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Jet Set Your Life: The Art of Budget Friendly Travel

2023-03-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Spring’s long-awaited arrival brings much anticipation for the activities that come along with more sunlight and warmer weather. There’s a contagious eagerness to take more trips, stay longer, and go bigger. People are recognizing the value in travel experiences again, locking in travel plans earlier and planning vacations further out into the next calendar year. And, with business travel resuming there may be a renewed desire to tack on a few days to a trip to explore a new destination.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, there are many ways to stay within a pre-determined budget. In fact, just by being an AARP member, doors open to a wide range of benefits and discounts that can help you plan an affordable trip without compromising on the experience — whether it’s for spring or summer break to a weekend getaway or road trip.

“The good news for AARP members is the member benefits program offers a variety of discounts not only in the U.S., but across the globe,” said Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, travel expert, JetSetSarah.com. “These discounts and other perks make all aspects of travel planning possible without going over your budget.”

Pinpoint Your Destination

Deciding on a location that’s perfect for you and your travel companions is no easy feat. It’s best to start with identifying why you are traveling. Are you looking to relax and get a break? Or are you looking to discover and explore different cultures? Here are some top factors to consider that can help in planning:

  1. How many days are you taking off for your trip? Pro tip: factor in time for travel day(s)
  2. Do you have a passport or is domestic travel your preference?
  3. What type of activities do you like? Beach or mountains? Hiking or sailing? Shopping and sightseeing?
  4. What are your budget parameters? Pro tip: Distance doesn’t always mean more expensive. Some destinations mean higher airfare, but the lower day-to-day costs balance it out.

Securing Budget-Friendly Lodging

Finding appropriate accommodations for your interests, travel style and your budget is just as important as choosing the destination for your trip. After long days of sightseeing, swimming, hiking, shopping, or exploring a new or familiar city or beach town, you’ll want a safe, clean, comfortable place to relax and unwind. There’s strength in numbers — AARP members can choose from one of the 2,900 Holiday Inn Express locations worldwide. Members can also choose from over 900 La Quinta® by Wyndham hotels in the U.S. and Canada and receive 10% off the best available rates. AARP members staying at Best Western can save 5% or more off the best available rate and earn 10% more bonus points per stay by joining Best Western Rewards® for AARP members. Headed to a Hilton? AARP members save up to 10% off the best available rate, with late checkout until 2 p.m., when available. Plus, members can use these benefits at any one of 19 brands within Hilton’s portfolio, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and more.

Managing Your Transportation

Nothing ruins a good road trip more than car troubles. Before you hit the open road or even during, AARP members can take advantage of discounted auto services from Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM and Allstate Roadside. With Valvoline, members can save 15% off drive-thru, stay-in-your-car oil changes — including a free 18-point safety check*. The discount also applies toward preventive maintenance services like radiator, transmission and differential services, air filter or wiper blade replacements. You’ll be able to start your journey with peace of mind, knowing your car is in tip top shape. Hopefully your trip is smooth sailing from the start, but if you hit a bump in the road, Allstate Roadside plans provide you with up to 20% off on an annual membership including Roadside Assist and Roadside Elite. Plus, your benefits include 24/7 towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more.

If you don’t want to put miles on your personal vehicle, renting a car is a good option. AARP members can take advantage of up to 30% off base rates with Avis or Budget and a 3% credit to use on other rentals within 12 months. Plus, you get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), and an additional driver at no cost and more. Driving one-way from the Southeast to Northeast? For a limited time, you can also enjoy great deals on daily and weekly rates!

Hassle-free Planning Assistance

Planning is a snap with the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, a one-stop shop where you can book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. AARP members can also earn a $50 gift card of their choice when they book any flight vacation package, which can be redeemed at popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and more!

Pack Smartly

Packing smartly for vacation could be considered its own art form and doing it strategically can prevent needless extra spending. Consider details such as weather, planned activities, access to a laundry room, and necessities like toiletries, sunscreen and bug spray. Write out a list and then lay the items out a week before travel. Remember that you can re-wear a few pairs of shorts or pants to save on packing space. No matter where you go this year, don’t forget to optimize your travels by taking advantage of the benefits and savings available to AARP members, and visit: https://www.aarp.org/travel/.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

*Applies only to accessible/applicable items. At participating locations.

