Latest news with #Employees
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chrome for iOS makes it easier to switch between work and personal Google accounts
Google announced Monday that it's introducing a new feature that lets iOS users easily switch between work and personal Google accounts in Chrome. Previously, iOS users had to completely sign out of a Google account and then log in with another, and repeat this process every time they want to access a different account. 'People often use their mobile device for both work and personal tasks, requiring them to sign in and out with different Google accounts,' the company wrote in a blog post. 'To simplify this experience while tightening security, Chrome on iOS is now offering seamless account switching with data separation for managed accounts.' When users sign in or switch to their work Google account in Chrome, browsing related to their organization will be kept separate from their other browsing on the device. Local data and content, including tabs, history, and passwords stay only within the managed account browsing experience. Google says this is ideal for both end users and IT admins. The update comes as Google says many organizations are moving away from company phones, which means employees often have to access company resources from their personal phones and computers. Google says the improved account switching experience and data separation 'better enables businesses to allow employees to use their device of choice.' The first time users sign in or switch to a managed account, they will see an onboarding screen that explains the separation of managed account browsing and how their organization is handling their data. Organizations maintain control and can decide how existing browsing data is handled when a user initially signs in or switches to a managed account. Once users switch to their managed account, they are notified that they're entering a managed experience. Google also announced that it has incorporated more advanced security features that IT departments can implement. Chrome Enterprise's reporting capabilities are now extending to both Android and iOS, which means organizations can now send critical data related to security events to the security investigation tool in the Google Admin console, Chrome logs, or the SIEM of their choice. Google says this allows IT teams to make more informed decisions about overall security. Google is also bringing URL filtering to iOS, allowing organizations to do things like block employees from visiting prohibited GenAI sites at a category level and redirect them to the approved corporate services. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Times of Oman
20-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Muscat Governorate organises training programme on Artificial Intelligence for its staff
Muscat: A training programme 'Implementing Artificial Intelligence in the Work Environment' was organised in the Muscat Governorate for its employees. Those interested in Artificial Intelligence applications took part in the workshop to enhance their efficiency and abilities to keep pace with the institutional digital transformation. The workshop, which will run from 20 to 24 July, reviewed several topics, including the concept and importance of artificial intelligence, the most notable functions and fields it works in. Additionally, it also discussed methods of implementation to improve the work environment, and the challenges associated with its implementation. The workshop highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in supporting the decision-making process and introduced successful experiences in this field. This programme contributes to enhancing ability of participants to learn the foundations and techniques of artificial intelligence, its practical applications in the work environment and utilising its tools to increase efficiency and productivity as well as, enabling participants to design Artificial Intelligence-based initiatives and projects that support the vision of smart institutional transformation and promote a culture of innovation and adaptation to changeable work environments. This programme reflects Muscat Governorate's continuous efforts to strengthen its digital preparedness and develop cadres skilled in implementing Artificial Intelligence technologies to improve services and institutional performance.
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How A One-Week Digital Detox Restores Work-Life Balance
A digital detox can help busy professionals reset boundaries and achieve better work-life balance. Corporate professionals often feel the pressure to be 'always on' and to respond instantly, both during and outside of work hours. According to Calm's 2024 Voice of the Workplace Report, 58% of employees say they're always connected or available for work. It's no wonder that nearly one-third also report feeling tired from constant screen time. While fully stepping away from devices isn't realistic for most professionals, a brief digital detox can help restore energy, focus and work-life balance—without the need to go fully offline. Here's how to make a one-week digital detox work for you, even if you can't unplug completely. 1. Ban Your Phone From The Bedroom The first step toward work-life balance involves creating physical boundaries between yourself and your devices. Transform your bedroom into a sanctuary free from work emails, social media notifications and the sleep-disrupting blue light that screens emit. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that evening exposure to light-emitting devices negatively affects sleep quality, circadian timing and next-morning alertness. By designating your bedroom a device-free zone, you create a space where your mind can truly disconnect and recharge. Helpful Tip: Consider investing in a traditional alarm clock and setting up a charging station outside your bedroom. This eliminates the temptation to check your phone immediately upon waking or right before sleep—two critical periods for mental restoration. 2. Kill All Non-Essential Notifications The average knowledge worker checks their email multiple times a day, creating a constant state of cognitive fragmentation that prevents deep, meaningful work. During your digital detox week, take control of your attention by turning off all non-essential notifications across your devices. This includes social media alerts, news updates, promotional emails and even work-related notifications that aren't urgent. The goal is to shift from a reactive mode, where your attention is constantly hijacked by external stimuli, to a proactive mode, where you consciously choose when to engage with digital information. Helpful Tip: Customize your notification settings to receive only urgent communications during focus periods. Most smartphones allow you to filter notifications by contact or app, helping you stay accessible for emergencies while eliminating digital distractions. 