All Activity

As an independent worker, you shouldn't have to choose between flexibility and security. Freelancers Union is designing a new portable benefits program, and we need your input to get it right. We know that in the months following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act subsidies, access to healthcare has narrowed dramatically, with basic plans out of reach for many freelancers. The demand for flexible healthcare will only continue to grow, particularly as more and more workers across the country go independent. New portable benefits proposals seek to remediate this, clearing barriers for clients to disperse money into an independent worker’s account to use for healthcare and other benefits like time off. These accounts would then stay with the worker throughout the rest of their gigs, accumulating money from different sources, and as such are known as portable benefits. This could have enormous potential for freelancers who struggle to build a safety net — but they must be designed with workers’ needs put first. Take our survey to share your experiences with health insurance, retirement savings, and other benefits, building on the previous survey we circulated at the end of 2025. Your answers will directly shape a solution designed by freelancers, for freelancers. Interested in going deeper? You can opt in for a follow-up interview at the end of the survey. View the full article

As an independent worker, you shouldn't have to choose between flexibility and security. Freelancers Union is designing a new portable benefits program, and we need your input to get it right. We know that in the months following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act subsidies, access to healthcare has narrowed dramatically, with basic plans out of reach for many freelancers. The demand for flexible healthcare will only continue to grow, particularly as more and more workers across the country go independent. New portable benefits proposals seek to remediate this, clearing barriers for clients to disperse money into an independent worker’s account to use for healthcare and other benefits like time off. These accounts would then stay with the worker throughout the rest of their gigs, accumulating money from different sources, and as such are known as portable benefits. This could have enormous potential for freelancers who struggle to build a safety net — but they must be designed with workers’ needs put first. Take our survey to share your experiences with health insurance, retirement savings, and other benefits, building on the previous survey we circulated at the end of 2025. Your answers will directly shape a solution designed by freelancers, for freelancers. Interested in going deeper? You can opt in for a follow-up interview at the end of the survey. View the full article

Several hundred non-tenured full-time faculty members at New York University are on strike after the school failed to reach a tentative contract agreement with Contract Faculty United-United Auto Workers. Nearly 75% of the union’s more than 900 full-time NYU contract faculty—who teach across the university’s various schools—voted to authorize the strike in February. On Monday morning, a deal seemed possible, with CFU-UAW extending its 8 a.m. strike deadline by three hours after bargaining through the university’s spring break last week. By midday, union members and supporters were on the picket line outside NYU’s John A. Paulson Center in lower Manhattan. The strike comes after more than a year of negotiations regarding salaries, job security and benefits, according to Washington Square News, NYU’s student-run newspaper. Among the larger concerns are wage discrepancies between tenured and non-tenured faculty members. “We’ve been negotiating all night, and in some cases we are coming closer, including appointment and reappointment, promotion, grievance and arbitration, performance evaluations,” the union’s bargaining committee told AMNY. “Unfortunately, we are still far from the administration in other areas.” Following a series of negotiations last week, the union and the university reached tentative agreements on various contract provisions, including on artificial intelligence and protection for international faculty. Provisions on AI include the university committing to ongoing discussions with the union regarding best practices and emerging issues. NYU spokesperson Wiley Norvell told Fast Company that the university “will continue negotiating in good faith in the hopes of reaching a fair and sustainable contract.” In an emailed statement, Norvell also confirmed that classes will continue today with substitute instructors or alternative plans in place for those affected by the strike. On its Instagram, the union and allies like New York City Democratic Socialists of America and the school’s DSA chapter have labeled the substitutes as scabs, and is encouraging students to show solidarity with the union members by joining the picket line. Throughout the day Monday, students and NYU community members joined the picket line, and more than 1,467 people have signed a solidarity pledge, urging the administration to settle a fair contract. “Contract faculty are essential to NYU’s mission ‘to be a top quality international center of scholarship, teaching and research.’ Their working conditions are students’ learning conditions, and they deserve a fair contract that strengthens academic freedom and makes NYU a better place to work and learn,” the solidarity letter says. The strike is expected to impact roughly 25% of classes, according to CBS News, with classes taught by tenured faculty unaffected. Several of NYU’s schools are unaffected by the strike because their continuing contract faculty are not part of the union. The schools include NYU’s Dentistry, Law, Stern Business School, NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU Shanghai, School of Medicine, and the Long Island School of Medicine. View the full article

Tie-up between US and Spanish groups would create a $40bn beauty giant View the full article

