Jabra, a leader in personal sound and office solutions, launches the Jabra Evolve2 Buds, the newest product in Jabra’s Evolve series. In an age where hybrid working is standard for most professionals, having the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere is important. The top-of-the-range, new Evolve2 Buds are designed to boost concentration and improve collaboration for professionals working on the go. Evolve2 Buds are certified for leading virtual meeting platforms, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and use the latest technology to reduce disruptive background noise and enable clearer calls.

Minimised distractions

When working from home, the office or in a public space, we are often wrought with distractions everywhere: from the sounds of our washing machine churning to the sound of a barista working the coffee machine to colleagues chattering in the background. For this reason, the Evolve2 Buds come with an Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology which hybrid-working professionals can use to personalise the ANC to their listening preferences, blocking out any external sounds and minimising distractions. The Evolve2 Buds also come with a sealing test feature called MyFit, as well as SafeTone™ with PeakStop, which ensures enhanced hearing protection and the most optimal seal for the best, personalised ANC experience.

Greater call quality and crystal-clear conversations

It’s more important than ever for employees to be heard on calls and to be able to talk freely with their co-workers without being interrupted, especially as virtual meetings become the norm. With many of us now used to the true wireless earbud form factor, Jabra developed the Evolve2 Buds to enable users to have high-quality conversations with Jabra MultiSensor Voice™. It uses a unique combination of four microphones, bone conduction sensors, and advanced algorithms to block out as much of the surrounding noise as possible so the user can be heard clearly by those on the call, contributing to more focused conversation experiences.

Extensive range and connectivity for flexibility

For those seeking stable connectivity and increased mobility, the Evolve2 Buds feature a long wireless range, owing to the unique, in-case dongle that can be plugged into your PC. With a wireless range of up to 20 meters/65 feet, the Evolve2 Buds give employees the ability to move around their home or hybrid/remote work environments without compromising call quality.

Certified for leading virtual meeting platforms including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, the earbuds come with 5 hours of talk time and a total of 33 hours of battery including the charging case, avoiding the inconvenience of your earbuds running out of charge mid-meeting.

“The world we live in today has made us crave freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere. At the same time, we also learnt from our Hybrid Ways of Working 2022 research about the role that technology plays in increasing employee inclusion in hybrid work. With all that in mind, we sought to create a product with our new Jabra Evolve2 Buds to empower professionals to look, sound and be professional on the go,” says Holger Reisinger, SVP at Jabra.

Key features of the Evolve2 Buds:

• Certified for Microsoft Teams and leading UC platforms – for enhanced collaboration experience
• MultiSensor Voice technology – ensures professional call performance by using multiple mics and Jabra algorithms to block out noise
• Plug-and-play USB adapter for enhanced connectivity – 20 metre/65 feet rangeallows users the freedom to move around their work environment
• Advanced Multipoint connection – connect to two devices at one time
• Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation – filters out background noise allowing for increased focus
• HearThrough and single earbud use – allows the user to hear surrounding sounds through the earbuds whilst wearing them
• Increased battery life – with 33 hours of battery, including the case and wireless charging
• Ultra-discreet design – for ultimate comfort and a professional look

The Jabra Evolve2 Buds are available for $399 RRP

FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company, is enhancing its services with delivery notifications and personalised options now available on WhatsApp.

The integration of one of the world’s most popular instant messaging apps into the FedEx® Delivery Manager International (FDMi) e-commerce solution is being launched in FedEx Express’ Australia.

FDMi is an interactive e-commerce delivery solution that provides customisable delivery options and alerts. E-tailers using the solution can offer their residential customers the ability to pick the timing and location of their deliveries to fit their schedule – and change the delivery address when the shipment is in transit – giving them extra flexibility at no extra cost.

The WhatsApp instant messaging social media platform currently has over 2 billion active users globally^[1]. In Australia and New Zealand, the WhatsApp platform is used by around 40% of the population as people are spending more time online than ever before.  Over 80% of the population over the age of 16 in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE are WhatsApp users, while more than one in four Filipinosuse WhatsApp, making it the most favoured social media platform in those countries.With such high penetration in each market, the integration of WhatsApp into FDMi makes it an effective solution for shoppers.

