It is well-acknowledged that romantic connections can improve one’s health and even help one live longer. But does friendship have the same advantages?

Benny Shakes needs to control his exuberance around his buddies. He says, “I’m always canceling pal dates.”

He is a high-energy touring stand-up comedian from Nottingham, England. Yet, due to his mental health concerns and cerebral palsy, he finds it “difficult to develop friendships.”

His friends and wife, thankfully, understand his need for regular isolation. Friends assist him in a variety of ways, from reminding him to take his meds to providing him with emotional support during times of mental illness.

Yet assistance is reciprocal. During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, he and his friend Mark Nicholas put up a group chat with other disabled comedians and artists.

While Shakes’ life experiences are unusual, he is far from alone in experiencing the numerous therapeutic benefits of friendship. Friendships have demonstrable benefits for our minds and bodies, from improved moods to better cardiovascular health – even if they have historically been viewed as less valuable than romantic and family ties.

Friendship come with several health benefits

Lydia Denworth, a science writer who produced a book about the science of friendship, is fascinated by how social isolation impacts your immune system. When you’re lonely, your white blood cells shift their behavior, causing greater inflammation and reduced immune response.

Social connection benefits more than just the immune system. Socially integrated groups have longer and healthier lives and are less likely to develop hypertension. According to a skin-puncturing study, pals can help people sleep better and heal faster.

On the other hand, struggling friendships are important predictors of chronic illness. Moreover, in some circumstances, social isolation is a bigger risk of death than typical causes such as smoking and high cholesterol.

Much of this is due to the numerous connections and overlaps between mental and physical health. Donna Turnbull, community development manager for Volunteer Action Camden, a charity that helps other charities in north London, sees the links between various areas of health.

Friendship may not be better for your health than other sorts of strong social ties, such as steady, good, and reciprocal ones.

According to Saida Heshmati’s and her colleagues’ research, “Regardless of where these little acts of love come from, or what relationship they come from, the quality of those interactions is significant – meaning that you can receive care when you’re sick from a family member, but you can also receive it from a friend, and that still conveys love.”

But, the function of friendship in keeping us healthy has historically been overlooked and trivialized. Decades of scientific studies reveal that this is incorrect.

Friendship may be more protective than marriage or family in some instances. For example, one study based on data from 97 nations discovered that while valuing family and friends was associated with improved health and happiness overall, friendships were even more crucial to health and happiness in older persons.

Friendships of various kinds

While there appear to be some cross-cultural trends in friendship, the majority of the research has focused on wealthy and majority-white nations. As a result, less emphasis has been paid to the differences in friendship among other groups, such as the gay and disabled populations.

According to Heshmati, friendship is a voluntary sort of interdependence that changes through time, in which both individuals seek their social and emotional goals. Yet, societal expectations are likely to influence it, such as whether interactions should be more spontaneous or based on more organized rituals and obligations and whether loyalty and trust are more important than autonomy and personal growth.

Substantial differences do emerge in studies on friendship over the life period. According to Denworth, there is a U-curve regarding time spent with friends: friendships are crucial for developing adolescent identity, less so for middle-aged individuals, and rebound somewhat for the elderly.

Neuroscience research also provides substantial evidence for this. For example, numerous studies have employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain activity patterns while participants engage with friends. According to the findings, it activates the social brain regions connected with skills such as understanding the viewpoints of others. It also appears to increase activity in the striatum, a reward-related region of the brain.

Researchers discovered that when individuals were given the option of winning or sharing money with a friend or a hated, indifferent, or unfamiliar peer, reward areas were most active when they chose a friend.

Berna Güroglu, a developmental neuroscientist at Leiden University in the Netherlands, argues that when winning prizes for a long-time best friend, “there’s definitely an increased reward sensitivity.”

It peaks between the ages of 15 and 16.” Heshmati refers to the socioemotional connection theory, which states that as people age and their perception of time changes, they become more selective in their social contacts.

The quality of our friendships is important, especially as we get older. Nonetheless, even casual connections can be beneficial throughout one’s life. Weak ties are more helpful in extending our access to information, whilst solid friendships give critical support.

