#digital workplace platform

[sumitkala]

9 Reasons: Why Does Business Needs A Complete Digital Workplace Platform

Maintaining a competitive edge demands more than well-structured office space and a dedicated workforce in today's rapidly evolving and fiercely competitive business environment. The digital transformation era has ushered in a paradigm shift in how businesses operate, where agility, collaboration, and efficiency reign supreme. This is precisely where the significance of a comprehensive digital workplace platform comes into play. A digital workplace platform seamlessly integrates many digital tools and technologies to furnish employees with a cohesive and streamlined workspace. This blog post will delve into nine compelling reasons businesses must adopt a complete digital workplace platform.

Empowered Collaboration:

A complete digital workplace platform offers various collaboration tools that shatter communication barriers. With features such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and document sharing, teams can collaborate seamlessly, irrespective of their geographical locations. This not only fosters innovation but also expedites project timelines.

Heightened Productivity:

Digital workplace platforms provide employees unfettered access to all the tools and information they require; all consolidated in one place. This diminishes the time spent searching for documents or navigating between different applications, ultimately boosting productivity substantially.

Flexibility and Remote Work:

The proliferation of remote work has emerged as a defining trend in recent times. A digital workplace platform empowers employees to work from virtually anywhere, granting businesses access to a global talent pool and the adaptability needed to thrive in evolving work scenarios.

Efficient Document Management:

Document management can often be a formidable challenge, especially for large organizations. A digital workplace platform boasts robust document management features, encompassing version control, access permissions, and advanced search capabilities, ensuring that critical information is systematically organized and easily retrievable.

Centralized Information:

Through a digital workplace platform, businesses can consolidate their information sources, mitigating the risks associated with data silos. This guarantees that employees have access to up-to-the-minute information, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and enhanced alignment across the organization.

Enhanced Security:

Data security is a paramount concern for businesses today, and digital workplace platforms are purpose-built with security in mind. They frequently come equipped with advanced security features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and regular updates to fortify defenses against cyber threats.

Elevated Employee Engagement and Satisfaction:

A well-executed digital workplace platform can have a transformative impact on employee engagement and satisfaction. It equips employees with the tools necessary to excel in their roles while fostering a profound sense of belonging and connectivity, even in remote work arrangements.

Cost Savings:

While investing in a complete digital workplace platform might appear as a substantial upfront expense, it typically translates into significant cost savings over the long haul. Reduced office space requirements, diminished travel expenditures, and heightened operational efficiency contribute to a healthier bottom line.

Scalability:

Businesses undergo growth and evolution, necessitating adjustments in their digital infrastructure. A highly scalable digital workplace platform can readily adapt to the evolving demands of your organization. Whether you are a fledgling startup or a sprawling multinational corporation, a digital workplace platform is poised to evolve alongside you.

In summation, adopting a complete digital workplace platform is no longer a matter of luxury but a fundamental necessity for businesses intent on thriving in today's digitally driven world. By investing in such a platform, companies can elevate collaboration, amplify productivity, fortify security, and adeptly navigate the dynamic landscape of modern work. Embracing the digital workplace is not merely a strategic maneuver; it stands as a formidable competitive advantage that can position your business for enduring success in the foreseeable future.

[weconnectintranet]

Get now Best Employee Engagement Tools & Platforms.

Assuming that you're uncertain about which representative commitment apparatus is appropriate for you, simply relax — Weconnect Intranet has you covered. Our proficient Innovation Consultants will furnish you with a free, no-bother waitlist of the best employee management solutions and programming for your organization's necessities. Complete the structure in the sidebar or at the highest point of the page to get your free programming suggestions today!

What is Employees   engagement  platform ? Representative commitment is the personal association which a representative feels towards their association, that impacts their amount of exertion in business related exercises. The principal reason for representative commitment is to establish a workplace where representatives love and care about their work.

Engage each director in your association to further develop worker commitment with continuous bits of knowledge that show them precisely where to concentrate their endeavors to increment representative execution. Weconnect Intranet representative commitment programming stage makes it simple to pinpoint insight, commitment and efficiency drivers, so you can act continuously to make an elite organization culture.

Further develop worker commitment across the association

Act rapidly on continuous information to resolve issues

Perceive what your activities mean for worker work environment efficiency and

hierarchical KPIs

Empower directors with information and activity arranging

Decrease undesirable and expensive wearing down.

Further develop Efficiency

A major piece of connecting with employee for improved efficiency at work lies around perceiving their endeavors and conveying significant compensations to lift their fulfillment levels. With a worker commitment programming suite, pioneers can ensure everybody gets continuous appreciation from both their bosses and companions.