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From satellite to streaming: 5 tech trends to watch

2023-03-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – It seems like every day we hear about a new technology that will improve some part of our lives — from AI at work to smart devices at home to cars that remind us to stay in our lanes. As technology advances, many of these innovations are becoming more mainstream and accessible — helping to improve our lives, our work and our connections to each other.

From new satellite technologies to enhancements in video streaming, here are five tech trends to watch.

AI keeps advancing

Artificial intelligence (AI) may sound like something out of science fiction, but you’ve probably already encountered it. If you’ve asked your phone a question (and it answered) or chatted with a customer service agent on a website, you have actually used AI. Recently, tools like ChatGPT — an AI engine that anyone with a computer can try — have gained popularity for their remarkable accuracy in answering questions and offering up surprisingly natural information. As AI becomes more ubiquitous, it will change the way we work and interact with each other. Moving forward, look for AI to become more integrated into the software you use at work.

Augmented reality gets real

You’ve probably heard about the “metaverse.” Although it sounds like a cartoon universe, the metaverse is real in that it’s a digital world where people communicate using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Some predict the metaverse will evolve to become the next iteration of the internet. While the metaverse is likely years away from showing up in every living room, some of its features, like AR and VR, are growing more common for entertainment, education and training. For example, National 4-H, America’s largest youth development organization, is using augmented reality to help make complex topics like satellite technology more fun and engaging, as in this activity answering the question, “How Does Satellite Internet Work?” presented by HughesNet.

Streaming services go mainstream

People everywhere have become dependent on streaming video services — whether subscription-based or free. In fact, up to 80% of all internet traffic is video! While this appetite shows no sign of slowing in 2023, market dynamics could change how streaming services serve up video content to consumers. With some introducing advertising into their content and others restricting password sharing, consumers should be on the lookout for changes to their subscription services. In 2023, many viewers will likely return to traditional services like cable TV.

Rural America gets more options for high-speed internet

For decades, rural America has relied on a host of options to get connected to the internet, including DSL, fixed wireless and satellite internet. Thanks to new innovations, these services are getting better — and one is poised to change how communities beyond the reach of fiber access high-speed internet. New multipath technologies like HughesNet Fusion Plans combine satellite and wireless technologies to deliver a high-speed, reliable internet experience with reduced latency. The plans use the best connection for online activities at any given time to deliver a fast and more responsive internet experience. Equipped with more data than ever, expect multipath offerings like HughesNet Fusion Plans to grow in popularity in 2023.

Consumers get serious about cybersecurity

Nowadays, almost every aspect of our lives can be found online. From banking, to shopping, social media and work, our online footprints are larger than ever. Not surprisingly, so is the threat of cybercrime. Everyone must beware of Internet fraud, identity theft and tactics like “phishing” — where cybercriminals send emails designed to trick us into sharing personal or financial information. But with the help of new tools and technologies, such as password managers and multi-factor authentication, we can better protect ourselves from bad actors online.

From AI to AR, new technologies are improving our lives in ways we never could have imagined. Just as technology evolves, so will the ways we work and interact and collaborate with each other.

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Shopping’s future unveiled: What consumers want and what retailers need to do

2023-03-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Shopping today is a vastly different experience than it has been historically. Now, you can go to the store or shop online from the comfort of wherever. You can get free delivery, same-day delivery and even at some retailers, 15-minute delivery. Choice, speed, convenience and payment options are plentiful.

For some generations these have been game-changers, but for a massive group of shoppers with growing purchasing power, this is the expectation. Consider a third of the U.S. population is younger than Amazon, which started in 1994. For the teens and adults in this group, one-click ordering, and fast, free shipping are the default.

These expectations are shaping the future of consumerism and smart retailers are taking note. Offering shoppers a seamless experience is essential, no matter where or how they are shopping. In fact, you probably have a few favorite retailers because you know they have what you want, when you want it, and it’s a simple process to get it wherever you are located.

To embrace the future of shopping, many retailers are taking a unified commerce approach. This means they use interconnected systems and data to provide the best customer experience, including inventory, sales, e-commerce, fulfillment, returns, customer relationship management and more.

