Tag: culture

10 Ways Data Analytics is Reshaping the Future of Business Leadership

Modern leaders can no longer rely on instinct alone. Making informed decisions requires analyzing trends, understanding patterns, and predicting future outcomes. Companies that use analytical strategies gain a competitive edge, reduce risks, and improve overall efficiency. Leaders who adapt to this shift drive success.

As industries become more data-driven, professionals must develop new skills to keep up. Leaders who invest in learning how to interpret and apply insights position themselves for higher roles. This article explores how analytics is shaping leadership and why developing these skills is essential.

1.Enabling Smarter Decision-Making

Effective leadership depends on making well-informed choices. By using real-time insights, leaders can evaluate performance, predict challenges, and refine strategies. Making decisions based on accurate information leads to better outcomes and long-term success. Companies that rely on analytical tools reduce uncertainty and improve efficiency. Whether it’s financial forecasting, customer behavior analysis, or market trend predictions, leaders who use information wisely can adapt to changes faster than competitors.

 2. Building Expertise in Business Intelligence

Developing expertise in analyzing trends and making informed decisions is crucial for professionals aiming for leadership positions. Understanding how to assess key performance indicators and market insights helps improve overall strategy. Many professionals enroll in an online MBA in data analytics to build these skills while managing their current job responsibilities. Programs like these provide advanced training in predictive modeling, business intelligence, and performance analysis, preparing professionals for leadership roles in today’s evolving industries.

3. Enhancing Operational Efficiency

Analyzing workflows and identifying inefficiencies allows companies to reduce waste and improve productivity. Leaders who use data-driven approaches can streamline operations and ensure resources are allocated efficiently. By tracking key performance metrics, businesses can optimize processes, reduce unnecessary costs, and increase overall effectiveness. Leaders who integrate technology and automation into daily operations see faster and more consistent improvements.

4. Driving Innovation and Business Growth

Companies that stay ahead of trends are more likely to expand and succeed. Leaders who understand consumer preferences, industry shifts, and emerging technologies can develop innovative products and services. By using research-backed insights, companies can tailor their strategies to meet market demands. Decision-makers who encourage innovation create opportunities for long-term growth and adaptability in competitive industries.

5. Strengthening Risk Management and Fraud Detection

Identifying risks before they become major problems helps businesses avoid financial losses and reputational damage. Analyzing past incidents and current trends allows leaders to implement preventive measures. Organizations can minimize security threats and financial risks with predictive models and fraud detection tools. Leaders who adopt these strategies enhance stability and ensure better protection for their company’s assets.

6. Personalizing Customer Experiences

Understanding customer behavior is essential for building long-term relationships. Companies that analyze consumer preferences can tailor marketing efforts, improve engagement, and increase brand loyalty. Leaders who use insights from customer interactions can create more personalized and effective strategies. By segmenting audiences and predicting trends, businesses can offer customized solutions that meet specific needs. This approach enhances customer satisfaction, drives repeat purchases, and strengthens brand reputation in a competitive market.

7. Building a Data-Driven Company Culture

A company that values analytical insights at all levels creates a more efficient and informed workforce. Encouraging employees to use available information for decision-making leads to improved teamwork and accountability. Leaders who promote a culture of learning and data-driven decision-making ensure that employees understand the importance of measuring performance and adapting strategies based on insights. This shift results in a more agile and responsive organization.

8. Improving Talent Management and Workforce Planning

Hiring and retaining skilled employees is a priority for any company. Analyzing workforce trends helps leaders understand employee engagement, predict staffing needs, and improve retention rates. Companies that use data to assess team performance can make better hiring and training decisions. Leaders who integrate HR analytics into their management strategies can optimize recruitment, identify skill gaps, and enhance professional development programs. This approach leads to a stronger and more motivated workforce.

9. Boosting Competitive Advantage

Companies that effectively use analytics outperform those that rely on traditional decision-making methods. By studying market trends, competitor strategies, and consumer demands, leaders can position their organizations ahead of the competition. Data-driven companies are better equipped to identify new opportunities, respond to industry shifts, and refine their business models. Leaders who embrace these strategies ensure their organizations remain relevant and successful.

