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When a new general-purpose technology emerges—be it railroads, electricity, computers, etc.—companies react in predictable ways. A small minority tries to reinvent themselves around it; the majority looks first for ways to cut costs. Right now, in the middle of the most significant technological inflection since the internet, many organizations are choosing the second path. They deploy artificial intelligence to automate call centers, reduce head count in back offices, and squeeze marginal gains out of existing processes. They measure “AI ROI” in payroll savings and hours reclaimed. It feels rational. It feels disciplined. It feels safe. It is also the fastest way to miss the real opportunity. Innovation waves are not efficiency programs AI is not a new SaaS tool, nor is it merely a workflow enhancement. It is a rapidly evolving general-purpose technology advancing from large language models to agentic systems and toward systems that learn from interaction with environments (the so-called world models that can simulate, plan, and act). When the underlying capability is shifting every few months, optimizing for cost reduction is like trying to improve the fuel efficiency of a car while its engine is being replaced with a jet turbine. The organizations that win in moments like this do not start by asking, “Where can we eliminate labor?” They ask, “What becomes possible that was previously impossible?” Those are radically different questions. The productivity paradox should have been a warning In the early 1990s, economists puzzled over a surprising phenomenon: Computers were everywhere, yet productivity statistics stubbornly refused to reflect their impact. In a press article, Nobel laureate Robert Solow famously quipped, “You can see the computer age everywhere but in the productivity statistics.” That observation became known as the “productivity paradox.” At the time, many assumed the paradox was a failure of technology. My own research from that time examined why the paradox appeared at all, showing that productivity measurement lags widely behind actual transformational change and that the mechanisms of value creation were not captured by conventional metrics. The explanation was obvious only in hindsight. The gains were diffuse, uneven, and entangled with organizational change. Companies had digitized old processes instead of redesigning them. Today we are watching the same pattern unfold with AI. AI’s impact won’t show up neatly in cost metrics Artificial intelligence does not produce clean, linear productivity gains that fit neatly into quarterly dashboards. Its effects are asymmetrical. One employee using AI effectively may outperform 10 peers. Another may misuse it, degrade quality, or even endanger our corporate cybersecurity plans. Some teams redesign workflows entirely, while others bolt AI onto legacy processes and call it “transformation.” The result is what researchers now call measurement myopia: the inability of traditional metrics to capture improvements that are real but not directly tied to hours worked or cost saved. Trying to measure AI’s value solely through immediate cost savings is like trying to measure the value of electricity by counting candles not purchased. Efficiency is the comfort strategy, but not the opportunity one Cost-cutting is attractive because it fits existing governance structures. CFOs understand it. Boards reward it. Metrics are clear. Exploration is messier. It requires experimentation without guaranteed returns. It demands a tolerance for failure. It produces intangible benefits before visible ones. But in periods of fast innovation, efficiency is often the comfort strategy of laggards who don’t yet understand what is happening. If AI is treated primarily as a head-count-reduction tool, organizations will optimize the present and sacrifice the future. They will standardize mediocrity instead of discovering leverage. Exploration, not exploitation, builds capability Advocating exploration does not mean abandoning discipline. It means redefining it. Leaders should be asking: What new products can we build with AI-native capabilities? What decisions can we delegate to systems that learn from feedback? How can we redesign workflows, not just automate them? Companies should mandate controlled experimentation across teams, not restrict AI usage to narrow cost-justification pilots. They should treat AI like an R&D posture rather than a shrink-the-budget posture. Organizations that treat AI as an exploratory layer—encouraging teams to test, prototype, recombine, and rethink workflows—will build institutional fluency. They will develop internal champions. They will uncover unexpected value that no top-down cost initiative would have surfaced. The real risk isn’t overspending. It’s under-imagining The greatest risk in this moment is not overspending on AI. It is under-imagining it. Companies that chase short-term efficiency gains may report modest improvements and declare success. Meanwhile, more ambitious competitors will redesign their operations, products, and customer experiences around capabilities that didn’t exist two years ago. Over time, the gap will not be a few percentage points of margin. It will be strategic. In periods of rapid technological change, survival does not belong to the most efficient. It belongs to the most adaptive. View the full article

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My coworker doesn’t want me to lift heavy boxes I work in a supply store that sells a variety of goods and also does returns for a large, very well-known company. One of my coworkers, a middle-aged man named “Carl,” has attempted to stop me (a woman in my 20s) from moving the closed return boxes every time we’ve worked together, warning me “they’re heavy.” (Our computer system ensures that nothing weighs over 40 pounds). I’ve told him that I don’t mind moving heavy boxes, but it doesn’t seem to register. Yesterday, when he told me not to take a full cart of boxes to the back room, I said, “You seem concerned about me moving the boxes, but it’s not a problem.” I didn’t smile, but I think I said it respectfully. A few minutes later, he called me over and said, “This is a male thing.” He went on to explain that he “wasn’t picking on me,” but “in my country, we don’t let our females lift anything heavy.” He also told me that he didn’t doubt my ability to lift the boxes, but still thought I shouldn’t. Today, we went to the back room to unbox a recent delivery and restock the store. Carl made a big deal about putting together a cart of items for me to stock without anything heavy on it. He even had me lift one of the bins that only contained a few items to feel how light it was. Then, towards the end of the day, he tried to take the package of bottled water I was carrying, but I didn’t let him. I don’t know if Carl doesn’t understand why I find this demeaning, or if he’s actually being malicious. Overall, he’s a friendly person and seems well liked in the store, so I’m leaning towards the first possibility, but that doesn’t make it less infuriating! I know you’ve covered this topic before, but I feel like I’ve already used the scripts you’ve mentioned in other posts. Saying “I’ve got it” doesn’t make it stop, nor does asking Carl why he’s doing it, nor does ignoring him. Do you have any advice on how to proceed if/when this continues? The store manager is very reasonable, and I’d consider asking her to talk to Carl if it came to that, but I’d rather try and solve the problem on my own first. “I know you don’t mean to be rude, but this is coming across very disrespectfully. If ever need help, I will ask you for it. If I don’t, please give me the respect of trusting me to do my job.” If he tells you again that he doesn’t let women lift anything heavy, you can say, “At work, you should be treating men and women the same. Again, please respect that I know what I am doing.” If that doesn’t work, then yes, ask your store manager to tell him to cut it out. Related: how to decline men’s help carrying things at work 2. Should I ask an employee about her computer background? I have a direct report whose cube is open to the general office. The other day I noticed their computer background (attached). Having watched the entire series of The Good Place, I know exactly what this background is and what it represents. (Spoiler alert, everything is not fine and this is really The Bad Place). Does this mean they think of work as The Bad Place? Have they never seen the show and related to the general tone of “Everything is Fine” since the world is a mess? They’re somewhere in their early to mid 20’s and I’m about 20 years older, if that matters. We do have semi-regular check-ins and they seem generally satisfied with their role. I feel I am pretty open and approachable as a supervisor. I have tried to figure out the language to ask if this has a deeper meaning, and the versions I tried on my partner at home all came out very Big Brother-y. Advice, please! If your concern is whether it has deeper meaning about their satisfaction with their job, leave it alone. It’s likely just an expression of general cynicism and/or “the world is a mess / capitalism is a mess.” Probing into it would be putting too much weight on it and, yes, a little Big Brother-y. However, if you’re concerned about the optics of it to others (particularly if she has a public-facing job where it could be pretty inappropriate in the sense of “we don’t telegraph our dissatisfaction to clients”), that’s not off-limits to raise. 