Inside this edition:

What's New?

Vacation Ready?

You and Artificial Intelligence 

What is a Virtual Water Cooler? 

Birthday Giveaway!

Every April, I celebrate my birthday by giving a gift, and this year was no exception.  This year JS Publishing offered a 2022 Affirmation Calendar to anyone who logged in and downloaded the gift.  We hope that the calendar will provide monthly inspiration for those who received the calendar, and for those that missed the offer, there will be something next year. 

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Beta Testers

About two months ago, I put out a request on several social media platforms for anyone who would like to be a Beta Tester for "Living Your Best Life on Purpose." The response that I received was incredible, and for that, I am grateful.
 

Whoever could be a part of becoming a Beta Tester, each person was given access to the course, and they were to familiarize themselves with each module, do the course work, do the course activities, take the test, and provide essential feedback to foster a dynamic well-rounded course.  We met on Zoom bi-weekly to create a cohesive group.  We had a terrific dialogue each week we met (we are still meeting). Each Beta Tester has been instrumental in ensuring the course is the best that it could be.

Thank you for your time, talent, assistance, encouragement, guidance, and thoughtful support.  Their work is essential, and I am appreciative!

Living Your Best Life on Purpose!

Are You Vacation Ready?

Summer is coming, and many are ready to escape the everyday routine and take in rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. So, where will you be escaping to in the following months?

 
Wherever you decide this year for your destination, remember to check on the fluid (ever changing) mandates and criteria for each location or countries vaccination and testing mandates. Here is a checklist of things you will need to make the most of this year’s summer vacation.

Decide on Your Destination.

In December 2021, my husband and I ventured off to Egypt during the pandemic. Exploring Egypt was not only a childhood dream, but it was a transformational trip of a lifetime.  Decide where you want to visit; deciding on the destination is as important as the climate.  The destination is critical because it ensures that you can be comfortable and have a good time (e.g., climate, location, country, coastal, or dessert).

Research 

Once you have decided on your destination, it is time to do your research to maximize your vacation experience. I looked at the Facebook post from people who had traveled to Egypt, and I asked questions about the places they visited and recommendations on the company they used. You can ask your friends and family and read the information in travel groups or blogs.
 According to the US. Department of State, Bureau of Consulate Affairs, "Check for any Travel Advisories for your destination. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety and security messages and make it easier for us to locate and assist you in an emergency. Keep the contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with you. The services are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, overseas and in Washington, D.C. (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444) (US. Department of State, Bureau of Consulate Affairs, n.d. para1). 

Itinerary

Most people would list the budget next; however, first, I would create an itinerary on the places you would like to visit, including all costs. If you follow the itinerary, doing so prevents you from overspending—also, factor in your place to stay. Ensure you have looked at reviews for potential risks and the pros and cons of selected locations.
 

Budget
Preparing for the budget is a crucial step in your vacation. Since you will be traveling to a different place, you should prepare for the possible expenses (such as customary tipping, paying for tours, gifts, taxi rides, shopping, and foreign currency). Also, it is to ensure that you have emergency money if a bank is not available nearby. When traveling, spend the amount of money you have planned—following your itinerary helps with overspending. You do not want to go to a foreign place with insufficient funds; that happened to me in France once, and let me tell you, it was not fun.

Traveling outside of the United States COVID-19 Testing Required for U.S. Entry.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required at some music venues, sports arenas, and airlines — these are the best vaccine passport apps to download according to Business Insider, (2021). Clear Health Pass    VeriFly       Clear

International Travel

VaxYes 

VaccTrack

The International Air Travel Association announced that it's working on releasing a Travel Pass app for airline passengers to prove their test results and vaccine information. 

Final thoughts, vacations are an excellent way to relax, destress, and reset for the remainder of the year; however, your planning and preparation are more crucial now than ever before.

Wherever your road leads you this summer, enjoy your vacation!

You and Artificial Intelligence 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is rapidly changing today’s workforce as we once knew it to be.  AI is impacting the future of virtually every industry; and has acted as the primary driver of emerging technologies like big data, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).  AI will continue to act as a technological disrupter for the foreseeable future.

How will AI change your future?

Here is a good indicator: "Of the 9,100 patents received by IBM inventors in 2018, 1,600 (or nearly 18 percent) were AI-related. Here is another: Tesla founder and tech titan Elon Musk recently donated $10 million to fund ongoing research at the non-profit research company OpenAI — a mere drop in the proverbial bucket if his $1 billion co-pledge in 2015 is any indication" (Thomas, 2022, para 7).

• Transportation: Although it could take a decade or more to perfect, autonomous cars will one day take us all from place to place. Manufacturing: AI-powered robots work alongside humans to perform a limited range of tasks like assembly and stacking, and predictive analysis sensors keep equipment running smoothly.

• Healthcare: In the comparatively AI-nascent field of healthcare, diseases are more quickly and accurately diagnosed, drug discovery is sped up and streamlined, virtual nursing assistants monitor patients, and extensive data analysis helps to create a more personalized patient experience.

• Education: Textbooks are digitized with the help of AI, early-stage virtual tutors assist human instructors, and facial analysis gauges students’ emotions to help determine who’s struggling or bored and better tailor the experience to their individual needs (Thomas, 2022).