Advance Imagination

Representatives who feel elevated in view of consistent appreciation packaged with other work benefits profoundly associate with their hierarchical objectives and are proactive in producing the smartest thoughts for satisfying them.

Lower Representative Truancy and Turnover Rates

Now an employee communication platform executed over a product stage guarantees that everybody approaches every one of the parts of the program for higher commitment rates that further prompts better worker maintenance and diminished non-appearance at work.

 Weconnect Intranet is a representative advantages and markdown stage that permits workers to save while they shop with cash back arrangements and limits. The Weconnect Intranet stage is continually refreshed with corporate intranet platforms from top brands.

[maxlearnmicrolearningplatform]

3 Ways to Stay In Compliance During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for businesses worldwide. Beyond the immediate health concerns, companies must navigate a complex landscape of regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of their employees and customers while maintaining operational continuity. Staying in compliance during this period is critical not only for legal reasons but also for fostering trust and ensuring the well-being of all stakeholders. Here are three essential strategies to help businesses stay in compliance during COVID-19.

1. Adhere to Government and Health Agency Guidelines

The first and most critical step to staying in compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic is to adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth by government bodies and health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and local health departments. These guidelines are designed to minimize the spread of the virus and ensure public safety.

Monitoring Updates

COVID-19 regulations and guidelines are constantly evolving as new information about the virus emerges. It is crucial for businesses to stay informed about the latest updates. Designate a compliance officer or team responsible for monitoring announcements from relevant authorities. Regularly review official websites, subscribe to updates, and participate in industry-specific webinars and briefings.

Implementing Safety Protocols

Based on the guidelines provided by health agencies, businesses should implement comprehensive safety protocols. These may include:

Social Distancing: Reconfigure workspaces to ensure employees can maintain a safe distance from one another. Limit the number of people in common areas and consider staggered shifts or remote work arrangements where possible.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that all employees have access to necessary PPE, such as masks, gloves, and face shields. Provide training on the proper use and disposal of PPE.

Sanitation and Hygiene: Increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces. Provide hand sanitizing stations and encourage regular hand washing. Display signage promoting good hygiene practices.

Health Screenings: Implement health screening procedures, such as temperature checks and symptom questionnaires, for employees and visitors. Establish protocols for managing suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Documenting Compliance Efforts

Maintain thorough documentation of all compliance efforts. This includes records of health screenings, cleaning schedules, PPE distribution, and employee training. Documentation not only helps demonstrate compliance during inspections but also supports internal reviews and continuous improvement efforts.

2. Foster Clear and Consistent Communication

Effective communication is essential for ensuring that all employees understand and adhere to COVID-19 compliance measures. Clear and consistent communication helps mitigate confusion, reduces anxiety, and fosters a culture of safety and responsibility.

Developing a Communication Plan

Create a comprehensive communication plan that outlines how information will be disseminated to employees, customers, and other stakeholders. The plan should specify the channels to be used, the frequency of updates, and the key messages to be conveyed.

Using Multiple Channels

Utilize a variety of communication channels to reach all employees, including email, intranet, virtual meetings, and physical postings. Ensure that communication is accessible to all employees, taking into account language barriers and varying levels of digital literacy.

Regular Updates

Provide regular updates on COVID-19 developments, changes to safety protocols, and any new compliance requirements. Regular communication helps keep everyone informed and reinforces the importance of adhering to safety measures.

Encouraging Feedback

Encourage employees to ask questions and provide feedback on the implemented measures. Create a safe environment where employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns. This feedback loop can help identify potential issues and improve compliance efforts.

3. Leverage Technology for Compliance Management

Technology can play a significant role in helping businesses stay in compliance with COVID-19 regulations. By leveraging digital tools and platforms, companies can streamline compliance processes, enhance monitoring, and ensure accurate record-keeping.

Health Monitoring Apps

Consider implementing health monitoring apps that allow employees to self-report symptoms, log temperatures, and receive notifications about potential exposures. These apps can help quickly identify and respond to health risks, ensuring timely interventions.

Digital Training Platforms

Use digital training platforms to educate employees about COVID-19 safety protocols and compliance requirements. Online training modules can be updated regularly to reflect the latest guidelines and can be easily accessed by employees, ensuring they stay informed and compliant.

Contact Tracing Solutions

Implement contact tracing solutions to monitor interactions within the workplace. Digital contact tracing tools can help quickly identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19, facilitating timely isolation and reducing the risk of further transmission.

Compliance Management Systems

Adopt comprehensive compliance management systems that integrate various aspects of COVID-19 compliance, from health screenings and PPE inventory management to documentation and reporting. These systems can automate many compliance tasks, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Conclusion

Staying in compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic is a complex but essential task for businesses. By adhering to government and health agency guidelines, fostering clear and consistent communication, and leveraging technology, companies can navigate these challenges effectively. These strategies not only ensure legal compliance but also promote the health and safety of employees and customers, helping businesses maintain trust and resilience in uncertain times.