Recipients expecting inbound deliveries receive a WhatsApp notification from FedEx Express upon shipment pickup. FedEx uses a Meta verified WhatsApp business account to help mitigate the risk of recipients responding to scams perpetrated on WhatsApp using the FedEx brands. Recipients can access tracking status and re-direct options with the click of a button directly in the WhatsApp chat window.

“We continuously strive to enhance our services to make our solutions more accessible and useful while adding value and supporting the growth of local businesses”, said Peter Langley, Vice President of FedEx Express Australasia. “The integration is another important step in continuous augmentation of our service suites to better support making business easier and deliveries more manageable for customers within this dynamic region.”

“We know that consumers have an increasing preference for personalized delivery services. Integrating social platforms of choice like WhatsApp into our digital solutions gives an added boost to the convenience we can offer to e-commerce customers”, said Salil Chari, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Customer Experience of FedEx Express’ AMEA Region. “This service enhancement is another example of how we are working at the intersection of our digital and physical networks to create differentiated, customer-centric service experiences”. 

The integration of WhatsApp into FDMi is a win-win for all participants in the e-commerce ecosystem. In an increasingly competitive online marketplace, FDMi helps e-tailers, especially SMEs, provide a differentiated service offer. Customers get more peace of mind through the traceability of their package on their mobile device as well as an enhanced online shopping experience. It also helps FedEx Express minimise delivery attempts to recipients who may not be at home.

Cloud content and digital workflow platform Dropbox has announced updates to a number of its most essential workflow and video communication tools—Dropbox Capture, HelloSign, and DocSend. The updates are designed to power modern work and allow users to complete more types of workflows directly from the platform.  

Dropbox Capture  

Leading the announcement is the launch of Dropbox Capture, a new video messaging tool that lets users record their messages with screenshots, GIFs, and presentations right from their screen. Capture allows users to clearly communicate, record, send and scale their messages asynchronously through engaging video content.  

Starting today, Capture is available across all Dropbox plans.* With Professional, Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise plans, users can record videos in 4K up to their storage limit and edit videos of any length. With Basic, Plus, and Family plans, users get up to two hours of recording time at 1080p and editing for videos under five minutes. 

Dropbox Sign  

Today, Dropbox is reintroducing its suite of eSignature products as Dropbox Sign (previously known as HelloSign).   

All Dropbox Sign plans, including the free plan, will offer unlimited self-signing, so users can sign as many documents as needed. Dropbox Forms will also be included in Dropbox Sign plans (Standard and Premium) and offer 50 free Forms transactions per month.  

Dropbox DocSend  

Advanced video analytics has been one of the most requested features among DocSend customers, and Dropbox is making it available today. DocSend users can now share videos and access backend analytics, like playback completion rate, time watched, and geo-tagging information.  

Advanced video analytics, such as an engagement graph, performance graph, and video engagement settings, are now available to DocSend users on Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise plans.  

In addition, Capture will be incorporated into DocSend before the end of the year, allowing users to stay within the Dropbox platform to record, send and analyse their video messages. 

Pia Broadley, Head of Dropbox APAC said: “The shift to remote and hybrid work has surfaced challenges around fragmented workflows — many organisations are looking for better ways to move work forward with teams, colleagues and stakeholders who aren’t in the same room. Today, we’re proud to launch Dropbox Capture and provide important updates to Dropbox Sign and Dropbox DocSend – tools that power modern work and allow users to complete more types of workflows directly from our platform.” 

Learn more about the suite of new and updated tools available on Dropbox

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to see many of our recommendations included in the Federal Government’s 2022-2023 Budget.

