Tag: #work

Coimisiún na Meán publishes Strategy Statement 2025-2027 and 2025 Work Programme

Coimisiún na Meán has today (24.04.25) published its first three-year strategy, which sets out the organisation’s vision for a vibrant and healthy media landscape in Ireland. The Strategy Statement 2025-2027 is accompanied by a 2025 Work Programme, which lists priority projects across Coimisiún na Meán’s remit of online safety, media sector development and regulation.

The Strategy Statement 2025-2027 is built on six key outcomes:

  • Children – a media landscape that upholds the rights, wellbeing and development of children and their safe engagement with content
  • Democracy – a media landscape that supports democracy and democratic values, underpins civic discourse, and reduces the impact of disinformation
  • Trust – a media landscape that consumers can trust, and where they are protected from exploitation and fraud
  • Irish Culture and Media – a media landscape that is sustainable, pluralistic and participative, and that reflects and shapes who we are as a society
  • Diversity and Inclusion – a media landscape that promotes the values of justice, equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Public Safety – a media landscape that strengthens public health and safety

Commenting on the publication of Coimisiún na Meán’s first Strategy Statement, Executive Chair Jeremy Godfrey said: ‘’The publication of our first Strategy Statement, and of our 2025 Work Programme is an important milestone for our young organisation. We are confident that this strategy will help us to create a media landscape that benefits all of society.’’

‘‘Our six outcomes are ambitious and reflect our commitment to the regulation, support and development of a media landscape that underpins fundamental rights and fosters an open, democratic and pluralistic society. As Ireland’s media landscape evolves, we feel a unique responsibility to ensure that we shape the changing media environment to better serve Irish audiences, to uphold fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, and to protect people, especially children, from harm.’’

‘’Since our establishment, we have developed and are now enforcing Ireland’s regulatory regime for online safety, our Online Safety Framework. We have also delivered critical funding support to the independent production and media sector through our Sound & Vision Scheme and new Journalism Schemes, and we have embarked on an extensive re-licensing programme for radio and television stations across Ireland.’’

‘’Guided by our Strategy Statement, and supported by our annual Work Programmes, we look forward to continuing to deliver a thriving, diverse, creative, safe and trusted media landscape for Ireland.’’

Among the priority projects outlined in Coimisiún na Meán’s 2025 Work Programme are the development of a pilot programme for children at imminent risk of harm from online content, the development of an Election Integrity Strategy across all media sources, the creation of educational materials relating to online hate, the preparation of a new Broadcasting Services Strategy and a revised Media Plurality Policy, and the continuation of the Sound & Vision and Journalism funding Schemes.

Strategy Statement 2025-2027
2025 Work Programme

JLab Releases New JBuds Flow Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Bundle

JLab, an award-winning designer of personal technology, introduces today a new work bundle making its debut at CES 2025®. The JBuds Flow Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Bundle is a wireless duo that offers an ergonomic design for everyday use, prioritising comfort, efficiency and productivity for only £59.99.

Whether working from home, in the office or on the go the JBuds Flow Bundle has you covered with a keyboard and mouse that are fully customisable and connected to the JLab Work App. Like all JLab products, the Flow Bundle is competitively priced and stacked with innovative features, creating a unique value for those looking to elevate their work tech setup.

Flow Keyboard

The Flow Keyboard features a flowing design that matches the natural curve of your hand, complemented by a soft, padded palm rest for added support. It features a dedicated AI button to provide quick access to AI apps like Gemini, ChatGPT, CoPilot programmable via the JLab Work App.

Users can take advantage of the JLab Work app to program hotkeys for specific shortcuts within any application and save up to three unique profiles for different use cases; easily toggle between them depending on the task at hand. 

The keyboard’s Smart Media Knob will provide users with quick control of audio directly from the keyboard. Whether you’re answering an important phone call or finding the perfect song to get in the zone, easily adjust the volume to your preferred comfortability. 

Flow Mouse

The ambidextrous full-size Flow Mouse provides ultimate comfort for any workspace. With the versatile connectivity options, this mouse can easily switch between three saved devices (laptop, phone, tablet).