Businesses that prioritize compliance and proactive safety measures will be better positioned to protect their workforce, sustain operations, and contribute to the broader effort to control the spread of COVID-19. As the situation continues to evolve, ongoing vigilance and adaptability will be key to staying compliant and safeguarding the well-being of all stakeholders.

[onixcloud]

Google Cloud advances AI with Vertex AI Search, empowering companies to create advanced search tools using Generative AI. New Vertex AI capabilities cater to healthcare, allowing providers to search clinical info and review patient records.

[kc22invesmentsblog]

Enhancing Financial Literacy: Key Changes for a Better Future

Written by Delvin Low financial literacy is a pressing issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. To empower individuals and promote financial well-being, it is crucial to address the gaps in financial literacy education. In this blog post, we will explore key changes that can help improve financial literacy and create a more financially aware society. 1. Comprehensive…

[legal101]

Legal101

Legal101: A modern digital workplace platform designed for Law Firms

[vbeyound]

Maximize Productivity with Microsoft 365 and Power Platform

From automating processes to making data-driven decisions, an intelligent ecosystem powered by Microsoft 365 and Power Platform can help your organization thrive. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of using Microsoft 365 and Power Platform together and how they can transform the way your business operates.

Microsoft 365 and Power Platform: Get the benefits of an intelligent ecosystem

As companies digitize, automation is more important than ever—and it’s not just about operating more efficiently. Automation frees up your employees to do more important tasks that require their human intelligence and creativity. In the digital age, we’re seeing a rise in intelligent systems that can analyze data and make decisions based on what they learn from it. To achieve this level of automation at scale across multiple platforms, you need reliable infrastructure that can handle high traffic loads while keeping data safe from cyber threats. That’s where Microsoft 365 and Power Platform come in: they enable businesses to build an intelligent ecosystem across their organization so they can make decisions faster and stay ahead of the curve.  

Build a digital workplace 

It’s not just technology that makes the digital workplace a compelling idea. It’s also about people and their needs for collaboration, mobility, and security—and how Microsoft 365 can provide those things to employees. 

In the digital workplace, employees are able to focus on what matters most: getting their work done in an environment where they can be more productive working together. They have access to the tools they need no matter where they’re located or what device they’re using. And by leveraging Office 365 services such as Teams (messaging), SharePoint Online (file sharing), Planner (project management) and Yammer (social collaboration), organizations gain insights into how teams collaborate across geographical boundaries while maintaining compliance with corporate policies governing sensitive data within these environments.  

Seamless networking with better security 

Security is a top priority for any organization. As cyber-attacks like phishing, malware, DDoS, and others become more sophisticated and frequent, security teams are under pressure to stay one step ahead of hackers. 

Microsoft 365 can help you achieve this goal by protecting your data and systems from attacks and breaches while reducing risk of data loss. By leveraging Microsoft 365 security features such as Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), Windows Defender ATP, Intune App Configuration Service (ACS), Azure Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), Cloud App Security (CAS) for SharePoint, SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business along with Power Platform capabilities like User Provisioning MA & DB Access Controls etc., you can secure all your applications across hybrid cloud environments – on premise or in Office 365 – ensuring that your business meets compliance requirements. 

Elevate your team’s productivity 

When it comes to your team’s productivity, collaboration is key. The more seamlessly a team can work together, the more value they can create for your company—and themselves. Microsoft 365 and Power Platform make it possible for teams to engage actively in discussions and brainstorming sessions, collaborate on documents in real time, and track their work with ease. 

Microsoft 365 enables teams to work together seamlessly by integrating with Power Platform through Dynamics 365 CRM Online and Office 365 Groups. When you connect these two products within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, you get access to shared email inboxes (via Outlook), calendar feeds (via Exchange), file sharing tools (via SharePoint), voice conference rooms (via Skype Meetings) and more. This connected ecosystem allows each member of your team to have seamless access through any device or platform—and makes sure that everything stays organized so no one misses out on important conversations or opportunities. 

Innovate and grow with AI, analytics and data 

Microsoft 365 helps your business optimize processes more intelligently by giving you access to tools like Power Platform, Azure AI, Dynamics 365 Online, and Office 365 Groups. When you connect these four products within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, they give you access to a wide range of insights into your business data. 

Since Microsoft Power Platform is built on a foundation of AI and analytics, these technologies work together to provide insights that can help your organization innovate faster, create new products and services, expand into new markets and more. The platform also contains an extensive data management layer (DML) that allows you to easily track how your customers interact with your business—and make changes based on what you learn! 