The following highlights align with the Victorian Chamber’s Federal Budget Submission:

Skills and workforce

• Expanding the Permanent Migration Program to accelerate visa processing, reduce the visa backlog and raise awareness of opportunities for high-skilled migrants;
• Relaxing work restrictions for student and secondary training visa holders to enable them to work additional hours in any sector until 30 June 2023;
• 480,000 fee-free TAFE and community-based vocational education places over four years and providing 20,000 more university places to under-represented groups to study in areas of in-demand skills;
• $100 million for New Energy Apprenticeships and New Energy Skills and
• Encouraging higher workforce participation through cheaper childcare and expanding paid parental leave to 26 weeks for working parents.

Industry development

• Establishing a National Reconstruction Fund to provide $15 billion of capital to grow our industrial base, diversify our economy and boost regional development;
• Modernising the electric grid to help put downward pressure on power prices and support the transformation to a clean energy future;
• Additional investment in renewables generation and storage;
• Delivering the Better Deal for Small Business which will include investing in energy efficiency, workplace relations support and well-being programs and
• Retaining the 20 per cent tax deduction boost for small businesses to upskill employees and embrace new technology, as well as the instant asset write off for small and medium businesses.

Infrastructure

• Delivering a $10 billion investment into the Housing Australia Future Fund, which will provide 50,000 affordable and social homes via this fund and the national Housing Accord;
• $2.2 billion funding for the Suburban Rail Loop;
• $500 million to reduce transport emissions, including electric vehicle charging stations and government fleet purchases of 75 per cent electric vehicles;
• Rewiring the Nation with $20 billion in low-cost finance to make upgrades to the electricity grid, including the Marinus Link between Tasmania and Victoria and
• $2.4 billion expansion of the NBN over the next four years to boost to digital capability.

• Budget 2022 for small business gets tentative thumbs up from CPA Australia
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivers “no surprises” budget but future vision unclear

The Federal Government has taken a “steady as she goes” approach to Budget 2022 but is yet to deliver a holistic plan to overcome the nation’s economic challenges, according to Australia’s leading professional accounting body.

“Overall, we give the budget a thumbs up. It is broadly what we expected, but leaves open the question, ‘where to next’,” said CPA Australia Senior Manager Business Policy, Gavan Ord.

“The government made it clear this is a two-part budget. That said, we were hoping they would provide us with a North Star to light the way forward. 

“This steady, no surprises approach is a good option during these turbulent times. We agree this isn’t the right time to entirely change course.

“The government delivered a bleak economic outlook, highlighting major challenges, but failed to provide certainty about its future reform priorities.

“We want the Federal Government to provide a broader vision about how the nation will navigate this difficult economic territory.

“Tonight’s budget was part one. There needs to be a long-term view of how to tackle major challenges in part two next year.”

Budget 2022 for Small business

• $15.1 million for tailored business mental health and financial counselling

“Not enough was done in this budget to help small business. Support for mental health is welcome but we need to do more to assist businesses before they reach breaking point.

“Rising inflation, higher interest rates and global disruption are challenging households and businesses. While budget concerns have constrained the Federal Government’s willingness to spend, not all support needs to be financial.

“Reducing red tape and reviewing poorly performing policies, for example, are opportunities that don’t require a pot of gold. Encouraging businesses and charities to get advice from trusted professionals is a quick and proven way to improve productivity and resilience.”

Workforce challenges

• $42.2 million to speed up visa processing and attract international talent
• Parental leave extension to 26 weeks, increasing childcare subsidies
• 20,000 additional university places

“We’re pleased to see the government maintain the momentum from the Skills and Jobs Summit in the budget.

“A campaign to attract skilled migrants is a great step to ensure Australia is the destination of choice in a highly competitive global market for talent.

“We still need a multi-pronged approach to managing skills shortages in the long-term.”

Environment

• $275 million to support the Department of Climate Change, Energy and Water

“Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing Australia. Measuring the impact of budget decisions on the environment is critical.

“Investing in the public service to improve the nation’s understanding of the impacts of climate change is helpful. We hope this leads to a comprehensive Climate Change Budget Impact Statement in the next Federal Budget.”


CPA Australia’s 2022-2023 Federal Budget analysis is available here.