10. Preparing for the Future of Artificial Intelligence and Automation

Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming industries. Leaders who understand how these technologies integrate with analytics can improve decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, and streamline processes. By staying ahead of advancements in AI and automation, businesses can adapt to future challenges. Leaders who invest in these areas prepare their companies for long-term success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The role of leadership is evolving, and those who embrace analytical strategies will drive future success. Companies that rely on informed decision-making, operational efficiency, and personalized customer experiences gain a strong market position. Investing in advanced skills, workforce development, and emerging technologies ensures long-term growth. Leaders who commit to using analytics effectively will shape the future of their industries and set new standards for business excellence.

AI-Generated Visuals in Esports and Gaming Culture

Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of esports and gaming culture, enabling the creation of high-quality visuals, immersive experiences, and innovative design elements. From character development to game environments, AI-driven tools are streamlining creative processes and opening new possibilities for players, designers, and content creators. Among these advancements, CGDream provides AI-powered solutions that enhance the aesthetics and dynamics of gaming visuals, making game development more accessible and efficient.

Enhancing Game Art with AI

AI-powered tools have revolutionized the way game assets are created, reducing the time and effort required to design intricate characters, environments, and animations. The use of an AI 3D model generator image to 3D, like https://cgdream.ai/features/ai-3d-model-generator-image-to-3d allows developers to transform concept art into fully realized 3D models, accelerating the game development process. These AI-generated models provide designers with a starting point that can be refined further, maintaining artistic vision while optimizing workflow efficiency.

Artists and game studios can leverage AI-driven tools to create detailed textures, lighting effects, and visual enhancements that would otherwise require extensive manual effort. By utilizing AI-generated art, game developers can maintain a high level of detail while streamlining production cycles, allowing for more innovative and expansive game worlds. Additionally, AI can assist in generating realistic motion capture animations, improving the fluidity and authenticity of character movements in games.

AI-generated concept art is another game-changer in development. Designers can input brief descriptions or sketches and let AI generate fully rendered visuals, providing inspiration and quick iterations of different artistic directions. This rapid prototyping accelerates the creative process and allows game developers to test multiple aesthetic approaches before committing to final designs.

AI’s Role in Esports Content Creation

Beyond game development, AI-generated visuals play a crucial role in esports content creation. Streaming platforms, tournament organizers, and gaming influencers utilize AI-driven graphics to enhance broadcasts, promotional materials, and branding elements. AI-powered animation and visual effects contribute to the dynamic aesthetics of esports events, making them more engaging for audiences worldwide.

By integrating AI-generated visuals into promotional campaigns, esports organizations can create unique team branding, immersive overlays, and real-time in-game analytics visuals. AI tools enable content creators to quickly generate high-quality assets, ensuring that their streams and social media content remain visually appealing and competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

Additionally, AI-driven automation helps in editing and enhancing video content. AI tools can analyze game footage, detect key moments, and generate highlight reels with advanced visual effects, reducing the workload for content creators. This allows esports teams and influencers to focus on engagement and strategy while AI handles time-intensive production tasks.

Personalization and Player Engagement

AI-driven visual technology also enhances the personalization of gaming experiences. With AI-generated assets, players can customize avatars, skins, and in-game environments in ways that were previously time-consuming or unavailable. This increased personalization fosters a deeper connection between players and their gaming experiences, making esports and gaming culture even more engaging.

The use of AI-generated character models and adaptive designs allows for the creation of dynamic, evolving game environments. As AI continues to advance, developers can implement procedural generation techniques that create unique landscapes and structures tailored to each player’s style and preferences. AI-powered NPCs (non-playable characters) can also be customized with realistic expressions and behaviors, enhancing immersive storytelling in both single-player and multiplayer games.

With AI-driven technology, in-game environments can evolve in real time, responding to player actions and behaviors. AI can modify terrain, adjust lighting conditions, and generate dynamic weather effects, creating more realistic and engaging worlds. These adaptive systems elevate immersion, making every playthrough a unique and personalized experience.

The Future of AI in Gaming Visuals

As AI technology progresses, the impact of AI-powered solutions on gaming and esports will continue to expand. AI-driven tools will refine animation quality, improve texture generation, and enhance real-time rendering capabilities, allowing for visually stunning gaming experiences. With the increasing adoption of AI in game design and esports production, AI-generated visuals will remain a fundamental element in shaping the future of interactive entertainment.

