• GAMERANT.COM
    The Best Survival Games For Slow Exploration
    Survival Games are often underestimated due to their limited graphics and due to being often released first in Early Access, but the truth is that some of these games offer the best slow exploration experiences to players who enjoy roaming the world leisurely and at their own pace.
    0 Comments 0 Shares 30 Views
  • VFXEXPRESS.COM
    One Hundred Years of Solitude: VFX Breakdown by El Ranchito
    El Ranchitos visual effects add a new dimension to the magical world of Netflixs One Hundred Years of Solitude. In the teams delicate yet immersive weavings in the narrative, they brought subtle yet deepened visuals which enriched the magical realism, defining the story.The artistry of El Ranchito blurs the lines between reality and imagination in creating atmospheric environments, delicate effects, and transitions that improve the mystical tone without overpowering the authenticity of the tale.This breakdown shows how the visual effects in El Ranchito elevate the adaptation, refining the balance between the real and the unreal, and making sure that the timeless legacy of Garca Mrquezs world is translated faithfully to the screen.The post One Hundred Years of Solitude: VFX Breakdown by El Ranchito appeared first on Vfxexpress.
    0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views
  • VFXEXPRESS.COM
    Framestore VFX Showreel 2024
    As 2024 draws to a close, Framestore is proud to look back on a year of incredible achievements and boundary-pushing work. From over 250 commercials and 54 film and TV projects to five massive ride experiences, our global team has pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation across every medium.This year, the work our teams have achieved earned us Oscar and Emmy nominations, VES and Annie Award wins, even a Webby for Best Virtual Experience. Of course, its impossible to put everything in here, but our VFX Showreel 2024 provides a view into the artistry, the dedication, and the technology that separates Framestore in the business.A heartfelt thank you to our incredible global team of artists, producers, and technologistsyour passion and commitment continue to redefine whats possible, inspiring audiences and collaborators alike. Heres to reframing the future together!The post Framestore VFX Showreel 2024 appeared first on Vfxexpress.
    0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views
  • WWW.DEZEEN.COM
    Holloway Li incorporates local craft heritage into Pozna hotel redesign
    Design studio Holloway Li has reimagined the interiors of the Puro hotel in Pozna, Poland, integrating natural materials, contemporary furnishings and locally sourced art to create "a layering of history".Drawing on Pozna's cultural and craft heritage, the studio aimed to capture the city's identity by weaving historical influences into the redesign of the hotel, which first opened its doors in 2014.Holloway Li has transformed the interiors of the PURO hotel in Pozna, Poland"We took inspiration from Pozna's craft heritage, from the streamlined forms and luxurious carriage interiors of the early twentieth-century trains produced in local factories to experimental 1970s glassware," Holloway Li co-founder Alex Holloway told Dezeen."The aim was to create a layering of history that business travellers, tourists and locals could enjoy."The reception desk is made of burnt red glazed tiles and raised on limestone plinthsHolloway Li transformed the existing ground floor and guest rooms, introducing site-specific designs to create a distinctive guest experience.The reception area features a curved desk crafted from burnt red glazed tiles and elevated on sculpted limestone plinths. A hand-tufted rug beneath it incorporates patterns and textures inspired by the nearby Old Market Square, while a pendant light suspended above adds a contemporary touch.A circular brass cutout offers a view of the lounge from the receptionAs a nod to Pozna's industrial history, a partition wall in the lounge is punctuated by a large circular brass cutout, referencing the design language of high-speed trains produced in Pozna's surrounding factories in the early 20th century.The lounge offers a mix of versatile seating options, including the studio's T4 armchairs in collaboration with furniture brand Uma, Swedish design company Fogia's sofas and a large co-working table with inlaid burl wood markings.The lounge offers a variety of seats, including Holloway Li's T4 armchairsA palette of natural materials, including solid oak, leather and glazed ceramics, enhances the sense of warmth and domesticity throughout the space.This material palette extends to the hotel's curated art collection, developed in collaboration with Puro's art director, Gosia Jankowska. The integration of local artistry was a key feature of the hotel's redesign, showcasing works by local artists, many of whom are connected to Pozna University.Read: Parts and Labor Design and Blue Flag Capital create "nostalgic" Nantucket hotel"The artwork curation was the result of working closely with Puro's art director Gosia Jankowska, who manages the hotel's growing art collection," said project designer Grey Grierson. "All the artworks on display are connected to Pozna and add an unexpected textural dimension to the space."Local craftsmanship is further celebrated through bespoke decorative