But one of the most important benefits of these solutions for any organization is that they create a connected ecosystem that allows each member of your team to have seamless access through any device or platform—and makes sure that everything stays organized so no one misses out on important conversations or opportunities! 

Accelerate digital transformation across businesses 

The rapid pace of business change is having a profound impact on how companies innovate, compete, and manage. Digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about driving strategic value through new ways to engage customers and partners, manage operations more efficiently, increase productivity and create new revenue streams. 

Microsoft 365 can help you deliver the services that matter most to your customers in a way that’s consistent across devices, apps, and data centers. It also comes with integrated security capabilities that protect against threats such as advanced malware attacks or insider threats from employees accessing sensitive information without authorization. 

With the right information, you can make smarter decisions and move faster. Automation is a key part of this process, but it’s important not to take it too far. For example, many organizations use automation so heavily that they end up making several steps redundant and slowing down their development cycle because they’re trying to automate processes that shouldn’t be automated at all. 

The same goes for data usage. The more intelligence we have about our customers and partners, the more we can improve our products and services over time—but only if we know what to do with all this information! 

When businesses see value in the combination of Microsoft 365 and Power Platform, they see value in automating processes and turning data into actionable insights that drive intelligent business outcomes. 

Conclusion 

In summary, the combination of Microsoft 365 and Power Platform provides an ecosystem that supports intelligent business outcomes. The ability to automate processes, turn data into actionable insights and deliver the technology when your employees need it most will help your digital workplace operate at higher levels of efficiency and productivity than traditional systems.  

VBeyond Digital offers complete Microsoft Services deployment and management solutions that cover everything from your collaboration, productivity, networking, and security to digitization needs.  

To understand how we can help you, check out our solutions here.

[lifebloa]

BİT-LİFE-UNBLOCKED - DEVASA+

This blog post will explore how to access BitLife without limitations, whether you're at school, work, or anywhere else! We’ll dive into the thrilling mechanics of BitLife play, showcasing the depth of decision-making and creativity it offers. Plus, we’ll discuss the broader world of unblocked games, making it easier for you to enjoy your favorite titles wherever you are. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with life choices, challenges, and endless fun!

Bitlife Unblocked

When it comes to navigating the world of online gaming, few titles have captivated players quite like BitLife, a life simulation game where players can make choices that shape the course of their virtual life, and now with the availability of bitlife unblocked, enthusiasts can dive into this engaging experience without the hindrance of access restrictions typically imposed by schools or workplaces.

Through the unblocked version, found at https://bit-life-unblocked.github.io, players can seamlessly engage in the bitlife play experience, which encompasses exploring endless scenarios ranging from career choices to relationship decisions, thereby allowing players to live out any life they desire without the typical barriers that often come with traditional gaming setups.

By discovering other unblocked games that are similar in nature, one can enrich their gaming library and ensure that the fun does not end with BitLife, all while enjoying the freedom to play from any location, making the decision to indulge in the world of bitlife unblocked one that every aspiring virtual life simulator should consider.

Bitlife Play

When it comes to enjoying a virtual life simulation, one cannot overlook the appeal of bitlife play, a game that allows players to navigate through various life choices and experiences, making it not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, as each decision shapes the character's destiny in unexpected ways.

For those seeking to indulge in an uninterrupted gaming experience, bitlife unblocked is an excellent choice, as it provides access to the game without the restrictions that often come with traditional gaming platforms, making it accessible to anyone looking to have fun during breaks or while on a different site.

Additionally, fans of browser-based entertainment are often on the lookout for unblocked games to enjoy during their downtime at school or work, and that's where features of https://bit-life-unblocked.github.io come into play, facilitating easy access to bitlife play without any hassles, ensuring that the joy of living a digital life is merely a click away

Unblocked Games

In the ever-evolving landscape of online gaming, unblocked games have garnered immense popularity among players seeking a break from their mundane routines, providing an enticing escape into the realms of fun and creativity.

Among the various options available, BitLife play stands out as a game that allows users to simulate the trials and tribulations of life decisions, engaging them in a unique way that encourages reflection on their own real-life choices and paths.

For those looking to indulge in their gaming passion during breaks or at school, the site https://bit-life-unblocked.github.io offers a reliable platform where you can seamlessly access and enjoy BitLife unblocked, ensuring that you can explore this captivating life simul

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Medieval Times invents a modern union-busting tactic

In the summer of 2020, I committed a minor heresy: I published a column that argued that — contrary to the orthodoxy of free culture and free software advocates — the term “IP” has a very crisp meaning: “IP” is any law or rule that can be used to control one’s critics, competitors or customers:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

In free culture/free software circles, the term “IP” is viewed as a smokescreen, one that indiscriminately blended a basket of unrelated regulations and laws (copyright, trademark, patent, trade secrets, anticircumvention, noncompetes, nondisclosure, etc) and then declared them to be “property” and thus sacred to the neoliberal religious doctrine.