3. How much detail should I share in a phone screen? I’m a manager hiring for a position with a couple unusual aspects, and I’m wondering how much information to include when I’m phone-screening candidates. First, the role is temporarily remote but will eventually transition to hybrid. This job is located outside our main service area where we don’t currently have an office space. So this person will initially work from home but once we establish a worksite, they will be in-office twice a week with the rest of the organization. Also, for equity reasons, our organization doesn’t negotiate salary. Our range is $70k-$100k for the role, and starting salary is based solely on years of relevant experience. It is very rare for a new hire to come in over the mid-point of the salary range. Much of this is described in the job posting as well, but in my experience, applicants usually don’t remember details other than the salary range. During the phone screening, is it best to explain all of the above and allow time for questions? Or do I simply say, “This position is temporarily remote but will eventually transition to hybrid. Starting salary is $70k,” then move into the typical first-interview questions? In other words, how much detail belongs in a phone screen so candidates can decide if the role feels like a fit, but don’t feel overwhelmed or discouraged? You should share details about all of this. It’s exactly the kind of information where the details could make or break whether the candidate is interested in the job. You shouldn’t just say “starting salary is $70,000” because that doesn’t give enough information for candidates who are looking for (and would be offered) more. Ideally you’d say, “The range is $70k-$100k and is based on solely on years of relevant experience. For a candidate with your background. I’d expect you to be offered right around $X. I want to be up-front that for for equity reasons, we don’t negotiate our offers. On your end, does it make sense to keep talking?” For work location, ideally you’d share a likely timeline for them needing to be in the office since there’s a big difference between “you’ll be in the office sometime this quarter” and “getting an office space in your area is probably a few years away.” Related: employers say they appreciate that I tried to negotiate salary, but they won’t budge 4. Leaving for a new job when my boss is terminally ill I’m at a small firm, and I am something of an executive assistant in addition to my main job. I worked very closely with a director at our company, as well as my grandboss, the owner/founder. Other than that, I’m a one-person department. Last fall, my grandboss, who was my director’s long-time mentor, got very sick. He’s been taking a leave of absence, which has been somewhat fraught. I moved into more executive assistant duties for the director instead of for owner, and this long-suffering director has come to rely on me. Around new year’s, I reevaluated my goals and started applying for new roles, which had more to do with the consistent punching-bag nature of my position and almost nothing to do with the changes surrounding my boss’s illness. I’m pleased to say I anticipate having an offer very soon. Things haven’t been improving for my boss, and I’ve learned today that he will be entering palliative care. I feel bad leaving for a new role and leaving the director in the lurch during this very sad and strange time. I don’t know anyone who has gone through anything remotely similar. I think I know what to do, that I should do what’s right for my career and take a good role if one comes my way … but I don’t have a sense of what’s a normal way to behave under these circumstances. Is this unusually heartless? Or would anyone else in my position accept a new offer? It is not unusually heartless. You can care about your coworkers as people but still make career decisions that are in your best interests. (And for all we know, the director could be job-searching, too — if you turned down an offer out of loyalty, there would be no guarantee that she wouldn’t leave herself soon afterwards!) Your obligations here are to give a normal amount of notice and transition your work as best as you can; no one reasonable would expect you to put your own career progression on hold. I’m sorry about your boss. 5. Ashes at work for Ash Wednesday I’m not client-facing and I work remotely, but if an employee were client-facing and they observed Ash Wednesday and the imposition of ashes, could an employer require them to wash off the ashes prior to any client or public meetings? I’m guessing not, but could the ashes be considered distracting? (For the record, I’m Christian and observe Ash Wednesday, but the imposition of ashes was never an option at the churches I attended, so I never really gave this any thought.) No. The ashes are a religious observance, which employers are required to accommodate as long as doing so doesn’t cause them what the laws calls “undue hardship.” Courts have been clear that clients’ potential biases don’t qualify as “undue hardship” to the business (similar to how you also couldn’t decline to hire someone of race X or gender Y because clients might find their race or gender distracting, or discomforting, or so forth). The post my coworker doesn’t want me to lift heavy boxes, how much detail should I share in a phone screen, and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

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Tools like Azure DevOps offer software development teams what they need to do their best work, but they rarely exist in isolation. Developers work on escalated requests from customer success agents sent from CRM tools. Team leads plan sprints based on information from project management tools, while stakeholders might want reports in spreadsheets or other tools. That’s why Azure DevOps integration is so important; it standardizes context across tools. Here’s how. What is Azure DevOps? Azure DevOps is a cloud-based platform for software development, helping software teams manage everything from planning to project management and actual code development. Teams can use Azure DevOps to implement agile practices into their software projects and optimize the way they handle development work. What is Azure DevOps integration? An Azure DevOps integration connects Azure DevOps with other tools, bridging the gap so teams can work more efficiently without copying and pasting data back and forth. These integrations are especially suited to pushing development work to tools where team leads, managers, and leaders can get detailed reports and align that work to broader strategies. Azure DevOps is often integrated with tools like: Project management platforms like Jira, Asana, and Smartsheet. CRM tools like HubSpot and Salesforce. Customer support apps like Freshservice and ServiceNow. Other software development platforms like GitHub and Bitbucket. Why does Azure DevOps integration matter? Having the right Azure DevOps integration comes with some significant benefits, each more than worth the initial investment: Increased productivity: Software developers often need to get extra context for their work and answer questions from other teams. If they can do that without leaving Azure DevOps, they’ll be a lot more productive in their day-to-day. Rigorous reporting: Team leads and managers need visibility into software development work, but Azure DevOps doesn’t have the same rigorous reporting as tools like Jira. Integrating the two means you get the best of both worlds. Smoother sprint planning: Spring planning sessions often involve centralizing requests and context from multiple platforms. Integrating these platforms with ADO means that information’s always on hand. Better code quality: The more context software developers have as they work, the better that work can be. Saving time and effort: Constantly copying and pasting data from other tools into Azure DevOps takes time and energy your teams could otherwise spend on mission-critical tasks. Integrations free both of these up. 4 types of Azure DevOps integration Not every Azure DevOps integration is the same. Some are built with incredible depth for a few specific use cases, while others might automate a broad set of actions without syncing much data. Integrations also vary by deployment time, accessibility for less technical users, and more. Here are a few examples of integrations possible in Azure DevOps. Built-in Azure DevOps integrations: Azure DevOps offers a number of built-in integrations, often for specific features in other tools. That includes, for example, GitHub Advanced Security, which plugs GitHub features right into Azure DevOps. Automation platforms: Platforms like Zapier use straightforward, if-this-then-that logic to automate a broad range of actions across thousands of apps. These actions include creating new work items (e.g., Azure DevOps issues) and pushing small bits of data to update individual fields. Two-way sync: A solution like Unito creates two-way relationships between work items in Azure DevOps and other tools, automatically keeping everything up to date as your teams work. This creates true seamless collaboration between tools. Agentic AI: AI agents can automatically take many actions a human developer can, like manually creating Azure DevOps issues, writing bits of code, and updating information. Azure’s built-in agentic AI can integrate natively with other AI features like GitHub’s Copilot. How to integrate Azure DevOps with Unito Here’s a look at how an integration between Azure DevOps and other tools works with Unito. Step-by-step integration guide Connect tool accounts to Unito: After signing up for Unito, click +Create Flow and connect Azure DevOps and the tool you’re integrating it with to Unito. Choose flow direction: Flow direction tells your Unito flow where you need new work items created. Most Unito flows are two-way, meaning they automatically create work items in both connected tools. Set rules: Unito rules use trigger-action logic to filter out work items you don’t want or automate certain actions. To build a rule, set the trigger Unito should look for and the action you want it to take. Map fields: In most flows, Unito can automatically map fields in Azure DevOps with fields in other tools. From there, you can customize field mappings to match statuses across tools, send data from some fields to fields specific to your workflow, and more. Launch your flow: Once you map your fields, your flow is ready to launch. After an initial sync, Unito will check for changes in real-time. Want to know more? Check out these video tutorials for syncing Azure DevOps with other popular tools: Syncing Azure DevOps with Airtable Connecting Azure DevOps to Wrike Integrating