elements such as glass windows for a private meeting room, which Holloway Li developed in collaboration with local manufacturer Riwal Ceramika i Szko.The design of the windows was informed by the art nouveau style of Pozna's historic townhouses and traditional crown glass.Bespoke glass windows were created for the private meeting roomThe hotel's restaurant continues this theme, with leather dining chairs and long banquettes that nod to the rail carriage interiors manufactured in Pozna during the 1920s and 1930s.To create a shift in the spaces as guests navigate through the hotel, the corridors take on a darker palette from the rest of the interiors with earthy red tones and dim lighting, guiding guests to lift lobbies clad in staggered pale limestone.The hotel's restaurant is furnished with leather dining chairs and long banquettesOutside the rooms, each guest room number was individually moulded and glazed by ceramics manufacturer Riwal Ceramika i Szko. Inside, Holloway Li introduced a simple colour palette layered with soft textiles to evoke a sense of home.The guest rooms feature a green datum with a rounded timber beading, while a gradient shower glass inspired by Polish glass homeware is the main focus of the bathrooms.The guest rooms feature a green datum with a rounded timber beading"There are moments of vibrancy which stand out from the natural palette," said Holloway. "In the guestrooms, we introduced a vibrant gradient to the shower glass inspired by historic Polish pressed glass homeware."The suites offer elevated touches, such as limestone side tables carved to complement the curvature of fabric headboards and bathrooms outfitted with green tiles and matching marbled sinks.Holloway Li is an interior design studio founded by Alex Holloway and Na Li in 2018.Other recent projects by the studio include an apartment with a kitchen inspired by a fish and chip shop and a 1970s-inspired advertising agency office.The photography is by PION Studio.The post Holloway Li incorporates local craft heritage into Pozna hotel redesign appeared first on Dezeen.
    0 Comments 0 Shares 2 Views
  • WWW.NYTIMES.COM
    Blue Origin Is Ready to Launch New Glenn Rocket After Critical Test
    The company, owned by the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, also received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to launch the vehicle to orbit.
    0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views
  • WWW.MARKTECHPOST.COM
    Quasar-1: A Rigorous Mathematical Framework for Temperature-Guided Reasoning in Language Models
    Large language models (LLMs) encounter significant difficulties in performing efficient and logically consistent reasoning. Existing methods, such as CoT prompting, are extremely computationally intensive, not scalable, and unsuitable for real-time applications or limited resources. These limitations restrict their applicability in financial analysis and decision-making, which require speed and accuracy.State-of-the-art reasoning approaches, like CoT, build structured paths for reasoning to improve the accuracy of logic. However, they are computationally demanding and not feasible for applications requiring responses within a short time or where resources are limited. They also do not scale well for handling multiple complex queries at the same time, which limits their application in production environments, especially in organizations with limited computing resources.Researchers from SILX AI introduced Quasar-1, a groundbreaking framework based on temperature-guided reasoning, to address these challenges. The two main components are the Token Temperature Mechanism (TTM), which dynamically changes the importance of tokens during reasoning, and the Guided Sequence of Thought (GSoT), which computes the optimal reasoning paths. This architecture reduces unnecessary computation and maintains logical consistency using token temperatures to focus on contextually relevant information. Architecture exemplifies considerable advancements, such as improved scalability, efficiency, and adaptability in practical applications.The framework is constructed upon a transformer-based design, supplemented by temperature-modulated attention mechanisms. The TTM computes temperatures specific to each token to steer reasoning throughout the layers, dynamically modifying token significance as the reasoning evolves. GSoT employs this temperature information to formulate both efficient and precise reasoning pathways. Quasar-1 has 24 transformer layers with 12 attention heads so that efficiency and effectiveness are optimally balanced. Empirical verifications for a range of different reasoning tasks ensure that theoretical foundations about convergence to an optimal solution are provided.Quasar-1 performs well, reaching 89.3% accuracy, beating models like GPT-3 and T5-Large. It reduces computational costs by up to 70% and ensures faster and more resource-efficient reasoning capabilities. The framework dynamically prioritizes critical tokens, allowing adaptive error recovery and logical consistency, which makes it fit for complex real-world tasks. These results underline its potential as a practical and scalable solution for environments where both efficiency and accuracy are vital.By employing temperature-guided reasoning and optimized decision pathways, Quasar-1 overcomes fundamental flaws in existing models, thus providing a scalable and practical approach to logical reasoning. Dynamic token prioritization and adaptive error recovery drive the AI domain forward with practical applications in diverse and resource-constrained environments. This represents a significant milestone in the quest for AI systems that are both highly efficient accurate and flexible.Check out the Paper. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. Aswin Ak+ postsAswin AK is a consulting intern at MarkTechPost. He is pursuing his Dual Degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is passionate about data science and machine learning, bringing a strong academic background and hands-on experience in solving real-life cross-domain challenges. [Download] Evaluation of Large Language Model Vulnerabilities Report (Promoted)
    0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views
  • WWW.CNET.COM
    Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks to Buy for Android in 2024
    Our Experts Written by David Carnoy Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. What to consider Budget Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on a portable charger or power bank. Power Capacity vs. Weight Chargers with a high charging capacity provide more power but they weigh more. That's of particular note if you plan on traveling with the charger in a purse, backpack or pocket. Wireless or corded charging? Android's standard for wireless charging is called Qi, and power banks that are fully Qi compatible offer faster charging speeds for Android devices than charging cables. Consider your daily needs and which charging mode is best for your lifestyle. Table of Contents Our Picks Best power bank with built-in USB-C cable InfinityLab InstaGo 5000 View details $45 at REI View details Slim high-capacity battery with USB-C fast charging Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD View details $26 at Amazon View details Most versatile portable battery Anker PowerCore III 10K Portable Charger View details $50 at Amazon View details Compact powerbank with fast charging Mophie Power Station Mini (2022) View details $40 at Zagg View details Best power bank that's also a 65W charger Anker 733 Power Bank View details $80 at Amazon View details Best value wall charger with built-in battery Anker PowerCore Fusion Portable Charger View details $30 at Amazon View details Best magnetic power bank with integrated stand Anker 622 MagGo magnetic battery View details $45 at Amazon View details Mophie Snap Plus Juice Pack Mini View details $29 at Walmart View details Best dual iPhone and Android portable charger myCharge Hub 4400 (Update: Out of Stock) View details See at Best Buy View details Power bank that converts into wireless charging stand Otterbox Folding Wireless Power Bank (Update: Out of Stock) View details See at Newegg View details Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Table of Contents What is the best portable charger for Android overall?Dont let a low battery slow you down -- start the new year fully charged with a reliable power bank. If your Android phone is a few years old and struggling to hold a charge or youre constantly on the go, a portable power bank or charger is your lifeline to staying connected. With so many options available, its important to pick one that suits your needs, from quick top-ups to all-day power. Weve tested and rounded up the best power banks for Android users, ensuring youre never left hunting for an outlet. Bonus: These power banks arent just practical -- theyre the perfect budget I thought of you gift for anyone still riding the post-holiday hustle.If you prefer using abattery case -- while nifty -- it comes with drawbacks. Some are bulky and heavy, and they can negatively affect wireless reception at times. Others are only compatible with your phone. That's why a dedicated portable charger or power bank is the better option, especially one you can store easily and take out only when you need it. With both wired and wireless models, there's a slew of options for keeping your Android device going.I've put together our top picks for the best portable charger for Android devices. Although they cost more, I like batteries that have an integrated USB-C output built into them so I don't have to worry about carrying around a charging cable for my devices. (The models with built-in USB-C cables should also work for iPad Pro devices.) I've also included some budget picks for folks who don't want to shell out as much for portable power. We have a separate power bank roundup for iPhones, but anything here without an integrated USB-C cable will work perfectly well with an iPhone (and non-Pro iPad models), so long as you provide the Lightning cable.Read more:Best Wireless Car Chargers and Mounts for 2024Best portable chargers and power banks for Android of 2024 Photo Gallery 1/1 $45 at REI Pros Includes integrated USB-C cable Also compatible with iPhones Slim, compact design Cons A little pricey Doesn't offer multiple full charges Battery 5,000-mAhCharge Output 10WSize/Weight 5.4 x 2.7 x 0.6 inches, 5.9 ouncesWireless Charging YesPorts USB-C, USB, integrated USB-C cablePrice $$$
    0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views
  • WWW.CNET.COM
    Best California King Mattresses for 2024
    Discover the top picks in the largest mattress size category.
