide tailored settings and experiences:

  • New supervision features for parents of teens are coming to YouTube. In an update rolling out later this summer, parents and teens will be able to link their accounts, enabling parents to gain visibility into their teens’ activity and interests on YouTube.

  • In Family Link, supervision can be enabled for all ages. This helps give parents flexibility to determine the apps, products and experiences their teens can use, while also continuing to monitor their activity and set digital ground rules such as screen time limits or location sharing.

  • Default safety settings for all users under 18. This includes turning SafeSearch on, implementing content restrictions and turning autoplay off on YouTube. Recently introduced new safeguards limit recommendations of videos with content that could be problematic, especially for teens, if viewed in repetition –  such as content related to body image.

Ongoing investment in parental controls

Google is continuously investing in research and development to address the evolving needs of parents and children. By working closely with experts in child development, education and technology, with the goal to help ensure that time online and offline is time well spent.

Tech Review – emporia 313 (FN313i)

With many folk now seeking time away from the constant notifications there is many options at hand to do so and recently one example was the Nokia 3210 we checked out, though that phone had some features at hand this one cuts it to the bone and is perhaps a better option to completely detach yourself from it all.

In the first of several phones from emporia we are taking a look at the emporia 313 today and will show you what it is on offer, now this phone does not have the bells and whistles you might think but it does have great battery life torch calendar calculator and a built in FM radio so that is plenty to keep your fingers moving should they get itchy.

The phone itself is well built with tactile keys and could take a good beating in my opinion and should last any festival or weekend away if you are clumsy

There is voice and text here and a VGA camera if you remember them and bluetooth connectivity and this device is a candybar shaped device that is slim and fits in any pocket with up to a weeks use and 4 hours talktime, this is ideal for taking away on holidays or festivals and even weekends away so you can leave the rest behind and check in when you get back.

With no apps or internet connectivity you can talk and text away to your hearts content and just enjoy the freedom and not having to get or receive messages from social or emails all day long. Unlike previous devices such as the emporia Smart 6 this is the opposite end of how you communicate and ideal for those who want to take a break from it all. There is also a Smart 4 on offer and emporia one which we checked out some years ago

Check out the video review below for more.

Image from the emporia 313 camera

Features 

  • Amazing value Dual SIM, 2G mobile phone, ideal for outdoor and festival use
  • Great functionality in a classic mobile phone format.
  • Uncomplicated communication with voice and Text on any 2G network (Not 3)
  • Packed with useful features – VGA camera, torch, calendar, Bluetooth, calculator and FM radio.
  • Great battery life with up to 7 days standby time and over 4 hours talk time

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Video Review

Only half of employees trust AI in the workplace

HRLocker, a leading provider of HR solutions based in Co. Clare, today revealed that only half of employees trust the use of AI in their workplace, illustrating the significant hurdles organisations must overcome to integrate AI effectively and responsibly. The survey of 200 SME owners and 500 employees across Ireland also highlights the need for transparency and robust AI governance to leverage AI’s transformative potential without compromising trust.

AI trust gap in the workplace

The research indicates a notable lack of trust in the responsible development and deployment of AI among both business leaders and their workforces. Despite recognising AI’s potential for business transformation, scepticism about its responsible use persists. Key findings include:

  • Only 64% of business leaders and 50% of employees welcome AI in their organisations.

  • 25% of employees and 20% of leaders are not confident that their organisation prioritises employee interests when implementing AI.

  • A significant 68% of business leaders believe AI should be developed with human review and intervention, yet 40% of employees feel their companies lack clarity on which systems should be automated versus those requiring human oversight.

  • Furthermore, 72% of employees report that their organisations are not collaborating on AI regulation, and 78% indicate a lack of shared guidelines on responsible AI use.

Impact on business practices

Despite the trust issues, AI is recognised for its ability to enhance various business functions, particularly in SMEs. Key statistics from HRLocker’s survey include:

  • 62% of small business employees believe AI can help increase or retain headcount, with 55% reporting a positive impact on customer experience.

  • 58% of business owners believe that AI has the potential to streamline operations and reduce costs, but only 45% of employees share this optimistic view.

  • 65% of employees who are supportive of AI believe it can help them with routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities.

  • Conversely, 30% of employees are concerned that AI could lead to job displacement, highlighting the need for clear communication and reassurances from employers.

Employee concerns and recommendations

The survey also highlights significant concerns among employees regarding AI’s role in HR processes. Almost two-thirds (62%) of employees are uncomfortable with HR teams using AI, fearing potential biases and a lack of transparency, with 48% of employees worrying that AI could lead to unfair treatment or bias in performance evaluations.

Additionally, 44% of employees believe that AI might compromise the confidentiality of their personal data and 58% feel that there is insufficient communication from management about how AI will be used and its impact on their roles.

“Ensuring robust governance and clear guidelines for AI use in the workplace is not just a best practice; it’s a necessity,” states Adam Coleman, CEO at HRLocker. “Without prioritising transparency and responsibility, we risk alienating employees and undermining the very trust that is fundamental to successful AI integration. Our research highlights a pressing need for businesses to address these governance issues head-on to fully realise AI’s potential in a way that benefits businesses and their people.”