In my column, I argued that the policies grouped under “IP” were not an incoherent mess — rather, they all shared this one trait that made them useful to those who had, advocated for, or tried to expand “IP”: they were tools that would allow you to reach beyond your own business’s walls and exert control over the conduct of others — specifically, competitors, critics and customers.

Take trademark: Apple engraves miniature logos onto the parts inside your iPhone, which you will likely never see. But these logos allow Apple to argue that when someone breaks up a dead iPhone for parts sells them to independent repair shops that compete with Apple’s repair monopoly, they are violating Apple’s trademarks:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/evk4wk/dhs-seizes-iphone-screens-jessa-jones

Or take DRM: DRM is useless for preventing copyright infringement (if you want to break the DRM on, say, an audiobook, you need only do a quick search). But because breaking DRM is illegal, Amazon’s Audible — the monopolist that controls the audiobook market — can prevent a rival like libro.fm from offering you a way to switch from Audible to its platform and move your audiobooks with them:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/07/25/can-you-hear-me-now/#acx-ripoff

Anyone performing a security audit of a modern digital product most likely violates some IP — either terms of service, or DRM, or both, or some other right. When these security researchers criticize manufacturers for their insecure products, the manufacturer can silence them with IP threats:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/10/canada-chile-security-researchers-have-rights-our-new-report

IP rights also prevent you from using the things you own in the way you want — they can control customers For example, IP rights allow your printer to refuse to print with ink of your choosing — it’s not that your printer can’t use that ink, rather, it won’t:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

Ever since I published that piece, I’ve noticed lots of examples of IP that fit within this box, and today, I found a particularly egregious one. Medieval Times has sued its workers’ union, Medieval Times Performers United, under trademark law:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/medieval-times-sues-union-trademark_n_63485fa5e4b0b7f89f54546b

Medieval Times argues that its workers can’t call themselves “Medieval Times Performers United” because this will fool people into thinking that the company endorses the union, and that is a source of “consumer confusion,” and thus a trademark violation.

This is, of course, bullshit. Trademark contains a broad “nominative use” exception: trademark doesn’t let Coca-Cola stop Pepsi from claiming, “Our drink tastes better than Coke.” It doesn’t let HP prevent companies from advertising “HP-compatible ink cartridges.” It doesn’t let Apple prevent shops from saying “We fix iPhones.”

The union is contemplating mounting a defense at the National Labor Relations Board — not in a courtroom — “arguing that the lawsuit itself violates workers’ rights.”

It’s part of a broad union-busting campaign from Medieval Times, including anti-union “consultants” who bill $3,200/day. The performers are unionizing over pay, respect and workplace safety issues caused by inadequate staffing, especially staff who police the audience to prevent them from spooking the horses during jousting tournaments. Some performers have been attacked by drunken audience members.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/medieval-times-workers-first-union_n_62bb1d29e4b0d26a9b14fa17

[Striking workers in front of a factory, being fired on by teargas. Between them and the factory are a pair of jousting knights in the style of a medieval tapestry. Behind the factory looms a giant, ogrish boss in a top-hat, chomping a cigar. He is pulling on a lever made from a stylized dollar sign. In one gloved hand, he holds aloft a medieval night, who is bent over in supplication.]

[queeranarchism]

Hej, I just came across your post about carbon emissions and energy and may be I am wrong but it seems to me to be the entirely wrong approach to reduce consumption on the indivdual level. Because for instance I can't reduce my energy any further in a meaningful way with out compromising my wellbeing. Maybe if I shut down using my computer - which I can't for occupational reasons, plus it would isolate me for good. Well we can go of course the full way and declare electricity a mistake. Would inconvience a whole lot of people, kill plenty of them too and so on. But hey! there's been some emission avoided! Well that is just my opinion and may be I am just too negative

It is aboslutely 100% true that we can not meaningfully reduce CO2 emissions by reducing consumption on an individual level.

Of course we can do some things, like 'eat plant-based and local when possible' and 'don't fly' and 'repair instead of replace' but the impact of these things is minor compared to the total CO2 output and it isn't realistic for most of us.

Simply put: I can not get rid of my car if there is no bus service. I can not repair my phone if companies are allowed to deliberately make phones that can not be repaired. I can not eat local if everything is monoculture mass-argiculture for walmart. I can stop flying, but it is no good if all the private jets stay airborne. I can take shorter showers, but it's no use if the massive digital billboard next to my house is using more energy per month that i use per year.