BackCheck Canada is an online platform that specializes in pre-employment background checks to help organizations verify a candidate’s integrity. It offers various services, including criminal record checks and employment verifications, ensuring a thorough assessment of potential hires. The process involves obtaining consent from candidates and verifying their identity through partnerships with police services. Comprehending how BackCheck Canada operates can clarify its significance in the hiring process and the benefits it provides. Key Takeaways BackCheck Canada is an online platform for pre-employment background checks, operated by Sterling Backcheck, specializing in various verification services. It offers services like criminal record checks, employment and education verifications, ensuring candidate integrity and workplace safety. Users create an account on myBackCheck.com to initiate background checks with candidate consent and personal details. Background checks include identity verification through partnerships with police services and Canada Post, ensuring compliance with privacy laws. Results are typically available within minutes for electronic checks, facilitating timely and informed hiring decisions. Overview of BackCheck Canada BackCheck Canada is a specialized online platform designed to streamline the process of pre-employment background checks for both individuals and organizations. Operated by Sterling Backcheck, an industry leader in background screening, it offers a thorough range of services, including criminal record checks, employment verifications, and education verifications. When you initiate a background search Canada, you can choose from three levels of criminal record checks: Standard Canadian Criminal Record Check, Improved Police Information Check, or Vulnerable Sector Check. The user-friendly interface requires account creation for secure access, ensuring your data remains protected. BackCheck Canada supports various browsers, with ideal performance in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, providing quick results that are typically available within minutes. Furthermore, partnerships with organizations like Canada Post enable convenient ID verification services at local post offices, simplifying your Canadian background check process. Types of Background Checks Offered BackCheck Canada provides several types of background checks to help you make informed hiring decisions. You can expect thorough HireCheck Criminal Record Checks, which reveal any adult convictions, alongside Employment Verifications that confirm job history and Education Verifications that validate academic credentials. Each of these checks plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and suitability of potential candidates. Criminal Record Checks When considering the safety and integrity of your organization, awareness of the types of criminal record checks available is essential. BackCheck Canada provides three levels of checks: the Standard Canadian Criminal Record Check (CCRC), the Enhanced Police Information Check (EPIC), and the Vulnerable Sector Check. The CCRC examines adult convictions held in the RCMP‘s National Repository, omitting pardoned records. The EPIC incorporates CCRC results and adds local police information for a thorough awareness of a candidate’s criminal history. For roles involving children or vulnerable populations, the Vulnerable Sector Check combines both previous checks, particularly searching for sexual offenses tied to record suspensions. Background checks are initiated online, with results often available within minutes after identity verification. Employment Verification Processes To guarantee a candidate’s work history is accurate and reliable, employment verification processes are a vital part of the background check. These verifications account for 30% of the overall process, focusing on confirming dates of employment, positions held, and reasons for leaving through payroll and Human Resources records. Claims made by candidates are cross-referenced with their consent forms to maintain integrity and accuracy. Established contacts within organizations help facilitate timely results, minimizing delays in the verification process. By validating a candidate’s work history, you can better assess their suitability for the role they’re applying for. This thorough approach, alongside other checks like identity and reference verifications, creates an all-encompassing evaluation of qualifications. Education Verification Methods Verifying educational qualifications is crucial for ensuring that candidates possess the credentials they claim, as it not merely upholds the integrity of the hiring process but also protects the organization from potential misrepresentations. BackCheck Canada verifies the highest level of education claimed by candidates by contacting the listed educational institutions directly. This process assesses the accuracy of candidates’ representations about their educational background, ensuring honesty in job applications. Education verification constitutes 10% of the overall background check evaluation, highlighting its significance. Thanks to BackCheck‘s established contacts with educational institutions, employers receive timely responses and accurate results. In the end, this verification method helps you make informed hiring decisions by confirming the qualifications presented by candidates, nurturing a trustworthy recruitment process. The Background Check Process When you start the background check process with Backcheck Canada, you’ll first order the checks online and invite candidates to provide their consent and personal details. This process includes several verification steps, such as identity checks and employment verifications, ensuring extensive assessments of candidates. Typically, you can expect results for criminal record checks within minutes, but this may vary based on the specific checks requested and the thoroughness of identity verification. Steps in Background Check The background check process starts with a crucial step: obtaining the candidate’s consent and personal information through an email invitation to the myBackCheck.com platform. Once you provide your consent, several key actions follow: Identity Verification: This is done through partnerships with police services, utilizing Electronic ID Verification or Canada Post ID Verification. Checks Performed: Various verifications take place, including Identity Cross-Checks, Employment Verifications, Education Verifications, and Reference Checks. Credit Bureau Inquiries: These likewise contribute to the overall assessment. Compliance: The entire process adheres to federal and provincial privacy legislation, ensuring that sensitive data is handled lawfully. Results from these checks are usually available within minutes, even though discrepancies may cause delays. Processing Time Estimates After you’ve completed the necessary steps in the background check process, comprehending the estimated processing times can help set expectations. Typically, background checks through BackCheck Canada take about a week for most jobs. On the other hand, federal checks may stretch to several months, especially if discrepancies arise requiring further investigation. If you’re using electronic methods for identity verification, you might receive results in just minutes. Moreover, different levels of criminal record checks vary in speed—standard checks are quicker than enhanced or vulnerable sector checks. Efficient preparation and selecting the right government agencies can likewise speed things up. Check Type Estimated Time Standard Check ~1 week Enhanced Check ~2-4 weeks Vulnerable Sector ~4-6 weeks Federal Check Several months Identity Verification Methods As you explore identity verification methods, you’ll find that BackCheck Canada offers a range of options customized to meet varying needs. Each method prioritizes efficiency and privacy, ensuring a seamless experience. Here are four key verification methods: Electronic ID Verification (eIV): This method uses knowledge-based questions crafted by major credit bureaus to confirm identities securely. Sterling ID Verification: Utilizing advanced facial recognition technology, this biometric solution allows for remote authentication of candidates. Canada Post ID Verification: Candidates can verify their identity at participating locations by presenting two pieces of acceptable identification. Privacy Compliance: All methods comply with Canadian privacy legislation, ensuring that personal information remains protected throughout the verification process. These options aim to simplify and expedite candidate verification, helping employers conduct timely background checks while safeguarding sensitive data. Importance of Criminal Record Checks Criminal record checks play an essential role in protecting vulnerable populations, especially in fields like education and healthcare. By ensuring that individuals in sensitive positions don’t have a history of harmful behavior, these checks help maintain workplace safety and build trust within the community. When organizations prioritize background checks, they not only safeguard their environment but additionally comply with legal standards, creating a more secure atmosphere for everyone involved. Protecting Vulnerable Populations Ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, is a critical responsibility for organizations that work closely with them. Criminal record checks play a crucial role in this process by helping to establish trust and security. Here are four key reasons why these checks are indispensable: Vulnerability: They identify individuals who may pose a risk to at-risk groups. Trust: Conducting checks encourages a culture of safety within organizations. Vulnerable Sector Check: This specific check reveals deeper criminal history, especially concerning sexual offenses. Proactive Measures: Background checks mitigate potential harm, ensuring those in sensitive roles are suitable. Ensuring Workplace Safety Workplace safety hinges on the integrity of those who occupy sensitive roles, especially in sectors that directly impact vulnerable populations. Criminal record checks are essential in areas like education, healthcare, and finance, ensuring that individuals in these positions do not pose a risk. There are three levels of checks available in Canada, providing a range of insights into a candidate’s history: Check Type Description Purpose Standard Criminal Record Check Basic criminal history search General employment safety Enhanced Police Information Check More detailed history, including background checks Trustworthy candidate evaluation Vulnerable Sector Check Focused on those working with vulnerable populations Maximum safety assurance Employment and Education Verifications When you’re considering a candidate for a position, comprehending their background through employment and education verifications is crucial. These checks guarantee that the information candidates provide is accurate and trustworthy. Here’s what you can expect from this process: Employment Verifications: Confirm employment dates, positions held, and reasons for leaving directly from payroll and HR records, covering about 30% of the overall background check. Cross-Referencing: Claims made by candidates are validated against their consent forms to verify accuracy. Education Verifications: Validate the highest level of education achieved, representing 10% of the entire process. Timely Results: Information is gathered from listed institutions through established contacts, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy. Reference Checks and Their Significance Reference checks play a crucial role in the hiring process, as they provide employers with a clearer insight into a candidate’s past performance and overall suitability for a position. These checks account for about 25% of the overall background check process, guaranteeing a thorough evaluation. By conducting reference interviews during extended business hours, employers can facilitate timely communication, reducing delays. Aspect Importance Benefits Work Ethic Demonstrates reliability Informs hiring decisions Interpersonal Skills Assesses team compatibility Improves workplace harmony Consistency Minimizes bias Guarantees fair evaluations Credibility Supports hiring integrity Promotes safer environments Timeliness Reduces phone tag issues Speeds up the hiring process A consistent and auditable reference check process improves the credibility of hiring decisions, contributing to a safer and more effective workplace environment. Credit Bureau Inquiries and Financial Assessments Credit bureau inquiries serve as a vital part of the background check process, offering employers valuable insights into a candidate’s financial health and stability. These inquiries account for 24% of the overall assessment and can highlight various financial pressures that may affect job performance. Here’s what these inquiries can reveal: Poor payment history with creditors. Accounts in collections, indicating financial distress. Presence of County Court Judgments, signifying legal actions taken against the candidate. Bankruptcies that may suggest a pattern of financial irresponsibility. Compliance With Privacy Regulations Conducting thorough background checks involves not just evaluating a candidate’s financial history but likewise guaranteeing adherence to privacy regulations that protect personal information. BackCheck Canada prioritizes compliance with federal and provincial privacy legislation, which safeguards sensitive data collected during the screening process. Before gathering any personal information—like criminal records or employment history—employers must obtain explicit consent from prospective employees. Since privacy regulations differ by province, organizations need to familiarize themselves with regional laws regarding employee rights and data collection practices. As employers can access publicly available information, such as social media profiles, they must use this data responsibly and ethically. To support organizations in traversing these intricacies, BackCheck Canada offers resources and updates on compliance, helping guarantee that your background checks respect the privacy rights of candidates as well as adhering to legal standards. Benefits of Using BackCheck Services When you choose BackCheck services, you’re opting for a complete solution that improves your hiring process through thorough candidate verification. Here are some benefits you’ll experience: Comprehensive Verification: BackCheck guarantees a detailed check of identity, employment history, education, and criminal records, giving you peace of mind. Rapid Results: You’ll typically receive results within 24 hours, allowing you to make timely hiring decisions without unnecessary delays. Compliance Focus: BackCheck adheres to federal and provincial privacy legislation, guaranteeing sensitive data is collected with proper consent, which protects both you and your candidates. Customization: Tailor your background screening programs to fit your organization’s specific needs, enhancing the effectiveness of your hiring practices. Partnership With Canada Post BackCheck’s partnership with Canada Post considerably improves the ID verification process for background checks, making it more accessible for job seekers across Canada. With this collaboration, you can complete your ID verification at local post offices, enhancing convenience. The process takes less than 5 minutes, ensuring a swift and efficient experience. Best of all, this service is free of charge for applicants, making it an attractive option for those seeking employment. To obtain a criminal record check through BackCheck, completing this ID verification is a necessary step. This partnership additionally utilizes upgraded technology at Canada Post to securely handle your personal information, complying with Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA and the Privacy Act. Global Reach and International Criminal Record Searches As the job market becomes increasingly global, the need for detailed background checks extends beyond Canada’s borders. BackCheck Canada offers international criminal record searches in over 240 countries, enabling you to verify candidates’ backgrounds worldwide. This service is essential for organizations with diverse workforces or those hiring individuals with international experience. Here’s how the international search process works: Compliance: It adheres to various privacy regulations and legal requirements in different jurisdictions. Partnerships: BackCheck collaborates with local law enforcement agencies and trusted international sources to gather accurate data. Processing Time: Results are typically processed within a specified timeframe, which can vary by country. Detailed Vetting: It promotes a thorough vetting process, ensuring you make informed hiring decisions. Utilizing BackCheck’s global reach helps you maintain a trustworthy hiring process. Getting Started With Backcheck Services To get started with BackCheck services, you’ll first need to create an account on the myBackCheck.com platform, which requires a valid email address and a secure password. Once your account is set up, you can log in and initiate background checks by providing the necessary personal information and consent. This process is straightforward and designed for user convenience. If you’re part of an organization, you can access a separate login customized for organizational accounts, allowing you to personalize screening programs based on your needs. After you order a background check, candidates will receive an email invitation to submit their details and consent online, streamlining the entire procedure. Typically, you can expect results from background checks within 24 hours, though this may vary depending on the type of verification conducted. This efficient system guarantees timely and reliable information for your hiring or screening processes. Frequently Asked Questions What Do Canadian Background Checks Show? Canadian background checks reveal a variety of important information. They show criminal records, confirming any adult convictions from the RCMP’s National Repository. Employment verifications detail your work history, including positions and reasons for leaving. Education checks validate the highest level of education you’ve completed. Credit inquiries assess your financial stability, highlighting any poor payment histories or bankruptcies. Finally, reference checks provide unbiased evaluations of your qualifications through structured interviews. Is Mybackcheck a Legitimate Service? Yes, MyBackCheck is a legitimate service. It’s operated by BackCheck, Canada’s largest background screening provider, known for its reliable services. The platform conducts various checks, including criminal records and employment verifications, typically delivering results within 24 hours. MyBackCheck complies with privacy laws, ensuring personal data is collected only with consent. Furthermore, it partners with Canada Post for convenient ID verification, streamlining the process and enhancing trust in hiring practices across sectors. What Is a Red Flag on a Background Check? A red flag on a background check indicates potential issues that might affect a candidate’s suitability for a position. This can include discrepancies in employment history, criminal records, financial problems, or unverifiable educational qualifications. Frequent job changes or gaps in employment may additionally raise concerns about reliability. Each of these factors suggests a need for further investigation, as they could signal irresponsibility or instability, impacting your hiring decision. How Long Does a Canadian Background Check Take? A Canadian background check usually takes about a week for most job positions. Nevertheless, if you’re applying for a federal job, the process can stretch to several months owing to additional requirements. If discrepancies arise during verification, this can further delay completion. Efficient preparation by both you and your employer can greatly speed up the process, along with selecting the appropriate government agencies for specific checks, influencing overall timeline. Conclusion In conclusion, BackCheck Canada provides a reliable platform for conducting thorough pre-employment background checks, including criminal record, employment, and education verifications. By following a streamlined process that emphasizes candidate consent and identity verification, organizations can make informed hiring decisions. With partnerships that improve the verification process, and the ability to conduct international searches, BackCheck Canada guarantees timely access to essential information during compliance with privacy regulations. Utilizing these services can greatly improve the hiring process for any organization. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Is Backcheck Canada and How Does It Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

