Latest news with #QualityofLife
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Most Americans don't earn enough to afford costs of living, study finds
The gap between what Americans earn and how much they need to bring in to achieve a basic standard of living is growing, according to a new report. The analysis, from the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity (LISEP), looks beyond whether people can afford daily necessities like food and shelter to consider whether they have the means to pay for things like the technology tools necessary for work, higher education, and health and child care costs. In tracking costs associated with what the group calls a "basket of American dream essentials," LISEP says its Minimal Quality of Life index provides a truer picture of how Americans are faring than standard economic data, such as the nation's gross domestic product and jobless rate. The findings? For the bottom 60% of U.S. households, a "minimal quality of life" is out of reach, according to the group, a research organization focused on improving lower earners' economic well-being. "The middle class has been declining — we just haven't recognized it fully," LISEP Chairman Gene Ludwig told CBS MoneyWatch. "It's really dangerous because it's the kind of thing that leads to social unrest, and it's not fair. The American dream is not that it's given to you — it's that if you work hard, you have a chance to get ahead and achieve the things in life that you want to achieve. It's not living in a tent, not having to steal." Peering beneath the surface By those standards, the lowest-earning Americans around the U.S. are falling well short, according to LISEP. These households, which in 2023 earned an average of $38,000 per year, would need to make $67,000 to afford the items the group tracks as part of its index, which also includes professional clothing and basic leisure activities. "Traditional headline economic indicators like GDP and unemployment tell us the economy is thriving, but they don't reflect the lived reality of most Americans," Ludwig said in a statement. "Americans are working harder than ever, fueling our economic growth, but the benefits of that hard work are not being distributed in a way that supports upward mobility for too many middle- and low-income Americans." From 2021 to 2023, the cost of affording what amounts to a basic level of economic security doubled, according to LISEP's analysis. Housing and health care costs surged, while the amount of savings required to attend an in-state, public university soared 122%. Meanwhile, median earnings for the bottom 60% of income earners fell 4% over that span when adjusting for the cost of goods tracked by the group's index, according to LISEP. Income growth for these households has also lagged, rising 0.37% per year during the same period — less than half as much as for the top 40% of earners, the group found. The gap between how much low-income families earn and how much they need to afford a minimum cost of living is expected to keep widening, Ludwig told CBS MoneyWatch. "Unfortunately, it is growing because the items that go into the basket of goods and services that make the minimal quality of life are inflating at a higher rate than wages are inflating," he said. MLB makes Pete Rose, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson and others eligible for Hall of Fame Bipartisan concern over Trump's plans to accept jumbo jet from Qatar New Orleans drinking water under threat from Mississippi River saltwater intrusion
Mid East Info
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
From Dubai to Osaka: A Cultural Exchange Through Architecture and Design at Expo 2025
Dubai Culture is organising the 'Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition' symposium, exploring the evolution of UAE architectural practices and cultural identity Symposium to be held on 20–21 May; cultural and architectural tour takes place from 16–19 May. Organised in partnership with the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant under Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy. Dubai, UAE, May 2025: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, hosted by Japan and running until 13 October 2025. Such engagement underscores a commitment to the local creative sector and elevates global visibility by spotlighting the achievements of UAE-based talent and designers. It also highlights the Authority's dedication to supporting the UAE Pavilion and its diverse offerings, where architectural ingenuity merges with cultural richness. On 20-21 May, Dubai Culture will host a two-day symposium titled 'Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition,' organised in partnership with the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant, one of the key initiatives under Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy. Curated by Salem AlSuwaidi, Founder of SWALIF Collective and Co-founder of MamarLab, in collaboration with Rashed AlMulla, Founder of MABNAI and Co-founder of MamarLab, the symposium will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions that explore the evolving intersections of architecture, cultural identity, and material innovation in the UAE. From the influence of traditional knowledge, embodied in elements such as the arish and vernacular landscapes, to the integration of climate-responsive design and site