Jlab Work Desktop App

Personalise your work experience with the JLab Work desktop app. Customise hotkeys, save up to three unique profiles to fit your specific needs and preferences depending on your task, and program the dedicated AI button with your preferred AI app. 

Availability & Price

JBuds Flow Bundle is priced at £59.99 USD and will be available for order on www.jlab.com starting January 6 on JLab.com.

 

Technical Specifications 

  • Multi-device connect via Bluetooth or included USB dongle
  • Wireless range 30+ feet (10 m)
  • Keyboard battery life: Estimated 7+ months
  • Mouse battery life: Estimated 4+ months
  • 105 keys (includes number pad)
  • Device switch keys
  • OS layout keys (Mac, Windows, Android)
  • Adjustable DPI button to quickly change mouse sensitivity
  • Mouse Scroll wheel
  • Left and right buttons
  • Bundle is compatible with Windows® 10 or later, mac OS 10.15 or later, iPadOS 13.1 or later, IOS 11 or later, Chrome OS, Android™ 7 or later, works with surface

See some keyboard reviews

Teen-Turn launch 2024 summer work experience programme

Teen-Turn,  an EU wide digital impact organisation of the year, connects girls from underrepresented communities with women who are STEM role models at Ireland’s leading companies for summer work placements called “Teenturnships” in order to tackle the deficit of young women in STEM.

This year, Teen-Turn’s program commenced with 81 girls being introduced to their mentors. These mentors are accomplished women who are STEM professionals, including engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity and AI specialists, and senior managers from prominent companies such as Dell, BNY Mellon, Hostelworld, BD, Aptiv, Bearing Point, and Trane Technologies Thermoking.

The participating girls, from DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), rural, and underserved schools across Ireland, will engage in a two-week immersive experience in August. During this period, they will work on STEM projects under the guidance of their women-in-STEM mentors, gaining firsthand experience.

Teen-Turn believes that more girls, from areas where third level education is uncommon, exploring and gaining an interest in STEM will lead to more women earning STEM qualifications, therefore meeting a demand for skills that is outpacing supply.

Throughout the program, participants will learn from their mentors and engage in various activities each workday. Additionally, they will document and share their experiences through blogging, providing insights into their journey and the impact of the program.

IKEA is opening a new store on Roblox… and you could be paid to work there!

IKEA has unveiled a first look at ‘The Co-Worker Game’, a virtual universe coming to Roblox on June 24th. The immersive experience gives players the opportunity to experience IKEA’s unique approach to careers where non-linear career journeys are the norm and lateral moves across departments are commonplace.

As well as being the brand’s first foray into mainstream gaming, the virtual store will give people a chance to immerse themselves in the working world of IKEA. With a limited number of paid, virtual co-worker roles available in the game.

Applications for roles in the virtual store open today (3rd June, 2024) and close on Sunday 16th June, with paid shifts for 10 new co-workers up for grabs. Successful applicants will be able to flex their skills, help customers, and get promoted to move departments, just like in the real world.

Alongside the paid co-workers, the broader Roblox community, gamers and IKEA fans alike will be able to work, explore and experience the virtual world of IKEA on Roblox.

They can venture to IKEA’s famous Swedish Food Market and Bistro and serve up endless amounts of meatballs or stop over at the various showrooms and use famous IKEA products to organise the space – say hello to HEMNES heaven. All with the chance to win exclusive IKEA UGCs.

Darren Taylor, Country People and Culture Manager, IKEA UK and Ireland: “We’re excited to be the first brand to launch paid work on Roblox to showcase how we do careers differently, bringing our unique careers philosophy to life.  

 At IKEA, there is no set route to career progression. Our co-workers are able to change roles, switch departments, and grow in any direction they choose, both in the game or in the real world. There are many ways to learn and grow at IKEA, and that’s what IKEA on Roblox is all about.“

Virtual interviews for shortlisted applicants will take place for this fully remote virtual role on June 14th, 17th and 18th. Each successful applicant will be paid an hourly IKEA Co-Worker rate for their time on the game.

IKEA on Roblox, developed by The Gang, a Swedish game design company, launches on June 24th.