Manhattan Associates Inc., in partnership with Google Cloud and Zebra Technologies, recently announced the industry’s first real-world analysis of unified commerce. The Unified Commerce Benchmark for Specialty Retail, conducted by Incisiv, assessed 124 retailers across 11 specialty retail segments on the implementation of 286 key attributes of unified commerce.

Based on insight from real purchases, returns, and customer journeys across digital and physical channels, the study reveals the common attributes of successful retailers and the opportunities for others to improve their customer value and modernize operations.

Which companies are the best of the best in unified commerce? Fifteen emerged as overall leaders: Academy Sports + Outdoors, American Eagle Outfitters, Belk Inc., Crate & Barrel, Levi’s, Macy’s, MAC Cosmetics, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Pandora, REI Co-op, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, UGG and Zales.

Some other noteworthy discoveries of the research include findings made by expert secret shoppers. Here are some top shopping habits and retail trends:

Ability to change your mind

Ever placed an order only to change your mind? Some retailers offer the flexibility to modify orders post confirmation. Lifestyle apparel retailers lead the way in this capability with 50% allowing customers to modify orders post-confirmation, far outpacing the retail average (18%). Sporting goods retailers come in dead last in this area, with 0% offering this functionality. And only 15% of retailers will let shoppers change their shipping/fulfillment method post order confirmation.

Easy tracking and delivery confirmation

Wondering where your package is? About three-quarters (72%) of retailers offer customers order tracking and notifications, but plenty still lack this important feature. Athleisure retailers are the worst offenders, with just 60% providing tracking and notifications. Meanwhile, cosmetics and skincare retailers are likely to provide regular status updates — 97% will send you notifications if you’d like them.

Flexible payment options

A whopping 93% of leaders allow shoppers to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), but non-leaders aren’t too far behind: 82% offer this option. Additionally, half of leaders let shoppers use mixed payment methods (e.g., pay partially with a gift card, partially with a credit card). However, most retailers — leaders or not — do not offer the ability to check out with Apple Pay or Google Pay, leaving room for improvement.

Sustainability efforts

If the environment is important to you and influences your shopping habits, you’re not alone. The study found only 20% of shoppers are satisfied with their preferred retailer’s sustainability practices and 40% of shoppers are actively looking for, and willing to spend more for, sustainable and ethically sourced products. Companies are appealing to sustainability as a growing consumer priority by publishing detailed content on sustainability practices: 87% of leaders do this, far outpacing the share of non-leaders that do the same (58%).

Consumer needs are always evolving and the most successful retailers are the ones who have the ability to keep up with these changes. By embracing unified commerce, retailers can give today’s connected consumers the information and personalized shopping experience they are increasingly demanding. Read more at RetailBenchmark.Manh.com.

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5 ways to increase peace of mind about your home when you travel

2023-03-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Americans are eager to travel, but also feel nervous about leaving their homes unattended. As the spring and summer travel season heats up, many people are planning trips, but that doesn’t mean leaving home for an extended time is easy. According to a 2023 trend report from SimpliSafe, a fourth of respondents are very or extremely concerned about home break-ins while traveling and that number increases to 41% when looking at Gen Z specifically.

These concerns have led more people to seek solutions that secure their homes before traveling to gain peace of mind and in turn, better enjoy their vacations. In fact, 83% of respondents listed peace of mind as a primary reason for buying a home security system and 49% of respondents explained that they use their home security system to check on their investments — such as expensive appliances, sentimental heirlooms and important documents — while away from home.

In addition to home security, travel nerves can be tempered through preparation and automation to enhance peace of mind before hitting the road. To help ease your travel worries, follow these five proactive and simple steps to better secure your home while away.

1. Alert neighbors about your trip — but not on social media

While it’s a great idea to let neighbors know you’ll be away so they can watch for suspicious activity around your home, don’t broadcast your upcoming vacation on social media. It’s not recommended to let the world know when your house will be unoccupied.

