< Previous50 Business Link www.blmforum.net And finally The world of Frazer The robot worker uprising The integration of robotics and AI in the workplace is in full steam, but as we come to accept, or in some cases resist, these changes, every now and again something uncanny happens to help dampen confidence in the tech. Most recently this saw a small robot cause a mutiny. ‘Erbai’ was caught on CCTV asking a larger bot “are you working overtime?” to which the other said, “I never get off work.” Replying “come home with me,” the large robot, as well as those around it, abandoned their post and followed their mini HR manager bot ‘home’. Apparently, the video showcases a controlled incident to assess AI interaction capabilities, however it has led to discussion of AI security and control. With one of the key advantages of robots being their ability to work continuously, where their human counterparts require breaks, it seems there may be a future in which robots strike for their own perceived wellbeing! © stock.adobe.com/ djmilic The cost of Secret Santa Last month saw millions of employees present each other with Secret Santa gifts. But while the annual tradition can be a fun morale booster, a way to get teams smiling and laughing, we’ve all heard horror stories of inappropriate or plain bizarre gifts. Perhaps just as bad are the mediocre ones that lead to a stock of Secret Santa presents at the back of one’s cupboards, or worse amongst the 2.5 million unwanted gifts that go straight in the bin, worth over £32 million! The tradition comes with more secrets, however, than simply who is behind such presents, with research from instantprint surveying office workers about their thoughts on Secret Santa further revealing participants’ Secret Santa confessions. From a sly employee upscaling gifts based on how much they like the recipient, to a team conspiring in a more positive manner to ensure people get what they need, Frazer’s favourite has to be the employee who gave their child’s art in a frame to a coworker, passing it off as a piece by a local up-and- coming artist! Who knows, maybe their child will paint masterpieces in the future, making the scribbles priceless! © stock.adobe.com/ deagreez © stock.adobe.com/insta_photos How to acquire extra holiday days How can one gain extra holiday days at work? Usually this comes through negotiation or with each year you work with a business. New research, however, shows that many are acquiring time off through time-zapping habits — whether knowingly or unknowingly. Online retailer Haypp has looked into who the biggest time wasters in the office are, revealing which culprits obtain the most ‘unofficial’ holidays. The leaders are the TikTok scrollers. Apparently, on average, a worker spends 33 minutes scrolling through TikTok during the workday. Looking across the year, minus the average five weeks holiday, these social addicts spend 129 hours a year scrolling — or over three weeks of additional ‘unofficial’ holiday a year. In true British fashion, the second biggest time wasters are the tea makers, who gain eight days of holiday each year, while smokers and vapers take third place, with almost six days’ worth of time out.Armstrong house Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements call 01472 310301.KIRKBY LINDSEY ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LTD CROWLE STREET, HULL HU9 1RH T: 01482 223937 E: info@kirkby-lindsey.co.uk ECLIPSE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LTD UNIT 25, LAVERACKS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ELVINGTON, YORK YO41 4ER T: 01904 692783 E: admin@eclipse-electrical.co.uk l Experts in the repair, rewind and supply of electric motors, geared motors, pumps & fans l Well-equipped workshops in both Hull and York l Hazardous Area Motor (ATEX) Repair specialists with fully certified IEC Ex service facility l On-site maintenance and monitoring l An approved Brook Crompton Motor Centre with extensive motor stocks l Advice on all motor, gearbox, pump or fan issues l Local deliveries and collections FREE of charge Visit www.kirkbyeclipse.com for more information KIRKBY ECLIPSE GROUP FIRST CLASS ELECTRIC MOTOR REPAIRS & SERVICE SPECIALISTSNext >