Monthly Archives: October 2023

Jabra Elite 8 Active wireless earbud review

Posted on by
Reply

I recently reviewed the top-of-the-line Jabra Elite 10 earbuds, and although they are the top of the line, I prefer the Jabra Elite 8 active buds. Read on to understand why in this Jabra Elite 8 active review.

What is a Jabra Elite 8 Active wireless earbuds?

The Jabra Elite 8 active earbuds are Bluetooth, noise-cancelling, and rechargeable, designed for exercise use. Jabra is a Danish company that specialises in audio equipment.

WHY should you buy sports wireless earbuds?

Earbuds are a convenient way to listen to music podcasts or conduct a phone call without wearing traditional on or over-ear headphones. They are not bulky and will not mess up your hair.

A sport or active earbud is designed to stay in your ear whilst exercising and be more tolerant of environmental consequences such as sweat or rain.

Having the ability to listen to music or perhaps a podcast whilst exercising can be motivating as well as add to your enjoyment.

What is in the Box?

In the box, you will find the charging case containing the two earbuds, a USB A to USB C cable and an extra 2 sets of eargels. The ear gels are used to match different-sized ear canals to ensure you get the correct fit.

Many sports earbuds have an extra ear wing to help hold the bud in place. Jabra has designed a new feature they refer to as ShakeGrip, where the silicone body of the bud helps hold the bud in place. The net result is unless you twist the bud out of your ear, it stays firm during exercise like jogging.

Jabra Elite 8 Active what is in the box

Each earbud weighs 5 grams, and the charging case is 46 grams. The charging case dimensions are 65x24x47 mm. The charging case has an extra battery to charge your earbuds, allowing extended time away from a mains power source.

The case must be charged via a USB-C cable (included) to a mains charger (not included), a PC, a car USB, etc. The charge time is up to 3 hours and will provide up to 56 hours of listening time by using the case. When fully charged, the earbuds will provide up to 14 or 8 hours with noise cancelling switched on. The case also supports wireless charging.

If you run out of power in the buds, 5 minutes in the case will give you one hour of listening.

Pairing these buds is super easy, with my phone and PC recognising as soon as I removed them from the case.

At $329, Jabra Elite 8 active are available in four colours. The included warranty is 2 years, protecting you from failure due to dust and water if you register your product on the App.

Using the Elite 8 active earbuds

A feature I like about the whole Jabra earbud range is the large physical button on each earbud, which allows various operations like pause, skip Siri/Google Assistant, etc. This button gives a reassuring click.

You can pair these earbuds with up to ten Bluetooth devices, such as a PC or smartphone, and easily change between them. Connection is done via Bluetooth 5.3 with a range of approx. 10m. Leaving my phone in the centre of my house, I can continue to listen in every room.

The earbuds can be used independently, just one, not two earbuds. However, with the hear-through technology, there is no real need other than personal preference to leave one earbud out. While wearing both earbuds, any media playback is immediately paused if you remove one. I find this a courtesy thing when talking to someone, as with the hear-through feature, you can hear just as well, leaving the earbuds in.

These next features are not listed on the website, and I do not know why, as it is why I have fallen for these earbuds. When riding my bicycle, I like to listen to podcasts whilst, at the same time, I am very cautious that I must be alert to traffic and any noise that may present danger. The Elite 8 hear thru technology amplifies new noises to the point I can hear noise better through the buds than without. The 2nd part of this noise, if it is a constant noise like a lawn mower with no change in tone, cancels out that noise. This feature also deals with wind noise, which can be annoying when using earbuds. With a strong wind, you can get an annoying whistling noise in your ears. The Elite 8, after a few seconds, filters out this noise so you can clearly hear what you are listening to. My practical example is cycling down a long hill; the wind noise caused by the speed is filtered out.

The disappointment of these earbuds is the ability to use them for phone calls. Unfortunately, this aligns with a recent review of the Elite 10 earbuds. In a phone call with a fellow journalist, I resorted to switching back to the phone as I could not be heard. They work fine in a quiet environment; a recent software upgrade has helped.

The Elite 8’s sound reproduction is excellent, and the noise cancellation works well. Traffic and train commuter noise are cancelled out, and the single touch hear thru quickly allows any conversation to be heard. They are not designed for aircraft, and so far, I have not been able to test their effectiveness in this environment. If you like an echo/live effect, the Dolby spacial feature adds this, but I am not a fan.