The integration of AI with gaming engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity is already pushing the boundaries of real-time rendering, allowing developers to create hyper-realistic visuals with reduced rendering times. AI-powered upscaling is improving resolution quality, enabling older assets to be repurposed for next-gen gaming experiences. AI’s ability to automate tedious artistic tasks also means that smaller indie studios can produce high-quality visuals without requiring large development teams.

With the rise of AI in gaming, developers, esports professionals, and content creators will benefit from greater accessibility to high-quality assets and streamlined production processes. Whether used for game development, esports branding, or content creation, AI-generated visuals are revolutionizing gaming culture and pushing the boundaries of digital artistry. As AI technology advances, its role in esports and gaming will only grow, offering endless creative possibilities for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Workhuman’s Human Intelligence 2025 Release

Workhuman, the most successful Irish-born technology company and the world’s #1 employee recognition provider, has once again raised the bar in HR technology by announcing The Human Intelligence 2025 Release, the biggest launch in company history. During Workhuman’s first-ever digital event, hosted by founder and CEO Eric Mosley, the company showcased its next-generation data and AI innovations designed to empower leaders and employees with actionable, real-time insights that encourage more engaged, inclusive, and productive company cultures. The Human Intelligence 2025 Release reimagines how HR leverages data to transform the HR technology category. It will have a positive impact on the future of HR by way of improved efficiencies scaled across an entire organisation.

The Human Intelligence 2025 Release supercharges Workhuman’s Social Recognition platform, embedding into everyday workflows AI-powered features such as Workhuman iQ Snapshots, Recognition Advisor, Culture Hub, and Reward Stories. These easy-to-use tools ensure that employees’ shared recognition moments equip HR leaders with the most impactful data and insights that contribute to business ROI. The result is Human Intelligence, which delivers unparalleled clarity on workforce dynamics, turning every recognition moment into an opportunity for cultural and business transformation.

“Workhuman’s Human Intelligence platform brings AI to a valuable new source of business information: employee recognition and feedback,” said Josh Bersin, Global HR Industry Analyst, CEO and Founder of The Josh Bersin Company. “This information helps leaders identify individual and organisational strengths, weaknesses, skills, and opportunities for development in an exciting new way.”

The Human Intelligence 2025 Release includes:

  • Workhuman iQ Snapshots – Real-time, powerful insights that highlight the impact recognition has on retention and engagement as well as skill-based insights that are crucial to professional development and talent management. By democratising data for all employees, these insights empower smarter decision-making that drives performance and strategic growth. This feature elevates recognition by delivering data and research-based insights before and after users take action within the platform. Snapshots provide leaders with actionable intelligence to strengthen teams, reduce turnover, and unlock key skills – all fueling growth and organisational excellence.

  • Recognition Advisor – A real-time AI coach that trains users how to deliver recognition that amplifies every “good job” and “thank you” message to be more personal, meaningful, and tied to company values. Recognition Advisor provides customer-specific, practical example language that helps elevate the award message using AI. Embedding Workhuman’s Recognition Done Right principles ensures program success while ensuring each award message has the greatest impact on the individual. This builds confidence, streamlines thoughtful recognition, and boosts engagement in real time. Beyond driving participation, it generates high-quality, actionable insights into skills, culture, retention, and performance – empowering organisations with strategic Human Intelligence™ to thrive.

  • Culture Hub – A personalised, AI-powered Hub that curates relevant recognition moments while showcasing impactful recognition moments that support key initiatives and company values while strengthening employee collaboration and motivation. Culture Hub drives global participation, generates transformative insights, and amplifies recognition with viral momentum to sustain engagement and program success. Highlighting personalised content reinforces company values at scale, aligns with business objectives, and instills positive behaviors in the long-term. Designed to include everyone—from new hires to seasoned employees—Culture Hub fosters belonging and empowers active participation across the entire workforce.

  • Reward Stories – Sharable, feel-good recognition moments that represent the life-enriching impact that recognition and redemption have on employees. Thes posts allow award recipients the opportunity to express their gratitude for the coworkers who recognise them and the company that provides such opportunities. Reward Stories, featured on the Culture Hub, also gives nominators the ability to pause and reflect on the shared success, hard work, collaboration and support they’ve encountered while motivating other employees to pursue such experiences through their contributions at work.