2. Invest in a home security system

The SimpliSafe Trend Report report found that 65% of respondents and 69% of parents say a home security system would put their minds at ease while traveling. To help secure your home, consider installing home security products such as entry, motion and glassbreak sensors, and indoor and outdoor cameras to protect against unexpected visitors. It’s also worth considering environmental sensors such as water sensors and smoke detectors to safeguard your home from burst pipes, electrical fires or other home hazards. Remember, securing your home is not just about preventing break-ins. In your basement, water damage or burst pipes can be equally catastrophic. Investing in the appropriate sensors will help detect and prevent potentially costly damages.

Even better, by using 24/7 professional security monitoring, like SimpliSafe, you’ll know you’ll get help when it’s needed, day or night.

3. Don’t hide keys outside

While it may seem like a harmless solution for letting in house sitters, pet sitters or cleaning services to your home while away, hiding a key outdoors is not secure. Give a spare to a trusted neighbor or friend, or consider using a Smart Lock so that each family member or friend has a unique PIN for entry. This way, you can provide safe access to people who are taking care of your property or pets while you’re gone, while also having visibility into who’s coming and going.

4. Stop mail delivery

It’s also recommended to have the postal service stop mail delivery during your trip, so piled-up mail doesn’t alert a would-be intruder that you’re away. You can do this online by creating a USPS account and making a “Hold Mail” request, or by visiting your local post office. You should also stop newspaper delivery if you use that service. Alternatively, you could also ask a neighbor, relative or pet sitter to bring in mail and newspapers for you.

5. Move vehicles into your garage

If you are leaving a vehicle at home, you’ll want to make sure it is protected as well. If you have a garage, move all vehicles into the garage before heading out. Using an outdoor camera will provide an added layer of protection as well as visibility outside your home. For homeowners without a garage, make sure your vehicle is locked and position an outdoor camera to face your driveway.

Follow these steps so you can relax and enjoy your hard-earned vacation.

For the best security at the best price, SimpliSafe can give you and your family peace of mind whether you’re home or away with 24/7 professional security monitoring there to help if you’re in trouble. When it is time to come home, SimpliSafe found that 85% of respondents are happy to return after a trip and can focus on unpacking rather than worrying! To learn more, visit SimpliSafe.com.

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New Outdoor Living Trends for 2023

2023-03-20T08:15:00

(BPT) – According to leading real estate website Zillow, a functional outdoor space is the most sought-after amenity among today’s homebuyers. For homeowners looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces this year, following are six trends expected to shape backyards in 2023:

1. Light Neutrals

Light, neutral hues are permeating home design inside and out due to their ability to create a sense of calm and serenity. Providing the perfect foundation for an on-trend outdoor space is Trex Transcend® Lineage™. This low-maintenance composite decking delivers an elevated aesthetic with heat-mitigating technology to reflect the sun and keep boards cooler underfoot.

2. Mixed Materials

Gone are the days of matchy-matchy monotony. Today’s homeowners are embracing eclectic design schemes with lots of visual interest created by juxtaposing materials like concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone — as well as mixing colors and patterns for added personality and visual intrigue.

3. Sustainable Selections

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” but a meaningful requirement among increasingly eco-conscious consumers. Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex® composite decking is an eco-friendly choice that outperforms and outlasts natural wood.

4. Stylish Seclusion

More than a quarter of all Zillow listings highlight privacy as a selling point. This penchant for stylish seclusion is driving demand for fencing, pergolas, privacy panels and lattice, which create a sense of sanctuary with products that are visually appealing, durable and easy to maintain.

5. Mood Lighting

Rising inflation will have homeowners looking for small investments that make a big impact. From candles and string lights to fire features and deck lighting, a little illumination can completely change the look and feel of an outdoor space without breaking the bank.

6. Added Function and Value

Make the most of your outdoor space by optimizing the area beneath the deck. With an under-deck drainage system, this space can be used for storage or as a bonus living area. RainEscape® is an innovative system that accommodates electrical and gas lines to power ceiling fans, lighting, appliances and entertainment components, allowing homeowners to achieve the finished look and function of an interior room.

More outdoor living ideas, tips and inspiration can be found at Trex.com.

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The ABCs of fire safety

2023-03-20T07:21:00

(BPT) – You have smoke alarms in your home, you check them regularly and you practice your emergency escape plan with your family — but are you overlooking an essential component of home fire safety as you check your spring to-do list? Having fire extinguishers can give you peace of mind and help ensure your home and family are prepared in the event of a fire.