The Jabra 8 active earbuds are built to last with military standard certifications. The earbuds themselves are rated to IP 68. We do not recommend you take them swimming or place them in water. They could survive 30 minutes on the bottom of a 1.5 metre pool. This same resistance also means they will survive dust. So, these earbuds will be fine if you end up in a rain or dust storm.

Our Take Jabra Elite 8 review.

The Jabra Elite 8 actives have become my daily exercise go-to earbuds. I noticed a dramatic change from previous earbuds from Jabra and other vendors. New noises are quickly noticed, and monotone repetitive sounds are quickly phased out, which is exactly what you want when out and about for safety.

The battery life is excellent, and so far, I have been unable to dislodge a bud from my ear unintentionally. Earbuds are not something you can trial, but if you are using these for an active pastime, you will not be disappointed.

Westpac launches Presto cloud terminal app

Posted on by
Reply

Westpac has launched its first third party Android terminal app, Presto, as part of new cloud-based integrated payments solutions for merchant customers to help make it faster and easier to run their business.

Developed in collaboration with payments fintech mx51, the Presto app is available on Westpac’s fleet of Android-based EFTPOS Now terminals and allows for key point of sale features to be seamlessly integrated with payments on the one device.

Using the app, businesses can wirelessly connect their terminal to more than 100 major hospitality and retail point of sale systems. In addition to speeding up checkout times and reducing the chance of keying errors, the app also provides access to a real-time dashboard to track sales and business performance.

Westpac Managing Director of Cash & Transactional Banking, Mandy Rutherford, said: “We know how important it is for small businesses to serve their customers as quickly and efficiently as possible, particularly in retail and hospitality.

“The Presto app and our new EFTPOS Now terminals will allow businesses like restaurants and cafes to take advantage of integrated terminal benefits like simplifying the end of day reconciliation process, while also getting access to all the innovation we are bringing to market on this new device,” she said.

“It will help to reduce the chance of keying errors and speed up the checkout process, which can be a great time saver particularly during rush hour,” Ms Rutherford said.

“This is part of our continued commitment to support the evolving needs of our customers,” she said.

CEO of mx51, Victor Zheng, said: “Westpac and mx51 are both passionate about redefining the hospitality and retail payments environment. This latest innovation cements our commitment to bringing the best merchant experiences to life for our customers.”

In addition to the Presto app, last week Westpac launched EFTPOS Connect with Linkly Cloud, which enables business to wirelessly connect their terminal to a tablet for a neater countertop and increased flexibility to take payments anywhere in store.

Westpac is also now in pilot with EFTPOS Flex, a solution to allow businesses to integrate their terminal with a self-serve checkout or kiosk to reduce queueing and improve the retail customer experience.

For more information visit the Westpac website.

Shippit and eBay partner

Posted on by
Reply

Shippit, the last-mile delivery platform  across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, has announced a strategic partnership with eBay Australia, through which thousands of sellers on the platform will have access to best-in-class shipping and fulfilment solutions and services. 

The partnership will deliver optionality and deliverability for all customers, but for the first time the sellers with freight that is traditionally hard to handle will have the same shipping optionality as anyone else. Currently, eBay sellers can access a labels platform that enables them to quote, print and pay for labels for items up to 22kg. 

Through the new integration with Shippit, eBay sellers will be able to access a solution for heavier, bulkier items such as hardware, furniture and electronics. In the last financial year alone, 2.7 million deliveries – with a total value of over AUD$2billion – over 22kg were shipped through the Shippit platform. 

As consumer demand for quick, convenient and transparent delivery increases, the partnership with Shippit, enables eBay sellers to:
  • Ensure seamless post-purchase experiences with automated and reliable tracking notifications and dedicated delivery support;
  • Access flexible and fast fulfilment solutions to streamline pick and pack workflows and packaging decisions for consistent, error-free fulfilment;
  • Centralise controls and access to leading and specialised carriers plus exclusive delivery rates for flexible shipping options at checkout.

Shippit evolution

The integration continues a recent trend through which Shippit has been selected as a partner of choice and integrated into global eCommerce platforms including Wix and Shopline. Last year, meanwhile, Shippit announced a landmark partnership with Uber, through which thousands of retailers would have access to one-hour delivery.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with eBay, bringing the power of Shippit’s last mile platform to its retailers who are looking to maximise their customers lifetime value, while not sacrificing operating margins” said Chris Weaver, Chief Commercial Officer at, Shippit. “Retailers, not just in Australia but across APAC, rely on Shippit daily to ensure that the delivery promises they make to their customers are kept. Shippit is a mission-critical part of the ecommerce tech stack for retailers, small, medium and large. Our data shows retailers with multiple carriers grow faster, and we’re excited to be able to provide those capabilities to eBay sellers in Australia, many of whom are small businesses.