sensitivity, the sessions examine architecture not merely as a built form, but as a dynamic cultural and ecological agent. The programme also opens space for dialogue on education, design enterprise, and the shared imperatives of sustainable, context-driven development. The delegation travelling to Osaka consists of 12 emerging and established architects and cultural professionals, namely: Ahmad Bukhash, Founder of Archidentity and designer of 'The Good Place' Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; Fatima AlSuwaidi, Head of the Cultural Heritage Legislation and Policy Section, Ministry of Culture; Ahmed Al Ali, Founder of X-Architects; Fatima AlZaabi, Co-founder of D04 Studios; Abdalla AlMulla, Founder of MULA Design Studio; Lina Ahmed, Associate Professor of Sustainable Design at Zayed University; Laith AlSheyadi, Urban Planner at the Oman Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning; Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of Studio; Rakan Lootah, Founder of Rakan Lootah Studio; and Noora AlAwar, Co-founder of D04 Studios, as well as Hamad AlMutawa, Architect at Köda and Mohammad Salem AlShafiei, Engineer at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority. The participating architects will explore Osaka and its neighbouring cities' architectural, cultural, and artistic landscapes from 16 to 19 May. Participants will explore the region's distinctive built environment and architectural marvels by visiting landmarks such as the National Museum of Art, , Umeda Sky Building by Hiroshi Hara, teamLab Botanical Gardens, as well as a special focus on Japense architect Tadao Ando with visits to the Tadao Ando exhibition at Grand Green Osaka, Kyoto Garden of Fine Arts, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Honpukuji Water Temple, and Yumebutai all designed by Tadao Ando. Shaima Rashed AlSuwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stressed the significance of being part of Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, saying: 'At Dubai Culture, we champion the role of arts and design as catalysts for cultural dialogue and creative diplomacy. By showcasing our talent on global platforms, we foster meaningful connections that drive lasting cultural exchange. This engagement also strengthens ties with cultural institutions worldwide and fosters knowledge exchange, fueling growth in the cultural and creative industries and ensures that Emirati and UAE-based participants engage meaningfully with contemporary architectural discourse while positioning them within a global framework . The symposium serves as a dynamic forum for cross-cultural dialogue and best practice sharing, underscoring Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.' The UAE National Pavilion, located in the 'Empowering Lives' zone under the theme From Earth to Ether, stands as an architectural icon that reflects national identity and showcases the UAE's vision for shaping the future of humanity. It conveys a powerful message of cooperation and shared progress, while highlighting the country's inspiring journey in space exploration, healthcare innovation, and sustainability leadership across vital sectors.
CNA
27-04-2025
- Business
- CNA
Ways for women: How you can push for equity – not just equality – at the office for a healthier work life
The words equity and equality may seem interchangeable but they mean different things. Equality in the workplace means staff are treated fairly, regardless of age, gender and race. Equity is about addressing individual needs and characteristics, to ensure fair access to resources and achieve balanced outcomes. Women need more advocacy in these areas: Flexibility, equal opportunity, and equity for female employees who are caregivers. According to a 2022 Quality of Life survey by the National Council of Social Service, women make up 60 per cent of caregivers in Singapore. Flexibility is essential for balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. A 2022 Ministry of Manpower report found that over 260,000 women were not able to work due to caregiving responsibilities. In response to this, independent non-profit SG Her Empowerment (SHE) created several initiatives to support women through community engagements and partnerships. Its chief operating officer How Kay Lii, said that if, and when, these women returned to the workforce, they faced challenges with balancing work and family responsibilities, gender bias and workplace discrimination, lack of access and opportunities, as well as lack of flexible work arrangements. These led to them getting passed over for promotions, leadership opportunities, or networking opportunities to help them navigate the job market. The organisation runs SHE Supports, an initiative which empowers women as they return to work, thorough mentoring services, legal clinics and career workshops. HOW COMPANIES CAN DO MORE FOR WOMEN In Singapore, the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) has new policies in place that will help. The Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA), which started in December 2024, support a flexible work arrangement that is beneficial for companies and employees, for a healthy workforce. Karen Kim, CEO of Human Managed, a data and AI platform service, said employers should recognise that flexibility extends beyond where work is done. 