 

“Human Intelligence is an entirely new way of approaching data, using it to empower humans with the knowledge they need to lead with purpose and compassion,” said Mosley. “Embedding culture and insights into the flow of work enables organisations to cultivate magnetic workplace environments where every recognition moment drives meaningful business outcomes.”

These intuitive, powerful tools – individually and combined – give organisations the resources and capabilities to do recognition right. They surface content that celebrates the goodness of making work human and brings a company’s culture and values to life in real-time.

“AI and data are tools—but humanity is the foundation,” Mosley continues. “Human Intelligence is a testament to our belief that when organisations recognise and understand their people, they unlock their greatest potential. The future of work is human.”

“One of the things that sets Workhuman apart is its ability to be really sophisticated about telling a story with the data,” said Lisa Monaco, SVP, Employee Experience at Moody’s. “Workhuman is doubling down on that through the Human Intelligence tools – and the functions embedded in the organisation, like Workhuman iQ, which can really do this work and be an extension for our companies. I think this is so very valuable.”

To learn more about the innovations announced in Workhuman’s Human Intelligence 2025 Release, please watch the full digital event here. For more information about how a Workhuman-powered Social Recognition program can help organisations get the most from their people, AI, and HR investments, please visit www.workhuman.com/platform/social-recognition/.

How Are Immersive Technologies Helping More People Connect With Irish Culture and Heritage?

Ireland is often seen as a magical, bucket-list destination that everyone should visit at least once. Experiencing the country’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes firsthand is a dream for many. However, for those who cannot travel to Ireland, there are now ways to engage with the country’s culture in a digital setting. 

The rise of immersive technology has allowed more people than ever before to connect with Ireland from across the globe. Additionally, new tech developments are enhancing the experience of visiting landmarks for those lucky enough to travel there.

Live Streaming Platform Brings Irish Accents Closer

One of the unique charms of Irish culture is its distinctive and much-loved accent, consistently ranked among the world’s most popular. While traditionally, people had to travel to Ireland to hear authentic Irish speech, immersive live-streaming technology now offers the ability to experience it from around the world. 

Interestingly, the online casino industry has played a key role in the rise of live-streaming, and it’s here that many get a regular dose of the Irish accent. Live dealer games allow players to interact with croupiers, which enhances the sense of immersion. For example, playing Blackjack games online (including titles like Azure Blackjack X, Cashback Blackjack, or All Bets Blackjack Live) mean you’re not only enjoying the game but also engaging with a real Irish dealer in real time. 

This has opened doors to Irish culture for many individuals who may otherwise never have had the opportunity to experience such interactions. Beyond casinos, live-streaming on platforms like YouTube has also grown in popularity, with lots of Irish streamers making names for themselves, sharing everything from gaming to daily life, and further spreading Irish accents and culture worldwide. 

Virtual Reality Bringing Historical Sites to Life

Virtual reality (VR) is another immersive technology that’s starting to play a key role in preserving Irish culture. While VR headsets are still relatively new, they are expected to become household items by the end of the decade. Already, there are impressive uses of this technology, including the ability to visit famous locations without physically travelling there. 

Some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks can now be explored through VR, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Rock of Cashel. Using VR headsets, it’s possible to look around and explore the sites, just as if you were there. As VR technology improves, users will likely feel even more immersed in these settings, providing an experience akin to actually being physically present.

AR Preserving Ireland’s Cultural Heritage

For those who are able to visit Ireland in person, technology is also enhancing the experience of exploring its historical sites. Augmented reality (AR) allows for digital elements to be superimposed on real world settings, providing additional layers of information and interactivity during tours. 

A great example of this is the recent AR walking tour of Dublin’s Docklands, which allows users to experience the history of the iconic area. It’s expected to be the first of many apps that help bring Irish heritage to life through technology.

Thanks to these advances in technology, Irish culture and heritage are now more accessible than ever before. Immersive platforms such as live-streaming, VR, and AR are helping Ireland’s cultural legacy reach people far and wide.