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A variety of friendships is also beneficial. Having a greater range of social contacts benefits our health and may even improve our ability to fight off colds.

According to Heshmati, weaker friendships are still worthwhile if people agree on their expectations. Therefore, if one friend anticipates weekly visits and the other wants a few WhatsApp interactions yearly, there is a glaring mismatch.

“You can have a lot of friends and still feel lonely,” Shakes adds of some friendships.

Reference:  Why friendship makes us healthier

Many workers are concerned that Artificial Intelligence may replace them. Can we overcome our fear and see the bright side?

Claire worked as a public relations manager for a large consulting firm in London for six years. The 34-year-old enjoys her job and is well compensated, but she has been apprehensive about the future of her career in the previous six months. This is explained by artificial intelligence.

As stories about machines stealing human jobs have increased in recent years, and generative AI technologies like ChatGPT have become more widely available, some people have expressed anxiety about their futures and whether their skills will be relevant in the labor market the next years.

Goldman Sachs produced research in March estimating that AI may replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time employment. According to PwC’s annual global workforce survey last year, nearly a third of respondents were concerned about their role being replaced by technology in three years.

Career counselors and HR specialists now stress that, while some anxiety is understandable, employees should focus on what they can manage. For example, instead of worrying about losing their employment to machines, people can invest in learning how to collaborate with technology. According to the experts, if they consider it a resource rather than a danger, they will make themselves more desirable to potential employers – and feel less stressed.

Artificial Intelligence: The terror of the unknown

For some, generative Artificial intelligence technologies have appeared out of nowhere. For example, OpenAI’s ChatGPT appeared practically overnight, and the “AI arms race” intensifies daily, generating ongoing uncertainty for workers.

Carolyn Montrose, a career coach and lecturer at New York’s Columbia University, acknowledges that the rate of technology innovation and change might be frightening. “It is natural to be concerned about the influence of artificial intelligence because its evolution is fluid, and there are many unknown application elements,” she says.

But, as unsettling as the new technology is, she believes workers do not have to experience existential dread. Instead, humans have the ability to choose how much they worry: they can “choose to feel nervous about AI, or empowered to learn about it and use it to their benefit.”

Montrose believes it is here to stay regardless of how people react to AI technology. And staying positive and looking forward might be far more beneficial.

Humans have a one-of-a-kind worth.

Although experts agree that some nervousness is understandable, it may not be time to panic just yet. According to recent research, fears of robots taking over human occupations may be exaggerated.

According to a November 2022 study conducted by sociology professor Eric Dahlin at Brigham Young University in Utah, US, robots are not replacing human employees at the rate most people believe, and some people also misperceive the rate at which automation technologies are taking over. According to his research, approximately 14% of workers have had their employment replaced by a robot. However, workers who had experienced job displacement due to technology and those who had not tended to exaggerate the rate and magnitude of the trend – their estimations needed to be revised.

Stefanie Coleman, a principal at EY’s people advisory services unit, adds that we should not expect the future workforce to be “binary.” In other words, a hybrid of people and robots will always be required.

Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Human Labor?

It is critical to remember that artificial intelligence will only partially replace people in the workplace. Instead, AI is a tool that can help people become better at what they already do.

Artificial intelligence can digest massive volumes of data and execute tasks that would take people much longer to complete.

AI may help businesses make sense of massive amounts of data, such as financial records or consumer feedback, which can be difficult for large organizations to manage. Conversely, humans are better suited for tasks that need intuition and creativity, which AI lacks.

Furthermore, many jobs require interpersonal communication, which AI cannot replicate. For example, professions like healthcare, education, and social work require sensitive, compassionate individuals with interpersonal skills that AI cannot mimic. The human element is critical in many sectors and cannot be replaced by AI.

Artificial Intelligence and Human Intervention

AI limitations are also a factor. For example, AI systems can only learn and grow if they have access to vast amounts of data. Furthermore, AI is incapable of making judgments on its own; it requires human input to understand what to do with the knowledge it has gathered.

As a tool, artificial intelligence still requires human interaction in the form of programming, maintenance, and updates.

Because of the high cost of AI, not all businesses can afford to adopt it. Startups and smaller businesses may need more cash to invest in developing AI systems, requiring them to rely on human labor.