“We all lead busy lives, but it’s essential that people understand how to protect themselves from the dangers of fire,” explained actress and advocate Eva Longoria, who has teamed up with First Alert by Resideo as a brand ambassador to encourage families to install proper protection, discuss whole home safety and develop their own fire safety plans.

Home fires can occur anywhere, but according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. Having fire extinguishers in the kitchen is an important first line of defense. Knowing where else to place them and how to use them can make the difference between minor damage and a potential tragedy.

First Alert and Longoria offer these tips you can keep in mind both in and out of the kitchen as you tackle your spring to-do list:

Learn your ABCs

Fire extinguishers have specific ratings that indicate what kind of fire(s) they are designed to extinguish. Extinguishers with a Class A rating can put out fires caused by wood, paper, fabric and other common materials, while Class B rated extinguishers are intended for fires fueled by flammable liquids like cooking oils or gasoline. Class C rated extinguishers are meant for fires caused by electrical equipment, such as frayed cords. For trusted reliable protection, it’s recommended to choose a multi-purpose, or ABC rated, extinguisher, such as the First Alert Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher, which is ideal for common household fires and can easily be placed in the kitchen and around the home.

Equip your home

Whether you are preparing gourmet meals or simple dishes, it is crucial to have a fire extinguishing device in the kitchen. Experts recommend placing fire extinguishers in readily accessible locations in the kitchen and garage, and on every level of the home. An easy spring DIY project is to place extinguishers where each adult member of the household can easily reach them, like under a kitchen sink or mounted to a wall, and ensure members of the household know these locations. Remember that most home fires and fire casualties result from accidents involving cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, and smoking, according to the NFPA.

Know how to use it

Once your home is equipped, it’s important to know how to use a fire extinguisher so you can act quickly should a fire start.

Every First Alert fire extinguisher includes instructions on proper usage — but when you need to act quickly, a simple way to remember is with the acronym PASS:

  • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
  • Aim low. Point the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Assess the fire

In the event of a fire, it’s important to assess the situation before grabbing your fire extinguishing device. Fire extinguishers should only be used when a fire is contained. If the fire is small enough for you to manage, use the PASS technique to put the fire out. However, if smoke fills the room or the fire is quickly spreading, exit your home immediately and call 911.

Inspect extinguishers regularly

When doing routine home checks this spring, make a point to also check that your fire extinguishers are in good condition. Be sure they are not blocked by anything that could impact your access, and ensure the devices are not damaged, dented or rusted. Additionally, check your extinguisher’s pressure gauge. If the pointer is in the green zone, your extinguisher is properly pressurized and ready for use. If the pointer is in the red zone, your fire extinguisher should be serviced or replaced. Remember, a fire extinguisher that has been discharged should never be stored without proper recharging by a certified professional.

To learn more about fire safety, visit FirstAlert.com.

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Are you making these 5 common spring lawn care mistakes?

2023-03-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Longer days and bountiful sunshine mean the outdoor season has arrived. As excited as you may be to enjoy the fresh air out on your lawn, there are several spring lawn care tasks to complete first.

It’s no secret that homeowners love a lush green lawn, with 36% of American homeowners revealing that their lawns are a top investment in both time and money, according to TruGreen’s new survey*. However, it can be easy to make common lawn care mistakes that can jeopardize both the look and health of your lawn.

“While homeowners may want a quick fix for getting their lawn ready, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to maintenance, which can often result in mistakes and an unhealthy lawn,” said Brian Feldman, director of technical operations at TruGreen. “This season, take a step back and ensure you’re not falling victim to some common lawn care mistakes our expert team has witnessed.”

The professionals at TruGreen, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, are helping make sure you’re not falling into the most common lawn care mistakes among homeowners, including:

Mistake 1: Overwatering your lawn

While it’s tempting to shower your lawn with water (and love), be mindful that doing so is not only wasteful and can increase your water bill, but can also drown out your emerging lawn — especially during rainy months.

Pro Tip: Follow the general rule to water 1-2 times a week for a total of 1 inch of water.