BackCheck Canada is an online platform that specializes in pre-employment background checks to help organizations verify a candidate’s integrity. It offers various services, including criminal record checks and employment verifications, ensuring a thorough assessment of potential hires. The process involves obtaining consent from candidates and verifying their identity through partnerships with police services. Comprehending how BackCheck Canada operates can clarify its significance in the hiring process and the benefits it provides. Key Takeaways BackCheck Canada is an online platform for pre-employment background checks, operated by Sterling Backcheck, specializing in various verification services. It offers services like criminal record checks, employment and education verifications, ensuring candidate integrity and workplace safety. Users create an account on myBackCheck.com to initiate background checks with candidate consent and personal details. Background checks include identity verification through partnerships with police services and Canada Post, ensuring compliance with privacy laws. Results are typically available within minutes for electronic checks, facilitating timely and informed hiring decisions. Overview of BackCheck Canada BackCheck Canada is a specialized online platform designed to streamline the process of pre-employment background checks for both individuals and organizations. Operated by Sterling Backcheck, an industry leader in background screening, it offers a thorough range of services, including criminal record checks, employment verifications, and education verifications. When you initiate a background search Canada, you can choose from three levels of criminal record checks: Standard Canadian Criminal Record Check, Improved Police Information Check, or Vulnerable Sector Check. The user-friendly interface requires account creation for secure access, ensuring your data remains protected. BackCheck Canada supports various browsers, with ideal performance in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, providing quick results that are typically available within minutes. Furthermore, partnerships with organizations like Canada Post enable convenient ID verification services at local post offices, simplifying your Canadian background check process. Types of Background Checks Offered BackCheck Canada provides several types of background checks to help you make informed hiring decisions. You can expect thorough HireCheck Criminal Record Checks, which reveal any adult convictions, alongside Employment Verifications that confirm job history and Education Verifications that validate academic credentials. Each of these checks plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and suitability of potential candidates. Criminal Record Checks When considering the safety and integrity of your organization, awareness of the types of criminal record checks available is essential. BackCheck Canada provides three levels of checks: the Standard Canadian Criminal Record Check (CCRC), the Enhanced Police Information Check (EPIC), and the Vulnerable Sector Check. The CCRC examines adult convictions held in the RCMP‘s National Repository, omitting pardoned records. The EPIC incorporates CCRC results and adds local police information for a thorough awareness of a candidate’s criminal history. For roles involving children or vulnerable populations, the Vulnerable Sector Check combines both previous checks, particularly searching for sexual offenses tied to record suspensions. Background checks are initiated online, with results often available within minutes after identity verification. Employment Verification Processes To guarantee a candidate’s work history is accurate and reliable, employment verification processes are a vital part of the background check. These verifications account for 30% of the overall process, focusing on confirming dates of employment, positions held, and reasons for leaving through payroll and Human Resources records. Claims made by candidates are cross-referenced with their consent forms to maintain integrity and accuracy. Established contacts within organizations help facilitate timely results, minimizing delays in the verification process. By validating a candidate’s work history, you can better assess their suitability for the role they’re applying for. This thorough approach, alongside other checks like identity and reference verifications, creates an all-encompassing evaluation of qualifications. Education Verification Methods Verifying educational qualifications is crucial for ensuring that candidates possess the credentials they claim, as it not merely upholds the integrity of the hiring process but also protects the organization from potential misrepresentations. BackCheck Canada verifies the highest level of education claimed by candidates by contacting the listed educational institutions directly. This process assesses the accuracy of candidates’ representations about their educational background, ensuring honesty in job applications. Education verification constitutes 10% of the overall background check evaluation, highlighting its significance. Thanks to BackCheck‘s established contacts with educational institutions, employers receive timely responses and accurate results. In the end, this verification method helps you make informed hiring decisions by confirming the qualifications presented by candidates, nurturing a trustworthy recruitment process. The Background Check Process When you start the background check process with Backcheck Canada, you’ll first order the checks online and invite candidates to provide their consent and personal details. This process includes several verification steps, such as identity checks and employment verifications, ensuring extensive assessments of candidates. Typically, you can expect results for criminal record checks within minutes, but this may vary based on the specific checks requested and the thoroughness of identity verification. Steps in Background Check The background check process starts with a crucial step: obtaining the candidate’s consent and personal information through an email invitation to the myBackCheck.com platform. Once you provide your consent, several key actions follow: Identity Verification: This is done through partnerships with police services, utilizing Electronic ID Verification or Canada Post ID Verification. Checks Performed: Various verifications take place, including Identity Cross-Checks, Employment Verifications, Education Verifications, and Reference Checks. Credit Bureau Inquiries: These likewise contribute to the overall assessment. Compliance: The entire process adheres to federal and provincial privacy legislation, ensuring that sensitive data is handled lawfully. Results from these checks are usually available within minutes, even though discrepancies may cause delays. Processing Time Estimates After you’ve completed the necessary steps in the background check process, comprehending the estimated processing times can help set expectations. Typically, background checks through BackCheck Canada take about a week for most jobs. On the other hand, federal checks may stretch to several months, especially if discrepancies arise requiring further investigation. If you’re using electronic methods for identity verification, you might receive results in just minutes. Moreover, different levels of criminal record checks vary in speed—standard checks are quicker than enhanced or vulnerable sector checks. Efficient preparation and selecting the right government agencies can likewise speed things up. Check Type Estimated Time Standard Check ~1 week Enhanced Check ~2-4 weeks Vulnerable Sector ~4-6 weeks Federal Check Several months Identity Verification Methods As you explore identity verification methods, you’ll find that BackCheck Canada offers a range of options customized to meet varying needs. Each method prioritizes efficiency and privacy, ensuring a seamless experience. Here are four key verification methods: Electronic ID Verification (eIV): This method uses knowledge-based questions crafted by major credit bureaus to confirm identities securely. Sterling ID Verification: Utilizing advanced facial recognition technology, this biometric solution allows for remote authentication of candidates. Canada Post ID Verification: Candidates can verify their identity at participating locations by presenting two pieces of acceptable identification. Privacy Compliance: All methods comply with Canadian privacy legislation, ensuring that personal information remains protected throughout the verification process. These options aim to simplify and expedite candidate verification, helping employers conduct timely background checks while safeguarding sensitive data. Importance of Criminal Record Checks Criminal record checks play an essential role in protecting vulnerable populations, especially in fields like education and healthcare. By ensuring that individuals in sensitive positions don’t have a history of harmful behavior, these checks help maintain workplace safety and build trust within the community. When organizations prioritize background checks, they not only safeguard their environment but additionally comply with legal standards, creating a more secure atmosphere for everyone involved. Protecting Vulnerable Populations Ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, is a critical responsibility for organizations that work closely with them. Criminal record checks play a crucial role in this process by helping to establish trust and security. Here are four key reasons why these checks are indispensable: Vulnerability: They identify individuals who may pose a risk to at-risk groups. Trust: Conducting checks encourages a culture of safety within organizations. Vulnerable Sector Check: This specific check reveals deeper criminal history, especially concerning sexual offenses. Proactive Measures: Background checks mitigate potential harm, ensuring those in sensitive roles are suitable. Ensuring Workplace Safety Workplace safety hinges on the integrity of those who occupy sensitive roles, especially in sectors that directly impact vulnerable populations. Criminal record checks are essential in areas like education, healthcare, and finance, ensuring that individuals in these positions do not pose a risk. There are three levels of checks available in Canada, providing a range of insights into a candidate’s history: Check Type Description Purpose Standard Criminal Record Check Basic criminal history search General employment safety Enhanced Police Information Check More detailed history, including background checks Trustworthy candidate evaluation Vulnerable Sector Check Focused on those working with vulnerable populations Maximum safety assurance Employment and Education Verifications When you’re considering a candidate for a position, comprehending their background through employment and education verifications is crucial. These checks guarantee that the information candidates provide is accurate and trustworthy. Here’s what you can expect from this process: Employment Verifications: Confirm employment dates, positions held, and reasons for leaving directly from payroll and HR records, covering about 30% of the overall background check. Cross-Referencing: Claims made by candidates are validated against their consent forms to verify accuracy. Education Verifications: Validate the highest level of education achieved, representing 10% of the entire process. Timely Results: Information is gathered from listed institutions through established contacts, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy. Reference Checks and Their Significance Reference checks play a crucial role in the hiring process, as they provide employers with a clearer insight into a candidate’s past performance and overall suitability for a position. These checks account for about 25% of the overall background check process, guaranteeing a thorough evaluation. By conducting reference interviews during extended business hours, employers can facilitate timely communication, reducing delays. Aspect Importance Benefits Work Ethic Demonstrates reliability Informs hiring decisions Interpersonal Skills Assesses team compatibility Improves workplace harmony Consistency Minimizes bias Guarantees fair evaluations Credibility Supports hiring integrity Promotes safer environments Timeliness Reduces phone tag issues Speeds up the hiring process A consistent and auditable reference check process improves the credibility of hiring decisions, contributing to a safer and more effective workplace environment. Credit Bureau Inquiries and Financial Assessments Credit bureau inquiries serve as a vital part of the background check process, offering employers valuable insights into a candidate’s financial health and stability. These inquiries account for 24% of the overall assessment and can highlight various financial pressures that may affect job performance. Here’s what these inquiries can reveal: Poor payment history with creditors. Accounts in collections, indicating financial distress. Presence of County Court Judgments, signifying legal actions taken against the candidate. Bankruptcies that may suggest a pattern of financial irresponsibility. Compliance With Privacy Regulations Conducting thorough background checks involves not just evaluating a candidate’s financial history but likewise guaranteeing adherence to privacy regulations that protect personal information. BackCheck Canada prioritizes compliance with federal and provincial privacy legislation, which safeguards sensitive data collected during the screening process. Before gathering any personal information—like criminal records or employment history—employers must obtain explicit consent from prospective employees. Since privacy regulations differ by province, organizations need to familiarize themselves with regional laws regarding employee rights and data collection practices. As employers can access publicly available information, such as social media profiles, they must use this data responsibly and ethically. To support organizations in traversing these intricacies, BackCheck Canada offers resources and updates on compliance, helping guarantee that your background checks respect the privacy rights of candidates as well as adhering to legal standards. Benefits of Using BackCheck Services When you choose BackCheck services, you’re opting for a complete solution that improves your hiring process through thorough candidate verification. Here are some benefits you’ll experience: Comprehensive Verification: BackCheck guarantees a detailed check of identity, employment history, education, and criminal records, giving you peace of mind. Rapid Results: You’ll typically receive results within 24 hours, allowing you to make timely hiring decisions without unnecessary delays. Compliance Focus: BackCheck adheres to federal and provincial privacy legislation, guaranteeing sensitive data is collected with proper consent, which protects both you and your candidates. Customization: Tailor your background screening programs to fit your organization’s specific needs, enhancing the effectiveness of your hiring practices. Partnership With Canada Post BackCheck’s partnership with Canada Post considerably improves the ID verification process for background checks, making it more accessible for job seekers across Canada. With this collaboration, you can complete your ID verification at local post offices, enhancing convenience. The process takes less than 5 minutes, ensuring a swift and efficient experience. Best of all, this service is free of charge for applicants, making it an attractive option for those seeking employment. To obtain a criminal record check through BackCheck, completing this ID verification is a necessary step. This partnership additionally utilizes upgraded technology at Canada Post to securely handle your personal information, complying with Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA and the Privacy Act. Global Reach and International Criminal Record Searches As the job market becomes increasingly global, the need for detailed background checks extends beyond Canada’s borders. BackCheck Canada offers international criminal record searches in over 240 countries, enabling you to verify candidates’ backgrounds worldwide. This service is essential for organizations with diverse workforces or those hiring individuals with international experience. Here’s how the international search process works: Compliance: It adheres to various privacy regulations and legal requirements in different jurisdictions. Partnerships: BackCheck collaborates with local law enforcement agencies and trusted international sources to gather accurate data. Processing Time: Results are typically processed within a specified timeframe, which can vary by country. Detailed Vetting: It promotes a thorough vetting process, ensuring you make informed hiring decisions. Utilizing BackCheck’s global reach helps you maintain a trustworthy hiring process. Getting Started With Backcheck Services To get started with BackCheck services, you’ll first need to create an account on the myBackCheck.com platform, which requires a valid email address and a secure password. Once your account is set up, you can log in and initiate background checks by providing the necessary personal information and consent. This process is straightforward and designed for user convenience. If you’re part of an organization, you can access a separate login customized for organizational accounts, allowing you to personalize screening programs based on your needs. After you order a background check, candidates will receive an email invitation to submit their details and consent online, streamlining the entire procedure. Typically, you can expect results from background checks within 24 hours, though this may vary depending on the type of verification conducted. This efficient system guarantees timely and reliable information for your hiring or screening processes. Frequently Asked Questions What Do Canadian Background Checks Show? Canadian background checks reveal a variety of important information. They show criminal records, confirming any adult convictions from the RCMP’s National Repository. Employment verifications detail your work history, including positions and reasons for leaving. Education checks validate the highest level of education you’ve completed. Credit inquiries assess your financial stability, highlighting any poor payment histories or bankruptcies. Finally, reference checks provide unbiased evaluations of your qualifications through structured interviews. Is Mybackcheck a Legitimate Service? Yes, MyBackCheck is a legitimate service. It’s operated by BackCheck, Canada’s largest background screening provider, known for its reliable services. The platform conducts various checks, including criminal records and employment verifications, typically delivering results within 24 hours. MyBackCheck complies with privacy laws, ensuring personal data is collected only with consent. Furthermore, it partners with Canada Post for convenient ID verification, streamlining the process and enhancing trust in hiring practices across sectors. What Is a Red Flag on a Background Check? A red flag on a background check indicates potential issues that might affect a candidate’s suitability for a position. This can include discrepancies in employment history, criminal records, financial problems, or unverifiable educational qualifications. Frequent job changes or gaps in employment may additionally raise concerns about reliability. Each of these factors suggests a need for further investigation, as they could signal irresponsibility or instability, impacting your hiring decision. How Long Does a Canadian Background Check Take? A Canadian background check usually takes about a week for most job positions. Nevertheless, if you’re applying for a federal job, the process can stretch to several months owing to additional requirements. If discrepancies arise during verification, this can further delay completion. Efficient preparation by both you and your employer can greatly speed up the process, along with selecting the appropriate government agencies for specific checks, influencing overall timeline. Conclusion In conclusion, BackCheck Canada provides a reliable platform for conducting thorough pre-employment background checks, including criminal record, employment, and education verifications. By following a streamlined process that emphasizes candidate consent and identity verification, organizations can make informed hiring decisions. With partnerships that improve the verification process, and the ability to conduct international searches, BackCheck Canada guarantees timely access to essential information during compliance with privacy regulations. Utilizing these services can greatly improve the hiring process for any organization. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Is Backcheck Canada and How Does It Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Ever since the March Pixel feature drop, some Pixel watch users have been reporting that their step counts and calorie counts are off. An official fix isn’t out yet, but users have found a few approaches that seem to correct the numbers. Google Pixel Watch 4 (41 mm, LTE) $389.99 at Amazon $449.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $389.99 at Amazon $449.99 Save $60.00 Steps and calories are being overcounted for some Pixel Watch usersThe problem, according to numerous posts on forums like r/PixelWatch and comments on the March feature drop, is that the Fitbit app is reporting far more steps than the user feels is plausible. For example, one user reports: “my watch says I've walked 6,688 steps today, which is impossible! I just walked to the bathroom and back, and now my watch says I've walked 7,025 steps! I've probably only walked half that!” Calorie counts seem to be affected for some users as well. One Redditor says: “I only got in roughly 7,000 steps yesterday, yet my Pixel Watch 4/Fitbit said I burned more than 11,000 calories, which is, obviously, impossible given that I'm not literally on fire and didn't run three or four marathons yesterday while working my desk job.” While the issues seem to have started shortly after the March drop, the issue may not be with the Pixel Watch firmware itself but with something else, like the Fitbit app. A few of the reports are from people who haven’t gotten the feature update on their watch yet, yet still have inflated calorie or step counts. (The March drop included a firmware update for Bluetooth/wifi watches but not LTE watches, so people with LTE watches haven’t gotten the update. You can see all available firmware updates here.) Try these steps to correct step and calorie counts on your Pixel WatchWhile Google hasn’t published an official fix yet, forum users have been sharing steps that they say fix the problem. One or more of the following may help: On your phone, go to Settings, then Apps, then Fitbit, then Storage. Select Clear cache. On your Pixel Watch, go to Settings, then Apps & Notifications, then App info, System apps, Fitbit, App info (again), and then Clear cache. Restart your watch: hold in the crown until a menu pops up, then select Restart. Restart your phone. Some users said the issue was fixed after they cleared their phone’s app cache, and some said it was fixed after restarting their watch. Some recommended doing all the steps above. View the full article