The real massive reduction that we need requires a full societal transformation. Which means ending capitalism and going from a profit driven economy to one that is based on meeting collective needs while reducing CO2 wherever possible. Which means that when it comes to electricity and battery use, we prioritize human needs like medical care and accessibility devices, NOT the latest gaming platform or super car.

This will be a society without private jets, without fossil fuel mining, without advertising, without unnecessary plastic trinkets, without fast fashion, without mega-farms, without cryptocurrency, without bullshit jobs, without the military-industrial complex, without a constant stream of more wireless and battery operated gadgets. But it will be a society with broadly available and affordable public transport, with locally organized and sustainable food production, with medical care for all, with worker control over the workplace, with free repair-workshops everywhere, and more.

I can't imagine every aspect of that world because I am only one person with limited knowledge of all aspects of producing the things we need, but I know it starts with moving from a society organized around profit to a society organized around meeting human needs, including our very immediate need to stop climate change to prevent even more suffering than has already been caused by climate change so far.

[zeldahime]

Uh, holy mother of god. I am not voting for you. "Don't call me another Tiffany G." girl you are worse. You are literally a Republican, and a stupidly naive one at that.

This is the Audrey R. that is running for the board of the OTW. Full unrolled thread (formatting cleaned up for readability) under the cut:

A 🧵To clear up misinformation spreading about me online: 1) I ran for office once as an Independent candidate, and once as a Republican.

2) I am not and never have been pro-censorship. I have been more vocal in my support for freedom of speech in schools than any candidate who has run in my elections. Public schools are the backbone of our society and I will support them until the end of time.

3) When I say in my Q&A responses that I do not understand a question, I spoke about it with fellow candidates, one of whom is a Fanlore member, and still did not understand the question.

4) Regarding EOTWR, I never said that they don’t have members who are also volunteers. I said they did not recruit people who are volunteers to run for the board. At the end of my statement I suggest that they do so and further engage with those people who are in positions to make change at this moment.

5) Regarding the criticism of my political choices, that is perfectly valid. There is not much you can say that has not been said to my face.

6) Accusing me of homophobia and transphobia is absurd. I worked within the party to push acceptance and a revision of the party platform to remove the language that marriage is exclusively between one man and one woman.

I stand in solidarity with queer Southwest Missourians and will continue to do so regardless of my party affiliation.

7) The harassment and vitriol and misinformation being spread about my workplace is untenable. You can insult me, call me names, whatever helps you sleep at night. At the end of the day, I work for a research institute that is one of the few places advocating for children to lead healthy lives in a digital world and working to protect their access to information in states like mine. Their work is important to me, and it should be important to all of you as well.

8) I am not withdrawing my candidacy. I will not concede to the loud voices who are insisting I am “pro-censorship,” “another Tiffany G,” or in any way homophobic / transphobic etc. If you care so much, volunteer.

If you care so much, run against me. Don’t vote for me if you don’t want to. I have no qualms about losing; I’ve done a lot of it. I know how to take an L, but I will not allow my workplace to take potshots on my behalf. Your beef is with me, not the Institute.

[weconnectintranet]

[ladybird-scribbles]

On the Death and Rebirth of Third Places

As is typical of the constant content cycle of the 2020s, recently my social media feeds became filled with discussions on the ideas of "Third Place" and "Third Space". This first began as a screencap of a Twitter thread, then video essays on YouTube, and SubStack articles on the loss of third places and the loneliness epidemic of today. Therefore, I decided to undertake a deep dive of these phenomena...

What is a Third Place?

Oftentimes third places and third spaces are confused, and used interchangeably, however occupy different meanings. We can attribute the concept of the Third Space to post-colonial critical theorist Homi K. Bhabha, who describes it as a metaphorical space of negotiation.

Paraphrasing Bhabha, the three forms of Space can be summarised thus:

First Space - direct spatial experience, physical spaces, such that can be measured

Second Space - spatial representation and the abstract

Third Space - the liminal inbetween, where ideas and people blend together.

The Third Place comes from a similar root concept, but focuses more on the physical space and activity rather than on the abstract. Originally coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in The Great Good Place (1989) each Place is defined as such:

First Place - the home, someone's refuge, nest, and point of closest connection with others

Second Place - the workplace, where people spend most of their time

Third Place - congregational neutral ground, a mix between First and Second places that is both and neither.

Traditionally, the Third Place would be a community hub such as the church, or the local pub, as well as leisure spaces such as the library, sports grounds and social clubs. One might also consider shopping centres, cafes,

Hostility in Third Places:

A tweet by Salem @aWildSalem on Twitter - (who uses third space as the term rather than third place, but means the latter)

"People really built a society with no third spaces, made it illegal or unsafe to be outside, and then blamed phone use for making teenagers depressed. I've had this conversation with multiple parents. They want the phones to be the source of the problem because they don't want to admit that we have created a physical environment that is hostile to teenage existence."