Mistake 2: Improper fertilization

Fertilizer provides your lawn with critical nutrients. However, if not applied correctly it can damage your lawn. Every lawn is unique, requiring some research to determine the best fertilizer, technique, frequency and quantity of product.

Pro Tip: Connect with a lawn care professional to plan a proper fertilization regimen for your lawn’s unique needs based on various factors, including your region’s climate and grass type.

Mistake 3: Bagging your lawn clippings

Think of leaves and trimming as vitamins for your lawn, as they are filled with beneficial nutrients for the soil. Rather than reaching for the trash bag to remove these clippings from your lawn, leave them be. They help your lawn grow stronger and healthier.

Pro Tip: Remove the bag from your mower to disperse the lawn clippings and mow them back into your lawn.

Mistake 4: Mowing your lawn too short

When the mower blades are set too low, they can damage the grass plant. Unfortunately, damaged grass is more prone to weeds, drought stress and disease.

Pro Tip: For most grass types, maintain a minimum length of 3 inches to encourage grass to flourish. As a rule of thumb, don’t cut more than 1/3 inch of a grass blade in a single mow.

Mistake 5: Overlooking weed prevention

Timing is everything in lawn care. While it can be tempting to plant spring seeds to get your lawn back up to your standards, the best time for seeding is actually in the fall. But keep in mind, there are other critical things that should be tackled this season to achieve a healthy, green lawn.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait to protect your lawn from unsightly weeds. Work with a lawn pro to apply a pre-emergent weed control to stop weeds from germinating throughout your lawn.

A green lawn of your dreams is possible when you avoid and correct these common lawn care mistakes. If you have questions or need further expertise to verify your current lawn care habits, consult a lawn care professional at TruGreen.com.


*Survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of lawn care company TruGreen polling 2,000 Americans with a yard/lawn.

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How to solve the biggest challenges of a hybrid workforce

2023-03-20T00:01:00

(BPT) – Since the onset of the global pandemic there has been a paradigm shift that work is what you do, not where you do it. As workers increasingly return to traditional offices, the need to transform the space into more dynamic and collaborative business centers grows.

According to Forrester, 70% of U.S. and European companies will pivot to a hybrid work model post-pandemic. What’s more, 75% of CEOs expect their office spaces to shrink, so the space that is retained must be intentionally created with hybrid in mind.

“The problem is that while many American employers have embraced this model for their employees, they have not fully implemented collaborative strategies and the necessary technologies that help workers remain productive, creative and inspired in and out of the office setting,” said Shannon MacKay, general manager of WW Smart Collaboration Business Group, Lenovo.

Adopting the right technologies so employees can seamlessly work in the office, at home or elsewhere is key to the success of hybrid work. When done correctly, it can set an organization up for success: According to a recent Lenovo study, a majority (77%) of employees and IT decision-makers believe that productivity and collaboration tools have made or will make their business more efficient in the long run.

When done poorly it can diminish productivity, culture and ultimately, the workforce: According to the Adobe State of Work Report, 32% of workers (nearly a third) have said goodbye to an employer whose tech was a barrier to their ability to do good work — up from 22% pre-COVID.

Hybrid work will require new ways of collaborating to ensure an inclusive environment that attracts and retains top talent. This is particularly important considering in-person meetings will drop from 60% of total enterprise meetings to just 25% by 2024, according to Gartner’s 2021 Digital Worker Experience Survey.

Unfortunately, the Lenovo study shows large enterprises report an average of three unified communication/collaboration applications in use at their companies. This makes collaboration complex and a daily pain point for workers. Not only does this restrict communication, so many of the important interactions between people that build company culture and teams are lost.

“Hearing the live reactions, or impromptu exchanges going on at the end of the table is the difference between feeling like an equal citizen at a hybrid meeting and feeling like a second class one. What about if those microphones can auto-adjust to the positioning of the participants in the room and upweight the sound of those on the right of the room in the right-hand speaker to make it as realistic as possible for those at home too?” said MacKay.