For more information, the full terms and conditions and details on how to apply, please visit:  http://thecoworker.co.uk

For more information about careers at IKEA and how they’re done different, please visit: https://ikea.ie/careers

*Paid players must be 18+ and in UK or ROI to apply. This promotion is not affiliated with Roblox.  Roblox is not responsible for the fulfilment of any compensation or rewards related to this promotion, nor will participation create or result in any employment or other worker relationship with Roblox.

HP Unlocks New Era of AI Experiences Powering Work and Creation

Today HP Inc. unveiled a new class of next-generation AI PCs at Microsoft’s AI Vision Event designed for the AI era to empower people to work and create more meaningfully.

The way we live and work is no longer confined to a desk; we are creating at home, from the office, and everywhere in between. At the same time, AI is rapidly changing everything, including consumer and professional expectations for productivity and creativity. More than half of early tech adopters believe AI will save them time, and 72% of business leaders believe AI will help employees focus on more productive work. Additionally, developers are releasing a steady stream of AI-enabled software designed for new experiences and capabilities that can only be unlocked with next-gen AI PCs.

To capitalise on both flexible work and AI, HP has created a new category of devices crafted for work and creation. Today, HP unveiled the HP OmniBook X AI PC and HP EliteBook Ultra AI PC, HP’s first next-gen AI PCs built from the ground up with the latest ARM architecture to harness the most powerful AI technologies.

Both devices are designed and engineered around the Snapdragon® X Elite processor[vii] and its dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU)6, capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) to run language models and generative AI locally on the device. Coupled with Copilot+ PC and its transformative features like Recall, these PCs supercharge creativity and productivity for a more personalised, powerful computing experience.

More AI apps are available every day, expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved with the newest HP next-gen AI PCs. Communicate and collaborate more effectively with AI tools that leverage gestures, facial expressions, and voice interaction to easily interact with others. Improve presentation skills in virtual meetings with real-time coaching and feedback powered by AI technologies. Create and edit photos, audio, and video faster than ever with AI-enabled software that make pro features easy even for beginners.

“In this transformative era of artificial intelligence, how we define an exceptional device is no longer about speeds and feeds – it is measured by our ability to create and enable meaningful breakthrough experiences,” said Alex Cho, President, Personal Systems, HP Inc. “We’re at the beginning of a new decade of personal computing that will redefine what a personal computer is. AI enables a fundamentally more personalised and creative experience we believe will empower people in both their personal and professional lives.”

Uniquely Designed to Break Barriers

HP’s latest next-gen AI PCs unlock capabilities beyond traditional PCs, running AI locally on the device for maximum performance, efficiency, and privacy with longer battery life than ever before. The HP OmniBook X and HP EliteBook Ultra are designed for tech-savvy freelancers and on-the-go leaders with a sleek design and the perfect synergy of AI-enhanced power and mobility.

  • Sleek & Versatile – As the world’s thinnest next-gen AI PCs with 26 hours battery life, these devices take productivity and creativity to new heights with unprecedented style and mobility. Both PCs feature HP’s new AI Helix Logo, reflecting HP AI engineering that delivers optimised performance and security for AI today. The HP EliteBook Ultra adds an additional layer of durability for commercial customers in a blue finish with a smudge-resistant Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating.
  • Lightning-Fast Responsiveness – With the HP OmniBook X and HP EliteBook Ultra, experience top performance without sacrificing portability. Open a large Microsoft Excel file almost 2x faster,  stream up to 12 hours of Microsoft Teams calls or binge up to 22 hours of Netflix streaming.
  • Responsibly Crafted – As part of the world’s most sustainable PC portfolio, both devices incorporate 50% recycled aluminium in the covers and 100% sustainably sourced materials for packaging, along with EPEAT® Climate+ Gold Registration and ENERGY STAR® Certification. Representing HP’s commitment to sustainability, the HP EliteBook Ultra’s three-year warranty saves costs and decreases downtime for professionals working in a mix of environments.
  • Intelligently Optimised to Power AI Experiences

With 60% of freelancers already using AI tools in their work, and 70% of developers adding AI to existing applications, HP architected the HP OmniBook X and HP EliteBook Ultra to take advantage of the newest features and software experiences, including:

  • Collaborate Authentically – As work requires collaboration in-person and virtually, state-of-the-art conferencing tools are critical. The new Poly Camera Pro uplevels virtual interactions across all collaboration and streaming apps across multiple cameras. Poly Camera Pro utilises the NPU to power AI enhancements like Spotlight, Background Blur & Replace, Auto Framing, and more, allowing the CPU to maintain performance more efficiently while preserving battery life.
  • Explore & Optimise – First available on today’s next-gen AI PCs, HP AI Companion uses AI to optimise the device for greater productivity while bringing AI tools locally onto the device.
  • Work Protected – As AI advances, trusted security measures are essential for AI PCs. Commercial users can confidently do their best work from anywhere on the HP EliteBook Ultra, with Wolf Pro Security Next Gen Antivirus (NGAV),[xix] which harnesses the power of machine learning to defend against new and known threats. As a Microsoft Secured-Core PC, the device is designed to protect the PC down to the firmware level with hardware security features that shield user credentials and other critical data.

Pricing and Availability

  • The HP OmniBook X AI PC is available for pre-order at HP.com with 1 TB storage and will begin shipping on June 18, 2024. The device will also be available at BestBuy.com.
  • The HP EliteBook Ultra AI PC is available for pre-order at HP.com and will begin shipping on June 18, 2024.

To learn more about HP’s new branding, including the new OmniBook lineup, visit https://press.hp.com/us/en/blogs/2024/branding-update.html.

Remote Resistance Despite Company Mandates, 92% of Irish Employees Seek Flexibility

Four years on from when the pandemic started, the Irish workforce is still debating the merits and downfalls of hybrid work patterns, according to insights gleaned from professionals and employers by global talent services company, Morgan McKinley.

Insights from the Global Workplace Guide found:

  • Preference for Hybrid or Remote Work: 92% of respondents in Ireland express a strong preference for continuing in a hybrid or remote work model
  • Employee Satisfaction: Professionals working in hybrid models express the highest contentment with their work patterns, with 59% willing to forego pay raises for desired flexibility
  • Remote Rewind: Despite employee preferences, 56% of companies globally are urging staff to return to the office more regularly
  • Employee Dissatisfaction: Onsite workers show higher rates of actively seeking new employment opportunities compared to hybrid and remote workers
  • Impact on Talent Attraction: Flexible working arrangements emerge as a crucial factor in talent attraction and retention, with 80% of hiring managers highlighting its importance.

The survey found that 1-2 days in the office is the favoured weekly working pattern for 47% of professionals, with a further 25% selecting 3-4 days in Ireland. Only 8% are happy to be in the office for the full 5 working days. The survey also revealed that half of employees would even skip a pay raise if it meant they got their desired flexibility.

Despite employee preferences, 56% of companies globally with 42% in Ireland are urging staff to increase their in-office presence, indicating a disconnect between employer and employee expectations. The research also showed the potential attrition of employees with 56% of respondents who work onsite five days a week are the ones most actively looking for a new job in the next six months compared to hybrid employees (41%) and fully remote employees (44%).

The survey also found regional differences from companies mandating for employees to return to the office with Hong Kong (91%), Australia (65%), Japan (62%), Singapore (61%), and China (59%) exhibiting higher rates of return-to-office mandates compared to 40% in the UK, 40% in Canada and 42% in Ireland.

Stephen O’Brien, Managing Director, Morgan McKinley, commented: “Four years post-pandemic, the global workforce is still grappling with the ongoing debate surrounding hybrid work models. Simply mandating a five-day-a-week office presence would likely encounter resistance and productivity dips. Our research underscores the resounding preference for flexibility, with 86% advocating for continued adoption of hybrid arrangements.”

“Companies, therefore, need to implement a strategic and mindful approach to this remote rewind. Striking the balance between flexibility and practicality calls for close collaboration through open communication channels and understanding the motivations driving employees’ desires for flexible work arrangements. 2024 will be a pivotal year to see if organisations see flexibility as not just a perk but a fundamental aspect of workplace cultures creating a more inclusive, productive, and resilient workforce.

The Morgan McKinley Global Workplace Study gathered insights about various hiring and workplace trends by surveying over 3400 professionals and 650 employers/hiring managers globally with 1100 professionals in Ireland.