“We’ve spent the last nearly-10 years building the industry’s most advanced shipping and fulfilment platform. But as the industry evolves, so too must Shippit. That’s why we invest heavily in research and development, and in partnerships and integrations. By investing in that, we’re investing in our customers and in our customers’ customers. Partnering with eBay today – as well as Wix, Shopline, Uber and all those that will follow – is an endorsement, from the industry, of our mission to shape the future of retail and bring retailers, carriers, and consumers closer together.”

“At eBay we are committed to delivering the most value possible to our sellers and that is why we selected Shippit to help power last mile delivery,” Marie Griffiths, Head of Shipping and Trust at eBay Australia, added. “Together with Shippit, our sellers are going to be able to build trust with their customers by meeting the delivery promises made – from the very first purchase. We can’t wait to see our sellers capitalising on this partnership as soon as possible.”

Over 100 million deliveries are booked through the Shippit platform every year. Since its launch in 2014, over $7.5bn worth of ecommerce orders have been fulfilled through Shippit’s platform, on behalf of thousands of retailers including Kmart, Cotton On, Woolworths, Total Tools, Temple & Webster.

For more information about Shippit and eBay’s integration, visit shippit.com/ebay. 

Pricing and forecasting for profit

Posted on by
Reply

How much should you sell it for, and how many will you sell? Did you know that even the largest businesses struggle with this? Unfortunately, we can not give you all the answers, but this guide will explain the principles and help you with the basics to improve your abilities around pricing and forecasting.

Product forecasting is the science of predicting the degree of success a new product will enjoy in the marketplace. The forecasting model must consider product awareness, distribution, price, fulfilling unmet needs and competitive alternatives to do this.
Price is the money that customers must pay for a product or service.

WHY is getting pricing and stock forecasting right important?

Charge too much, and you will sell too few; charge too little, and you may not make any money. The more stock you hold, the more money you have tied up, the more chance the stock will spoil or become obsolete.

Pricing and forecasting work hand in hand but are not always directly linked. 

The basics of pricing and forecasting are to sell enough to make enough money to sustain your business and make a profit. Your product or service has a cost to manufacture or provide; included in this needs to be the cost of running your business and any future customer service you must provide. Some of your costs will be variable, and some will be fixed. 

Assume you are a greengrocer; you have a variable cost of buying apples. That is the cost for each apple, times the number you buy. If you buy 100 apples, you hope to sell 100 apples, so you must price them at a point where you would sell 100 apples. If you price them too cheaply, you will run out of stock and lose out on the many more apples you could have sold. Price them too expensive, and you will not sell your 100 apples and then have spoilt stock that you cannot sell. 

Thus, you are seeing this as a fine balance. If your apple cost was 10 cents and you sold all 100, you would have made $90. Will this $90 cover your fixed costs? Your fixed costs are the cost of your vehicle, your store rent, your wages, etc. If your fixed costs during this time were $100, your net position would be a loss of $10.

WHAT do I need to know about pricing?

To start with the basics, you must set a price if you wish to sell something. That price must cover your costs and enable a profit. If you can get lower costs, you can lower the price. Pricing your offering is an ongoing process and cannot be done once or forgotten.

Suppose you have projected your business’s running costs, including property and equipment leases, loan repayments, inventory, utilities, financing, and wages.

The four most common ways of establishing prices are:

Cost-Plus Pricing – We add all our costs and our desired profit to reach a required sell price. For example,
material cost $50 + labour cost $30 + overhead $40 = total cost $120
total cost $120 + desired profit at 20% of sale price $30   = required selling price of $150

Demand price – This model sets a price based on volume. A wholesaler can buy a large quantity because they can move that quantity. A retailer can only sell a smaller number, so it will pay more from the wholesaler and again, a customer who may only buy one will pay a higher price. Thus, pricing is set on demand.

Competitive pricing – When a product is a commodity or similar to something else being sold, competition determines the price. If you sell petrol, you need to ensure petrol bought from you is competitive to the store down the road. Unless you can differentiate your offering, customers will shop around and pay the best price if they know many others also sell this petrol.