On March 19, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts voted to approve a commemorative gold coin that flies in the face of the law. On one side of the coin President Donald The President is seen scowling as he leans with his fist on a desk; on the other, a bald eagle carries the Liberty Bell. Designed for the United States’ semiquincentennial, the coin would break a longstanding U.S. tradition established via an 1866 law that bans living presidents from appearing on currency. Only one other living president in history has appeared on a coin: 100 years ago when then-President Calvin Coolidge’s profile was depicted alongside George Washington’s for the 1926 Sesquicentennial Half Dollar to mark the 150th anniversary of the U.S. founding. How the The President coin got approved Last year, The President fired the Commission of Fine Arts board and replaced it with his own nominees who could rubber stamp his design agenda. This is the commission who approved the coin’s design. The president and administration has taken unprecedented action to stamp his name and likeness across the federal government in a way that mirrors propaganda campaigns of foreign authoritarian regimes. The Mint has provided a workaround to get The President’s likeness on a coin by saying the Treasury secretary is authorized to mint and issue new 24-karat gold coins. They also might be trying to exploit a technicality in the law allowing new commemorative coins to be minted for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding this year that specifically prohibits the portrait of a living person on the reverse side, or tails, of any coin. The President’s on obverse, or the heads side. There’s no word on the size or production run of the Treasury’s commemorative The President coin, but architect James McCrery II, who is a fine arts commission member and former ballroom designer, said “I think the president likes big things” and a Mint official said the run would be “very limited,” according to the Associated Press. The Coolidge effect But The President’s desire to stamp his likeness on a coin might not have the ending he’s hoping for. Like the The President coin, the Coolidge coin was commemorative and not for general circulation. Its design was also selected by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. The coin was produced to defray costs for the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia, and though design reportedly inspired some criticism, the New York Times reported at the time, it was ultimately met with indifference because no one really wanted it. Of the 1 million Coolidge Half Dollars that were produced, 86% ended up being returned and melted, according to the American Numismatic Association, an educational nonprofit dedicated to coin collecting. Whether a future The President coin receives the same reception as Coolidge’s remains to be seen, but The President’s track record in other currency-inspired collectables hasn’t had great returns thus far. His cryptocurrency crashed while still netting him $1.2 billion. And while The President’s likeness has long been a fixture of commemorative medals and coin-like keepsakes like the ones they sell on Fox News, coin dealers recommend buyers collect them for fun, not as an investment. View the full article

Formidable obstacles stand in the way of any diplomatic effort to end the warView the full article

Slack has unveiled exciting new tools that streamline collaboration and integrate AI capabilities into its workspace, positioning itself as an essential resource for small businesses looking to maximize efficiency. The latest features, which include the Real-Time Search (RTS) API and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, promise to enhance decision-making and productivity by providing secure access to conversational data. Small business owners often face the challenge of juggling numerous applications, leading to wasted time and lost insights. According to Slack, employees can lose up to 40% of their productivity due to constant context switching. However, by embedding context-aware AI agents within Slack, teams can transform everyday conversations into actionable insights, ultimately saving time and increasing output. “We are dedicated to safeguarding your Slack data and providing the tools you need to develop robust AI apps and agents,” said a representative from Slack. The company’s platform is designed to cater to the unique needs of small businesses, offering a flexible framework for integrating AI applications that can directly access relevant discussions and files. The key benefits of these innovations cater directly to small business needs: Unlocking Unstructured Data: AI agents can be augmented with insights from team conversations, delivering personalized information right within Slack. According to Slack, teams can save an average of 97 minutes a week by utilizing existing data intelligently. Accelerating Decision-Making: By connecting tools like CRM systems or project management apps to Slack, small businesses can enhance their decision-making processes. Reports indicate that this can lead to 37% faster insights and a 36% quicker response time to customer inquiries. Boosting Productivity: With AI apps integrated into Slack, the burden of switching between different tools is reduced, allowing teams to focus on their core tasks. Driving App Adoption: Centralizing tools within Slack encourages team members to utilize a broader array of applications, increasing the return on technology investments. Maintaining Security and Compliance: Enterprise-grade security features and granular permissions help protect essential business data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. However, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges. Adopting AI and integrating it into existing workflows may require an initial investment in training and implementation. Businesses will need to ensure that team members are equipped to leverage the full capabilities of these new tools. Additionally, as with any new technology, there is a learning curve, and not all team members may adapt immediately. Prominent companies, including OpenAI and Google, have already started integrating their AI tools into Slack’s ecosystem. This shift is indicative of the potential that these innovations hold for small businesses. For instance, the ChatGPT app allows teams to pull insights directly from conversations, enhancing collaborative efforts. The Claude app provides deep insights by allowing users to search workspace channels, directly linking conversation context to AI-generated responses. The RTS API and MCP server simplify the way developers can extract and utilize data from Slack. The RTS API facilitates real-time access to valuable conversational assets, enabling AI to act based on the latest discussions, while the MCP server standardizes access to contextual information. This means that even small businesses with limited tech resources can maximize the effectiveness of their AI agents without needing exhaustive coding knowledge. “The best work happens when context and execution aren’t separate,” noted Erica Anderson, Chief Revenue Officer at Notion. This encapsulates the essence of what Slack aims to achieve—integrating contextual understanding with actionable data to bring teams closer and enhance their productivity. As small businesses look to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Slack’s innovations offer a promising solution to streamline operations and integrate AI into daily workflows. For more details on these new features and how they can benefit your organization, check out the original press release on Slack’s blog here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Slack Empowers Developers with AI Tools for Enhanced Workplace Productivity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Slack has unveiled exciting new tools that streamline collaboration and integrate AI capabilities into its workspace, positioning itself as an essential resource for small businesses looking to maximize efficiency. The latest features, which include the Real-Time Search (RTS) API and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, promise to enhance decision-making and productivity by providing secure access to conversational data. Small business owners often face the challenge of juggling numerous applications, leading to wasted time and lost insights. According to Slack, employees can lose up to 40% of their productivity due to constant context switching. However, by embedding context-aware AI agents within Slack, teams can transform everyday conversations into actionable insights, ultimately saving time and increasing output. “We are dedicated to safeguarding your Slack data and providing the tools you need to develop robust AI apps and agents,” said a representative from Slack. The company’s platform is designed to cater to the unique needs of small businesses, offering a flexible framework for integrating AI applications that can directly access relevant discussions and files. The key benefits of these innovations cater directly to small business needs: Unlocking Unstructured Data: AI agents can be augmented with insights from team conversations, delivering personalized information right within Slack. According to Slack, teams can save an average of 97 minutes a week by utilizing existing data intelligently. Accelerating Decision-Making: By connecting tools like CRM systems or project management apps to Slack, small businesses can enhance their decision-making processes. Reports indicate that this can lead to 37% faster insights and a 36% quicker response time to customer inquiries. Boosting Productivity: With AI apps integrated into Slack, the burden of switching between different tools is reduced, allowing teams to focus on their core tasks. Driving App Adoption: Centralizing tools within Slack encourages team members to utilize a broader array of applications, increasing the return on technology investments. Maintaining Security and Compliance: Enterprise-grade security features and granular permissions help protect essential business data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. However, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges. Adopting AI and integrating it into existing workflows may require an initial investment in training and implementation. Businesses will need to ensure that team members are equipped to leverage the full capabilities of these new tools. Additionally, as with any new technology, there is a learning curve, and not all team members may adapt immediately. Prominent companies, including OpenAI and Google, have already started integrating their AI tools into Slack’s ecosystem. This shift is indicative of the potential that these innovations hold for small businesses. For instance, the ChatGPT app allows teams to pull insights directly from conversations, enhancing collaborative efforts. The Claude app provides deep insights by allowing users to search workspace channels, directly linking conversation context to AI-generated responses. The RTS API and MCP server simplify the way developers can extract and utilize data from Slack. The RTS API facilitates real-time access to valuable conversational assets, enabling AI to act based on the latest discussions, while the MCP server standardizes access to contextual information. This means that even small businesses with limited tech resources can maximize the effectiveness of their AI agents without needing exhaustive coding knowledge. “The best work happens when context and execution aren’t separate,” noted Erica Anderson, Chief Revenue Officer at Notion. This encapsulates the essence of what Slack aims to achieve—integrating contextual understanding with actionable data to bring teams closer and enhance their productivity. As small businesses look to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Slack’s innovations offer a promising solution to streamline operations and integrate AI into daily workflows. For more details on these new features and how they can benefit your organization, check out the original press release on Slack’s blog here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Slack Empowers Developers with AI Tools for Enhanced Workplace Productivity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