3. Check Email Only Three Times Per Day Rather than being always on, establish specific times for checking emails, social media and news updates. This approach, known as "batching," enables you to check email more efficiently by minimizing task switching. Consider checking email only three times per day and limiting social media consumption to a single 20-minute window. This structured approach helps break the compulsive habit of reaching for your phone whenever you feel bored, anxious or understimulated. Helpful Tip: Use a timer to enforce your digital consumption boundaries. When the timer goes off, immediately close the app or browser tab. This practice helps retrain your brain to engage with technology purposefully rather than compulsively. 4. Swap Scrolling For Real-World Activities The most challenging aspect of a digital detox is filling the time and mental space that constant connectivity previously occupied. Successful detoxers replace their digital habits with engaging real-world activities that provide similar psychological rewards without the adverse side effects. This might include reading physical books instead of scrolling through articles on your phone, taking walks in nature instead of browsing social media during breaks or engaging in creative hobbies like drawing, cooking or playing a musical instrument. These activities not only fill the void left by reduced screen time but also provide opportunities for profound, restorative experiences. Helpful Tip: Before reaching for your device, pause and identify whether you're seeking entertainment, connection, information or stress relief. Then, find an offline alternative that meets that same need, such as deep breathing exercises or a brief walk when feeling stressed. 5. Switch Your Phone To Grayscale Mode One of the most effective yet underutilized digital detox techniques involves removing the vibrant colors that make your smartphone so visually appealing. Most smartphones now allow you to switch your entire display to grayscale, which significantly reduces the dopamine hit you get from colorful apps and notifications. This simple change makes your device less pleasurable to use, naturally reducing the time you spend scrolling without requiring constant willpower. Helpful Tip: Enable grayscale mode in your phone's accessibility settings at the beginning of your detox week. Set it to activate automatically during certain hours or toggle it on and off as needed. Most users report checking their phones 20% to 30% less frequently when switching to grayscale mode, according to a study published in Mobile Media and Communication. 6. Stop Work From Invading Your Personal Life Remote work has blurred the lines between professional and personal time, making it crucial to establish boundaries around work-related digital communication. During your digital detox week, set specific hours when you'll be unavailable for non-urgent work communications. This might mean turning off Slack notifications after 6 PM, not checking work emails over the weekend or setting an auto-responder that manages expectations about response times. These boundaries protect your personal time while teaching co-workers to respect your work-life balance. Helpful Tip: Create separate user profiles or use different devices for work and personal activities when possible. If you must use the same device, establish visual cues, such as different wallpapers or app arrangements, to help your brain distinguish between work and personal time. 7. Curate Your Digital Comeback The end of your digital detox week shouldn't mark a return to old habits but rather the beginning of a more intentional relationship with technology. Before reintroducing apps and digital services, evaluate which ones add value. Delete or hide apps that are time-wasters or sources of stress. For the digital tools you choose to keep, establish clear usage guidelines and regular check-ins to ensure they continue serving your goals. Consider implementing ongoing practices like "digital sabbaths"—regular periods of disconnection—or maintaining some of the technology-free zones you established during your detox. Helpful Tip: Reintroduce digital tools gradually, one app or habit at a time. Monitor how each affects your mood, productivity at work and overall well-being. If something consistently makes you feel worse, consider whether it truly deserves a place in your life. By setting firm boundaries, practicing digital detox strategies and replacing mindless scrolling with meaningful activities, you can break the cycle of digital overload. Focus on progress, not perfection. A more intentional approach to technology supports your productivity and work-life balance. Even small changes in digital habits can lead to greater energy, focus and a healthier relationship with work.
The Standard
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Standard
Vanke seeks to extend some bank loans by up to 10 years
Employees walk past a logo of Vanke at its headquarters in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, November 2, 2015. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo
Times of Oman
14-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Forum offers vital recommendations on developing human resources in Oman
Salalah: The 11th edition of the Annual Human Development Conference concluded in Salalah on Monday with a number of recommendations on developing human resources, both at the institutional and individual levels. This is envisaged through training programmes that capitalise on innovation and artificial intelligence in accordance with the latest international methodologies. On the institutional side, the recommendations laid emphasis on the importance of developing continuous training policies that keep pace with technological transition and labour market requirements. They stressed the need to establish a systematic system for analysing training needs to help enhance the efficiency of resource allocation. The recommendations also underlined the importance of upgrading the capabilities of employees at various job levels as a measure to contribute to their productivity. At the individual level, the conference recommended devising development plans with clear goals to hone the skills of the beneficiaries and prepare them to obtain professional qualifications that enhance their competitiveness. In this respect, the recommendations stressed the importance of benefiting from workshops and volunteer activities extended by the respective organisations.