Markup pricing – This is when a fixed markup is applied to the cost of a product. For example, with a $70 cost and selling price of $100, the fixed markup would be $30. If this were expressed as a percentage, the markup would be 30%, which is the markup divided by the selling price.

Some other pricing tactics that you might consider include:
  • Promotional pricing – discounts or sales to generate extra sales or move discontinued stock.
  • Geographic pricing – different pricing based on the location of operation. You might have two shops, one in the city and one in the country. You may find you can charge different prices for the same item in each location. Your costs may also be higher due to transport.
  • Premium pricing – sometimes people are prepared to pay more for a premium brand or product, and indeed, if you sold that item for less, it would not be as sought after, and you would sell less, such as branded clothing.

HOW do I forecast?

Your accounting package or POS solution may have some integrated functionality or an integrated app that you can add to help with forecasting. When we forecast a product for sale, we care about purchases, sales and inventory. Pretend we buy (purchase) 10 units and sell (sales) 6 we are left with four units (inventory). If we believe our sales next period will be seven units, we need to purchase three or more units depending on how much stock we want at the end of that period. If you do not have stock available for people to buy, they may go to a competitor who does.

There are three basic models for forecasting—qualitative techniques, time series analysis and projection, and causal models.

Qualitative uses, for example, expert opinion and information about special events and may or may not consider the past. Such as, “I have been doing this a long time, and my gut feeling is we will sell 10”.

Time series analysis & projection focus entirely on patterns and pattern changes and thus rely entirely on historical data. For example, if you sold ten this week last year, you may forecast to sell ten again.

Casual uses highly refined and specific information about relationships between things and is powerful enough to take special events formally into account. For example, it uses a model that takes last month’s and last year’s data and might take into effect other information like trends and competitor information to forecast sales of 10 units.

HINTS

Selling ten units at a $2 profit gives you a $20 profit, as does selling five units at a $4 profit. Thus, you can get the same result with two different pricing and forecasting tactics.

Here is a simple model you can use to forecast stock purchases :

 JanFebMarchAprilMay
Inventory 4534
Purchases10866 
Sales6785 

How much inventory you should hold depends on how quickly you can get more stock. It would be best always to have more inventory than you would sell.

Sales are actual or what you have forecasted to sell.

Purchases are how much you need to buy, which is the desired next month’s inventory plus the current month’s sales minus the current month’s inventory.

SUMMARY – pricing and forecasting is an ongoing job

Pricing and forecasting will make or break a business. Products and services need to be priced so you can make a profit and that a customer will be prepared to pay it.

Forecasting is about having the right amount of stock at the right time without having too much that you cannot move.

Xero unveils new GenAI-driven search

Posted on by
Reply

Xero, the global small business platform, today announced it has implemented a Generative AI (GenAI) solution in Xero Central to help deliver accurate support answers faster for its millions of customers and users.

In partnership with Coveo and powered by GenAI, generated answers are available in Xero Central – Xero’s customer support and learning site – and the feature is just one of Xero’s GenAI experiments announced recently at Xerocon Sydney. Xero’s recent Future Focus AI research also found that small businesses believe that support systems (customer service, chatbox and help desk tools) will be the second biggest area (36%) impacted by AI in the next five years, only behind content creation at 38%. 

The use of GenAI-driven search in Xero Central leverages Coveo’s platform and works by integrating generative answers so when customers enter a search term or question, they will receive an answer as well as a list of other relevant content articles. The answers are generated from Xero’s extensive support content articles, written by the Xero team. Customers get the information they need faster, as they don’t have to keep scrolling through content to find the relevant articles they need. Customers can also filter their searches – based on whether they are a small business, or an accountant or bookkeeper – to get the most relevant answers.

Nigel Piper, Executive General Manager – Customer Experience at Xero said: “Xero strives to be at the forefront of innovative customer experience, and this is a significant step towards our goal to build a support model which brings together the best of digital experiences powered by human capability. It’s really about making it as simple and intuitive as possible for customers – whether they’re small businesses or accountants and bookkeepers – to find the information they need to solve their problem so they can get back to running their business or supporting their clients.

“The feedback we’re getting already on the generated answers has been hugely positive. We understand customers like to have a choice too, so customers can continue to raise a support case for one-on-one assistance, or request a phone call from one of our hundreds of customer support specialists based around the world, if that is their preference.”

Louis Tetu, CEO and Chairman at Coveo, said: “Xero understood early the AI-experience advantage when it comes to creating a best-in-class customer experience. Xero is a forward-thinking organization, together we are exploring the possibilities that semantic search and GenAI can bring – or will bring – to digital experiences.”