It seems clear to me that this does not solely impact today's teenagers, but the entirety of society. Third spaces these days are typically either commercial or digital, both of which sets limitations on users and connections. A coffee shop could be considered a third space, however you still need to purchase something, e.g. a coffee, in order to justify using the space. Public parks are often home to hostile architecture discouraging lingering and loitering - decorative sculptural benches that become uncomfortable after a short period, or no seating at all, have become increasingly common in public spaces to discourage rough sleepers, which not only makes the space intentionally hostile to homeless people, but also to disabled people and to the elderly, who need spaces to sit. Therefore these public spaces become less appealing and more threatening for a significant number of citizens and these spaces limit opportunity for connection as we are pushed away from them.

On the flipside, in recent times there has been a growing an argument that social media is the new Third Place to combat the loss and degradation of physical Third Places. Arguably this can only apply to forums such as Discord, where curating an online community, rather than pushing products and services, is seen as the goal. Discord started as a server platform for gamers, with voice, video, and chat functions, creating a digital communal space like a club would but without the physical and spatial presence of said clubhouse - bringing people together from all across the world over shared interests who may otherwise have never met. Friendships and relationships blossom in the digital realm in ways that were not possible before the internet and instant communication. During the Covid-19 pandemic, digital third places became for many people the only communal space they could occupy without risk, as public spaces required social distancing and limits on numbers, and there was the ever-present risk of coronavirus. Forums and servers continue to provide safe spaces for communities who might otherwise be treated with hostility in the physical world.

The issue with this is that by not having visibility in the physical world, these communities can be pushed further away from it and further into online-only interactions.

Public Space and Performance

How much does your performance affect your perception of the space around you?

The Second Place is centred entirely around the idea of Performance - the workplace is where you are your most productive: creating, manufacturing, providing in order to earn a living and sustain yourself, in the hopes of more freedom as you work up the chain of command. This constant productivity also demands constant performance - in the service sectors, one must be polite, approachable, knowledgeable, well-dressed. For women this can mean a face of makeup and a structured bra, for example.

We return home to our First Place - makeup is wiped off, bra cast aside and discarded on the back of a chair, to be rediscovered tomorrow in a wild rush. We unmask into comfort after providing a Performance from approximately 8am to 5pm, depending on what "work" looks like. Longer, if we have to work overtime or face a lengthy commute.

Therefore, the Third Place is an inbetween of the two - we are naturally expected to behave well as this is a public realm, but how we present ourselves should be to our own comfort levels.

What intrigues me about these topics is not only the death of the Third Place, but the blurring between First and Second Places. Growing up, the idea of somebody working from home was a rare one - my father, a notable exception who worked from home before it was cool, still has his home office in the tiny box room I had once called mine as a toddler (the room still has the same blue carpet and the same farm animals dancing around on the wallpaper). He has worked from home for around 25 years now, and for most of that time, he was the only person I knew of who used home as a workspace. This all changed with Covid-19 and the pandemic - universities rushed to put their students into online learning, workplaces shuttered and sent employees home with laptops to eke out existence on the kitchen counter, surrounded by everyone else at home trying to do the same thing. Pure chaos, perhaps?

However, four years on hybrid working is a highly sought-after job attribute, and people appreciate the flexibility it gives them to avoid as much commuting and to spend much-needed time with loved ones. However, this has come at the expense of home privacy - where does "work" end and "home" begin if you are operating in the same series of rooms day-in, day-out? Does working from home make it harder to switch off from work-mode, and vice-versa? Working from home removes a significant chunk of the performance that office work requires - by this I mean dressing well, platitudes about how peoples' weekends were, listening to the standard radio station rather than playing your own music - although this can look different for everyone - however it also removes some of the connectivity that we need as adults which is harder to come by than when we were at school. In school, you made friends by proximity. In adulthood, that method of friendship seems far more rare. Some people may find their "work bestie" and it blossoms into true friendship, others see work colleagues as people they share a building with and that's the extent of it. Add to this hybrid working, and we see colleagues less frequently and have less chance to make meaningful connections with them. Gone are the conversations clustered around the water-cooler... and sometimes working from home means the only conversation someone might have is a five minute Teams call pushing for a project, where the receiver ends the call and thinks "That could have been an e-mail."

This all feeds back into the growing loneliness epidemic - loneliness was declared a "global public health concern" in the tail end of 2023. Covid-19 has accellerated what was already a burgeoning issue before the pandemic as we were de-socialised over a series of lockdowns.

