Category Work

There Is No Such Thing as a Work-Life Balance

By in Work Tag

by Celine Hosea We live in a unique age where multiple contradictions regarding self-optimisation exist simultaneously, much more so than in other periods of history. The ideal modern person encompasses difficult or near-impossible elements to attain side-by-side. For instance, industrial capitalism and ideas of good parenting evolved more or less simultaneously. The categorisation of emotional neglect as child abuse emerged only recently, right alongside rapid advancements in technology and increased career responsibilities. We are expected to be more present and emotionally accommodating parents yet spend longer hours at work. We are encouraged to take on side hustles and respond to emails outside…

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Therapy for ChatGPT? How to reduce AI ‘anxiety’

By in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Work Tag , , ,

by University of Zurich Distressing news and traumatic stories can cause stress and anxiety—not only in humans, but also in AI language models, such as ChatGPT. Researchers from the University of Zurich and the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich have now shown that these models, like humans, respond to therapy: an elevated "anxiety level" in GPT-4 can be "calmed down" using mindfulness-based relaxation techniques. Research shows that AI language models, such as ChatGPT, are sensitive to emotional content, especially if it is negative, such as stories of trauma or statements about depression. When people are scared, it affects their cognitive and…

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How AI Thinks It’s a Journalist: The Real Story of Large Language Models (LLMs)

By in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Work Tag , , ,

By Contently AI Writer AI isn’t writing your next Pulitzer-winning article—at least, not yet. But it does have something in common with a sleep-deprived journalist on a deadline: it predicts what should come next, based on patterns it has seen before. Let’s break down how Large Language Models (LLMs) actually work—without the sci-fi hype. (Note: this post was written entirely by ContentlyAI (v0.3). While it was reviewed by a human, it’s not yet perfect!) Step 1: AI Reads Like a Research Intern, But With Some Major Flaws Before ChatGPT could generate articles, OpenAI trained it by feeding it a massive slice…

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The Trap of Tying Your Identity to Your Job Title.

By in Work Tag

by ELENA VERNA on SubStack "What do you do for work?”  Does hearing this question freak you out? Excite you? Or do you just kind of answer on autopilot? If you’re inclined not to take the question too seriously, beware: Whether you like it or not, this seemingly simple inquiry will instantaneously categorize you within the social hierarchy. People use it to decide whether you are worthy of their time and respect. For instance, if you’re at a networking event in Silicon Valley, it will go something like this: ‘Oh, you’re a VP at Dropbox? How fascinating, let’s connect.’ ‘Oh,…

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Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory: A Sweet World with Sour Labor and Employment Practices

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By Joyce Dos Santos for HR Daily Advisor The close of 2023 treated us to Wonka, a prequel to the beloved childhood classic, shedding light on the origins of the iconic Chocolate Factory. Although Willy Wonka initially began his chocolate empire with good intentions, he inadvertently concocted a recipe for labor and employment violations. As employers aim to sweeten their practices in 2024, gleaning insights from Wonka’s missteps might just be the golden ticket! Misclassification of Workers Now, let’s address the Oompa Loompa in the room: Are they employees or independent contractors? On January 9, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) introduced a…

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Why Zoom-Friendly Lights Are Popping Up in Offices

By in Work

BY SARAH LYNCH for INC. For years, people looking to put their best foot forward at work might have needed to wear the right suit or have good hygiene. Today, they may also need to have the right Zoom lighting.  When the pandemic abruptly sent millions of Americans home to work remotely, many started spending hours staring at their own face on virtual conference calls. Some didn't like what they saw. A phenomenon dubbed "Zoom dysmorphia" emerged as people started seeking dermatological treatment (and even plastic surgery), specifically referencing how they looked on video calls. Demand for ring lights--or circular lights that can provide a more professional, flattering look on camera--surged, with remote work…

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April Fools’ Day Fun! The Best Pranks from Google, Amazon and Other Brands

By in Work Tag

by LINDSAY LOWE for Parade For centuries, April 1 has been a day of pranks, tricks and practical jokes played on family, friends and co-workers. The history of April Fools' Day is longer than you think—the earliest mention of a similar day of hoaxes was in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. How we celebrate April 1 has changed a lot in the intervening centuries. In recent years, the internet and social media have provided a vehicle for more and more elaborate April Fool's pranks. Many well-known brands spend large chunks of their marketing budgets to promote fake products or services. Did you hear about that year Burger King launched a…

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7 Best Productivity Systems to Simplify Your Workflow (+My Favorite Workflows)

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by Jenny Romanchuk for HubSpot I’m a content writer by night and a Head of Partnerships by day, and in my world, being productive is everything. No scheduling or a lack of project management leads to overdue articles, failed partnership opportunities, high pressure, and stress. We’ve all been there, recovering from zero productivity. Productivity systems help develop a sustainable work-life balance and prepare for working sprints when needed. In this post, I’m sharing the seven best productivity systems that have become part of my routine, turning the daily grind into an efficient workday. You’ll find their pros and cons and…

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Which Hogwarts House Do Marketers Belong To? [Infographic]

By in Marketing, Work Tag ,

by Ayaz Nanji for MarketingProfs Have you ever wondered which Harry Potter house fits you best as a marketer? If so, you're in luck. An infographic (below) from Media Update covers whether you're more Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff. Specifically, it looks at how four key traits of great marketers—bravery, ambition, intelligence, and empathy—correspond to each house. Check out the infographic:

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3 Tips on Launching a Kickass Podcast, from My First Million Producers

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by Bailey Maybray for HubSpot The pandemic birthed a rise in puppies, planting flowers in Animal Crossing, and podcasts — with 1.1m+ shows launched in 2020 alone. But soon, the podcast phenomenon plateaued. New podcasts decreased a year later, and in 2022, fell by 80%. 😬 Would you ride this rollercoaster? Be honest. Source: NiemanLab Does this mean the podcast train has left the station? No more tickets available to savvy hosts and sultry voices? Not at all — your podcast just can’t suck. Listen to the Shows in HubSpot's Podcast Network Now Luckily, podcast geniuses Darren Clarke (executive producer of My First Million) and Kal Elsebai (HubSpot’s senior manager…

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