Spencer Dock Transforms for Culture Night as Local Community, HubSpot, and A Playful City Celebrate a Year of Creativity and Trust Building

Through a series of hugely successful projects and workshops, A Playful City has been collaborating with young people from SWAN Youth Service living in Dublin’s North East City to transform their community by constructing pop-up spaces for them to socialise, interact and play with their peers in an exciting project funded by HubSpot.

Culture Night 2023, taking place on September 22, is the perfect opportunity to showcase how A Playful City through its collaboration with local partners including SWAN Youth Service, HubSpot and Dublin City Council, and especially the local youth community who have activated public spaces in hugely positive ways that are often overlooked.

On Spencer Dock on Culture Night, the young entrepreneurs, artists and chefs will be serving up a night of fun and culture for all the community. Rosemary, basil and rocket lettuce, all grown in nearby Mud Island Community Garden, will be harvested and used to embellish the pizzas cooked up on site for Culture Night. Poems that have been composed in workshops with award-winning performers such as FeliSpeaks will be exhibited in the public arena and an illustrator will top the night off with live drawing throughout the night.

Through vision, imagination and mentorship from HubSpotters, and with funding from key partners, A Playful City, a locally-based not-for-profit is helping to activate public spaces for the common good and giving a much needed outlet to young people in the local community.

“Culture Night 2023 is such a fitting way for all the community in the North East Inner City to come together and celebrate the many constructive and creative ways they’ve worked to help improve public spaces in their local environment,” said Neasa Ni Bhriain, Creative Director of A Playful City.

“Public spaces are so important in unlocking the talent and imagination of our young people,” Ni Bhriain said, adding that it was important we celebrate and champion what’s been achieved in the past year.

One of the stars on Culture Night will be the specially designed Enterprise Mobile, which will be utilised by local young people in conjunction with A Playful City. The nifty mobile unit, designed with sustainability in mind and managed by the young people from the community, can be turned into a pop-up stall and used for a variety of events such as showcasing their entrepreneurial endeavours. As well as being central to Culture Night, it will be used by young people in the North East Inner City for many years to come.

Working closely with HubSpot, based on Spencer Dock, A Playful City has coordinated a series of “Mentor Moments” in which HubSpotters from around the globe have provided valuable insights and shared ideas with the young people in a collaborative and creative way.

“It’s been hugely rewarding to meet and collaborate with the young people from our community,” said Eimear Marrinan, VP of Culture and ESG at HubSpot. “They’ve been as eager to learn as we have been to share our knowledge around entrepreneurship and skill development. We are really looking forward to coming together and celebrating their talents with the community we work and live in on Culture Night.”

Commenting on the positive results that come from when young people are entrusted with public spaces, Eibhlín Harrington, a project leader from SWAN Youth Service, said, “So often we hear negative stories about young people and public spaces, when in fact, here in the North East Inner City, they have accomplished so much, provided they are entrusted with spaces in their neighbourhood, and that we all work together as a community to foster trust, respect, and creativity.

“There is an incredible amount of talent, drive and creativity amongst the young people in the NEIC and Culture Night on Spencer Dock is the ideal opportunity to showcase this to the community and reimagine what is possible in our public spaces,” she added.

The Esports Revolution: How Competitive Gaming is Transforming Wagering Culture

The esports industry has been growing fast, changing how we think about competitive gaming and betting. Thanks to technology and the rise of online gaming, esports has become a worldwide hit, enjoyed by millions.

Esports has also changed how we see sports fans. These days, sports arenas are filled with esports fans cheering for their favorite gamers and teams. These teams compete for more than just fun and honor. For example, the prize for the League of Legends Championship, a well-known esports tournament, is a huge $2.23 million. This big prize money shows how being a professional esports player can be a real job, bringing in lots of money from winning games and getting sponsored. It’s a big shift in professional sports and betting, creating new opportunities for gamers.

Major companies like Coca-Cola, Intel, and Red Bull have recognized the potential and heavily invested in esports, solidifying its impact on the sports industry. The accessibility of online gaming has played a pivotal role in the growth of esports betting, attracting a broader audience and allowing bookmakers to offer odds on various tournaments and matches. The industry continues to evolve, and esports is a captivating and dynamic sector reshaping the competitive gaming landscape and wagering culture.