    0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views
  • WWW.CNET.COM
    DreamCloud Mattress Review 2024: The Best Luxury Bed for Budget Shoppers, Tested by Experts
    8.0 /10 SCORE Our Verdict Our Verdict Best for: Back sleeper Stomach sleeper Score Breakdown Performance 8 /10 Policies 8.5 /10 Durability 8.5 /10 Features 7 /10 Pros and Cons Pros Thick, 12-inch construction makes for a supportive bed Firm feel keeps you from feeling "stuck" Suitable for stomach and back sleepers Cons Too firm for strict side sleepers Lighter individuals may find it too firm A little expensive for those on a tight budget Table of Contents Here at CNET, weve spent years rigorously testing a wide range of mattresses, so we know how to spot the ones worth your money. We also know not all mattress brands are created equal. Weve been reviewing DreamCloud mattresses for the better part of a decade. Over the years, we have seen various models come and go. We still remember when there was only one DreamCloud, and it was tan instead of dark blue -- man, those were the days.Today, there are six different DreamCloud beds to choose from, each varying in construction, firmness and feel. The DreamCloud is currently the brands most affordable offering but since everyone has their individual sleep preferences, it might not be the right fit for all. In this review, Ill cover the key things to know before buying it, including who its best suited for.Disclaimer: The Federal Trade Commission recently sued DreamCloud's parent company for falsely advertising that itsmattresses are made in the US.Watch our very own CNET senior video producer,Owen Poole, review the DreamCloud mattress. First impressions of the DreamCloud Credit: Jon Gomez/CNETThis bed arrived at our office with completely free shipping, packed inside of a large box. The unboxing process was straightforward: We took it out of the box, removed the packaging and watched the mattress quickly inflate. Initially, we noticed the bed was slightly misshapen, but after a night on our foundation, it fully expanded and took its proper shape.When we came back in the morning, the bed was ready to be tested. Compared to older DreamCloud models, this one has much less of a memory foam feel. The neutral foams in the quilted cover and the support coils provide a quicker response time. It also felt noticeably firmer than other DreamCloud beds weve tested in the past.The DreamCloud mattress firmness and feelWhat does the DreamCloud mattress feel like? Jon Gomez/CNETThis bed has less of a memory foam feel than previous versions, but wed still describe it as having a responsive memory foam touch. The support coils and neutral comfort foams help balance out the memory foam sensation. Theres a slight sink-in effect, but overall, the DreamCloud Hybrid feels more like a neutral hybrid mattress than a traditional memory foam bed.Other DreamCloud beds have more of a predominant memory foam quality. Since the DreamCloud Memory Foam uses support foam instead of coils, it has more of a memory foam feel comparatively. The DreamCloud Premier and Premier Rest beds also have thicker layers of memory foam for comfort, which gives them a softer, body-conforming quality.How firm is the DreamCloud mattress? Jon Gomez/CNETThis is probably one of the firmest DreamCloud mattresses Ive ever laid on. On our scale, it sits between a medium-firm and a proper firm. This makes it best for strict back or stomach sleepers looking for support over pressure relief, or for those who just want a firmer bed.While firmness is subjective from person to person, we have a machine at CNET that can pinpoint the objective firmness of a bed. The Mattress Smasher 9000 gave this mattress a firmness rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thats a bit softer than we felt the bed to be, but not by much -- what does a robot know, anyway? Were the ones who actually have to sleep on it.DreamCloud mattress construction Jon Gomez/CNETThis is a premium memory foam hybrid bed with a relatively simple construction. Its 12 inches thick and comprised of the following layers:1. On the bottom, youve got a thin layer of support foam that acts as a base for the beds main support system of pocketed coils. Those coils are extra-reinforced along the edges to provide a sturdy perimeter. 2. Next, theres a Dynamic Transition layer that acts as a buffer between the support and comfort layers of the bed. It also has Zoned Support to help keep your back aligned while you sleep.3. Above that, youve got the beds main comfort layer. In this case, its around 2 inches of dense, viscous memory foam. 4. Rounding everything out is a breathable, cashmere blend quilted cover. It feels nice and luxurious, with tufted mounds to go along with the notion of the beds cloud-like comfort.The DreamCloud mattress performance Jon Gomez/CNETMotion isolation Memory foam beds usually perform the best in this department, and wed say the DreamCloud mattress does a fine job at isolating motion. If you or your partner is a light sleeper, youll want a bed that doesnt reverberate a ton of motion. Luckily, this bed absorbs a good amount of cross-mattress movement on both sides. It might not deaden as much motion as a dense memory foam mattress like a Tempur-Pedic, but it will likely work fine for couples with light sleepers.Edge-to-edge supportThe DreamCloud mattress has great edge support. This is mostly due to the reinforced coils that run along the edges of the mattress. They definitely help to prop you up more when youre on the beds perimeter. We often observe firmer beds to have stronger edges than softer ones, since they have more rigidity and provide more support than pressure relief. And sometimes, softer beds bow on the sides more than youd like -- that puts us on edge.TemperatureThe cashmere blend quilted cover on the DreamCloud is designed to be breathable and soft to the touch. However, compared to beds that are designed