There were an estimated 630,000, or 46.3%, more home sellers than buyers in the United States in February, according to a Redfin report. View the full article

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, along with the S&P 500, rose on Monday after President Donald The President said the U.S. will pause strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. (The S&P was up 1.5% in Monday afternoon trading.) The decision comes after Iran said that if the U.S. hit Iranian power plants, Tehran would “irreversibly destroy” key energy facilities in the Middle East region, defiantly warning The President that would mean “say[ing] goodbye to electricity.” Bitcoin (BTC) rose 5.2%, to $71,400, on Monday morning in New York. By the afternoon, it was trading at $71,047.51, up about 3.4%. The price of Ethereum (ETH) was up 3.4%, to $2,152.22, and XRP was up 3.6%, to $1.44, while Solana (SOL), a smaller cryptocurrency token, was also up 3.4%, to $2,152.11. Cryptocurrencies have been on a roller-coaster ride, with volatility sending prices up and down since the outbreak of war in Iran, after U.S.-Israeli strikes began three weeks ago on February 28. Tehran has since retaliated, targeting U.S. and allied interests in the region. That’s resulted in American casualties and a possible shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil trade route, causing oil prices to surge over $100 a barrel and higher prices at the pump. So far this year, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have taken a hit, with prices hitting a two-week low in Asia, per Bloomberg. As Fast Company previously reported, at the beginning of March, BTC was down more than 18% year to date. XRP has been down 23% since January, and Ethereum has been down more than 30% since January. Although The President’s latest move offers hope that the Iran conflict could be easing, the situation remains volatile and new developments could quickly reverse the crypto market’s upward trend. View the full article

The FHFA's ACV condo insurance rollback gets the balance right between affordability and safety, even if politics muddied the waters, the chairman of Whalen Global Advisors writes. View the full article

US president soothes markets but doubts on strategy and Tehran’s position persistView the full article

Forecasters argue a weak economy will prevent the energy shock fuelling persistent inflationView the full article