The Rise of Esports

Esports has exploded in popularity recently, fueled by advancements in technology and the rise of online gaming. The industry has grown to fill stadiums and arenas, with fans cheering on their favorite players and teams as they compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. Esports has become a viable career option for many players, with some earning millions of dollars in prize money and sponsorship deals. 

With millions of viewers tuning in to watch professional gamers compete in high-stakes tournaments. The global esports market size was valued at USD 1.45 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 1.72 billion in 2023 to USD 6.75 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 21.5% during the forecast period., with major companies like Coca-Cola Intel, and Red Bull investing heavily in esports.

Esports has also had an impact on sports betting. Many sportsbooks now offer Esports betting, which has become famous for people to bet on sports. This has led to more revenue for sportsbooks and has allowed them to expand their offerings.

The rise of Esports has had a significant impact on the sports industry, and its impact will only continue to grow. With the industry projected to grow to over $3 billion by 2025, it is clear that Esports is here to stay. However, traditional sports organizations have also recognized the importance of Esports, and many of them are now investing in the industry. This has led to more opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite teams and players in new and exciting ways.

One of the reasons for the growth of esports betting is the accessibility of online gaming. With the rise of online gaming, it has become easier than ever for people to participate in esports tournaments and for bookmakers to offer odds on the outcome of these tournaments. Players can now compete from the comfort of their own homes, and viewers can watch live streams of matches from anywhere in the world. This accessibility has made esports more inclusive and has attracted a broader audience to the sport.

Esports Betting

Esports betting has become a billion-dollar industry, with bookmakers offering odds on various tournaments and matches. Esports betting is similar to traditional sports betting, with bettors placing wagers on the outcome of games. However, there are some differences in the way esports betting works.

For example, in traditional sports betting, odds are set based on the performance of teams and players. In esports, odds are selected based on the performance of individual players. This is because esports tournaments are often played in a team format, with players competing against each other in individual matches. This means the odds can vary significantly between players, even on the same team.

Another difference between esports betting and traditional sports betting is the nature of the sport itself. Esports is a rapidly evolving industry, constantly introducing new games and tournaments. This means that bookmakers need to stay up-to-date with the latest developments to offer competitive odds. 

The fast-paced nature of esports also means that matches can be over quickly, with some lasting only a few minutes. This can make it difficult for bettors to keep up with the action and make informed decisions about their wagers.

Esports and Traditional Sports Betting

Esports is often compared to traditional sports, with some calling it the “sport of the future.” However, some critical differences between esports and conventional sports make it unique. For example, esports is not limited by physical boundaries, meaning that players worldwide can compete against each other. This has led to a truly global industry, with players and fans from all corners.

The difference between esports and traditional sports is the level of fan engagement. Esports fans are often more invested in the games and players than conventional sports fans. This is partly due to the accessibility of esports, as fans can watch matches online and interact with players through social media and streaming platforms. Esports communities are known for their passionate fan bases, with many organizing events and tournaments.

What Does the Future Hold for Esports?

The future of esports looks bright, with the industry continuing to grow and evolve. Many believe esports will become as popular as traditional sports, with major tournaments and events drawing large crowds and generating significant revenue. The rise of virtual reality and other technologies may also change how esports are played and viewed, further expanding the industry’s reach. Whatever the future may hold, one thing is clear: esports is an exciting and dynamic industry that is here to stay.

Summary

The rise of esports has transformed competitive gaming and wagering culture. With its global popularity, lucrative prizes, and investments from major companies, esports has become a viable career option and has expanded the offerings of sportsbooks. Accessibility and passionate fan engagement have solidified esports as an enduring and dynamic industry poised for continued growth and potential mainstream recognition.

Viatel Technology Group strategy makes flexible working a defining feature of work culture

Flexibility is a key characteristic of employment at Viatel Technology Group. The group’s strategy is to embed flexibility as a central pillar of their work culture and operations. The leading provider of cloud, cybersecurity and digital services is committed to creating a healthy and supportive working environment for its growing team of 310 employees.

CEO Paul Rellis explains that Viatel actively listens to its team, “Our people told us flexibility is a top priority, and we are responding. We have fully embraced hybrid work, with no mandated number of in-person days. Life isn’t ‘one size fits all’; each individual is empowered to work with their manager to find the balance that works for them and their team.”