to sleep actively cool, wed classify it as a temperature-neutral sleeping option. Though DreamCloud, along with many other brands, claims its beds sleep cool, a lot of that is just marketing noise. None of the DreamCloud beds offer active cooling, but they also shouldnt sleep too hot.Durability Since this is a premium hybrid bed with reinforced edges, Id say its plenty durable to last most couples for several years. In the long run, hybrid mattresses typically last longer than all-foam beds because support foams can degrade faster than coils, especially underneath heavier people. The DreamClouds hybrid design should be durable enough to last all body types for seven to 10 years -- and thats at the bare minimum.Who is the DreamCloud mattress best for? Jon Gomez/CNETThough the beds design is durable enough to handle all body types, its firmness and feel might not be right for everyone. Heres who we think this bed is best for.Sleeping position Keep in mind, this is a firmer style of hybrid mattress. Since its so firm, its best for strict back and stomach sleepers or those who prefer a very firm sleeping surface. (The same goes for the memory foam version of the bed.) If youre a combination sleeper looking for a bed thats around a medium firmness, Id steer you towards the DreamCloud Premier beds. If youre a strict side sleeper who wants a lot of pressure relief, Id consider the DreamCloud Premier Rest instead of the flagship DreamCloud -- trust me, youll thank me in the long run.Body typeAs mentioned, the construction of this bed makes it supportive enough to handle all body types, including heavier people. If youre more petite or average-sized, the DreamCloud mattress's support could be overkill for you. In that case, you could save money by going with its memory foam version.DreamCloud Hybrid mattress pricing SizeMeasurementsPrice Twin 38x75 inches$1,130Twin XL 38x80 inches$1,213Full 54x74 inches$1,463Queen 60x80 inches$1,613King 76x80 inches$1,963Cal king 72x84 inches$1,963Split king 78x80 inches$2,426 This is currently the most affordable mattress offering from the brand. For a more luxurious hybrid bed, its very reasonably priced. Plus, apply a discount to the queen-size version and you can expect to pay right around the $665 mark. Any queen-size hybrid bed thats available for under $1,000 is a great value in our book.Trial, shipping and warrantyDreamCloud backs this bed with some of the most generous policies found within the online mattress space. Its beds ship to you in a box for free, and once it arrives, you get a 365-night trial period to try it risk-free. If you don't like it within that timeframe, you can return it for free. If you decide to keep it, youre backed by a forever warranty. Just be sure to use the right foundation for the bed. Otherwise, you could void its warranty.How does the DreamCloud compare to other mattresses?The DreamCloud vs. Saatva ClassicIf youre looking for a more luxurious online bed, these are two top choices to consider. The DreamCloud is the much more affordable option between the two, but with the Saatva Classic, you're spending up for a more tangible sense of luxury. With its dual-coil construction, organic cotton cover with golden embroidery and the appearance of a luxurious five-star hotel bed, it exudes elegance. Plus, its available in three firmness options whereas the DreamCloud only comes in one profile. The Saatva Classic also has a more traditional feel. But if youre looking for a bed with more of a memory foam feel, it could be worth checking out DreamCloud over the Saatva Classic. The DreamCloud vs. Nectar Classic HybridNow, lets compare two of the most affordable memory foam beds available online. Both have coils for support, are on the firm side and are similarly priced for a queen size. That said, there are still some major differences between the two. The DreamCloud has less of a pronounced memory foam feel than the Nectar Classic Hybrid, which has a responsive memory foam quality. The Nectar bed also has a flatter sleeping surface, while the DreamCloud has a tufted, quilted cover. Long story short, if you want more memory foam, go with Nectar, and if youre looking for luxury, go with DreamCloud. The final verdictTheres no denying that the DreamCloud mattress is a quality bed for its price. Id look into it if you want a premium hybrid bed with a slight sink-in quality that's on the much firmer side. If you dont end up liking it, you can always fall back on the great return policy it comes with.You might like this mattress if: You want a supportive hybrid mattressYou want a responsive memory foam mattressYou like a much firmer mattress styleYou want a bed backed by great policiesYou might not like this mattress if: You're looking for an all-foam mattressYou prefer the feel of a neutral or latex foam mattressYou want more of a pressure-relieving mattress DreamCloud Hybrid mattress FAQs Is the DreamCloud mattress soft or firm? This is a pretty firm bed. Its a tinge softer than a proper firm on our scale, making it most suitable for strict back or stomach sleepers. If you're a combination sleeper who prefers a much firmer style of bed, you may also enjoy it. However, if youre a side sleeper, I highly recommend checking out the DreamCloud Premier Rest. It costs more, but it might be worth it for most side sleepers seeking pressure relief in their next bed. Is DreamCloud owned by Nectar? DreamCloud and Nectar are owned by the same parent company, Resident Home. Some other brands that fall under the Resident Home umbrella include Awara and Cloverlane. How long do DreamCloud mattresses last? Being a premium hybrid bed, the DreamCloud should last you for at least the next seven to 10 years, if not much longer. Hybrid beds are often thought to last longer than all-foam beds since steel coils last longer support-wise. For that reason alone, this bed should last you for many years to come, regardless of your body type.