Retailers should prepare for Christmas gift shopping at their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. New research reveals 1 in 2 Aussies use sales events, especially these, to stock up on Christmas gifts.

The findings were derived from a survey of an independent panel of 1007 Australian online shoppers, commissioned by leading parcel delivery company CouriersPlease. The full survey results, including breakdowns across age and State, can be found here couriersplease.com.au/Shopping-Events-Study-2022.pdf

CouriersPlease found that 52 per cent of respondents use sales events – such as Black Friday and mid-season sales – to do their Christmas shopping. The highest proportion was among under-50s (65 per cent of all under-50s) and women (56 per cent of all women).

CouriersPlease also asked respondents at which of the following sales events they spend the most:

• End of financial year (EOFY) sales – 30 June 
• Amazon Prime Day – 12 July 
• Click Frenzy – 8-10 November
• Singles’ Day – 11 November
• Black Friday – 25 November
• Cyber Monday – 28 November
• Boxing Day – 26 December
• End-of-season sales
• Mid-season sales

Last year, Aussies spent $8 billion during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales period, a significant increase on previous years, suggesting it continues to be the shopping event Aussies gravitate towards to snap up a bargain. This is confirmed by the survey, which found the largest proportion of consumers (26 per cent) shop at the Black Friday sales.

A relatively high proportion of respondents also revealed they spend big during seasonal sales events. Specifically, an equal 19 per cent said they spend the most during end-of-season and end-of-financial year sales, and 7 per cent spend the most at mid-season sales. Just 17 per cent said they spend the most at Boxing Day sales – traditionally the biggest sales event of the year.

CouriersPlease also asked respondents which sales event offers the deepest discounts. Black Friday topped the list, with 30 per cent saying the event offers the best bang for their buck. One fifth (21 per cent) of respondents think the best discounts can be found at the Boxing Day sales, while 18 per cent stand by EOFY sales, and 14 per cent believe end-of-season sales get them the best discounts.

CouriersPlease CEO Richard Thame says: “An increasing number of savvy retailers are recognising that Black Friday is the sales event of the year, motivating many to start their sales event earlier and end it later to nab a share of the shopper market.” 

While October to Christmas is traditionally the peak period for parcel volumes, CouriersPlease expects its largest spike in volumes to be in the second half of November, off the back of the Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales. 

Richard says: “Our research shows that shoppers spend more at sales events that offer the deepest discounts. Despite cost-of-living pressures, consumer spending is on the rise: August this year marked the 18^th consecutive month of steady growth in household spending, with significant increases occurring across discretionary goods such as clothing and footwear. Aussies may be prepared to continue spending strongly this Black Friday sales period, even in a climate of high inflation and increasing interest rates.

“While retailers have been preparing for a spike in Black Friday orders, it could be a good idea to roll out different offers in the lead-up to the event or start the event early to create an even flow of customers and keep up with orders. Consider providing additional support and training to customer service to combat any potential customer issues. Partner with a parcel delivery provider that has a Black Friday sales strategy and a strong track record of efficient, on-time deliveries. CouriersPlease, for instance, has planned for the event months in advance, onboarding additional delivery drivers, opening a new depot in the Gold Coast this month, and further streamlining its processes and technologies.”

To support millions of Aussies with the cost of living and help them manage their essential and ongoing expenses, Commonwealth Bank and its partner, local telecom provider More, are now offering retail and business customers discounted 4G and 5G CBA mobile SIM plans.

From today, all CBA retail customers who sign up to More using a CBA credit or debit card as their online bill payment method are eligible to receive 30 per cent off More mobile SIM plans for the first 12 months, and a 10 per cent ongoing discount off their mobile plan if they choose to stay with More. With the CBA discount applied, the plans are among the cheapest in market including a 60GB 5G plan for $42.00 per month for the first 12 months (RRP $60 p/month).

Eligible Australian businesses will also be able to receive 30 per cent off More mobile SIM plans for the first 12 months.