Much of what I am exploring in this thinkpiece feeds back into each other in a loop - pushing people away from physical Third Places causes hostile environments which pushes people further away, for example. Children not having space to play can lead to lonely, isolated young adults who don't know how to connect in the real world.

On the other hand - I have hope that despite the odds communities persevere and grow, creating new Third Places for people to congregate. I am lucky enough to live in a town with a thriving craft scene, multiple book clubs, and a clear community spirit that has been evident for decades and that the town itself is very proud of. Believe me, it makes a massive difference.

FURTHER READING / VIEWING: - https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-community/a10494-third-spaces-in-architecture-edward-soja/

Chapter 4, Section 4.4 and Chapter 5 in Foucault for Architects, Gordana Fontana-Giusti, 2013

Mina Le - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqjpuUJQFcM - "third places, stanley cup mania, and the epidemic of loneliness"

NotJustBikes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvdQ381K5xg - "The Great Places Erased by Suburbia (the Third Place)"

Elliot Sang - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ku9csXhvJY - "Nowhere to Go: The Loss of Third Places"

[onixcloud]

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In a nutshell, Duet AI in Google Workspace is like having a tech-savvy sidekick that enhances your workflow, allowing you to discover new capabilities and reap the rewards of improved business processes.

[yashaswigroup]

Tips for Effective Communication in the Workplace

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful workplace. It fosters collaboration, drives efficiency, and helps to build a positive work environment. Whether you’re a manager, team member, or working remotely, mastering the art of communication is essential. Workplace communication refers to the exchange of information, ideas, and messages between individuals within an organization. This includes interactions between colleagues, managers, and employees, and communication with external stakeholders such as clients or suppliers ensuring that organizational goals are met. Here are some essential tips to enhance your communication skills in the workplace.

The Importance of Effective Communication at Work:

Communication is crucial in the workplace as it enhances collaboration and teamwork by ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. It boosts productivity by enabling efficient information sharing, allowing employees to perform their tasks more effectively. Additionally, it is key to resolving conflicts quickly and fairly, which helps maintain a positive work environment. Open lines of communication between management and employees foster a sense of belonging and value, thereby increasing employee engagement and morale. Furthermore, a communicative environment encourages the sharing of ideas and feedback, driving innovation and creative problem-solving. Finally, clear and concise communication provides the necessary information for making informed decisions, ensuring the organization functions smoothly and effectively.

Types of Workplace Communication:

Workplace communication encompasses various forms, each playing a crucial role in ensuring effective information exchange and collaboration. Verbal communication including face-to-face interactions and calls, facilitates real-time discussions. Non-verbal communication involves body language and visual aids, to support messages. Written communication, such as emails and reports, provides detailed information

Additionally, digital communication has become increasingly significant in the modern workplace. This includes social media platforms used for internal communications, employee engagement, and information sharing. Digital tools and collaborative platforms streamline teamwork and project management, regardless of physical location. These methods collectively ensure clear and efficient communication, fostering a productive work environment.

Tips to Develop Communication Skills at Work

Developing strong communication skills at work is essential for fostering a collaborative and productive environment. Active listening is crucial; focus on the speaker, avoid interruptions, and provide feedback to show that you value their input. Strive for clarity and conciseness by being clear and to the point, avoiding jargon, and ensuring your message is easily understood. Employ empathy and emotional intelligence by understanding and respecting others’ perspectives and emotions, and responding thoughtfully. Maintain open-mindedness by being receptive to new ideas and different viewpoints, encouraging others to share their thoughts, listening without prejudice and being aware of body language, ensuring your non-verbal cues align with your verbal messages. Choosing the right medium for your message is also vital; while email is suitable for detailed information, face-to-face or video calls are better for sensitive discussions, and instant messaging works for quick exchanges.

Providing and soliciting feedback regularly is essential for continuous improvement, and it should be specific, behaviour-focused, and solution-oriented. Leveraging digital communication not only bridges geographical distances but also enhances collaboration through various tools designed for efficient information sharing and teamwork. Demonstrate adaptability by tailoring your communication style to suit different audiences and situations, and being flexible and responsive to the needs of your team and organization. Practice cultural sensitivity by being aware of cultural differences and adjusting your communication style accordingly, respecting diversity, and striving for inclusivity. Lastly, commit to continuous improvement by seeking opportunities to develop your communication skills through training, workshops, and practice, and reflecting on your interactions to learn from experiences.

Mastering effective communication in the workplace is an ongoing process from mastering active listening and empathy to leveraging diverse communication mediums and continuously honing one’s skills, prioritizing effective communication is paramount for navigating the complexities of modern workplaces. By embracing these principles and committing to ongoing improvement, individuals can create a culture of open dialogue, innovation, and shared understanding, ultimately propelling their organizations toward sustained growth and achievement.