Azure DevOps with ServiceNow Syncing Smartsheet with Azure DevOps Connecting Azure DevOps to Asana Integrating Azure DevOps with ClickUp Challenges to watch out for when integrating Azure DevOps Every Azure DevOps integration method comes with its challenges. Here are a few to watch out for. Data Mapping and transformation Integrations naturally need to take data from one tool, map it to similar data in another tool, and transform it in transit. Most integrations do this by using each tool’s built-in API (Application Programming Interface), which essentially provides a roadmap for doing this, allowing developers to build their own integrations in many cases. But the more different tools are (or the more data you need to sync) the more complex this mapping and transformation becomes. That’s why some integrations only support a few fields while others offer more depth. Real-time integration and event-handling Not all integration solutions can sync data in real-time, and not all can handle the events (e.g., work item creation, updates in specific fields) your teams need to sync. Some integrations only push data between tools in batches, which can support workflows that only need scheduled updates from certain tools (e.g., reporting on sprint work). Others might support some event types but not others. Authentication and security Integration solutions can naturally create security vulnerabilities since they’re transferring data back and forth between otherwise closed systems. They need access to these systems, too, which is often done through authentication standards like OAuth. Most integration solutions have advanced, industry-standard security protocols, but these need to be reviewed for each platform you consider. Performance and scalability An integration platform has to perform reliably across workflows so you don’t miss crucial data, and it has to scale with you as you grow. Automation platforms generally perform reliably, but rarely follow the scale of your workflows without adding unnecessary complexity — and the accompanying maintenance. How to keep Azure DevOps integrations secure Because integration solutions can inherently create a security vulnerability as they transfer data between systems, keeping them secure is vital. Here’s what that involves. Compliance Like other software tools you use, integration platforms have to comply with data privacy and security regulations in your jurisdiction. Organizations based in, or with customers in California have to comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as do the integration solutions they rely on. This is a relatively common requirement, and most integrations abide by it. Some regulations however, like HIPAA in healthcare, are less common. Access control Because integration platforms can connect a wide range of tools to Azure DevOps, it’s all too easy for someone to accidentally send confidential data (like code) out to a system that’s either less secure or shouldn’t have any of that data on it. That’s why organizations often control who can and can’t access integration platforms, ensuring alignment on which systems should be integrated with Azure DevOps. Security certifications Security certifications like SOC 2 Type 2 provide guidelines for organizations that want to make data security a priority, covering elements like unauthorized access protection, confidentiality, data privacy, and audit evidence. Integration providers, like any other software provider, can pursue these certifications. That means you can look for them when looking for an integration solution. Best practices when integrating Azure DevOps When rolling out your first Azure DevOps integration, consider these best practices: Start with a small pilot project between one Azure DevOps project and a block of work in another tool. This allows you to get a feel for an integration solution before it has access to all your organization’s data. Evaluate the results of a pilot project before implementation integrations at scale. Consider if you need an integration solution that requires technical knowledge to use or if you need something that’s more accessible for all your teams. Review the integration vendor you’ve chosen at least yearly to ensure they’re competitive compared to the broader market. Use built-in Azure DevOps where possible to enhance any third-party integration solution you use. Ready to integrate Azure DevOps? Meet with Unito product experts and see what a two-way integration can do. Talk with sales View the full article

When you see “Paychex HRS Payment” on your bank statement, it relates to payroll transactions processed through Paychex. This encompasses your net pay, which is after taxes and deductions, direct deposits, and any reimbursements. These payments are facilitated through a secure network, ensuring timely deposits. Comprehending these details can help clarify your finances, but it’s likewise important to know what specific deductions might affect your total. What aspects of these payments would you like to explore further? Key Takeaways A Paychex HRS Payment on your bank statement indicates a transaction related to your payroll processed through Paychex, Inc. These payments represent your employee wages or benefits, including direct deposits and reimbursements. The amount reflects your net pay after tax withholdings and deductions for benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions. Paychex utilizes the Clearing House RTP® network for real-time payments, ensuring quick and efficient deposits. For any questions about the payment, contact your HR department or Paychex support for clarification. Understanding Paychex HRS Payments When you see a Paychex HRS Payment on your bank statement, it typically indicates a transaction linked to payroll services managed by Paychex, Inc., a prominent provider of HR and payroll solutions. This payment often reflects the processing of employee wages or benefits, which are handled through Paychex Flex, their integrated human capital management platform. Using the Clearing House Clearing House RTP® network, Paychex enables real-time payments, giving you immediate access to earned wages. The amount shown as a Paychex HRS Payment on your bank statement can vary depending on the payroll schedule, the number of employees, and the specific payroll services utilized by your employer. If you have questions about a particular Paychex HRS Payment, it’s best to reach out to your employer’s HR department or contact Paychex customer support for clarification. This can help guarantee you understand the specifics of your payroll transactions. Components of the HRS Payment Comprehending the components of an HRS Payment can help you make sense of the transactions appearing on your bank statement. Paychex‘s payroll services typically reflect employee wages or benefits. These transactions can include direct deposits for payroll, expense reimbursements, or contributions to benefit accounts, including 401k services. The amount you see usually represents the net pay after tax withholdings and deductions have been applied. Paychex employs the RTP® network for real-time payment processing, ensuring that these payments are deposited quickly and efficiently, often within seconds of processing. When you see an HRS Payment, it’s important to recognize that this transaction signifies the culmination of various payroll services, designed to streamline your financial interactions. Grasping these components offers clarity on how your earnings and benefits are managed and disbursed through Paychex. Importance of Payroll Services When you consider payroll services, timely employee payments and streamlined payroll management are essential components for any business. Efficient payroll solutions guarantee that your employees receive their wages on time, which can boost morale and retention. Furthermore, simplifying your payroll processes reduces administrative hassles, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Timely Employee Payments Timely employee payments play a vital role in ensuring workplace satisfaction and operational efficiency. When employees receive their wages without delay, it reduces financial stress, contributing to improved morale. Paychex utilizes the real-time payments solution through The Clearing House RTP® network to process payments within seconds, which is significant during emergencies. Effective payroll services not merely help manage cash flow but likewise support necessary payroll adjustments, enhancing operational stability and employee retention. Offering timely payments can enhance a company’s reputation, making it more attractive to potential hires, especially in competitive job markets. Furthermore, by integrating payroll services with 401k service providers and financial wellness products, Paychex empowers employees to access their earnings when they need them most, promoting financial responsibility. Streamlined Payroll Management Effective payroll management is crucial for any business, as it directly impacts both financial operations and employee satisfaction. Paychex offers streamlined payroll management services that simplify the payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate employee payments. With features like automated tax calculations and compliance updates, these HR management services help you reduce the risk of errors during compliance with labor laws. Integrating time and attendance tracking improves payroll accuracy, so employees are paid for the exact hours they work. Furthermore, Paychex provides customizable payroll solutions designed to your business needs, whether you have one employee or a large workforce. Utilizing these payroll services can lead to improved employee satisfaction through timely payments and access to financial wellness products. Employee Benefits Deductions Explained When it pertains to your paycheck, comprehending employee benefits deductions is vital. These deductions, which cover things like health insurance and retirement plans, come straight from your gross pay and can affect your taxable income. Understanding Deductions Breakdown Comprehending your paycheck can be essential, especially