• Media: Journalism is harnessing AI, too, and will continue to benefit. Bloomberg uses Cyborg technology to help make immediate sense of complex financial reports. The Associated Press employs the natural language abilities of Automated Insights to produce 3,700 earning reports stories per year — nearly four times more than in the recent past.

• Fast Food Industry: Now and shortly, robots will cook the fries. The future of Fast Food is increasing automation and reducing labor costs; by automating repetitive tasks to address labor shortages and improving the customer experience, advances in AI have the potential to transform the entire fast-food industry. The 2018 QSR Drive-Thru Study revealed employees often struggle with order memory; they make mistakes when taking those orders down and extend wait times when dealing with a mistake (Carpenter, 2019). 

• Customer Service: Google is working on an AI assistant that can place human-like calls to make appointments, for instance, at your neighborhood hair salon. In addition to words, the system understands context and nuance, and even sarcasm (Thomas, 2022).

In the final analysis, AI is here to stay. On a daily basis, we use AI with Google, Grammarly, Siri, or Bixby; Amazon and Walmart are heavily invested in drone deliveries. We use social media feeds, music, and streaming services such as Spotify, Netflix, and Fandango Vudu. We use Smart Key Apps and Smart speakers.

We play video games with AI, such as Fortnite, Forge of Empires, Grand Theft Auto, and Madden 22. We interact with Online Ads; we use AI to travel and help with navigation; we do our banking and investments. Oh, and do not forget the smart home devices, security and surveillance equipment, healthcare, and E-commerce. As you can see, all of our lives are impacted by artificial intelligence daily. Whether we are using our smartphones, buying products online, on social media, or listening to our favorite music, AI is impacting our choices in one way or another. 

Reference

Carpenter, R. (2019). Are Artificially Intelligent Employees the Future of Fast Food? Quick-service restaurants need to be prepared to capitalize on emerging technologies. Retrieved from https://www.qsrmagazine.com/outside-insights/are-artificially-intelligent-employees-future-fast-food#:~:text=What%20AI%20Means%20for%20Future%20of%20  

Thomas, M. (2021). The Future of AI: How Artificial Intelligence Will Change the World: Is AI really the world's greatest future technology? 7 ways AI can change the world for better ... or worse. Retrieved from https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence/artificial-intelligence-future

What is a Virtual Water Cooler? 

A virtual water cooler is described as employees' casual interactions between tasks.  Working onsite, early morning or late afternoon, employees gather in the break room, at the coffee maker, or in the elevator in a traditional office setting. However, in 2022, these same minor quips of communication translate into intentional meetups and chats via Slack, Zoom, GoToMeeting, or Google Meet at the start of a meeting, or over lunch through a video call such as Duo or Facetime. 

According to Pew Research Center, 93% of Millennials own smartphones compared with 90% of Gen Xers and 68% of Baby Boomers. More than 25% of Millennials use mobile phones as their primary sources of content, as compared with 17% of Gen Xers and 7% of Baby Boomers, and 40% of the Silent Generation (74 to 91). 

Research has also documented that virtual water cooler talks are crucial for the well-being of your team. Having a virtual water cooler before or after a meeting may help maintain a solid balance between work and other little things that keep us connected to world news and our friends, families, and passions. 

According to Teambuilding (2022), there are several ways to have practical water cooler activities for team building.  Creating a remote team hangout on social media is an unconventional yet effective way to foster connection among virtual teams. You can create a closed group on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Water Cooler Trivia

At my last job, the 9th floor was known for someone putting some type of trivia on the wall; this activity fostered one of the most incredible ways to meet people and see how they saw the world. Trivia is one of the most accessible and fun games for virtual water coolers. You can install a Slack app like Water Cooler Trivia to facilitate games automatically or post questions to the group in a thread or video call. 

Cultural Clubs

In traditional offices, colleagues may join a company softball team, play board games over lunch, or hang out after work at their favorite pub. Remote offices can have clubs and take a poll and see what works at your organization.
 

GIF Wars

GIF wars are a fun virtual water cooler activity anyone can participate. It's fun and competitive. Your organization can do this by installing a Giphy extension on your platform. From time-to-time issue challenges, such as "your weekend plans," "when a client calls you the wrong name," or "the worst GIF you accidentally sent." You can make this a game or contest with prizes.
 

Below the Iceberg (one of my favorites)

Below the Iceberg is an activity that promotes co-workers getting to know one another; the activity helps co-workers learn more about each other’s personalities and personal lives. Any staff member can initiate the game, and colleagues can also share random thoughts, news, or images between challenges.
 

Snacks or Coffee Breaks

Food brings people together, especially at work. In offices, coworkers gather in communal kitchens to scavenge leftover birthday cakes. Although less spontaneously, virtual offices can still enjoy group snacks or coffee breaks. Schedule a time to take a break together.

Organizational tip: Send remote snack boxes to employees to enjoy during calls.

Basecamp
Basecamp is an all-in-one remote work platform with multiple communication features such as forums, instant messaging, teams, personal polls, group chat, and check-ins. You can use what you already have if you have a capable platform. 

At the end of the day, getting work done well is one of the most important goals. However, creating a network of connected co-workers is essential to complete that goal.

Reference

Teambuilding.com, (2022), Virtual Water Cooler Conversation Topics, Questions & Ideas. Retrieved from https://teambuilding.com/blog/virtual-water-cooler

Pew Research Center, (2019). Millennials stand out for their technology use, but older generations also embrace digital life.  Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/09/09/us-generations-technology-use/

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