Recently, Xero also rolled out more powerful, AI-powered bank reconciliation to all Xero customers globally, following the announcement at Xerocon Sydney. This means that AI is now being used to recognise and predict new contacts in customers’ statement lines even without having the business names in their contact list, which can reduce manual data entry and further save customers time. This is in addition to Xero already being able to use AI to predict a contact and account code for transactions only where the business already had a relevant contact.

There are a number of other areas AI already powers across Xero beyond bank reconciliation and Xero Central. It’s embedded in products like Hubdoc (with document capture and data entry), Xero Expenses, Xero Go, and cash flow forecasting in Xero Analytics Plus.

Xero customers can try the GenAI-driven search today in Xero Central search. 

Tipping Trends

Posted on by
Reply

Australians are proving their commitment to supporting local businesses as they tip more generously, despite economic pressures and the rising cost of living. Zeller, which supports over 35,000 Australian businesses with next-generation EFTPOS technology, analysed tipping trends from millions of transactions processed with Zeller Terminals across the country. The findings are compiled in Zeller’s latest Tipping Trends Report which reveals significant increases in both the average tip value, and how frequently Australians are tipping, reflecting a community dedicated to acknowledging outstanding service and supporting local businesses.

The data shows that the average Australian tip has grown 12% year-on-year (YoY), from $16.05 to $17.93. Notably, Australians are also tipping more frequently, with the volume of tips as a percentage of total transactions processed by Zeller increasing an impressive 132% since January 2022.

In the Sydney vs. Melbourne rivalry, it’s the hospitality staff in Melbourne who came out on top. Melbournians are leading the way in tipping, with the average tip value on a meal in Melbourne surpassing Sydney by a remarkable 57%, totalling $18.57 compared to $11.81.

“We’ve observed a significant increase in the tips we’ve received at Trattoria Emilia recently. This can be attributed to the streamlined customer experience offered by Zeller Terminal, as well as the growing trend among Australians to tip more frequently. We are grateful to our customers for recognising and rewarding our exceptional service by tipping our dedicated staff,” explained Matteo Neviani, General Manager of Trattoria Emilia in the Melbourne CBD.

While the generosity of tippers is more pronounced in metro areas, a trend is emerging in regional Australia. On average, diners in major cities tip 12% more than those in regional areas, with metro diners averaging $18.08 compared to $16.07 for regional diners. However, diners in regional Australia have increased their average tip value by an astounding 79% YoY, growing from $9 to $16.07, demonstrating a growing appreciation for the businesses and staff servicing regional areas.

“Recently at La Tabella, we have observed a significant upswing in tipping. This can be accredited not only to the influx of tourists but also to the seamless and user-friendly nature of our Zeller EFTPOS Terminals. The Zeller Terminal employs a subtle approach in guiding customers through the tipping process, enhancing the overall experience for both our valued patrons and dedicated staff members,” said Brittany Yanapa, Venue Manager at La Tabella, an Italian restaurant in Airlie Beach, Queensland.

The Australian tipping culture is also diversifying. While table-service diners continue to be the most generous, with an average tip of $19.98, marking an 8% YoY increase, servers at takeaway venues are now also being rewarded for great service, with average tips totalling $7.52, reflecting a 6% YoY growth. However, bar, club, and cafe patrons appear to be tipping less generously, with average tip values declining by 23% and 19% YoY, respectively, in these hospitality settings.

“While tipping isn’t for everyone, we’re impressed to see a growing trend of Australians adding a gratuity to their bill to reward an outstanding customer experience. Zeller Terminal’s built-in tipping feature, which can be turned on or off on the EFTPOS device, is a small but important feature that nurtures a culture of generosity, and incentivises servers and staff to elevate their customer service experience,” said Joshua McNicol, Director of Growth at Zeller.

Australians are demonstrating their generosity in a variety of other customer service settings. Beauty and hair appointments lead the pack, with an average tip of 21% of the total bill, surpassing all other categories and experiencing a remarkable YoY increase of 121%. The average tip percentage in the hospitality sector also grew by 11% YoY, while it remained stable in the taxi and transportation industry.

These findings underscore the importance of business owners being armed with technology to assist them in taking advantage of this growing trend, visit the Zeller Business Blog to learn more.