Although AI has the potential to automate a wide range of industries, it will also provide new career opportunities. As AI becomes more common, a greater demand will be for trained personnel to build, manage, and run AI systems.

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As AI grows more prevalent, this demand will rise. Furthermore, AI will give rise to previously unforeseen industries and opportunities, resulting in new job openings.

Reference: Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Human Jobs?

The Walt Disney Company has begun a second round of layoffs as part of a previously announced restructure that will include the loss of 7,000 positions.

The media company has been under strain as its traditional television and film operations deteriorate while its streaming segment continues to post losses.

CEO Bob Iger proposed a $5.5 billion cost-cutting program in February.

According to projections, this week’s cutbacks will bring the total to 4,000.

Losses will be felt across the board, including at ESPN and film studios. However, according to the company, frontline staff at the park are not likely to be impacted.

“We take the difficult reality of many colleagues and friends leaving Disney very seriously,” Disney officials said.

The layoffs are part of a bigger retrenchment in the entertainment business, as CEOs focused on earnings after years of spending extensively to develop streaming services and gain users.

Mr. Iger, Disney’s long-time CEO who returned to the corporation in November following the ouster of Bob Chapek, has stated that the company needs to streamline its operations.

Among other things, the company intends to spend $3 billion less on content.

The 7,000 layoffs announced in February represent around 3% of the company’s 220,000-person workforce as of October 1.

The corporation began its job layoffs with a first wave of employee notices at the end of last month.

Another “several thousand” individuals are scheduled to find out if they will be laid off this week, with a third round of layoffs slated for this summer, according to the company.

The corporation, which employs over 50,000 individuals outside the United States, did not answer a question about how many job cutbacks will affect overseas employees.

Meta commence job cuts

Facebook owner Meta has begun notifying employees who will be laid off as part of the 10,000 job layoffs announced by the social media corporation last month.

Mark Zuckerberg, the company’s CEO, has stated that layoffs are critical to increasing efficiency.

Meta, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, has been under pressure since last year’s dramatic slump in its ad revenue.

Last year, it laid off 13% of its workforce or approximately 11,000 individuals.

Some people impacted by Meta’s recent moves announced on social media that they were seeking new jobs.

The business declined to comment, citing Mr. Zuckerberg’s March memo, in which he described last year’s troubles as a “humbling wake-up call.”

He claimed the changes were required to respond to a new “economic reality” and allow the company to invest in the future.

The company’s recruitment team members were the first to go in March.

According to the firm’s plans, the most recent notifications apply to personnel working on the firm’s IT teams.

Next month, another round of layoffs will likely affect business and administration personnel.

The corporation has stated that the timetable may differ for people living outside of the United States and that some cuts may only be completed at the end of the year.

According to rumors, Instagram employees in London will be laid off or moved.

When the social media app’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, relocated temporarily to London last year, the London headquarters became a hub for growth. After that, Mosseri and his crew intend to relocate to the United States.

The actions come as the business world braces for a broader economic slowdown, as increased borrowing prices impede commercial activity.

The technology industry, whose low borrowing costs have aided investment and expansion, has been particularly hard-struck.

According to announcements recorded by the website, layoffs.fyi, more than 170,000 individuals in the business have been fired off internationally since the beginning of the year, with huge names like Amazon and Google responsible for some of the largest actions.

Among the other statements made this week was that online real estate giant Opendoor would cut 560 jobs or 22% of its employees.

ESPN’s layoffs have begun

The first round of ESPN layoffs has begun and is anticipated to go on until Wednesday.

While sources say this week’s layoffs would not involve “talent” — what the media business refers to as on-air personalities in front of the camera — ESPN will trim its roster in the coming months and years as it revamps its strategy.

According to reports, the network would tighten its belt for individuals earning more than seven figures, but with a special eye on those earning $2 million to $5 million each year.

This has already occurred with top college football play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler, who, according to sources, will remain with the network but will not receive the large raise he sought.

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The current layoffs at ESPN are part of Disney CEO Bob Iger’s goal to eliminate 7,000 jobs across the firm.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has directed department heads to examine every area of their divisions.