regarding employee benefits deductions. These deductions typically include amounts withheld from your gross pay for various benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, including a 401(k) retirement plan. Health insurance premiums can vary based on your chosen plan, with pre-tax deductions lowering your taxable income. Contributions to a 401(k) are usually deducted pre-tax, allowing you to save for retirement as you reduce your current tax liability. Moreover, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) enable you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses. To better understand these deductions, check your pay stub, where each benefit is itemized, providing clarity on how much is deducted for health, retirement, and other related costs. Types of Employee Benefits Comprehending the various types of employee benefits is crucial for maximizing your compensation package and ensuring you’re making the best decisions for your financial future. Employee benefits deductions typically involve amounts deducted from your paycheck to fund offerings like health insurance, retirement plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). These deductions can be pre-tax, lowering your taxable income, or post-tax, which maintain your tax status but can be used for other benefits. Common deductions include contributions to 401(k) plans, which many employers partner with 401k providers to manage, health insurance premiums, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Grasping these deductions can help you manage your finances and confirm you’re receiving the benefits you enrolled in. How Paychex Ensures Compliance Paychex guarantees compliance with labor laws and payroll regulations by maintaining a proactive approach to updates and adherence to both federal and state guidelines. This minimizes the risk of penalties for you and your business. They provide valuable resources to help you navigate compliance effectively, including: Access to the Paychex HR Library for updates on compliance issues Automated tax calculations and filings for payroll tax withholding Dedicated support from payroll specialists and HR partners Industry-recognized security measures to protect personal information Additionally, Paychex works closely with 401k management companies to guarantee that your retirement plans align with regulatory standards. The Role of Professional Employer Organizations When you partner with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) like Paychex, you’re simplifying your payroll management and gaining access to valuable HR services. These organizations handle crucial tasks such as payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws, which reduces your administrative workload. Benefits of PEO Services The efficiency of human resources management can greatly impact a business’s overall performance, and this is where Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) come into play. By utilizing PEO services, you gain significant advantages in HR support services, enhancing your business operations. Here are some benefits: Access to extensive employee benefits similar to Fortune 500 companies, improving retention. Streamlined payroll processes, boosting payroll accuracy and reducing administrative burdens. Expert assistance maneuvering complex employment laws, minimizing compliance risks. Increased employee productivity, with a reported 7-9% boost for businesses using PEOs. Partnering with a PEO not merely simplifies your HR functions but likewise allows you to focus on your core business, promoting growth and efficiency. Simplifying Payroll Management Processes Streamlining payroll management processes can considerably improve your business’s operational efficiency. By partnering with Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) like Paychex, you can outsource payroll functions and focus on your core operations. PEOs automate tax calculations, deductions, and filings, ensuring compliance with regulations. This minimizes errors, improves payroll accuracy, and boosts employee satisfaction through timely payments. Benefit Description Payroll Automation Automates tax calculations and filings. Compliance Assurance Navigates changing regulations for you. Employee Benefits Offers Fortune 500-level packages. Risk Reduction Reduces penalties from non-compliance. Additionally, PEOs can provide access to 401k company options, improving your recruitment and retention efforts considerably. Benefits of Using Paychex for Payroll Management Using Paychex for payroll management can greatly improve the efficiency of your business operations, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises. By leveraging their thorough services, you can simplify payroll functions during guaranteeing accuracy and timeliness in employee payments. Here are some key benefits: Integrated Platform: Access HR, payroll, and benefits management seamlessly through Paychex Flex. Real-Time Payments: Instantly process earned wages, helping employees during financial hardships. Automated Tax Compliance: Reduce administrative burdens with features that guarantee adherence to federal and state regulations. 24/7 Customer Support: Get assistance whenever you need it, making payroll intricacies easier to navigate. With Paychex, you gain the advantages of a dedicated payroll service, positioning your company alongside top hr outsourcing companies, while improving overall operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. Common Questions About HRS Payments Have you ever wondered what those HRS Payments on your bank statement really mean? Typically, HRS Payments refer to transactions related to payroll or HR support services provided by Paychex, a leading provider in the industry. If you’re seeing these payments, they likely include direct deposits for employee wages processed through Paychex’s payroll services, which serve around 670,000 clients. Paychex’s Real-Time Payments solution allows for instant payment processing, so you may notice these transactions shortly after payroll adjustments are made. Furthermore, HRS Payments can indicate charges for other HR services, such as benefits administration or consulting. If you have questions about specific charges labeled as HRS Payments, it’s best to reach out to Paychex customer support, which is available 24/7. They can provide clarity on any transactions, ensuring you understand your bank statement fully. Transitioning to Paychex Payroll Services Shifting to Paychex Payroll Services can be a straightforward process when you have the right support. As an HR outsourcing company for my employees, Paychex simplifies the change by integrating payroll, HR, and benefits management into one platform—Paychex Flex. Here’s what you can expect: Dedicated support from payroll specialists and HR partners to guarantee a smooth change. Customized solutions designed for your business size, whether you’re small, medium, or large. Robust security measures to protect personal and account information, guaranteeing compliance with industry standards. Access to a rich HR library for compliance updates and 24/7 customer support during the onboarding process. With these features, you can navigate the change confidently, knowing you have extensive support and resources at your fingertips. This approach not just streamlines operations but also improves your overall payroll experience. Customer Experiences With Paychex How do customers really feel about their experiences with Paychex? Many appreciate the convenience of seeing “Paychex HRS Payment” on their bank statements, which signifies direct deposits from their employers. The real-time payment feature has been particularly beneficial, allowing for instant access to funds during financial hardships, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. With approximately 670,000 payroll clients, a wide range of employees across various industries enjoy improved payroll accuracy and timely payments. These factors contribute to higher employee satisfaction and reduced financial stress. Furthermore, the Paychex Flex platform improves the payment experience by providing a user-friendly interface for tracking earnings and payment history. Customers additionally value the human resources help that Paychex offers, ensuring they receive support and guidance when needed. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Paychex HR? Paychex HR refers to the human resources services provided by Paychex, Inc., which specializes in payroll and HR solutions for businesses. Their services include payroll management, employee benefits administration, compliance support, and HR consulting. You can access these services through Paychex Flex, a platform that integrates HR, payroll, and benefits into one system. This extensive approach aims to improve operational efficiency and employee satisfaction while ensuring compliance with labor regulations. What Companies Use Paychex? Many companies across various industries use Paychex for payroll and HR solutions. You’ll find healthcare providers, retail businesses, and hospitality companies among its clientele. Paychex serves small and medium-sized enterprises, offering customizable services that cater to their specific needs. With its extensive reach, Paychex pays a significant number of American private sector employees, making it a trusted choice for businesses looking to streamline their HR processes and improve payroll efficiency. What Is Paychex Pay? Paychex Pay is a payroll processing service that helps businesses manage employee wages efficiently. With features like automated tax payments, direct deposits, and compliance with payroll regulations, it caters to various business sizes. You can access self-service options to view pay information and manage deductions through its user-friendly platform. Furthermore, the service offers real-time payments, allowing you to access earned wages immediately, which can be vital during financial emergencies. How Much Is Paychex HR? The cost of Paychex HR services varies based on your business’s size and specific needs. Typically, you’ll pay a monthly base fee along with a charge per employee. Additional features, like real-time payments or premium HR consulting, can increase costs. Many clients find that the efficiency and accuracy of Paychex save money in payroll processing and compliance, making the investment worthwhile for businesses of all sizes. Custom quotes are available through their sales team. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehension of what Paychex HRS Payment means on your bank statement is essential for managing your finances. These transactions reflect your net pay, including wages and deductions processed through Paychex’s payroll services. By utilizing Paychex, you benefit from efficient payment processing and compliance with payroll regulations. If you have any questions about specific payments, it’s best to contact your HR department or Paychex support for clarity. This knowledge helps you stay informed about your earnings and deductions. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Does Paychex HRS Payment Mean on My Bank Statement?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you see “Paychex HRS Payment” on your bank statement, it relates to payroll transactions processed through Paychex. This encompasses your net pay, which is after taxes and deductions, direct deposits, and any reimbursements. These payments are facilitated through a secure network, ensuring timely deposits. Comprehending these details can help clarify your finances, but it’s likewise important to know what specific deductions might affect your total. What aspects of these payments would you like to explore further? Key Takeaways A Paychex HRS Payment on your bank statement indicates a transaction related to your payroll processed through Paychex, Inc. These payments represent your employee wages or benefits, including direct deposits and reimbursements. The amount reflects your net pay after tax withholdings and deductions for benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions. Paychex utilizes the Clearing House RTP® network for real-time payments, ensuring quick and efficient deposits. For any questions about the payment, contact your HR department or Paychex support for clarification. Understanding Paychex HRS Payments When you see a Paychex HRS Payment on your bank statement, it typically indicates a transaction linked to payroll services managed by Paychex, Inc., a prominent provider of HR and payroll solutions. This payment often reflects the processing of employee wages or benefits, which are handled through Paychex Flex, their integrated human capital management platform. Using the Clearing House Clearing House RTP® network, Paychex enables real-time payments, giving you immediate access to earned wages. The amount shown as a Paychex HRS Payment on your bank statement can vary depending on the payroll schedule, the number of employees, and the specific payroll services utilized by your employer. If you have questions about a particular Paychex HRS Payment, it’s best to reach out to your employer’s HR department or contact Paychex customer support for clarification. This can help guarantee you understand the specifics of your payroll transactions. Components of the HRS Payment Comprehending the components of an HRS Payment can help you make sense of the transactions appearing on your bank statement. Paychex‘s payroll services typically reflect employee wages or benefits. These transactions can include direct deposits for payroll, expense reimbursements, or contributions to benefit accounts, including 401k services. The amount you see usually represents the net pay after tax withholdings and deductions have been applied. Paychex employs the RTP® network for real-time payment processing, ensuring that these payments are deposited quickly and efficiently, often within seconds of processing. When you see an HRS Payment, it’s important to recognize that this transaction signifies the culmination of various payroll services, designed to streamline your financial interactions. Grasping these components offers clarity on how your earnings and benefits are managed and disbursed through Paychex. Importance of Payroll Services When you consider payroll services, timely employee payments and streamlined payroll management are essential components for any business. Efficient payroll solutions guarantee that your employees receive their wages on time, which can boost morale and retention. Furthermore, simplifying your payroll processes reduces administrative hassles, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Timely Employee Payments Timely employee payments play a vital role in ensuring workplace satisfaction and operational efficiency. When employees receive their wages without delay, it reduces financial stress, contributing to improved morale. Paychex utilizes the real-time payments solution through The Clearing House RTP® network to process payments within seconds, which is significant during emergencies. Effective payroll services not merely help manage cash flow but likewise support necessary payroll adjustments, enhancing operational stability and employee retention. Offering timely payments can enhance a company’s reputation, making it more attractive to potential hires, especially in competitive job markets. Furthermore, by integrating payroll services with 401k service providers and financial wellness products, Paychex empowers employees to access their earnings when they need them most, promoting financial responsibility. Streamlined Payroll Management Effective payroll management is crucial for any business, as it directly impacts both financial operations and employee satisfaction. Paychex offers streamlined payroll management services that simplify the payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate employee payments. With features like automated tax calculations and compliance updates, these HR management services help you reduce the risk of errors during compliance with labor laws. Integrating time and attendance tracking improves payroll accuracy, so employees are paid for the exact hours they work. Furthermore, Paychex provides customizable payroll solutions designed to your business needs, whether you have one employee or a large workforce. Utilizing these payroll services can lead to improved employee satisfaction through timely payments and access to financial wellness products. Employee Benefits Deductions Explained When it pertains to your paycheck, comprehending employee benefits deductions is vital. These deductions, which cover things like health insurance and retirement plans, come straight from your gross pay and can affect your taxable income. Understanding Deductions Breakdown Comprehending your paycheck can be essential, especially regarding employee benefits deductions. These deductions typically include amounts withheld from your gross pay for various benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, including a 401(k) retirement plan. Health insurance premiums can vary based on your chosen plan, with pre-tax deductions lowering your taxable income. Contributions to a 401(k) are usually deducted pre-tax, allowing you to save for retirement as you reduce your current tax liability. Moreover, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) enable you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses. To better understand these deductions, check your pay stub, where each benefit is itemized, providing clarity on how much is deducted for health, retirement, and other related costs. Types of Employee Benefits Comprehending the various types of employee benefits is crucial for maximizing your compensation package and ensuring you’re making the best decisions for your financial future. Employee benefits deductions typically involve amounts deducted from your paycheck to fund offerings like health insurance, retirement plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). These deductions can be pre-tax, lowering your taxable income, or post-tax, which maintain your tax status but can be used for other benefits. Common deductions include contributions to 401(k) plans, which many employers partner with 401k providers to manage, health insurance premiums, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Grasping these deductions can help you manage your finances and confirm you’re receiving the benefits you enrolled in. How Paychex Ensures Compliance Paychex guarantees compliance with labor laws and payroll regulations by maintaining a proactive approach to updates and adherence to both federal and state guidelines. This minimizes the risk of penalties for you and your business. They provide valuable resources to help you navigate compliance effectively, including: Access to the Paychex HR Library for updates on compliance issues Automated tax calculations and filings for payroll tax withholding Dedicated support from payroll specialists and HR partners Industry-recognized security measures to protect personal information Additionally, Paychex works closely with 401k management companies to guarantee that your retirement plans align with regulatory standards. The Role of Professional Employer Organizations When you partner with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) like Paychex, you’re simplifying your payroll management and gaining access to valuable HR services. These organizations handle crucial tasks such as payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws, which reduces your administrative workload. Benefits of PEO Services The efficiency of human resources management can greatly impact a business’s overall performance, and this is where Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) come into play. By utilizing PEO services, you gain significant advantages in HR support services, enhancing your business operations. Here are some benefits: Access to extensive employee benefits similar to Fortune 500 companies, improving retention. Streamlined payroll processes, boosting payroll accuracy and reducing administrative burdens. Expert assistance maneuvering complex employment laws, minimizing compliance risks. Increased employee productivity, with a reported 7-9% boost for businesses using PEOs. Partnering with a