Ergonomic Wave Keys keyboard

Posted on by
Reply

Logitech has unveiled Wave Keys and Wave Keys for Business, a wireless ergonomic keyboard to address the increased need for wellbeing and comfort at the desk. Wave Keys features a signature wave design in a compact layout for comfier typing that does not require relearning how to type, as well as an integrated cushioned palm rest for day-long support. As individuals of all ages spend more time in front of their computers, ergonomic needs are on the rise with a growth rate of 4.6% over the next seven years, according to the recent published market report by RationalStat.

“We believe that everybody deserves to feel good at the end of a day of work, so we set about designing workspace essentials that are as attractive and approachable as they are ergonomic,” said Art O’Gnimh, general manager of the Core Personal Workspace business at Logitech. “Wave Keys has workspace wellbeing at its heart, thanks to its science-driven design with a stamp of approval from leading ergonomists.”

Wave Keys’ unique wave shape places hands, wrists and forearms in a natural typing position, and the integrated cushioned palm rest gives more wrist support throughout the day. Its compact layout fits many home or office desks, with two classic colourways to complement your workspace setup – Graphite and Off-White.

Wave Keys is designed in line with Logitech’s goal to create product experiences that improve people’s lives. This means considering environmental and social impacts as part of every design decision. Wave Keys is certified carbon neutral, just like the rest of Logitech products, and the paper packaging comes from FSC™-certified forests and other controlled sources. The plastic parts in Wave Keys include certified post-consumer recycled plastic to give a second life to end-of-use plastic from old consumer electronics – 61% for Graphite and 46% Off-White.

This multi-OS compatible keyboard connects via Bluetooth®, or the included Logi BOLT receiver for enhanced security, to up to three devices at once, such as Mac, PC and iPad, and easily switches between them at the tap of a button. For smoother days at the desk, users can personalise their experience with the Logi Options+ App to assign productivity shortcuts, such as “Do not disturb” to remain focused in your work, and create Smart Actions that save time and keep work flowing, including a one-touch morning routine to help you easily start your day and a relax time that provides well-deserved rest throughout the day.

Wave Keys is the latest addition to Logitech’s ERGO Series, alongside Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse and other products for workplace wellbeing, and upholds the company’s human centred and science-driven approach to product design and experiences. The keyboard was carefully crafted with rounds of user testing including at Logitech’s Ergo Lab and has a stamp of approval from US Ergonomics.

Ready for Business

For companies that prioritise employee wellbeing, Wave Keys for Business introduces a new ergonomic keyboard, ideal for employees who are ergo-conscious and looking for a keyboard that is comfortable with instantly familiar typing. The keyboard is equipped with Logi Bolt secure wireless technology for reliable connections, even in congested wireless environments, and is engineered to meet today’s increasingly strict enterprise security standards. With Logi Bolt, IT teams can mass deploy a comfortable, easy-to-use keyboard to their entire global workforce and monitor the keyboards remotely through Logitech Sync to ensure their team’s devices are healthy and up to date, with global customer support for Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and other leading operating systems.
The Logi Options+ App is also available for mass deployment to employees for a customised user experience, including streamlining repetitive tasks with Smart Actions or configuring keyboard shortcuts.

Pricing and Availability

Wave Keys will be available in Graphite and Off-White beginning October 13, 2023 on www.logitech.com and at selected retailers for a recommended retail price of $149.95. Wave Keys for Business in Graphite will be available on www.logitech.com and through authorised resellers at $149.95 beginning November 2023.

Majority of Aussies report feeling stress

Posted on by
Reply

Over half (57%) of Australian workers admit that stress is affecting their work performance, as revealed in a new survey of over 1,400 Australian workers. The ADP® Research Institute’s People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View, also found that Australian workers say they are getting less support from their managers than last year.

Most worryingly, the proportion of Australian workers who say they feel supported by their managers when it comes to mental health at work has fallen from 66% in 2021 to 56% in 2022. 41% believe that their managers are ill-equipped to talk about mental health issues without judgement.

In terms of what Australian employers are doing to promote positive mental health at work, workers also report that employers are less likely than last year to check in with them, provide wellbeing days off, offer special counselling services or allow stress management breaks. 

Instead, team-building activities and employee assistance programmes are gaining traction as mental health-boosting initiatives.

Kylie Baullo, Managing Director ANZ at ADP, comments: “Despite the significant support provided by many Australian employers towards mental health during the pandemic, it is crucial for them to remain vigilant as employees continue to face a tremendous amount of strain.”