Investing in employee development is crucial for your organization’s growth. The right training courses can greatly improve your workforce’s skills and adaptability. Key areas of focus include Communication Skills, Leadership Development, and Project Management, among others. Each course plays a role in building a more effective and engaged team. By prioritizing these fundamental training programs, you can create a stronger foundation for your business. What specific benefits could these courses bring to your organization? Key Takeaways Communication Skills Training enhances effective workplace interactions, improving business writing, remote communication, and team collaboration. Leadership and Change Management Development equips employees with emotional intelligence and resilience to navigate organizational changes successfully. Project Management Essentials provide the necessary principles and methodologies for managing projects efficiently from initiation to completion. Technical Skills Enhancement focuses on vital IT competencies, ensuring employees remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. Diversity and Inclusion Training fosters a respectful work environment, enhancing team collaboration and employee engagement. Communication Skills Training Effective communication skills training is crucial for anyone looking to improve their workplace interactions, as it not only boosts clarity but moreover increases the impact of both written and verbal exchanges. These employee training courses cover various aspects of communication, including business writing skills that improve your ability to write effective emails and reports. This proficiency leads to improved internal and customer communications. Training courses for employees likewise encompass remote work communication skills, focusing on the techniques necessary for effective online interactions. This training helps you adapt to new technologies as you avoid common virtual blunders. Furthermore, the effective criticism course teaches employees how to provide constructive feedback, promoting a culture of continuous improvement. By investing in communication skills training, you strengthen team collaboration and engagement, finally contributing to improved organizational performance. Embrace these technical learning opportunities to raise your workplace interactions considerably. Leadership Development Programs Leadership development programs are crucial for enhancing team motivation and building resilient leadership skills within your organization. These programs equip you with techniques to inspire your team and cultivate a positive work environment, which can lead to improved employee performance. Effective Team Motivation Techniques Motivating a team effectively is crucial for creating a productive work environment. Studies show that motivated teams can outperform others by 20% to 25% in productivity. To achieve this, leadership development programs should include strategies like setting clear goals and providing regular feedback. Recognizing individual contributions likewise improves team morale. Techniques such as the Fogg Behavior Model highlight the importance of making tasks easy and rewarding, which boosts participation. Research indicates that transformational leadership can increase team satisfaction and commitment by 30%. Incorporating regular team-building activities in your training list can strengthen relationships and improve communication. Consider enrolling in work training courses focused on these effective team motivation techniques to cultivate a more engaged and cohesive team. Building Resilient Leadership Skills As organizations face constant change and uncertainty, developing resilient leadership skills becomes vital for steering challenges effectively. Resilient leaders adapt to change, demonstrating their ability to navigate organizational hurdles. Leadership development programs focused on resilience teach you how to manage stress, nurturing a positive work environment that improves team performance. By promoting inclusivity and diversity, resilient leaders enhance employee engagement and retention rates. Training in emotional intelligence equips you with the skills to handle conflicts constructively, reinforcing team dynamics. Organizations investing in this kind of training are better positioned to achieve their strategic goals, as resilient leaders guide teams through adversity, maintaining productivity and morale. Building these skills is fundamental for any leader aiming for long-term success. Project Management Essentials Grasping the fundamentals of project management is essential for anyone looking to oversee successful projects, as it equips you with the necessary skills to navigate challenges and achieve desired outcomes. Project Management Essentials courses cover vital principles and methodologies, ensuring you effectively manage projects from start to finish. You’ll learn about project planning, risk management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication, providing you with practical tools for real-world applications. Many of these programs align with recognized standards, like the Project Management Institute (PMI) guidelines, enhancing your credibility in the field. Online courses often utilize blended learning approaches, combining on-demand content with live instruction, allowing you flexibility and interactive experiences. By completing a Project Management Essentials course, you can greatly boost your career prospects, as recognized certifications may lead to higher salaries and advancement opportunities. Investing in this training is a strategic step to enhance your professional path. Customer Service Excellence Customer service excellence is all about building trusting relationships with clients, which can greatly improve loyalty and retention. By focusing on effective communication techniques, you can address customer needs proactively and manage inquiries with ease. These skills not solely enhance the overall customer experience but additionally contribute to higher satisfaction and loyalty rates for your organization. Building Trusting Relationships Building trusting relationships is fundamental for achieving customer service excellence, particularly since research indicates that 70% of customers will remain loyal to a brand that delivers outstanding service. To cultivate trust, you need strong interpersonal skills, which can be improved through training. Courses often focus on active listening and empathy, significant for enhancing customer interactions. Furthermore, role-playing scenarios help you practice conflict resolution and manage difficult conversations effectively. Consistent follow-up and feedback are likewise important, as they reinforce customer relationships and guarantee satisfaction. Organizations that prioritize trust-building training see a 12% increase in customer retention rates, demonstrating the real benefits of investing in employee development in this area. Trust is the foundation of lasting customer loyalty. Effective Communication Techniques Effective communication techniques are crucial for achieving excellence in customer service, as they directly influence the quality of interactions with clients. Mastering these skills can greatly improve the customer experience and cultivate loyalty. Here are key points to reflect on: Building trust and relationships improves customer interactions. Active listening helps you understand and address customer needs quickly. Utilizing digital tools can improve engagement and collaboration. Training in communication skills not only boosts clarity in your verbal and written exchanges, but also equips you to provide constructive feedback and navigate challenging conversations. Enhancing Loyalty and Retention Improving loyalty and retention in customer service is essential for long-term business success, as satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend your services to others. By focusing on building trust and relationships through effective customer service training, you can greatly improve customer experience. Training programs that emphasize compliance and communication skills reduce attrition rates and promote long-term connections. Research indicates that organizations investing in customer service training often see increased retention and profitability. Furthermore, equipping employees with techniques for effective interactions improves their performance and boosts customer satisfaction scores. A strong customer service culture not only benefits clients but also improves overall employee engagement and retention, creating a positive cycle of loyalty and success. Change Management Strategies As organizations face constant change, grasp of change management strategies becomes essential for employees at all levels. Effective change management training equips you with the skills to navigate and adapt to transformations, whether it’s a merger or a shift in strategic focus. Learn techniques for leading and managing change. Promote a culture of adaptability and resilience. Address employee resistance to improve engagement. Courses often emphasize that 70% of change initiatives fail because of resistance, making it critical to tackle these challenges head-on. By comprehending personalized change management strategies designed for your organization’s needs, you can prepare to lead and support successful initiatives. Strong change management practices not merely boost employee engagement but also increase the likelihood of project success. With the right training, you can contribute positively to your organization’s evolving environment and help nurture a workplace that embraces change effectively. Technical Skills Enhancement In today’s fast-paced job market, technical skills improvement is critical for staying relevant and competitive. With 89% of top companies emphasizing competency-based learning, enhancing your technical abilities can drive organizational effectiveness. Courses in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Data Science offer over 8,000 training opportunities customized to meet the rising demand for skills in areas like AI and cybersecurity. For example, the Google Cybersecurity training, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars, equips you with fundamental skills such as Threat Modeling and Incident Response, and it can be completed in just 3 to 6 months. Similarly, the Google IT Support course provides foundational skills in Computer Networking and Systems Administration, important for managing modern IT infrastructures. Continuous learning in these areas prevents skill obsolescence and increases your productivity and job satisfaction, ultimately enhancing your organization’s adaptability in a dynamic environment. Diversity and Inclusion Training Building a competent and diverse workforce goes beyond technical skills; it also involves cultivating a culture of inclusivity. Diversity and Inclusion Training is essential for promoting comprehension and appreciation of various backgrounds, which can lead to improved collaboration and creativity within your team. It reduces biases, creating a respectful work environment. Organizations prioritizing this training see better employee engagement and retention. A diverse workforce attracts top talent, with 67% of job seekers valuing diversity in their job search. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the 70 20 10 Rule for Training? The 70-20-10 Rule for training states that 70% of learning occurs through hands-on experiences, 20% through social interactions like mentoring, and only 10% through formal education. This model highlights the significance of practical application in acquiring skills and retaining knowledge. It additionally showcases the benefits of collaboration among peers, as sharing insights improves learning. What Are the 10 Basic Safety Training Courses? You should consider these ten basic safety training courses: Basic Safety Orientation, Hazard Communication Training, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training, Emergency Response Training, and First Aid and CPR Training. Furthermore, include Forklift Safety, Fire Safety, Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention, Electrical Safety, and Ergonomics Training. Each course equips you with vital knowledge and skills to handle workplace hazards, guarantee compliance with regulations, and promote a safer working environment for everyone involved. What Are the 5 P’s of Professional Growth? The 5 P’s of professional growth include Purpose, Passion, Persistence, Practice, and Patience. Purpose gives you direction in your career, aligning your goals with your values. Passion drives your enthusiasm and dedication, enhancing job satisfaction. Persistence helps you face challenges, ensuring you stay on track in spite of setbacks. Practice emphasizes the need for continuous skill development, keeping you relevant. Finally, Patience allows for gradual growth, reminding you that success takes time and effort. What Are the 5 Essential Soft Skills in the Workplace? The five vital soft skills in the workplace include communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, problem-solving, and teamwork. Effective communication promotes collaboration and minimizes misunderstandings. Emotional intelligence improves interpersonal relationships and leadership. Adaptability helps you thrive in changing environments. Problem-solving empowers you to identify and address issues efficiently. Finally, teamwork encourages collaboration, leading to greater productivity and success. Developing these skills is important for achieving both personal and organizational goals in any professional setting. Conclusion Investing in these seven crucial training courses can greatly boost your workforce’s skills and adaptability. By focusing on communication, leadership, project management, customer service, change management, technical skills, and diversity, you’ll cultivate a more competent and engaged team. This all-encompassing approach not just improves individual capabilities but likewise drives overall organizational success. Prioritizing employee development through targeted training guarantees your business remains competitive and responsive to evolving challenges in the workplace. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Essential Training Courses for Employee Development" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Investing in employee development is crucial for your organization’s growth. The right training courses can greatly improve your workforce’s skills and adaptability. Key areas of focus include Communication Skills, Leadership Development, and Project Management, among others. Each course plays a role in building a more effective and engaged team. By prioritizing these fundamental training programs, you can create a stronger foundation for your business. What specific benefits could these courses bring to your organization? Key Takeaways Communication Skills Training enhances effective workplace interactions, improving business writing, remote communication, and team collaboration. Leadership and Change Management Development equips employees with emotional intelligence and resilience to navigate organizational changes successfully. Project Management Essentials provide the necessary principles and methodologies for managing projects efficiently from initiation to completion. Technical Skills Enhancement focuses on vital IT competencies, ensuring employees remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. Diversity and Inclusion Training fosters a respectful work environment, enhancing team collaboration and employee engagement. Communication Skills Training Effective communication skills training is crucial for anyone looking to improve their workplace interactions, as it not only boosts clarity but moreover increases the impact of both written and verbal exchanges. These employee training courses cover various aspects of communication, including business writing skills that improve your ability to write effective emails and reports. This proficiency leads to improved internal and customer communications. Training courses for employees likewise encompass remote work communication skills, focusing on the techniques necessary for effective online interactions. This training helps you adapt to new technologies as you avoid common virtual blunders. Furthermore, the effective criticism course teaches employees how to provide constructive feedback, promoting a culture of continuous improvement. By investing in communication skills training, you strengthen team collaboration and engagement, finally contributing to improved organizational performance. Embrace these technical learning opportunities to raise your workplace interactions considerably. Leadership Development Programs Leadership development programs are crucial for enhancing team motivation and building resilient leadership skills within your organization. These programs equip you with techniques to inspire your team and cultivate a positive work environment, which can lead to improved employee performance. Effective Team Motivation Techniques Motivating a team effectively is crucial for creating a productive work environment. Studies show that motivated teams can outperform others by 20% to 25% in productivity. To achieve this, leadership development programs should include strategies like setting clear goals and providing regular feedback. Recognizing individual contributions likewise improves team morale. Techniques such as the Fogg Behavior Model highlight the importance of making tasks easy and rewarding, which boosts participation. Research indicates that transformational leadership can increase team satisfaction and commitment by 30%. Incorporating regular team-building activities in your training list can strengthen relationships and improve communication. Consider enrolling in work training courses focused on these effective team motivation techniques to cultivate a more engaged and cohesive team. Building Resilient Leadership Skills As organizations face constant change and uncertainty, developing resilient leadership skills becomes vital for steering challenges effectively. Resilient leaders adapt to change, demonstrating their ability to navigate organizational hurdles. Leadership development programs focused on resilience teach you how to manage stress, nurturing a positive work environment that improves team performance. By promoting inclusivity and diversity, resilient leaders enhance employee engagement and retention rates. Training in emotional intelligence equips you with the skills to handle conflicts constructively, reinforcing team dynamics. Organizations investing in this kind of training are better positioned to achieve their strategic goals, as resilient leaders guide teams through adversity, maintaining productivity and morale. Building these skills is fundamental for any leader aiming for long-term success. Project Management Essentials Grasping the fundamentals of project management is essential for anyone looking to oversee successful projects, as it equips you with the necessary skills to navigate challenges and achieve desired outcomes. Project Management Essentials courses cover vital principles and methodologies, ensuring you effectively manage projects from start to finish. You’ll learn about project planning, risk management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication, providing you with practical tools for real-world applications. Many of these programs align with recognized standards, like the Project Management Institute (PMI) guidelines, enhancing your credibility in the field. Online courses often utilize blended learning approaches, combining on-demand content with live instruction, allowing you flexibility and interactive experiences. By completing a Project Management Essentials course, you can greatly boost your career prospects, as recognized certifications may lead to higher salaries and advancement opportunities. Investing in this training is a strategic step to enhance your professional path. Customer Service Excellence Customer service excellence is all about building trusting relationships with clients, which can greatly improve loyalty and retention. By focusing on effective communication techniques, you can address customer needs proactively and manage inquiries with ease. These skills not solely enhance the overall customer experience but additionally contribute to higher satisfaction and loyalty rates for your organization. Building Trusting Relationships Building trusting relationships is fundamental for achieving customer service excellence, particularly since research indicates that 70% of customers will remain loyal to a brand that delivers outstanding service. To cultivate trust, you need strong interpersonal skills, which can be improved through training. Courses often focus on active listening and empathy, significant for enhancing customer interactions. Furthermore, role-playing scenarios help you practice conflict resolution and manage difficult conversations effectively. Consistent follow-up and feedback are likewise important, as they reinforce customer relationships and guarantee satisfaction. Organizations that prioritize trust-building training see a 12% increase in customer retention rates, demonstrating the real benefits of investing in employee development in this area. Trust is the foundation of lasting customer loyalty. Effective Communication Techniques Effective communication techniques are crucial for achieving excellence in customer service, as they directly influence the quality of interactions with clients. Mastering these skills can greatly improve the customer experience and cultivate loyalty. Here are key points to reflect on: Building trust and relationships improves customer interactions. Active listening helps you understand and address customer needs quickly. Utilizing digital tools can improve engagement and collaboration. Training in communication skills not only boosts clarity in your verbal and written exchanges, but also equips you to provide constructive feedback and navigate challenging conversations. Enhancing Loyalty and Retention Improving loyalty and retention in customer service is essential for long-term business success, as satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend your services to others. By focusing on building trust and relationships through effective customer service training, you can greatly improve customer experience. Training programs that emphasize compliance and communication skills reduce attrition rates and promote long-term connections. Research indicates that organizations investing in customer service training often see increased retention and profitability. Furthermore, equipping employees with techniques for effective interactions improves their performance and boosts customer satisfaction scores. A strong customer service culture not only benefits clients but also improves overall employee engagement and retention, creating a positive cycle of loyalty and success. Change Management Strategies As organizations face constant change, grasp of change management strategies becomes essential for employees at all levels. Effective change management training equips you with the skills to navigate and adapt to transformations, whether it’s a merger or a shift in strategic focus. Learn techniques for leading and managing change. Promote a culture of adaptability and resilience. Address employee resistance to improve engagement. Courses often emphasize that 70% of change initiatives fail because of resistance, making it critical to tackle these challenges head-on. By comprehending personalized change management strategies designed for your organization’s needs, you can prepare to lead and support successful initiatives. Strong change management practices not merely boost employee engagement but also increase the likelihood of project success. With the right training, you can contribute positively to your organization’s evolving environment and help nurture a workplace that embraces change effectively. Technical Skills Enhancement In today’s fast-paced job market, technical skills improvement is critical for staying relevant and competitive. With 89% of top companies emphasizing competency-based learning, enhancing your technical abilities can drive organizational effectiveness. Courses in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Data Science offer over 8,000 training opportunities customized to meet the rising demand for skills in areas like AI and cybersecurity. For example, the Google Cybersecurity training, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars, equips you with fundamental skills such as Threat Modeling and Incident Response, and it can be completed in just 3 to 6 months. Similarly, the Google IT Support course provides foundational skills in Computer Networking and Systems Administration, important for managing modern IT infrastructures. Continuous learning in these areas prevents skill obsolescence and increases your productivity and job satisfaction, ultimately enhancing your organization’s adaptability in a dynamic environment. Diversity and Inclusion Training Building a competent and diverse workforce goes beyond technical skills; it also involves cultivating a culture of inclusivity. Diversity and Inclusion Training is essential for promoting comprehension and appreciation of various backgrounds, which can lead to improved collaboration and creativity within your team. It reduces biases, creating a respectful work environment. Organizations prioritizing this training see better employee engagement and retention. A diverse workforce attracts top talent, with 67% of job seekers valuing diversity in their job search. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the 70 20 10 Rule for Training? The 70-20-10 Rule for training states that 70% of learning occurs through hands-on experiences, 20% through social interactions like mentoring, and only 10% through formal education. This model highlights the significance of practical application in acquiring skills and retaining knowledge. It additionally showcases the benefits of collaboration among peers, as sharing insights improves learning. What Are the 10 Basic Safety Training Courses? You should consider these ten basic safety training courses: Basic Safety Orientation, Hazard Communication Training, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training, Emergency Response Training, and First Aid and CPR Training. Furthermore, include Forklift Safety, Fire Safety, Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention, Electrical Safety, and Ergonomics Training. Each course equips you with vital knowledge and skills to handle workplace hazards, guarantee compliance with regulations, and promote a safer working environment for everyone involved. What Are the 5 P’s of Professional Growth? The 5 P’s of professional growth include Purpose, Passion, Persistence, Practice, and Patience. Purpose gives you direction in your career, aligning your goals with your values. Passion drives your enthusiasm and dedication, enhancing job satisfaction. Persistence helps you face challenges, ensuring you stay on track in spite of setbacks. Practice emphasizes the need for continuous skill development, keeping you relevant. Finally, Patience allows for gradual growth, reminding you that success takes time and effort. What Are the 5 Essential Soft Skills in the Workplace? The five vital soft skills in the workplace include communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, problem-solving, and teamwork. Effective communication promotes collaboration and minimizes misunderstandings. Emotional intelligence improves interpersonal relationships and leadership. Adaptability helps you thrive in changing environments. Problem-solving empowers you to identify and address issues efficiently. Finally, teamwork encourages collaboration, leading to greater productivity and success. Developing these skills is important for achieving both personal and organizational goals in any professional setting. Conclusion Investing in these seven crucial training courses can greatly boost your workforce’s skills and adaptability. By focusing on communication, leadership, project management, customer service, change management, technical skills, and diversity, you’ll cultivate a more competent and engaged team. This all-encompassing approach not just improves individual capabilities but likewise drives overall organizational success. Prioritizing employee development through targeted training guarantees your business remains competitive and responsive to evolving challenges in the workplace. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Essential Training Courses for Employee Development" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you work from a laptop, your built-in webcam may suit you fine for video calls. But for those of us with external monitors, or laptops with subpar cameras, it's helpful (or necessary) to seek out dedicated, high-quality webcams. Before you drop hundreds of dollars on one from Amazon, just use your smartphone. Your iPhone or Android very likely has native webcam support that makes it easy to tap into the phone's camera for work or personal calls. I guarantee your phone has a better camera than your laptop—even if it's not quite as convenient to use. I was surprised to learn today, however, that Samsung Galaxy phones have not supported this feature. You've been able to turn Galaxy devices into webcams using third-party apps, but it was never baked into the OS itself. It's not a huge deal, but it adds an extra hurdle that doesn't need to be there, and likely reduces the chances that Galaxy users even know they can use their smartphones as a webcam. Luckily, that's no longer the case. As reported by Android Authority, Samsung is now rolling out webcam support to Galaxy S26 devices. That includes that Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. Samsung isn't putting its own spin on the feature, either: It works exactly as it does on Pixel, so if you've used Android's built-in webcam feature, you know how this works. This isn't the only Galaxy S26-exclusive feature to drop this week. Samsung also rolled out AirDrop support for the S26 line, joining the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series. Now, these Android phones can send files wireless to iPhones via Quick Share, something that would have sounded impossible six months ago. How to use your Galaxy S26 as a webcamThis is a pretty straightforward feature, assuming you have compatible equipment. First, on your S26, open USB settings, then, under "Use USB for," choose "Webcam." Next, plug your S26 into your computer. You should see an alert letting you know you've connected your phone via USB. Tap it, then choose "Webcam" when the option appears. Your phone should now be in webcam mode: Tap into the webcam alert that appears to see the viewfinder and set up your angle accordingly. Now, you should see your S26 as a camera option in any video calling client you use. Just select it over your device's webcam (or choose it as your camera if you don't have one in the first place), and you should notice a bump up in camera quality. View the full article