'It's about how employees add value and contribute.' Flexibility should include diverse roles that allow employees to contribute based on their skills and passions, beyond job titles, education and experience, Kim added. Women's caregiving responsibilities often cause them to face setbacks in career progression. Sher-li Torrey, founder of Mums@Work, a career portal, pointed out that these women are frequently overlooked for promotions or new opportunities. 'The hiring process still trends towards 'current experienced workers' as opposed to those with career gaps due to caregiving reasons.' She added that companies can implement return-to-work programmes and initiatives for women who have taken career breaks, helping them reintegrate into the workforce. In addition, having a corporate mindset more open to flexibility in policies on transparency for promotions and pay will lead to inclusivity for women who are caregivers. Wong Meilin, partner and CEO of public relations agency Milk & Honey PR, said the main causes of disparity in the workplace lies in a combination of deeply ingrained societal norms and challenges in the traditional organisational structure. 'Gender roles remain influenced by traditional expectations. So while women in Singapore enter the workforce, societal pressures around caregiving and familial roles have not changed significantly even today.' While manpower guidelines from TAFEP and company policies can help advance workplace equity, women themselves must also do their part. There are ways to advocate for your female co-workers – here's what every woman can do. 1. SPEAK UP AND SPEAK OUT AT MEETINGS In a meeting, women tend to gravitate toward either end of the table or the room. A 2014 study in the American Political Science Review also found that women get less airtime in group discussions where there are other men in similar or higher levels. They also get interrupted a lot by men. Women in senior positions interrupt other women too but less than men. If a woman is interrupted, interject and say: 'Oh, I'd like to hear more of that before we move on.' If a co-worker runs away with a woman's idea, speak out and say: 'Great idea and thanks to Debbie for bringing it out.' If a female co-worker is struggling to be heard, say: 'I'd love to hear what you think, Ashley.' 'The most powerful way for women is to amplify the voices of those who may not always be heard,' said Wong. 'Whether it's women, or co-workers with disabilities, lending your voice in meetings creates opportunities for them to be heard and get heard.' 2. CHAMPION A FEMALE COLLEAGUE'S ACHIEVEMENTS Women tend to be shy about their achievements for fear of being labelled 'self-promoting'. They often credit their own achievements as 'getting lucky' or 'getting help from others'. Contrast this with men who will attribute their achievements to their personal skill and innate qualities. As a result, women and their contributions go unnoticed. If a female co-worker's initiative is a success, compliment her and highlight the achievement like this: 'Nina was in charge for our latest product launch and it generated a lot of sales, and even garnered the most social media engagement of all our launches.' Celebrate successes and achievements so that women get the credit they deserve and do not feel embarrassed or feel the need to play small to be accepted or recognised. 3. OFFER REAL, PRACTICAL HELP Create designated spaces for women in the workplace. For women returning after maternity leave, some may require practical support like nursing rooms or refrigerator space. Rachel Lee, 39, a retail executive, said having a quiet space was useful when she returned to work after having her third child. 'When I was working at a mall, there were designated nursing rooms but there may be none in an industrial building.' Her colleagues cleared a small meeting room and taped the clear windows for privacy so she could express her breast milk. They even cleared the office fridge and made space for her to store her breast milk. This helped her feel accepted. SHE's How added: 'As a mother of young children myself, having had the support of my colleagues and bosses when I returned to work after maternity was absolutely crucial to my transition.' 4. NORMALISE FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENTS AND MAKE IT COMPANY CULTURE Even as flexible work arrangements are getting common, there is still some stigma towards those requesting it. Have open conversations with female co-workers who ask for such arrangements. Most women need it for medical appointments for their elderly parents or when their children fall sick. How said: 'Open, non-judgmental conversations about caregiving and work-life balance normalises discussions about family responsibilities and the mental load women may face.' One way a woman can plan ahead for these arrangements is to create a working schedule or a shared calendar and update it monthly or weekly. Run through any changes to ensure your colleagues are aware. This way, you can support your colleagues' schedules without any surprises or resentment. Similarly, when you require flexible days, those are also reflected on the schedule. Having a mentor in the workplace is paramount for women climbing the corporate ladder. According to a Forbes article, employees who have mentors are promoted five times more often than those without. They are more confident in their abilities and are likely to stay in the company. Sharing experiences helps women see things from a unique perspective. The Singapore Muslim Women's Association (PPIS), a non-profit which focuses on community services for Muslim women, found that women feel empowered to succeed in their jobs if they have strong female role models. They also saw that coaching and mentorship programmes helped fellow aspiring entrepreneurs succeed if they had successful women business owners guide them. So when you see a project or an initiative which your colleague is suitable for, put her name down. Raise her hand for it.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