Purpose-built technology like Lenovo’s new ThinkSmart One, the world’s first Windows-based completely integrated collaboration bar, anticipates the continued growth of hybrid meeting spaces as businesses strive to find innovative ways to work together in a distributed workforce. Designed to easily equip small meeting rooms, the bar offers an exceptional audio-visual through eight microphone arrays with echo and noise cancellation, 15-Watt stereo speakers and an integrated high-resolution camera with wide field of view.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when adjusting to hybrid work. It is critical for IT leaders to reassess their technologies and best practices to ensure all participants have an equal opportunity to collaborate, share ideas and influence decisions. Companies focused on a successful ‘return to work’ plan must implement customizable technologies to make sure their office setup matches their employees’ needs.

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Tobacco continues to play a starring role on screen – fueling youth e-cigarette public health crisis in the process

2023-03-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – “Tobacco’s Starring Role,” Truth Initiative’s fifth annual “While You Were Streaming” study of the most popular 2021 onscreen entertainment among 15- to 24-year-olds released on March 7 has found that this content continued to normalize and glamorize tobacco usage which research shows drives youth vaping initiation. The report identified that 25 million young people were exposed to tobacco imagery by top streaming shows, with a separate 25 million through box office movies. The report also analyzed chart-topping music videos featuring tobacco depictions, which were collectively viewed over 2 billion times on YouTube.

As youth vaping persists with over 2.5 million middle and high school students using e-cigarettes, research shows on-screen exposure to smoking imagery makes young people three times more likely to start vaping nicotine. Even more concerning is that tobacco is often depicted as a stress reliever, which sends a particularly harmful message in the wake of youth depression and anxiety rates spiking in recent years resulting in the Surgeon General issuing a youth mental health crisis advisory. Nicotine can amplify feelings of anxiety and depression while increasing stress, establishing a worrisome link to the growing youth mental health crisis.

“Images have influence, and by giving highly addictive nicotine products a starring role, entertainment platforms and celebrities alike are serving as unpaid spokespeople for the tobacco industry whether they realize it or not, with tremendous consequences for young audiences nationwide,” said Robin Koval, CEO and President of Truth Initiative. “With youth tobacco use on the rise, and the youth e-cigarette crisis continuing to be a serious public health threat, the entertainment industry can play a major role in changing this picture to protect our nation’s youth and not be complicit with the tobacco industry in addicting a new generation to nicotine.”

Tobacco Imagery is Pervasive

Across the 15 shows most popular with young people in 2021, 60% contained depictions of tobacco, a persistently high and unchanged number from 2020. Showtime ousted Netflix as the top offender, becoming the platform with the most tobacco imagery, largely due to “Shameless” characters. Netflix stayed on the list in second place, however, despite their 2019 pledge to eliminate depictions in youth-rated shows.

Animated cartoon shows, even those created for the youth audience, continued to feature tobacco imagery. Netflix cartoon comedy “Big Mouth,” Fox’s “Simpsons” and “Family Guy” and Adult Swim’s “Rick and Morty” were repeat tobacco offenders in this year’s list.

Onscreen tobacco use was also common among the year’s top movies. According to an analysis by NORC at the University of Chicago, nearly half (47%) of top 2021 films contained tobacco imagery, exposing an estimated 25 million youth and young adults. Youth-rated movies contained, on average, 30 tobacco depictions per film. The PG-rated “The Girl Who Believes in Miracles” and 17 films rated PG-13 or under contained depictions of tobacco, with several nominated for major industry awards. And while the report focuses on 2021 movies, this year’s Academy Award nominees make clear the issue continues to persist. Nine out of 10 Best Picture nominees contain tobacco imagery, including the PG-13 rated “Elvis,” “The Fabelmans,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Women Talking.”

Music videos were another platform for youth exposure to tobacco and often portrayed tobacco use as edgy, glamorous and cool. Although there was a decrease in the total number of tobacco depictions in Billboard songs, 2021 music videos still exposed many to tobacco imagery as they were viewed on YouTube more than 2 billion times. Top 2021 Billboard songs with accompanying music videos featuring tobacco were headlined by major recording artists such as Silk Sonic, Farruko, Elle King and Miranda Lambert, and The Weeknd.

Tobacco Imagery Harms Adolescent Mental Health

Nicotine can harm adolescent mental health. As the true scale of youth mental health needs comes into focus, celebrities and other public figures have a responsibility to model healthy behaviors. Instead, watching celebrities smoke and vape in influential movies, shows and music videos normalizes these unhealthy behaviors and creates unwitting tobacco spokespeople out of public figures.