Relief is flowing through financial markets Monday after President Donald The President said the United States has talked with Iran about a possible end to their war. Oil prices are easing, and stock prices are jumping on Wall Street following severe losses taken elsewhere in the world before The President’s announcement. The price for a barrel of Brent crude fell 9.4% to $101.62, down from nearly $120 at one point last week, after The President said the United States and Iran held productive talks the last two days “regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.” The S&P 500 rose 1.2% toward its best day since the war began. The market’s moves remain tentative, though, and Iran denied such talks took place. The S&P 500 trimmed its gain, which had reached 2.2% in the morning. Over the weekend, The President had threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if it doesn’t open up the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The narrow waterway off Iran’s coast has become a sore point for The President and the economy because its near-closure has prevented oil tankers from leaving the Persian Gulf to supply customers around the world. The President said Monday that he is postponing attacks on Iranian power plants for five days to allow talks to continue. Quickly afterward, Iranian state media cited Iranian officials as denying any talks like The President described and said The President had backed down “following Iran’s firm warning.” The price of Brent crude fell as low as $96 immediately after The President announced the postponement, but it quickly recovered a chunk of that loss. Benchmark U.S. crude had a similar reaction, immediately dropping toward $84 per barrel before yo-yoing back above $92 and then falling back to $89.30. Financial markets have had vicious swings, both up and down, since the war began because of uncertainty about how long it may last. The fear is that a long-term disruption could keep so much oil and natural gas off global markets that it creates a debilitating wave of inflation for the global economy. The frenzied swings of the past few weeks are similar to, but not as dramatic as, those that hit last year when The President shocked the global economy on “Liberation Day.” Many of his worldwide tariffs ended up being milder than he initially threatened, and the back-and-forth in negotiations led to historic moves up and down. Still, Monday’s overriding reaction in financial markets was one of relief. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 670 points, or 1.5%, as of 1:01 p.m. Eastern time, after soaring nearly 1,135 points during the morning. The Nasdaq composite jumped 1.3%. In Europe, stock indexes immediately flipped from losses to gains following The President’s announcement and then held onto them. France’s CAC 40 rose 0.8%, and Germany’s DAX returned 1.2%. That compares with sharp drops for Asian stock markets, which finished trading before The President made his announcement. South Korea’s Kospi careened 6.5% lower, Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 3.5% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 3.5%. Treasury yields also eased in the bond market following The President’s announcement. High Treasury yields and disruption in the bond market were main factors that The President named a year ago when he backed off his initial threats for global tariffs. The moves caused critics to allege The President always chickens out, or “TACO,” if financial markets show enough pain. Like oil prices, Treasury yields still remain well above where they were before the war began, even after Monday’s drop. The worry is that high oil prices could keep the Federal Reserve and other central banks from resuming their cuts to interest rates, which would give the global economy and prices for investments a boost. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.36% from 4.39% late Friday. But it remains solidly above its 3.97% level from just before the war. On Wall Street, Monday’s rally was so widespread that four out of every five stocks rose within the S&P 500. Toward the head were companies with big fuel bills that will benefit from any easing of oil prices. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings surged 7.3%, while United Airlines climbed 3.9%, and American Airlines rose 3.8%. All, though, are still down for the year so far. Stocks of smaller companies also led the market, and the Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks jumped 2.3%. It had dropped last week to 10% below its record, a sharp enough fall that professional investors call it a “correction.” The S&P 500, which is the main measure of the U.S. stock market’s strength, pulled back within 6% of its own all-time high set early this year. —Stan Choe, AP business writer AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama, Matt Ott and Chan Ho-him contributed. View the full article

In the wake of the U.S.-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the price of crude oil has risen sharply on the international market. Now, it's starting to impact gasoline and diesel prices in the U.S., with increases at the pump of as much as 30% in some areas. Gas prices are dynamic, \changing based on the day and even based on city or state lines. For example, the national average price for gas, according to AAA, is $3.96 as of today, March 2026. But in Iowa, the average was $3.33, and in Illinois, it was $4.17. If you're heading out to fill up the tank, it might help to do a bit of research first, so you can save some money in the process. Using dedicated, community-sourced gas pricing tools, you can find the cheapest gas stations around your area, as well as cheaper options that are a short drive away. These apps can help. Check GasBuddy to find low prices and earn free gas Credit: Khamosh Pathak GasBuddy (available for iOS and Android) is a popular, crowd-sourced app for reporting gas prices. The app has over 10 million downloads on the Play Store alone, and a massive community of users who update fuel prices on a near real-time basis. It also includes official pricing feeds for popular gas station operators like Costco. Community members who update prices receive points that can then be redeemed to pay for gas. You can use your current location to find gas stations near you, or you can use the search bar or the map view to find cheaper gas stations in your city or in neighboring areas. GasBuddy will show you the cheapest options first (for regular fuel, though you can also filter for midrange and premium options). Each gas station has a ratings and an indicator showing how long ago the price was updated. Occasionally it's a couple of hours, but frequently you'll find gas prices that are just an hour or a couple of minutes old. The app also mentions which gas stations are cash only, and if they have other amenities like an ATM, convenience store, or loyalty discounts. In the event gas shortages become an issue, GasBuddy also has a Tracker that which gas station has fuel and power, and if they're running out of a particular kind of fuel. GasBuddy works best as an app because it has location and navigation features built-in. But if you just want to browse for cheap gas in your locality or your city, you can also simply use the Find Gas feature on their website. Check Google Maps or Waze for prices along your route Credit: Khamosh Pathak Google Maps has a built-in gas price tool as well, but it's not community supported and it doesn't update as often as you might like (many listings show prices that are over 24 hours old). Still, it's convenient because it's built right into an app you probably already use. To find prices in your area, open Google Maps, and search for "Gas" to see a list of all nearby gas stations; on the map, you'll also see their price for regular gas. If you want to see more gas stations nearby, zoom in or out, or move the map around and tap the "Search this area" button. You can also just search for "[Town name] gas" to get gas prices in the particular area. Each gas station on the map will have a little label with the price on it. Choose a gas station for a detailed view and prices for midrange, premium, and diesel. The app will also tell you if the price was updated more than 24 hours ago. Credit: Emily Long If you don't use Google Maps, you can also check out a similar, more detailed feature in Waze. Simply search for "gas station" in the search bar to view all prices near you. Unlike Google Maps, Waze uses crowd-sourced data for gas prices. Above each price, you'll see when the data was last updated. View the full article