    0 Comments 0 Shares 0 Views
  • WWW.FORBES.COM
    Reversing Return To Office Mandates And Other 2025 Work Predictions
    Lots of business people walking through big open space. People on the way to work, rushing via the ... [+] underground tunnel. London, UKgettyEach year comes with a string of surprising trends that impacts the way we interact with each other, manage our work and lives, and make sense of our world. Reflecting on the rollercoaster of 2024 and the post-COVID years, we should expect nothing less than constant change and further upsets to working norms in 2025.The following three are my top workplace transformation trends to watch out for, noting whats up and whats down, for 2025.Return To Office Mandates: DownIn late 2023, we saw increased mandates for workers to return to their offices after years of successfully working remotely during- and post-COVID. Resentment toward these policies built throughout 2024, leaving us all to question their effectiveness but not their popularity.Jumping on this backlash trend and reinforcing their work-from-anywhere policy, Spotify Chief HR Officer Katarina Berg told Raconteur, "You cant spend a lot of time hiring grownups and then treat them like children".Following Spotifys lead, we should expect to see fewer mandates and more support for remote work in 2025, including a demand for coworking spaces and results-only work environments (ROWE) where there is a focus on outcomes rather than on hours worked.Tolerance for Employee Surveillance and Monitoring: DownAs mentioned with the return to office mandates above, employees are pushing back against a lack of trust. With advances in technology come, too, advances in employee surveillance. Employees are frustrated with a common practice of prioritizing efficiency over employee wellbeing. Despite the detrimental impact on employee morale, the data is inconclusive as to whether increased surveillance and monitoring is even effective. Yet, ever more scrutiny has been applied to workers daily lives.Read More: Will 2025 Be The Year We Say Goodbye To Email?Most recently, AI emotional tracking has been used to detect employees biological emotion signals, such as their facial expressions, vocal tones, and other markers that can be used to create assumptions about their emotional states.The intrusion and lack of privacy are not being met with acquiescence; employees are outraged and calling for boundaries around what Big Brother can use against them.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Fatigue: UpWokeism, or the political term used to call out anything too progressive or too left leaning, is also on the rise. DEI programs and initiatives have been scrutinized, scaled back, and criticized. In some cases, initiatives have been introduced poorly without an evidence-base of support, people who represent majority groups are feeling fatigued after years of walking on eggshells, anti-woke accusations hurled by the political right are being leveraged as arguments against DEI, and costs need to be cut from somewhere.These are a few reasons why employees and leaders may be experiencing DEI fatigue.Intersectionality is only just being discussed, though its often not well understood. While the push for equity that considers intersectionality is vital for inclusion, the bandwidth for adopting and practicing inclusion at work is shrinking.Women and those from minorized groups may experience leadership challenges in this climate of DEI fatigue. In times of crisis, these individuals may be offered or pushed into leadership positions that are precarious, at best, and poisoned, at worst. This phenomenon identified by Professor Michelle Ryan and Professor Alex Haslam in 2007 as the glass cliff and was listed by MIT Sloan as a top 5 Working Definition of 2024. Something to look out for as companies in trouble look to bounce back using any means at their disposal.A New Year Of WorkBrace yourself for an exciting year of ups and downs. The future of work is constantly evolving and expanding. How will you make 2025 work for you?
    0 Comments 0 Shares 27 Views