HP’s Work Relationship Index Reveals AI’s Potential to Unlock Better Relationships with Work

Today at the HP Amplify Partner Conference, HP Inc. announced new findings from its Work Relationship Index, a comprehensive study that explores employees’ relationships with work around the world. The study, which surveyed more than 15,600 respondents across 12 countries, reveals that while the world’s relationship with work is strained and employee expectations are rising, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as a key to unlocking better relationships with work.

“Workers around the world are looking to senior leadership for guidance on how to navigate the AI terrain effectively: the stage is set for business leaders to seize the opportunity to both empower their employees and drive success,” states Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland.

“AI represents a significant opportunity to transform our work dynamics and unlock a more positive and productive environment for all. To foster greater understanding and acceptance of AI – and ensure employees know how to reap its benefits – business leaders must take the initiative to educate employees on AI’s potential and spearhead its effective integration.”

The World’s Relationship with Work Is Strained: AI Can Help

In today’s global workforce, there’s a notable strain in the relationship between individuals and work, with just 27% of knowledge workers reporting a healthy work relationship. Simultaneously, knowledge workers’ expectations of their relationship with work have surged, with 58% globally reporting that their expectations have increased over the past three years. This is particularly pronounced in growing economies, at 71%, compared to 50% of workers in mature economies.

AI’s potential to foster healthier relationships with work is well understood by the workforce – with business leaders and IT decision makers leading the way. 54% of knowledge workers, 72% of business leaders and 70% of IT decision makers see the role AI can play in improving work-life balance. To a similar extent, employees believe that AI can streamline tasks and make their job easier (business leaders 75%, knowledge workers 58%).

Notably, in growing economies, 76% of knowledge workers think AI will make their job ‘easier’ and 75% ‘more interesting’ (vs. 48% and 44% respectively in mature economies).

Business Leaders Must Guide AI Integration

The gap between business leaders, ITDMs and knowledge workers demonstrates the need for business leaders to effectively communicate the benefits of AI and educate employees on how to integrate it into their work processes – to help drive better business outcomes at the same time as strengthening individuals’ relationships with work. The survey showed that uncertainty persists regarding how best to use AI and take full advantage of it:

  • Almost 2 in 5 (42%) individuals feel unsure of when to use AI in the workplace.
  • 41% feel ill-equipped to harness AI’s full potential in their role.

With 73% of business leaders and 66% of knowledge workers advocating for proper AI training, there’s a clear call for organisations to prioritise upskilling initiatives to empower their workforce in embracing AI technologies.

Download the full Work Relationship Index ‘AI in the Workplace’ report here under “Download Latest Reports.”

One year after the launch of ChatGPT over 300,000 people in Ireland have used AI at work

New research conducted by Deloitte in Ireland shows that a little under 2 in 5 respondents (38%) were not aware of Generative AI. For those who were aware of the technology 49% of them were aware of ChatGPT. Over half of (51%) respondents who have used the technology used it “once or twice to try” or less than monthly, while 6% of respondents use it daily.

Speaking today on the publication of research undertaken with 1,000 Irish respondents on their awareness and use of Generative Artificial Intelligence, Colm McDonnell, Partner Risk Advisory with Deloitte said; “As we approach the first anniversary of ChatGPT’s launch, it is interesting that Deloitte research finds that over 300,000 people in Ireland have used the technology for work purposes. By far the most popular purpose of using Generative AI is for personal purposes while 34% of respondents use it for education. It is clear from these responses that the use of Generative AI will only increase with time and greater adoption. It is imperative that we prepare for increased adoption.”

Deloitte’s research also found that from those who have used Generative AI more than one in three (35%) believe it always produces factually accurate responses, and 31% agree that its responses are unbiased.

Colm McDonnell continued; “From our work we believe that Generative AI adoption is still at the early stages. As it is increasingly utilised, we as a society need to balance the requirements for trust and safety along with the need to harness the potential of technology. In our work with clients, we view trustworthy AI through six dimensions – impartial, transparent, accountable, secure, respectful of privacy and reliable. At Deloitte we believe the new regulations on the way from the European Union will be a crucial element in striking the balance between trust, safety, and the potential opportunities.”