King Salman Park Foundation selects Parsons for Project Management Office services
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) announced today that it has been awarded a contract for Project Management Office (PMO) services by the King Salman Park Foundation for King Salman Park. This 25-month contract marks new work for Parsons. King Salman Park is one of the world's most unique urban transformation projects, featuring 11.6 sq km of green space and over 10 sq km of built-up area. The Park includes cultural landmarks such as the Royal Arts Complex and a vibrant 7.2 km pedestrian walkway known as The Loop, among many other assets. All these elements are designed to support Saudi Vision 2030's 'Quality of Life' Program. Parsons' responsibilities encompass supporting the delivery strategy of the King Salman Park program, as well as overseeing and reporting on the design, procurement, construction, and implementation of smart city initiatives. "King Salman Park is an exceptional project that seamlessly integrates destination and sustainable urban development. Parsons is honored to contribute to this landmark initiative that is transforming Riyadh's urban landscape and establishing a legacy," said Pierre Santoni, President, Infrastructure EMEA at Parsons. "Our team will utilize Parsons' 80 years of global expertise, along with our local experience in designing and managing complex urban projects in the Kingdom, to help deliver this world-class mixed-use development project that will enhance the lives of both residents and visitors." 'Sustainability is at the heart of King Salman Park's vision. Located on the former Riyadh Air Base, the Park will transform the area with the planting of 1 million trees and plants. This initiative will significantly enhance the region's vegetation cover, increase per capita green space, and boost biodiversity, supporting local wildlife. Our plans include strategically placing trees along roadsides and near buildings to absorb CO2, increase humidity, and mitigate the heat island effect,' said George Tanasijevich, Chief Executive Officer, King Salman Park Foundation. With over 65 years of regional presence, Parsons offers extensive expertise in urban development, smart mobility, asset management, design, sustainability, and landscape architecture within the Kingdom. About Parsons Parsons (NYSE: PSN) is a leading disruptive technology provider in the national security and global infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cyber and intelligence, space and missile defense, transportation, environmental remediation, urban development, and critical infrastructure protection. Please visit and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn how we're making an impact.
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Parsons secures King Salman Park PMO services contract
Parsons Corporation announced today (April 24) that it has secured a major contract from the King Salman Park Foundation for its key project King Salman Park. Under this 25-month contract, Parsons will provide project management office (PMO) services to King Salman Park,s one of the world's most unique urban transformation projects, featuring 11.6 sq km of green space and over 10 sq km of built-up area. The Park includes cultural landmarks such as the Royal Arts Complex and a vibrant 7.2 km pedestrian walkway known as The Loop, among many other assets. All these elements are designed to support Saudi Vision 2030's 'Quality of Life' Program. With over 65 years of regional presence, Parsons offers extensive expertise in urban development, smart mobility, asset management, design, sustainability, and landscape architecture within the Kingdom. Parsons said its responsibilities encompass supporting the delivery strategy of the King Salman Park programme, as well as overseeing and reporting on the design, procurement, construction, and implementation of smart city initiatives. "King Salman Park is an exceptional project that seamlessly integrates destination and sustainable urban development. Parsons is honored to contribute to this landmark initiative that is transforming Riyadh's urban landscape and establishing a legacy," remarked Pierre Santoni, the President of Infrastructure (EMEA) at Parsons. "Our team will utilise Parsons' 80 years of global expertise, along with our local experience in designing and managing complex urban projects in the Kingdom, to help deliver this world-class mixed-use development project that will enhance the lives of both residents and visitors," he added. King Salman Park Foundation CEO George Tanasijevich said: "Sustainability is at the heart of King Salman Park's vision. Located on the former Riyadh Air Base, the Park will transform the area with the planting of 1 million trees and plants."