“A workplace culture that prioritises empathy and overall well being holds immense value for both employers and staff. When individuals feel understood and able to take action towards ensuring positive wellbeing, they are more likely to perform their duties effectively, require less sick leave, and hold a more positive outlook towards the company they work for.”

“Implementing employee assistance programs is one way that Australian employers are formalising their wellbeing support systems. It is essential to integrate mental health and stress support mechanisms into the day-to-day working environment and train managers to effectively manage these issues.”

While more work needs to be done to improve the mental health of Australian workers, many now report that their employers are making progress on developing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. One in six (16%) say that creating an inclusive workplace culture is a key part of their employer’s support for positive mental health at work, up from 10% in 2021. 

People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View explores employees’ attitudes towards the current world of work and what they expect and hope for from the workplace of the future. 
For more insights, please read the ‘People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View’ report

How entering awards propels your business?

Posted on by
Reply

Are you a small business looking to take your company to the next level? Entering awards is an often underestimated marketing strategy that is a fast track to recognition, success, and boosted team morale. 

Awards might seem like a daunting task to the uninitiated, but the benefits they bring to your business can far outweigh the effort required. In this article, we’ll dive into why your business should start entering awards and explore the various business benefits that come along with it.

Elevating your business’s profile

Let’s start with one of the most common reasons for entering awards: providing your small business with a platform to shine. Winning or even being nominated for an award can significantly elevate your brand’s profile. Customers are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that have received recognition, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.

And if you win? Make sure your wins are obvious for all to see, however far into the future someone might be looking at it. Make them front and centre of your website, and ensure they’re added to your employees’ email signatures, too.

If you have multiple awards under your belt, try adding a block to the front page of your website with a list of all the awards you’ve won. If you have a regular e-newsletter, be sure to build your awards into the template so they’re visible every time you send an email. 

Boosting employee morale

Awards not only benefit your business externally but also internally. They serve as a source of pride and motivation for your employees, especially if they were involved in the work that formed part of your entry, or if they are personally entered into an award. 

Being part of an award-winning team can boost morale, increase job satisfaction, and create a positive work environment. When your employees are motivated and proud of their workplace, they are more likely to go the extra mile, resulting in improved productivity and customer service.

Attracting top talent

Talent attracts talent. When your business gains recognition through awards, it becomes a magnet for even more incredible people to join your team. Talented people are more likely to seek employment with companies that are industry leaders and have a reputation for excellence – which is exactly what awards can bring. This influx of talent can help your business innovate and grow, ultimately contributing to its success.

Enhancing customer trust

Trust is everything in business, and customers are far more likely to trust brands that have been recognised by credible awards. Winning an award serves as a third-party endorsement of your business’s quality and credibility. 

It gives potential customers confidence that they are making the right choice by choosing your products or services. In a competitive market, trust can be a game-changer that sets you apart from the competition.

A chance to reflect

Finally, remember that entering awards isn’t all about taking home the trophy. Entering awards often requires you to reflect on your business’s performance, strengths, and weaknesses. 

This self-assessment can be a valuable exercise, especially for small businesses who are so often working in their business, that they rarely have the time to step back and reflect on their business. Writing an award entry forces you to evaluate your operations, strategy, and goals.

Even if you don’t win, the process of answering detailed questions about your business can provide insights and ideas for improvement. It’s a chance to fine-tune your business strategy and discover new opportunities for growth. What could be more valuable than that?

Provided by Ben Ice 

Jabra Elite 10 wireless earbud review

Posted on by
Reply

My go-to earbuds have been the Jabra Elite 7 and, until now, Jabra’s premium earbuds. Eighteen months on, Jabra has launched the Jabra Elite 10 wireless earbuds. We start this review with excitement about what has improved.

What is a Jabra Elite 10 wireless earbud?

The Jabra Elite 10 earbuds are Bluetooth, noise-cancelling, rechargeable and support Dolby Atmos. The Elite 10 is the top-of-the-line in a range of earbuds from the Danish audio giant.

WHY should you buy wireless earbuds?

Earbuds are a convenient way to listen to music or conversation without wearing traditional on or over-ear headphones. They are not bulky and will not mess up your hair.

Earbuds come with a case that, in most cases, also acts as an extra battery to charge your earbuds, allowing extended time away from a mains power source.

The compact size allows them to be discrete in your ear or easily carried in a pocket or handbag.

A big reason for wireless earbuds is that smartphone vendors no longer include wired earphones in the box, nor do most have a headphone socket. If you want to listen to audio without disturbing others, wireless headphones are your only option.

What is in the Box?