A reader writes: I know salary negotiation is typically acceptable, expected, and wise, and I even did recruiting for a year or so. But I’m job hunting again, and I’ve never seen this question on an application before: “To ensure equitable compensation, we benchmark salaries against nonprofits of similar size and budget, because of this, we don’t negotiate salaries. The salary for this role is $96,650. Please confirm that this aligns with your desired salary expectations.” (Dropdown: “Yes, I understand that the salary for this role is $96,650.”) Does this mean I shouldn’t ever bring it up? Also, related: Say the salary is below market rate or a huge range, and you know they know. And you probably wouldn’t accept even the very tippy toppiest number of the range, but you do want to woo them in the interview process and then try asking for a bit over the max. But they ask if you’re okay with the range in the application, and then do an initial screener and ask again. Should you just say yes? If you say yes, does it mean you can’t negotiate later? Yes, when they tell you clearly at the outset that this very specific number is the salary and that they don’t negotiate, and they ask you to confirm you understand this with a very specific dropdown … that’s the salary. The only way you could try to negotiate anyway and still seem like you’re acting in good faith is if there’s genuinely something about your background that might qualify for you for a higher salary within the structure you understand them to use. Like if it becomes clear that they have a different salary band for people with optional qualification X, or if they’re extremely excited in the interview process about an extra qualification you bring that they hadn’t anticipated finding, there’s some room for you to negotiate based on that. But otherwise, no, they’re saying they’re not going to negotiate it, and you shouldn’t go through their whole process if you know from the start that you wouldn’t accept that salary, particularly when they asked you to confirm that you understood they don’t negotiate for reasons of internal equity, which means the whole thing they’re trying to avoid is paying people differently for the same work because one person negotiated better than someone else. To your second question about jobs that offer a below-market rate or a huge range: is it also a job with a clear “we don’t negotiate policy” that they ask you to agree to at the start? If so, all the above applies. But if it’s not, then it’s a different situation; in that case, there’s room to try to negotiate, even if you verbally say you’re okay with their range at the start of the process. You could, upon getting an offer, explain that after going through the interview process and learning more about the job, you’d be looking for a salary of $X and do they have some wiggle room, etc. But if they’re transparent from the start about what the salary is and that it’s not flexible, then it would be bad faith to take a slot from another candidate if you know you wouldn’t accept that number. The post can I try to negotiate salary with a company that says from the start they don’t negotiate? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Deal comes as Donald The President faces pressure to limit energy price increases triggered by Iran warView the full article

The The President administration on Friday outlined to Congress how it wants lawmakers to regulate artificial intelligence. It is urging Congress to preempt states from passing their own AI laws while offering guidance on how a broader federal framework could address state-level concerns without overburdening the industry. Writing on X, White House “AI czar” David Sacks said the administration is responding to what it sees as a fragmented landscape of state-level rules, warning that a “patchwork” of regulations could slow innovation and undermine U.S. competitiveness in AI. But getting Congress to agree on sweeping AI legislation in an election year is a tall order, particularly as the industry’s massive data center build-out has become a flashpoint for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. In December, President The President signed an Executive Order tasking us with the development of a national framework for AI, what he called “One Rulebook.” This was in response to a growing patchwork of 50 different state regulatory regimes that threaten to stifle innovation and… — David Sacks (@DavidSacks) March 20, 2026 Fast Company spoke with Mina Narayanan, an AI safety and governance research analyst at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, about the details of the White House’s framework and its potential implications. What are the main legislative goals in the White House’s framework? This national policy framework covers a number of different topics, including [prioritizing] child safety, establishing age verification protections for children, and giving parents more control over how minors are using AI technology. There are other pillars of this framework that cover strengthening American communities, requiring data center owners and operators to offset energy rate increases from the construction of data centers, and ensuring that agencies within the government have the technical capacity to understand foundational model capabilities and any national security considerations. There are a number of other provisions around intellectual property rights, preventing the unauthorized digital replicas of individuals or artists, and preventing censorship—preventing the U.S. government from coercing technology providers to change the outputs of AI systems to adhere to certain ideologies or partisan agendas. And then there are a number of other recommendations around making federal data sets accessible to industry, establishing regulatory sandboxes, and conducting studies of the impacts of AI systems on the American workforce. What can you tell me about the state preemption the White House wants? This is an iteration of an idea that has been circulating for quite some time. There were at least two previous attempts to codify a moratorium on state AI laws in different bills, all of which failed. [Ted Cruz tried to insert the preemption into the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, and the Senate decisively rejected it.] The administration, or President The President, did sign an executive order in December that sought to challenge the constitutionality of many state AI laws and would direct federal agencies to determine ways that they could withhold federal funding from states with onerous regulatory regimes, among other recommendations. So this is not a new idea or anything particularly surprising. It seems to me that the child protection aspects of this are popular and politically palatable. But then you have the state preemptions in the same document, which are controversial. Are they now trying to package a bitter pill with a less bitter pill? It’s possible that the administration is trying to make this federal preemption clause more palatable to critics of a moratorium on state laws or critics of the federal government intervening with states’ ability to govern this technology. By pairing the federal preemption content with child safety and other topics that I think it’s fair to say have broad bipartisan support, it could be a strategy on the part of the administration to actually codify some federal preemption language and extend an olive branch to critics of preemption. I will say, you asked about the preemption pillar specifically—some of the areas that are called out in this section seem quite broad and sweeping. The framework specifies that states should not be permitted to regulate AI development. They should not burden Americans’ use of AI for activity that would be lawful if performed without AI. And states should not be permitted to penalize AI developers for third-party conduct involving their models. It’s unclear to me whether these recommendations would, for instance, prevent states from passing laws around requiring developers to publish their safety protocols or their evaluation practices, or even pass laws around the use of AI systems in certain sensitive areas like hiring and employment and healthcare. To me, it’s possible that those laws could very well be preempted by some of this language. But I do want to say that this is just a framework. Congress would actually need to pass legislation to codify this into law, to implement it. And so it remains to be seen exactly how these still somewhat high-level recommendations will be translated into law. So I guess it would be possible for a group of Congresspeople to get together and pick out the parts that they think make sense and leave out the parts that they don’t like? It’s possible. Sen. [Marsha] Blackburn [R-TN} released a discussion draft on a bill this week that’s titled the The President America AI Act. There is some overlap between that discussion draft and the White House framework, and there are some pretty significant recommendations in Blackburn’s draft that aren’t present in the framework, and vice versa. So I think you’re absolutely right. It’s possible that this is a starting point, and it provides a launchpad for people in Congress to start discussing which of these recommendations they’d like to carry forward. The survey data shows that a large majority of Americans are in favor of regulating things like the use of AI to create bioweapons or cyberweapons. My impression is that many states are not waiting for a federal law for this kind of thing. Some states have been quite proactive about enacting some of these ideas into law. California is a standout case. California enacted, I believe, 18 AI-related laws in 2024 that are somewhat narrowly scoped. But it’s a clear signal that California is willing to weigh in on some of these issues and isn’t waiting for Congress to pass a national AI framework. You mentioned earlier that the The President administration wanted federal agencies to see if there were things they could do to punish states that are passing AI laws. Have they been successful at that? Are they yet applying pressure to states in that way, like withholding funding? The December 2025 executive order directed the Department of Commerce or an entity within the Department of Commerce [the National Telecommunications and Information Administration] to withhold BEAD funding—Broadband [Equity Access and Deployment program] funding—from states with onerous regulatory regimes, or at least explore conditions under which they could implement those restrictions. It also encouraged federal government agencies at large to explore ways of restricting federal funding to states based on their AI laws. But I’m unsure what progress has been made to date there. If, in some world, this framework was adopted in full in Congress and passed, would you feel better about our AI safety condition in the U.S.—or worse? It’s tough to say, because the framework itself is still somewhat high-level. I think the devil is really in the details of what recommendations Congress would choose to codify. I certainly think some of the recommendations regarding child safety are a good idea. Other recommendations, like providing resources to small businesses—grants, tax incentives to support wider deployment of AI tools—are also probably a good idea, because smaller firms are operating on a fairly uneven playing field when it comes to AI. But I do think preempting state AI laws, when many of those laws are filling important gaps that Congress has not yet addressed, may be unwise in the long term. View the full article

WWDC 2026 is rapidly approaching. While Apple has a number of events throughout any given year, WWDC is one of two Apple keynotes that the tech community actively anticipates (the other being the iPhone fall event). This is Apple's chance to show off all of the software updates its been working on since the last WWDC—and all the features that come with them. This year, that likely means iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27. When is WWDC 2026?Apple announced on Monday that WWDC 2026 will kick off on Monday, June 8 and run through Friday, June 12. If you're used to watching a single keynote from past WWDCs, seeing that this year's event runs multiple days might come as a surprise. But WWDC isn't just the one announcement; instead, this is Apple's "Worldwide Developer Conference," which typically runs through the week. While the big keynote kickstarts the conference, the rest of the week is full of presentations about topics that concern Apple developers. But if you're not an Apple developer, the only day you really care about is June 8. That's when Apple will reveal all its software news. That keynote starts at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). While details are currently sparse, expect the presentation to run from 60 to 90 minutes. Apple says the keynote will be available to stream on the Apple Developer app, Apple's website, as well as the company's official YouTube channel. Viewers in China can tune in on the Apple Developer bilibili channel. What do we expect from WWDC 2026?As mentioned above, WWDC will be all about Apple's latest batch of major updates. Last year was the first year the company ran with the "26" naming scheme, and this year will likely be no different—save for the number going up to 27. When it comes to iOS 27, there are two big changes to note. First is Apple's long-waited AI upgrade for Siri. The company first announced these changes back in 2024 for iOS 18, advertising a contextually-aware Siri that was much smarter than the assistant we currently know. Imagine asking Siri when your friend's flight gets in, and having the bot know to dig through your emails to find their flight itinerary, or asking it to edit and send an image to a family member, all without you having to do a thing yourself. That was Apple's vision for Siri two years ago; that vision has yet to materialize. The rumors suggest we'll have it once we update to iOS 27, however, so we'll just have to wait and see what Apple announces in June. iOS 27's other big feature, however, might not be a feature at all. Apple may take this update cycle to work on bug fixes and stability updates, rather than flashy new features. I'm all for that: While iOS 26 has been a relatively smooth experience for me, I've seen quite a number of complaints from users online, especially regarding the keyboard. Apple actually issued a fix for that with iOS 26.4, but I think it's always smart to use the same resources you would building new features on smoothing out rough edges. macOS Tahoe also received its fair share of criticism: In fact, I wouldn't install it on my M1 iMac until macOS 26.3, which seemed to be a bit more stable than previous versions. View the full article