It comes as new research commissioned by CBA revealed Aussies are on the lookout for a better deal, with almost three in four (71 per cent) feeling that their mobile plan is an unavoidable expense. It also found almost half (45 per cent) are looking to save money on their mobile plan to help with cost of living, and almost two thirds (60 per cent) would change their plan if they found a cheaper offer.

CBA General Manager Strategy and Sustainability, Ben Morgan, said: “We know people are looking more carefully at their bills and expenses, and the bank is constantly looking beyond traditional banking services to help both retail and business customers manage their finances and give them access to quality products and services that put money back in their pockets.”

Small business owners have been urged not to take shortcuts cybersecurity and IT as hackers continue to target vulnerable systems.

With Medibank the latest corporation to be hit with a cyber attack, Brisbane-based IT services firm Connected Platforms is urging all businesses – including small businesses – to ensure they are protected.

Failing to implement basic system updates could be exposing businesses to ransomware attacks which lock down a company’s data, with demands for payment in order to get it back.

Tougher economic times and tighter business budgets are leading to more small businesses with inadequate protection of customer data.

Connected Platforms is a locally-owned Queensland business working to protect and support SMEs.

Experienced ICT executive Mike Crowhen joined the team at Connected Platforms this month and believes businesses need to step-up their cybersecurity and training in order to protect their customers.

“Having worked in ICT for over two decades, I know businesses want the peace-of-mind that a trusted, inclusive provider like Connected Platforms provides,” Mr Crowhen said.

“We know that many businesses are tightening their belts, but IT and cybersecurity is something that lies at the heart of most businesses and should not be compromised.”

Mr Crowhen said training staff to recognise potential scams and hacks is also critical.

“Things like fake invoices and dodgy links open the door to hackers who are becoming more sophisticated and harder for the average person to detect,” he said.

Connected Platforms is offering small businesses a free IT Health Check which can help to detect vulnerabilities and spot opportunities for a more efficient business.

Would-be childcare centre operators are being given the rare chance to get into the industry, with a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the winning bid at a charity auction for a daycare centre in Sydney’s West.

The National Coptic Childcare Alliance (NCCA) Industry Gala Event on the 29th October will see a 91 place, turn-key childcare centre auctioned off to the highest bidder, with the proceeds going to charity.

NCCA Chief Executive Carl Elassal says with commercial property investors zeroing in on the booming childcare property market, the live auction will give someone the unique chance to get a leg up into the industry.

“It’s a first of its kind auction, so I think it will create some hype, but this is a genuine opportunity,” Elassal said.

“We know there’s a desperate need for childcare places, especially in Western Sydney and this is a chance for someone to start their own business in an area of urgent need.”

The 91 place DA-approved daycare centre will be located in Merrylands with the developer to fully fund the fit out, estimated to be around $1-$1.5M.

“Merrylands in Sydney’s west is a high demand area with a children to place ratio of four to one. That is, for every childcare place available, there are four children needing it.

“This will not be a franchise. The childcare centre will be called whatever the winning bidder wishes.”

The operator will need to invest about $100,000 on furniture and play equipment like bikes, easels and art supplies.

“This is a massive opportunity, really it’s a once in a lifetime chance for someone to get into the childcare industry as an operator. It’s really hard to break in otherwise.

“Usually a developer would charge at least a million dollar contribution for a centre plus a yearly percentage of the fees while to buy an existing 90 place centre could cost as much as $4M in goodwill.”

This auction will see the winning bid receive the turn-key centre with no developer fees or an ongoing contribution. 

“The winning bidder will also have six months free rent from the day they are handed the keys of the finished daycare centre”.

“After six months the developer will charge market value rent for 15 years, which at the moment is about $4,000 to $4,500 a month per child.

The annual market rent is approximately $380,000 for a 91 place centre. 

“It typically takes a few weeks to get your Service Approved Centre licence from the department of education to operate.

“We estimate you should be making a profit within 6 to 12 months. To reach 100 percent capacity takes about 15 months.

Leading childcare provider Thrive Early Learning Centres is sponsoring the prize, in conjunction with the developer.