PEO not merely simplifies your HR functions but likewise allows you to focus on your core business, promoting growth and efficiency. Simplifying Payroll Management Processes Streamlining payroll management processes can considerably improve your business’s operational efficiency. By partnering with Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) like Paychex, you can outsource payroll functions and focus on your core operations. PEOs automate tax calculations, deductions, and filings, ensuring compliance with regulations. This minimizes errors, improves payroll accuracy, and boosts employee satisfaction through timely payments. Benefit Description Payroll Automation Automates tax calculations and filings. Compliance Assurance Navigates changing regulations for you. Employee Benefits Offers Fortune 500-level packages. Risk Reduction Reduces penalties from non-compliance. Additionally, PEOs can provide access to 401k company options, improving your recruitment and retention efforts considerably. Benefits of Using Paychex for Payroll Management Using Paychex for payroll management can greatly improve the efficiency of your business operations, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises. By leveraging their thorough services, you can simplify payroll functions during guaranteeing accuracy and timeliness in employee payments. Here are some key benefits: Integrated Platform: Access HR, payroll, and benefits management seamlessly through Paychex Flex. Real-Time Payments: Instantly process earned wages, helping employees during financial hardships. Automated Tax Compliance: Reduce administrative burdens with features that guarantee adherence to federal and state regulations. 24/7 Customer Support: Get assistance whenever you need it, making payroll intricacies easier to navigate. With Paychex, you gain the advantages of a dedicated payroll service, positioning your company alongside top hr outsourcing companies, while improving overall operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. Common Questions About HRS Payments Have you ever wondered what those HRS Payments on your bank statement really mean? Typically, HRS Payments refer to transactions related to payroll or HR support services provided by Paychex, a leading provider in the industry. If you’re seeing these payments, they likely include direct deposits for employee wages processed through Paychex’s payroll services, which serve around 670,000 clients. Paychex’s Real-Time Payments solution allows for instant payment processing, so you may notice these transactions shortly after payroll adjustments are made. Furthermore, HRS Payments can indicate charges for other HR services, such as benefits administration or consulting. If you have questions about specific charges labeled as HRS Payments, it’s best to reach out to Paychex customer support, which is available 24/7. They can provide clarity on any transactions, ensuring you understand your bank statement fully. Transitioning to Paychex Payroll Services Shifting to Paychex Payroll Services can be a straightforward process when you have the right support. As an HR outsourcing company for my employees, Paychex simplifies the change by integrating payroll, HR, and benefits management into one platform—Paychex Flex. Here’s what you can expect: Dedicated support from payroll specialists and HR partners to guarantee a smooth change. Customized solutions designed for your business size, whether you’re small, medium, or large. Robust security measures to protect personal and account information, guaranteeing compliance with industry standards. Access to a rich HR library for compliance updates and 24/7 customer support during the onboarding process. With these features, you can navigate the change confidently, knowing you have extensive support and resources at your fingertips. This approach not just streamlines operations but also improves your overall payroll experience. Customer Experiences With Paychex How do customers really feel about their experiences with Paychex? Many appreciate the convenience of seeing “Paychex HRS Payment” on their bank statements, which signifies direct deposits from their employers. The real-time payment feature has been particularly beneficial, allowing for instant access to funds during financial hardships, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. With approximately 670,000 payroll clients, a wide range of employees across various industries enjoy improved payroll accuracy and timely payments. These factors contribute to higher employee satisfaction and reduced financial stress. Furthermore, the Paychex Flex platform improves the payment experience by providing a user-friendly interface for tracking earnings and payment history. Customers additionally value the human resources help that Paychex offers, ensuring they receive support and guidance when needed. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Paychex HR? Paychex HR refers to the human resources services provided by Paychex, Inc., which specializes in payroll and HR solutions for businesses. Their services include payroll management, employee benefits administration, compliance support, and HR consulting. You can access these services through Paychex Flex, a platform that integrates HR, payroll, and benefits into one system. This extensive approach aims to improve operational efficiency and employee satisfaction while ensuring compliance with labor regulations. What Companies Use Paychex? Many companies across various industries use Paychex for payroll and HR solutions. You’ll find healthcare providers, retail businesses, and hospitality companies among its clientele. Paychex serves small and medium-sized enterprises, offering customizable services that cater to their specific needs. With its extensive reach, Paychex pays a significant number of American private sector employees, making it a trusted choice for businesses looking to streamline their HR processes and improve payroll efficiency. What Is Paychex Pay? Paychex Pay is a payroll processing service that helps businesses manage employee wages efficiently. With features like automated tax payments, direct deposits, and compliance with payroll regulations, it caters to various business sizes. You can access self-service options to view pay information and manage deductions through its user-friendly platform. Furthermore, the service offers real-time payments, allowing you to access earned wages immediately, which can be vital during financial emergencies. How Much Is Paychex HR? The cost of Paychex HR services varies based on your business’s size and specific needs. Typically, you’ll pay a monthly base fee along with a charge per employee. Additional features, like real-time payments or premium HR consulting, can increase costs. Many clients find that the efficiency and accuracy of Paychex save money in payroll processing and compliance, making the investment worthwhile for businesses of all sizes. Custom quotes are available through their sales team. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehension of what Paychex HRS Payment means on your bank statement is essential for managing your finances. These transactions reflect your net pay, including wages and deductions processed through Paychex’s payroll services. By utilizing Paychex, you benefit from efficient payment processing and compliance with payroll regulations. If you have any questions about specific payments, it’s best to contact your HR department or Paychex support for clarity. This knowledge helps you stay informed about your earnings and deductions. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Does Paychex HRS Payment Mean on My Bank Statement?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

For decades, formative assessment has been a silent engine for learning—powering insights about student progress and worker readiness. But let’s be honest, in a world where technology is evolving faster than human skills, it’s time to ask questions about traditional teaching and learning models, and in many cases, modernize them. So, let’s talk about formative assessment in the age of AI. Formative assessment is the ongoing process educators and workplace trainers use to understand where students are in their learning and how to adjust instruction accordingly, through homework, essays, quizzes, and short writing assignments. Eighty percent of educators rate formative assessment as extremely or very important. Unfortunately, but understandably, the arrival of generative AI has made it difficult for instructors to determine what students genuinely understand, as AI tools can produce polished work instantly. THE FUTURE OF ASSESSMENT DESIGN While administrative policy can help address improper AI use, the real potential for progress comes from evolving assessment design itself. When assessments are built to prioritize the thought process rather than just the product, AI becomes far less disruptive and far more beneficial. Asking students to make their thinking visible—through reflections, revisions, or short explanations of how they approached a task—restores the instructional signal that AI might otherwise obscure. For educators, this means being able to spot misconceptions earlier, tailor feedback more precisely, and differentiate support without increasing workload. This shift isn’t about adding complexity. If anything, it’s about adding clarity. And it’s an opportunity to modernize assessment in ways that mirror the world students are entering. In most professional environments, AI assistance is not only allowed; it is expected. Success comes from knowing how to use these tools responsibly: checking sources, critiquing the quality of generated outputs, and adapting insights to novel contexts. Assessments that emphasize reasoning, analysis, and the ability to apply knowledge to new situations better reflect these real-world demands. They prepare students not just to complete tasks, but to think with AI in ways that enhance their learning and judgment. TEACHER BENEFITS For instructors, thoughtfully integrating GenAI within formative assessment can also reduce friction. Well‑designed tools can