There are no “sacred cows,” though Stephen A. Smith, Scott Van Pelt, and Joe Buck aren’t going anywhere.

Reference: ESPN announces first round of layoffs

The number of people looking for a job has increased while job opportunities have decreased, indicating that the uncertain economic outlook affects employment.

Between December and February, almost 220,000 more people were looking for a job than in the previous three months.

Official numbers show that unemployment grew slightly while job vacancies declined for the ninth time, even as more people are looking for a job.

Yet, the numbers also showed an increase in employment as more people returned to the labor force.

Overall, the economic growth of the UK has been flat since the spring of last year, with the effects of high energy prices and rising interest rates, as well as strikes in numerous sectors, taking their toll.

Insolvency Service data released on Tuesday also revealed a significant increase in the number of firms that went bankrupt in March. Last month, there were 2,457 business insolvencies, up from 1,784 in February.

Inflation has been running at more than 10%, close to 40-year highs, and the most recent earnings numbers show that pay rises continue to lag behind rising costs.

The annual growth rate in regular pay, excluding bonuses, was 6.6% between December and February, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Nevertheless, when inflation is included, normal pay declines by 2.3%.

According to the ONS, the employment rate increased to 75.8% in the three months to February. However, during the same period, the unemployment rate increased to 3.8%, up from 3.7% in the previous three months.

Employment openings declined for the ninth week, with employers blaming economic challenges for the delay in recruiting new employees.

According to the ONS, the number of openings reduced by 47,000 from the previous quarter to 1,105,000 from January to the end of March, but vacancy levels remained “extremely high.”

The general director of recruitment firm ManpowerGroup, Michael Stull, told the BBC’s Today program: “We are beginning to notice a decrease in demand from employers. We are, however, still in a solid position.”

According to Daniel Ashville Louisy, director of construction firm Ashville Aggregates, despite current robust demand, many firms are beginning to put building projects on hold owing to economic uncertainties.

He also stated that profits were being squeezed since wages rose so rapidly.

Six things to do if you are looking for a job

1. Go beyond a 40-mile radius for opportunities – Remote, hybrid, and flexible working open up chances further away.
2. Include keywords into your searches – When looking for a job Internet algorithms will recognize your everyday searches and send you more of the same.
3. Don’t wait for a job to be listed; instead, contact a manager at a company that interests you because you never know what opportunities may arise.
4. Market your expertise – Use social media sites like Linkedin to highlight your skills and experience. Other sites, such as Twitter and Instagram, can also be beneficial when promoting yourself to possible employers.
5. Start studying – While you’re looking for a job, see whether you can cover holes in your resume with free classes, volunteering, or shadowing.
6. Celebrate the tiny victories – If you are looking for a job, create personal goals, such as the number of jobs to apply for in a week or the number of cold emails to send, and celebrate the small victories along the road to keep your spirits up.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt responded to the recent numbers by saying, “Although unemployment remains near historic lows, rising prices continue to eat into pay cheques, which is why halving inflation this year is one of our top economic priorities.”

According to shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, the government is holding the Country back. “Their lack of ambition for Britain is causing real wages to fall, families to suffer, hundreds of thousands of people to lose their jobs, and our economy to lag.”

“The Tory party’s poor mismanagement of the British economy has led to inflation increasing and growth dropping,” said Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman Sarah Olney.

It would help if you never put too much emphasis on a single set of numbers, but the rate of salary increases across the economy has shocked economists to the upside.

We may or may not be in the midst of a full-fledged recession or a more moderate downturn.

Yet, so far, the economy’s troubles have had only a minor impact on unemployment, obscuring just slightly the apparent picture that now is an excellent moment to look for a job.

The average salary increase in the private sector is 6.9%, slightly lower than the high.

It remains one of the most significant increases in average salaries recorded in most of the last 20 years.

Read Also: New jobs: How the US fared in March

Even in the public sector, companies with a free hand are paying more to attempt to overcome the current recruiting crisis, with earnings increasing 5.3% year on year in February.

Few will need reminding that, even with double-digit inflation, this is one of the largest real-term pay cuts that private and public sector workers have had to undergo since the 1930s.

Reference

More people looking for work as vacancies fall