Generative AI in the workplace 

Emmanuel Adeleke, Partner, AI & Data, Deloitte said; “We know from the Deloitte Digital Consumer trends research that 11% of Irish workers have used Generative AI in the workplace. This is despite the fact that amongst those respondents who were aware of these tools, 37% believed their employer would not approve of them using Generative AI for work purposes. It is fair to conclude that employers and employees would benefit from clarity around the acceptable and appropriate use of Generative AI. Furthermore, businesses will also have to look at how they engage with their customers, suppliers and regulators on these technologies. Like all transformative changes a certain lag-time between innovation and response is to be expected but it is vital that those managing businesses are proactive, open and accurate in all conversations on Generative AI. Deloitte’s research shows that AI is here to stay in the workplace, and that is unlikely to change.”

The impact of Generative AI on the workforce is also an issue that is front of mind for a lot of employees. Among those who were aware of the technology over 3 in 5 (62%) believed that Generative AI will reduce the number of jobs available in the future and almost half of respondents (46%) are concerned that Generative AI will replace some of their role in the workforce in the future.

Emmanuel Adeleke continued; “Generative AI presents a wide range of possibilities, such as freeing up time for employees to focus on tasks that matter most to their organisations. Our research shows that some of the workforce are already beginning to experiment to see how they can use, so it is important that employers and their employees communicate effectively about how and where the technology will be introduced, and what benefits it will bring. In Deloitte we believe that far more open and substantive engagement needs to take place about the implications of this new technology on tasks within the firm, both now and into the future.”

Emmanuel Adeleke concluded “While there is increasing industry awareness that Global AI regulations (e.g. the European Union AI Act) will eventually address ethics concerns, some organisations are hesitant to move beyond ad hoc AI experiments until they have regulatory clarity. Additionally, divergence in international approaches to regulation, while not a new phenomenon, will add complexity to the Al agendas in global institutions. We believe that Ireland can play an important role in this process. ”

Boom’s Work From Home Conferencing Kits Fuel Levelling Up Agenda

Boom Collaboration’s dedicated Work From Home conferencing kits have become the company’s best sellers this year, as more organisations look to level up their remote meeting technology.

Boom’s complete WFH kit features a plug-and-play MINI camera and GIRO wireless audio speaker – triggering a 28% rise in demand compared to the same period last year.

In addition Boom is reporting growing demand for its UNO vertical video bar (ideal for personal use) which has seen a 24% acceleration during 2023.

“There’s no doubt professional grade video and audio is the key to successful hybrid working,” says Boom co-founder Holli Hulett.

“Now the dust has settled on working from home practices, a clearer picture is emerging which enables companies to develop longer term strategies – with portable and powerful professional quality video and audio at the heart.”

She added: “Today, 60% of businesses globally have work from home policies with this number still growing in a post pandemic world. In addition, 30% of all employees are full-time remote workers while 62% work from home occasionally. The right equipment can significantly boost productivity while saving corporations money.”

Better meetings

The Boom MINI is a 1080p camera with a wide angle 90° field of view. It includes advanced focus technology, low light optimisation and two high sensitive mics.

The Boom GIRO audio device boasts 360°omnidrectional microphone pickup and full-duplex HD audio. Users can enjoy the convenience of wireless audio from a built-in lithium ion battery via Bluetooth or USB connection directly to a computer. 

“We believe in better meetings. Simply. Whether in the office or at home,” Holli emphasised.

Her views are echoed by fellow founder Fredrik Hörnkvist who highlighted: “Meeting equity has become one of the most important components for a successful hybrid work experience. People need to be seen and heard clearly in equal quality wherever they are based.

“Everyone needs an equal voice and presence so they don’t become alienated and feel inferior. The performance of equipment at home needs to match that in the office. During Covid there was a mad panic to buy just what was available. We know from our resellers that many organisations are now investing in upgrade programmes as part of a longer term vision. Consistency is key.

“More and more organisations are recognising this is the best way to deliver more collaborative and flexible ways of working. Our WFH conferencing kit has become a best seller this year closely followed by the UNO all-in-one compact video bar.”