“Many companies have backtracked on flexibility, returning in whole or part to traditional work practices and locations. In contrast, we are fully committed to embedding flexibility in our strategy, our culture and our operations. We are transforming our office spaces into regional hubs, with hot desks and collaborative areas for when colleagues choose to meet face to face.”

Hybrid working is just one aspect of Viatel’s flexibility initiatives; the technology group has also enhanced leave entitlements, and implemented a working from abroad policy to accommodate international team members.

Starting this month, team members can also take some extra time to themselves. Paul explains, “‘Flextime’ is part of our strategy to create a vibrant and dynamic workplace where our team can achieve their professional goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Time is our most precious resource, and we are giving everyone the chance to pursue personal interests; whether they be studying; volunteering; getting outdoors; spending quality time with loved ones, or simply relaxing. We’ll get back to work refreshed, reenergised, and poised to make an even greater impact.”

Viatel Technology Group successfully trialled a flextime initiative in 2022, when employees committed to a 100:90:100 model: receiving 100% pay for 90% of time while maintaining 100% productivity. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants rated Viatel 8.5 out of 10 as a flexible and supportive workplace, with 81% expressing their desire to maintain flexible working arrangements, reporting improved job satisfaction.

Harvard Business Review cites that initiatives that support work-life balance have been proven to promote productivity, reduce turnover, improve employees’ mental and physical health and can even boost organisational diversity. Paul concludes, “We believe flexibility benefits our employees, customers, and our business as a whole. Our focus is on fostering a happier and more fulfilled workforce, which will ultimately lead to greater success.”

Flexibility is just one of the many benefits offered by Viatel Technology Group which, in February,      announced the creation of 50 new jobs; and has been shortlisted as one of Ireland’s best workplaces by the Tech Excellence Awards.

For more information, visit www.viatel.com/careers.

The Evolution of Gamer Culture in Seven Steps

Esports has evolved into a culture of its own. From its origins in video arcade games, complex esports gaming has developed into an industry worth billions of dollars. Gamer culture attracts massive audiences who are eager to support their favorite professional teams and players.

1. Games from the Millennium

Arcade games such as the iconic Space Invaders that launched in the late 1970s quickly developed into Nintendo classics such as Super Mario in the 1990s. However, it was the Millennium that saw the greatest transition into what is now commonly referred to as esports. As the 2000s arrived, so did sprawling virtual worlds such as EverQuest and World of Warcraft. These complex games suddenly attracted millions of players who became firmly engrossed in these exciting, fictional kingdoms.

2. Technology and Esports

Without the advancement of technology, esports gamer culture could never have advanced at such a rapid pace. Cable and fiber optics enabled the internet to achieve unfailingly accurate high-speeds. In turn, their super fast capabilities encouraged the growth of competitive gaming. Forums and chat rooms provided places for people to discuss the games, and the players that were emerging as the earliest professional esports gamers.

3. Fan Bases for Gamers

In response, gamers began building online followings through displaying excerpts from their gameplay. YouTube in particular was the home of the earliest gamers such as the legendary PewDiePie who now regularly entertains up to 78.6 million subscribers. Viewers loved to watch the accomplished play of these professional gamers who helped to make esports titles including Counter Strike: Global Offensive incredibly popular.

4. Tips and Tricks

Players such as Tenz ensured a secure online following through showing video clips of their spectacular tips and tricks. Even viewers who were not interested in actually playing the games became enthralled at learning the secrets of how professional players plied their trade. Potential players of the future could refine their skills through emulating the demonstrations of deadly accurate play.

5. Organized Leagues

The popularity of esports prompted gaming developers such as Riot Games to organize global and regional leagues. They are currently promoting separate leagues for talented ladies who often feel intimidated or unjustly ignored by esports’ male players and viewers.

6. Great Tournaments and Live Events

As professional players gained in popularity, so did the gaming tournaments and leagues. Live events included the World Championships for games such as Fortnite and League of Legends. The excitement tournaments generated quickly attracted massive audiences. Cosplay became popular as fans copied the elaborate costumes of agents.

7. Live Streaming

Vast audiences of up to 100 million could be achieved through the live streaming of events. Channels such as Twitch have now grown into reliable methods of viewers watching their favorite teams in action. Check out www.1337pro.com/en/csgo/match-scores for the latest esports scores and matches.