automate repetitive tasks such as generating varied practice items, suggesting targeted feedback language, or providing examples at different proficiency levels. This allows educators to spend more time on the high‑value interactions that deepen learning and provide individualized support. In an era of rising expectations and constrained capacity, that shift matters. There is another often overlooked benefit: insight. When AI helps surface patterns in student work, it gives educators a clearer starting point for instruction. With better visibility, teaching becomes more adaptive, and learning becomes more personalized. This is especially powerful in large classes, hybrid formats, or virtual learning environments where real‑time insight can be harder to access. Recent Pearson research reveals strategies for schoolteachers and higher education instructors to evolve their formative assessments in a GenAI era. Of course, none of this happens automatically. Bold, collaborative action is required across school and higher‑education leadership, administrators, and policymakers to ensure formative assessment evolves in meaningful and sustainable ways. Together, these groups play a critical role in providing a clear AI strategy, supporting educator training, and shaping an ecosystem that aligns curriculum, instruction, and assessment with responsible GenAI use. This transition also requires assessments that reward thoughtfulness over polish, reasoning over rote, and application over replication. And it requires a shared understanding that AI is not a shortcut to learning but a catalyst for insight—one that can elevate the quality of teaching when used intentionally. A LOOK AHEAD The future of formative assessment isn’t about outsmarting AI or pretending it doesn’t exist. Formative assessment must remain fundamental to good teaching and effective learning. Ensuring AI strengthens reflection, feedback, and understanding will allow it to become a partner, rather than a substitute for learning. With thoughtful action, the integration of AI into teaching and learning can move us closer to what education has always aspired to deliver: deeper learning, clearer understanding, and better outcomes for every learner. Tom ap Simon is the president of higher education and virtual learning at Pearson. View the full article

Customer satisfaction surveys are crucial tools for gauging consumer opinions and enhancing service quality. By utilizing effective templates, you can streamline the survey process and gain valuable insights into customer experiences. This article presents seven key templates that can help you assess various aspects of customer satisfaction. Comprehending these templates will enable you to refine your approach, ensuring that you meet your customers’ needs effectively. Let’s explore what these templates entail and how they can benefit your business. Key Takeaways A Short Customer Satisfaction Survey Template includes four key questions for quick assessments of customer satisfaction. The Product Satisfaction Survey Template evaluates customer feelings about products and their feature expectations. A Product Evaluation Template collects insights on service quality, product ratings, and the overall purchasing experience. The Motivation and Buying Experience Template assesses customer motivations and identifies strengths and weaknesses in the sales process. The Retail Store Evaluation Survey Template features 17 questions covering various aspects of store experience for actionable insights. What Is a Customer Satisfaction Survey? A customer satisfaction survey is a fundamental tool that businesses use to gauge consumer opinions about their products or services. This survey focuses on aspects like usability and service quality, helping you identify both growth opportunities and areas that need improvement. By using a customer feedback email template or a customer care survey template, you can collect feedback effectively. A template for customer satisfaction survey can include various question types, such as quantitative feedback, open-ended questions, and demographic inquiries. This variety allows you to gather extensive insights into customer expectations and experiences. Regularly administering these surveys shows your customers that their opinions matter, which encourages loyalty and promotes continued engagement with your brand. In the end, comprehending customer feedback helps you form improvement plans, revealing strengths and weaknesses in your offerings, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience. Benefits of Customer Satisfaction Survey Templates Using customer satisfaction survey templates brings significant benefits, starting with standardization for consistency in feedback collection. This uniformity not only improves the reliability of your data but furthermore allows for effective comparisons over time. Moreover, these templates save you valuable time and resources, enabling you to quickly gather actionable insights without needing to create surveys from the ground up. Standardization for Consistency Regarding gathering feedback, standardized customer satisfaction survey templates play a crucial role in guaranteeing consistency across various surveys. By using these templates, you secure uniform questions, which allows for reliable data collection and analysis. Well-crafted questions in these templates improve accuracy, making it easier for you to gather effective feedback. Additionally, when you utilize a free customer survey template, benchmarking against industry standards becomes simpler, enabling you to measure your performance consistently. Improved response rates often accompany well-structured survey forms, as their clarity and brevity encourage customers to complete them. Ultimately, standardization not only streamlines your survey process but also leads to more valuable insights into customer satisfaction. Time-saving Efficiency When you’re looking to gather customer feedback efficiently, pre-designed customer satisfaction survey templates become invaluable tools. These templates save you time by offering standardized questions, so you don’t have to start from scratch. Utilizing expert-crafted templates guarantees your questions are accurate, leading to reliable data collection and actionable insights. Furthermore, standardized templates allow for easy benchmarking against industry standards or competitors, helping you identify performance gaps effectively. Consistent use across surveys improves response rates, as they maintain clarity, making it easier for customers to complete them. By streamlining the survey creation process, including options for images questionnaires and survey images free, you can focus on analyzing feedback and implementing improvements rather than getting bogged down in design. Types of Customer Satisfaction Surveys Customer satisfaction surveys come in various types, each designed to gather specific feedback that helps businesses understand their customers better. CSAT Surveys measure satisfaction levels on a scale, typically from 1 to 5 or 1 to 10, providing a quantitative score that reflects overall customer sentiment. CES Surveys focus on how easy it’s for customers to interact with products or services, using a scale of 1 to 5 or 1 to 7 to gauge ease of use. NPS Surveys classify customers into promoters, passives, and detractors based on their likelihood to recommend a NPS Surveys, offering valuable insights into customer loyalty. Post-Purchase Surveys gather feedback after a transaction, addressing aspects like ease of purchase and delivery satisfaction. Finally, In-App Surveys collect feedback within an application or website, providing real-time insights into user experience and satisfaction levels. Each type serves a unique purpose in measuring different aspects of customer satisfaction. Top 7 Customer Satisfaction Survey Templates Seven effective customer satisfaction survey templates can help businesses gather valuable insights and improve their offerings. The Short Customer Satisfaction Survey Template consists of four key questions, focusing on engagement frequency, satisfaction levels, re-purchase likelihood, and recommendation likelihood, making it ideal for quick assessments. The Product Satisfaction Survey Template evaluates customer feelings about products, including feature expectations and satisfaction correlations, aligning offerings with customer needs. The Product Evaluation Template collects detailed insights on customer service, product ratings, and satisfaction during the purchasing experience, facilitating targeted improvements. The Motivation and Buying Experience Template helps you comprehend customer motivations for purchases and assesses strengths and weaknesses in the sales process. Finally, the Retail Store Evaluation Survey Template includes 17 questions covering various store aspects like location, inventory, customer service, and overall satisfaction, providing actionable insights for retail improvement. These templates can greatly improve your comprehension of customer needs and preferences. Best Practices for Designing Customer Satisfaction Surveys Designing effective customer satisfaction surveys requires careful consideration to guarantee they yield meaningful insights. Start by tailoring your questions to specific departmental needs; this approach improves relevance and provides actionable insights into customer experiences. Clarity and simplicity in wording are crucial, as they help prevent confusion, leading to higher response rates and more accurate feedback. Limit your survey length to keep it concise; shorter surveys are more likely to engage respondents effectively and assure completion. Incorporate a mix of question types, including Likert scales, open-ended responses, and demographic questions, to gain a thorough comprehension of customer sentiment and behaviors. Finally, act on the feedback you collect. Businesses that demonstrate responsiveness to customer insights greatly improve loyalty and satisfaction levels, showing customers that their opinions matter, which in the end nurtures a stronger relationship. How to Analyze Customer Satisfaction Survey