Elassal says the live charity auction could see the childcare centre snapped up way under market value.

“It will really depend on who is in the room on the day.”

Issues facing the Early Learning sector will be discussed at The National Coptic Childcare Alliance Industry Gala event at Star City Casino from 4pm on October 29th 2022.

Expert on Perseverance and Exponential Growth and Success, Alex Banayan will also make an address.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/national-coptic-childcare-alliance-launch-event-tickets-394286761317

Our ways of working have changed fundamentally over the past few years. Businesses worldwide are moving away from the traditional office model and adopting hybrid-working models. Thousands of businesses have found huge benefits to this new, more flexible workplace, while employees also benefit from having a greater work-life balance.

The key challenge now is how best to ensure businesses and employees reap the rewards of hybrid working conditions. Research from Brother Australia* has shown over 90% of workers see at least one advantage to hybrid work – including greater flexibility, reduced commute times, and cost-effectiveness. 

However, there are several factors for businesses and employees to consider that can help determine the best hybrid working conditions.

• Boosting productivity
  As businesses across the board adopt new working models, they’ve also had to assess the impact of hybrid and flexible arrangements on individual productivity. Recent studies and research have shown positive results so far, with many employees feeling just as, if not more, productive at home.
  
  However, steps need to be taken to ensure that productivity does not eventually trend the wrong way in the long term. Businesses need to consider things such as remote access to information, how to align schedules with co-workers if there are no set hours, providing the necessary equipment, training and support to employees, and keeping channels of communication open so we can all connect, adapt and share learnings about this evolving work model.

• Maintaining relationships with colleagues
  Although we know that most Australians enjoy working remotely, our research* shows that more than two-fifths of employees do miss being with their co-workers in the office. Studies have shown that many employees are concerned about the reduced opportunities for collaboration and networking, lack of face-to-face time with managers and associated consequences of this for their long-term career prospects.
  
  Without that physical office space, businesses need to ensure the right strategies are in place to facilitate proactive communication between employees, employers, and even clients. This could mean a dedicated in-office day, employee training on business communication platforms, scheduling regular check-in meetings or organising more in-person social events to ensure that working relationships are maintained while still allowing employees the increased freedom of flexibility.

• Optimising work-from-home setups
  At the centre of the evolving workplace model is the home office, which is rapidly becoming the main workspace for employees across the country. When optimising your home workspace, you should take into consideration how often you work from home, what space is available and what tools and equipment you need.
  
  Fully remote workers may benefit most from a permanent, dedicated space; whereas workers who live in apartments or smaller homes might need to think about study nooks and multifunctional tools to maximise their available space; and hybrid workers may want a smaller space that can be easily packed away.
  
  When Australian workers were asked* what tools did they wish they had in their home office, the top answers included an adjustable desk, an ergonomic chair, extra storage, a Wi-Fi booster and a printer/scanner. A fast, reliable and cost-effective printer available in the Brother INKvestment range can be extremely important for users who work from paper, empowering hybrid workers to get the most out of their home office space. 

• Separating personal from professional
  As the home becomes a more permanent workspace, some Australians are struggling with the lack of separation between work and their private life, with many finding it difficult to ‘switch off’. While working from home can improve physical and mental health by giving workers more time and control over their day – we’ve also seen reports of people finding it more difficult to maintain a healthy work–life balance now that their home is also their office.
  
  Small steps such as making and sticking to appropriate work schedules, as well as creating a workspace that can be either hidden away or packed up once you log off can help redefine the boundaries between home and work. Businesses may need to work together with their employees to ensure strategies are in place to prevent team members falling victim to work-from-home fatigue.

Given that hybrid work is here to stay, now’s the time for employers and employees to work together and form solutions that suit both parties. For further insights and advice into creating a better home office, please check out our guide for employers and employees.

Op-ed by Dorothy McDonald – Senior Manager, People & Corporate Support at Brother International Australia

*Research conducted in May 2022 by Pureprofile on behalf of Brother Australia, on a sample of over 1000 Australians who have worked remotely over the past two years.