Cancel Culture, Big Tech and its Effects on Our Society

The term ‘cancel culture’ may be new but social ostracism isn’t. Making people outcasts of society goes back centuries, although the reasons for it may change over time. Human nature may be the same, but access to modern technology like social media and big tech has changed the effect of cancel culture on society. 

When did cancel culture start?

In 2017 the term ‘cancel culture’ started being heard to describe a public boycott of individuals. The term’s popularity online coincided with the #MeToo movement. Allegations of sexual harassment quickly turned people’s attitudes against the accused. 

Is cancel culture good or bad? It can surface wrong actions and behaviors by individuals and brands and hold them accountable. It can also destroy them when claims may not even be accurate. 

Cancel culture essay examples

Students at university or college will often have to write assignments about current issues such as cancel culture. Making use of online resources can help them. They can find cancel culture essay examples on EduZaurus. Studying these essay examples can help them to formulate their own ideas and come up with relevant subheadings etc. This can save them time and give them inspiration. 

Technology enables mass distribution

The effect of cancel culture on social media is that what you say can spread widely and quickly. The algorithms big tech companies develop can bring the ideas of a few to the attention of millions. On Twitter, anyone can see what you write and retweet it to millions of people. You don’t know who will read what you write, so you don’t know what could cause offense. 

The internet massively increases the number of people who can target you. Social media influencers with many followers can take up a cause, use a relevant hashtag and cause a firestorm. This happened when activists on social media called for statues honoring Confederate leaders to be taken down. 

The power of hashtags

Hashtags play a pivotal role in cancel culture campaigns. They influence the news cycle, and dueling hashtags can keep the momentum going. People feel a surge of adrenaline and a sense of inclusivity when they participate. However, the effect can be to send someone into the digital wilderness. J.K. Rowling made what was deemed a transphobic tweet and suffered from the backlash. 

Technology helps the world to remember what you said

It is very easy to search for old tweets, forum posts etc. What you said many years ago on the internet can come back to haunt you. 

Kevin Hart blamed cancel culture when he had to step down from hosting the 2019 Oscars after homophobic tweets he had made in the past came to the surface. 

One campaign called for Jimmy Fallon, a late-night talk show host, to be fired due to a video of him in blackface from 20-odd years ago. 

Prospective employers will now do a social media search before deciding to employ you, so technology makes it harder for you to escape from past mistakes. 

The financial implications of big tech and cancel culture

Big tech has led to the creation of platforms that engage people and keep them scrolling and clicking. Algorithms can quickly propel a tweet from relative obscurity into the limelight. Attract enough engagement, and the algorithms will promote it to like-minded individuals. 

Emotional posts tend to draw more engagement. The more engagement on social media platforms, the more this encourages viewership, shares and comments. This drives monetization. Larger tech companies can even control a narrative and steer it in a certain direction to profit from it. 

The influence of the media

When journalists pick up on an issue, the effect is amplified. It may be all over for a brand or person who appears to be violating some moral or ethical code. A brand that’s affected by cancel culture may have to spend millions of dollars on restoring its reputation. Competing businesses may fan the flames for their benefit, even if the claim is false. A small business may be destroyed because it doesn’t have the funds to recover. 

Today there are even companies that manage brand reputations and work to push adverse search results off Google’s front page. 

Misuse of technology and mob mentality

There is much concern about mob-like behavior on the internet. A claim may not even be true, but it can cause people to gang up on an individual or brand. Is big-tech fuelling cyberbullying? An open letter in Harper’s magazine from a number of high-profile academics showed their concern about the mob-like behavior associated with cancel culture. The letter triggered a backlash and a call for more cancellations. 

It appears that social media platforms didn’t quite anticipate the extent to which their infrastructure could be used for negative purposes. They are creating new algorithms to try and deter the wrong usage of their technology. 

Conclusion

Is the mass distribution of ideas a good or bad thing? Like anything else, it can be positive or negative. It makes it easier than ever to ruin individuals and brands. It also makes it easier to spread good ideas and fight for good causes. The problem with cancel culture is that outrage can spread so quickly across the internet, and it’s hard to limit the damage. Still, a lot can be improved with the right information and involvement of youth.