In the box, you will find the charging case containing the two earbuds, a USB A to USB C cable and, for the first time, three extra sets (previously 2 with other models) of silicone ear gels. The ear gels are used to match different-sized ear canals to ensure you get the correct fit. These ear Gels are also oval (traditionally round) to better fit your ear shape.

Each earbud weighs 6 grams, and the charging case is 46 grams. The charging case dimensions are 65x24x47 mm.

The earbuds are charged via the case, which needs to be charged via the USB cable to a mains charger (not included), a PC, a car USB, etc. The charge time is up to 3 hours and will provide up to 36 hours of listening time by using the case. When fully charged, the earbuds will provide up to 8 or 6 hours with noise cancelling switched on. (same as Jabra 7). The case also supports wireless charging.

If you run out of power in the buds, 5 minutes in the case will give you one hour of listening.

Pairing these buds is super easy, with my phone and PC recognising them before I even tried to set them up.

Priced at $379, Jabra Elite 10 are available in 5 colours. The included warranty is 2 years, protecting you from failure due to dust and water if you register your product on the App.

Using the Elite 10 earbuds

A feature I like about the whole Jabra earbud range is the large physical button on each earbud, which allows various operations like pause, skip Siri/Google Assistant, etc. This button gives a reassuring click.

You can set these earbuds up with ten Bluetooth devices, such as a PC or smartphone, and easily change between them. Connection is done via Bluetooth 5.3 with a range of approx. 10m. Leaving my phone in the centre of my house, I can continue to listen in every room.

The earbuds can be used independently, just one, not two earbuds. However, with the hear-through technology, there is no real need other than personal preference to leave one earbud out. While wearing both earbuds, any media playback is immediately paused if you remove one. I find this a courtesy thing when talking to someone, as with the hear-through feature, you can hear just as well, leaving the earphones in.

Sound reproduction is excellent from a 10mm speaker, 33% larger than the Elite 7, providing excellent base (deep sounds). The big addition to these earbuds is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, which uses timing trickery to make your brain believe sound is coming from different directions beyond just left or right. Watching a movie or listening to music encoded with Dolby Atmos enhances your listening pleasure. I enjoy this feature, which is a reason to buy these earbuds. The jury is still out on the Dolby Head Tracking, which moves the sound around as you move your head to give the impression the sound comes from the same place. I find this a bit disorientating, and gives the sound an echo, which I don’t particularly appreciate when listening to podcasts.

Jabra promotes the Elite 10, having twice as good as “Jabra Standard ANC” (Advanced Noise Cancelation). Compared to Jabra’s cheaper models, this is no doubt true. Still, compared to the Elite 7, I found the Noise cancellation only slightly better.

Having tested many different headsets and earbuds, the most anticipated feature for me was how well the Elite 10 could handle voice calls in noisy environments. Having Six microphones (compared to 4 in the 7), I hoped for big things with this model and, unfortunately, was left still hoping. My standard test for headphones is my weekly call with my mother. I am exposed to construction noise, traffic, lawnmowers, etc. Manufacturers use multiple microphones to work out what your voice is and what is background noise. The technology then attempts to remove the background noise so only your voice is heard. The Elite 10s are okay, but headphones with a boom microphone with ANC built-in do a better job at this. Unfortunately, earbuds are still a work in progress.

The ear gels I found took a bit to get used to as it is a different feel to the round gels. I went to a bigger size but returned to the standard size and now happily wear them all day. Speaking of different shapes, the charging box is a new shape that fits your pocket better but must be held to reinsert the buds. The 7 had a flat bottom, so buds could be inserted without holding the case.

I wear earbuds as I do chores on a weekend and always worry I will drop a bud by accident into a bucket of water. To date, the buds have remained in place in my ears and only hit the ground with no damage from my fumbling fingers. If I were to drop a bud in a bucket, they are IP 57, meaning they should survive a quick dunking in water.

Our Take Jabra Elite 10 review.

The Jabra Elite 10 certainly are the best earbuds to date from Jabra. The sound playback quality and noise cancellation are exceptional for such a small size.

Suppose you are using these buds for work and play. In that case, there is definitely a bias towards play, as calls in a noisy environment are, unfortunately, still challenging for the other party.

The Dolby Atmos support is a standout feature and worth every cent of the $379 RRP of these buds, and with so much more content being consumed on a smartphone, it really enhances the experience.

If your budget does not stretch, look at the Elie 7 Pro reduced to $199, which is now a bargain.