“The proliferation of tobacco imagery in entertainment content is particularly alarming when you consider how frequently smoking and vaping are portrayed as a stress reliever when we know the exact opposite is true,” said Koval. “Years of scientific research show that nicotine can amplify feelings of anxiety and depression while increasing stress, but so many young people are seeing tobacco depictions and turn to e-cigarettes to cope with stress. As the entertainment industry claims to be concerned with the very real youth mental health crisis facing our nation, we encourage content creators and distributors to partner with us to tackle the portrayal of tobacco use on their platforms, especially given the established connection between nicotine use and mental health.”

Truth Initiative provides support and resources for young people to quit e-cigarettes with This is Quitting, a free and anonymous text message quit vaping program for teens and young adults from truth that now serves more than 550,000 young people. A randomized clinical trial found that young adults aged 18-24 who used This is Quitting had nearly 40% higher odds of quitting compared to a control group. Teens and young adults can text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709 to get immediate help to quit. Resources for parents of young people who vape are available for free at BecomeAnEX.org.

The pervasiveness of onscreen tobacco imagery is a symptom of a larger issue with the normalization and glamorization of smoking and vaping in entertainment media and pop culture. The entertainment industry should not be complicit with the tobacco industry in helping addict a new generation of young people to nicotine. They have the power, and the facts about the impact of smoking and vaping imagery on youth, to change the picture for good.

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Safe spring break: 5 ways to travel more securely

2023-03-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re setting out on your next big travel adventure, security and safety might be the last thing on your mind. But every now and then, something is bound to go wrong when you’re far away from home. Scammers, fraudsters and thieves are known to take advantage of travelers distracted by taking in the sights, eating delicious foods and exploring new cities.

To help you reduce your risk of issues and make the most of your vacation, Visa offers the following tips for keeping yourself and your information safe and secure.

1. Secure your home before you leave

A home that looks vacant is the most promising for burglars. Be sure to lock all your windows and doors, but make it look like someone is still around by:

  • Keeping a light on that can be seen through your windows at night.
  • Holding your newspaper and mail. Piled-up papers is a sign that nobody’s home.
  • Telling a neighbor about your plans and asking them to keep an eye on your home.

2. Protect your personal information and data

Flights, hotels, food and more — there are so many transactions involved in traveling. And more transactions mean more opportunities for fraudsters to gain access to your sensitive data. A recent Visa poll found that over half (58%) of travelers reported they were concerned about the possibility of fraud on their credit or debit cards while traveling.

New breakthroughs in user protection and payment security help make your transactions more secure. Digital payment methods and solutions like virtual cards continue to make it easier and safer to do everything from purchasing plane tickets to splitting the check at dinner.

There are few things you can do to help keep your information safe:

  • Keep personal information to yourself.
  • Do not click on links in emails before verifying that they’ll take you where they say they will.
  • Turn on purchase alerts for your credit and debit cards to provide real-time notifications when purchases are made using your account.
  • Look up the actual phone number of your credit card company if you need to call — don’t call any phone numbers you see in a potential scam email or text.

3. Make copies of your passport

If you’re traveling abroad, make a few extra copies of your passport for safety. Leave one at home with a trusted family member or friend and take another copy with you — along with your actual passport. While you’re out and about on your trip, keep a paper copy with you while the real thing is securely stored in a hotel safe.

4. Blend in with the locals

The more you look like a tourist, the bigger target you are for criminals. Walk with confidence, even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going. If you need to look up directions, step into a shop or café instead of staring at your phone out on the street. Even better, plan your day ahead of time and look up your directions before leaving your hotel for the day. Make an effort to visit local small businesses while on your trip to truly take in the culture like a local.

5. Beware of public Wi-Fi

Although convenient, public Wi-Fi networks can be a big safety hazard when it comes to your secure information. Joining a public network with your phone or computer opens your device to hackers. Instead, use a VPN service to create a secure connection when using the internet on an open connection.

Before you embark on your next trip, follow these tips to invest in your safety. Traveling with less risk and more confidence will be well worth your time and energy.