Unlike the professions of translator and interpreter which are disappearing due to AI, interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing community in Quebec are more sought after than ever, according to the Visual and Tactile Interpretation Service (SIVET). “It is crucial to understand that the many subtleties of sign languages make imminent replacement by AI unlikely,” the NPO told La Presse. The sign language interpreting profession is inherently human, requiring a personal, empathetic connection that is difficult to replicate technologically. » However, AI can be a valuable working tool for interpreters in the preparation of a mandate, such as a scientific congress in engineering or in judicial and political contexts, explains SIVET. AI can help structure information. This shortage of interpreters therefore endangers the quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing populations. Interpreters are invaluable for translating a doctor’s or psychologist’s appointment, university courses, job interviews and various events. The Quebec Association for Children with Hearing Problems (AQEPA) estimates that approximately 1.5 million people live with deafness, including 11,000 under the age of 17 and approximately 10,000 using LSQ, Quebec sign language.
Are several colleagues currently retiring? Others choose a promotion at another company? Some of your employees may feel mourning, recalls Annie Boilard, president of the Annie RH Network, who observes the upheavals created by the departures of host Paul Arcand at 98.5 FM and host of Salut bonjour at TVA Gino Chouinard . The human resources specialist explains that you should not underestimate this grieving process experienced by your employees and perhaps by yourself, which is similar to that felt during a death: shock, denial, fear, sadness , acceptance, renewal. She advises managers to invite their employees to use the employee assistance program (EAP), but above all to support them, legitimize their emotions, recognize that it will be difficult and even involve them in the recruitment process.
According to a study of UK staff who split their working week between home and the office, hybrid working makes employees happier, healthier and more productive. The study was carried out by the International Workplace Group (IWG). Three-quarters of those working hybrid found they felt less burnout than when they spent their entire week in the office. A large majority of workers surveyed reported feeling less exhausted (79%), less stressed (78%) and less anxious (72%) as a result of spending part of the week working from home. Meanwhile, 86% said the increase in free time they had from no longer having to go to work every day improved their work-life balance and helped them feel that they could better cope with the challenges of daily life. Three-quarters of respondents said returning to work five days a week from a central office would harm their well-being.
What will the world of work look like in the coming years? Forbes magazine consulted Josh Bersin, an industry analyst and CEO of consulting firm The Josh Bersin Company. As a manager, its analysis can help you prepare. First, he predicts that unprecedented labor shortages will continue, particularly with baby boomers peaking in retirement and fewer young workers to replace them. The future will be to develop employee skills and get more productivity from people, says the expert. Transformation will be a top priority because of the rapid pace of change in areas such as technology, competition, politics and changing workplace demographics. Five-year strategies are less common. Leaders must have a long-term aspiration plan with the ability to pivot frequently. Unlike in years past, the working population will be less and less likely to define their identity through their employment. Finally, the expert predicts that human resources departments will grow like never before, because growth will be linked to employee productivity and innovation.