Results To effectively analyze customer satisfaction survey results, it’s essential to first identify trends and patterns in the responses, as this will help pinpoint specific areas for improvement. Here are three steps to guide your analysis: Utilize Quantitative and Qualitative Feedback: Combine measurable data from quantitative questions with insights from open-ended responses to gain a thorough comprehension of customer sentiments. Segment Responses: Break down results by demographics or customer personas. This allows you to tailor improvements to meet specific customer needs and expectations. Leverage Automation Tools: Use automated analysis tools to condense survey results efficiently. These tools can highlight significant trends and prioritize areas that need immediate attention. Lastly, share your findings across relevant departments to guarantee collaboration. This approach prevents data silos and promotes a unified strategy for enhancing customer satisfaction. Additional Resources for Customer Satisfaction Surveys When creating effective customer satisfaction surveys, comprehension of survey design best practices is essential to gather accurate feedback. You’ll furthermore want to explore distribution channel strategies that guarantee your surveys reach the right audience, maximizing response rates. Survey Design Best Practices Effective customer satisfaction surveys hinge on thoughtful design principles that improve both clarity and engagement. To create effective surveys, consider these best practices: Tailor Questions: Customize survey questions to fit departmental needs, ensuring clarity for better comprehension and engagement. Limit Length: Keep surveys concise; shorter surveys typically yield higher completion rates and more accurate feedback. Diverse Question Types: Use a mix of question formats, like Likert scales, open-ended questions, and demographic inquiries, to capture thorough insights. Timing is additionally essential; send surveys soon after customer interactions to gather immediate feedback. Finally, share findings across relevant teams to encourage collaboration and prevent data silos, which helps in creating a unified approach to improve customer satisfaction. Distribution Channel Strategies In the process of selecting the appropriate distribution channels for customer satisfaction surveys, it is crucial to take into account where your customers are most likely to engage. Using multiple channels improves response rates and captures diverse feedback. Consider these effective distribution methods: Channel Description Email Directly reaches customers’ inboxes. SMS Quick, easily accessible for immediate feedback. Social Media Engages customers where they already interact. Timing your surveys shortly after key customer interactions increases relevance. Customizable strategies allow you to align surveys with your brand, making them more appealing. Finally, utilize automatic results summaries for quick insights, enabling you to respond effectively to the feedback gathered. Frequently Asked Questions How Often Should I Conduct Customer Satisfaction Surveys? You should conduct customer satisfaction surveys regularly to gather actionable insights. A good rule of thumb is to survey customers after significant interactions, like purchases or service calls. Furthermore, consider quarterly or biannual surveys to track changes over time. This frequency allows you to identify trends and areas for improvement. Nevertheless, tailor your approach based on your industry and customer needs, ensuring that you don’t overwhelm them with too many requests for feedback. What Demographics Should I Include in My Survey? When designing your survey, consider including demographics such as age, gender, income level, education, and geographic location. These factors help you understand your customer base better. You should additionally think about including aspects like employment status and purchase frequency, as they can reveal valuable insights into customer behavior. Collecting this data allows you to analyze trends and tailor your services to meet specific needs effectively, ultimately improving customer satisfaction. Can Surveys Be Conducted via Mobile Devices? Yes, you can conduct surveys via mobile devices. Many survey platforms are optimized for mobile use, allowing participants to complete surveys on their smartphones or tablets. This increases accessibility and response rates, as people often prefer using their devices. To guarantee effectiveness, design your survey with a mobile-friendly layout, using clear questions and concise answer options. Testing the survey on various devices before distribution can additionally help identify any potential issues. How Long Should My Customer Satisfaction Survey Be? Your customer satisfaction survey should ideally be between 5 to 10 minutes long, which translates to about 10 to 15 questions. This length guarantees you gather meaningful insights without overwhelming respondents. Focus on clarity and relevance; each question should serve a purpose. Avoid lengthy surveys, as they may lead to lower response rates. If you’re using mobile devices, make sure the survey is easy to navigate and visually appealing to improve user experience. What Tools Can I Use to Create Surveys? You can use various tools to create surveys effectively. Online platforms like Google Forms and SurveyMonkey offer user-friendly interfaces for designing and distributing surveys. Microsoft Forms is another option, integrating seamlessly with other Microsoft products. If you’re looking for advanced features, consider Typeform or Qualtrics, which provide customizable templates and analytics. All these tools allow you to gather responses easily, analyze data, and improve your survey’s overall effectiveness. Conclusion In conclusion, utilizing customer satisfaction survey templates can greatly improve your comprehension of consumer feedback. By implementing the seven crucial templates outlined, you can effectively gather insights that drive improvements in service quality and product offerings. Following best practices in survey design and analysis will further guarantee you derive meaningful results. In the end, these tools enable you to create a more customer-centric approach, nurturing loyalty and satisfaction in your business operations. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Customer Satisfaction Survey Templates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Customer satisfaction surveys are crucial tools for gauging consumer opinions and enhancing service quality. By utilizing effective templates, you can streamline the survey process and gain valuable insights into customer experiences. This article presents seven key templates that can help you assess various aspects of customer satisfaction. Comprehending these templates will enable you to refine your approach, ensuring that you meet your customers’ needs effectively. Let’s explore what these templates entail and how they can benefit your business. Key Takeaways A Short Customer Satisfaction Survey Template includes four key questions for quick assessments of customer satisfaction. The Product Satisfaction Survey Template evaluates customer feelings about products and their feature expectations. A Product Evaluation Template collects insights on service quality, product ratings, and the overall purchasing experience. The Motivation and Buying Experience Template assesses customer motivations and identifies strengths and weaknesses in the sales process. The Retail Store Evaluation Survey Template features 17 questions covering various aspects of store experience for actionable insights. What Is a Customer Satisfaction Survey? A customer satisfaction survey is a fundamental tool that businesses use to gauge consumer opinions about their products or services. This survey focuses on aspects like usability and service quality, helping you identify both growth opportunities and areas that need improvement. By using a customer feedback email template or a customer care survey template, you can collect feedback effectively. A template for customer satisfaction survey can include various question types, such as quantitative feedback, open-ended questions, and demographic inquiries. This variety allows you to gather extensive insights into customer expectations and experiences. Regularly administering these surveys shows your customers that their opinions matter, which encourages loyalty and promotes continued engagement with your brand. In the end, comprehending customer feedback helps you form improvement plans, revealing strengths and weaknesses in your offerings, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience. Benefits of Customer Satisfaction Survey Templates Using customer satisfaction survey templates brings significant benefits, starting with standardization for consistency in feedback collection. This uniformity not only improves the reliability of your data but furthermore allows for effective comparisons over time. Moreover, these templates save you valuable time and resources, enabling you to quickly gather actionable insights without needing to create surveys from the ground up. Standardization for Consistency Regarding gathering feedback, standardized customer satisfaction survey templates play a crucial role in guaranteeing consistency across various surveys. By using these templates, you secure uniform questions, which allows for reliable data collection and analysis. Well-crafted questions in these templates improve accuracy, making it easier for you to gather effective feedback. Additionally, when you utilize a free customer survey template, benchmarking against industry standards becomes simpler, enabling you to measure your performance consistently. Improved response rates often accompany well-structured survey forms, as their clarity and brevity encourage customers to complete them. Ultimately, standardization not only streamlines your survey process but also leads to more valuable insights into customer satisfaction. Time-saving Efficiency When you’re looking to gather customer feedback efficiently, pre-designed customer satisfaction survey templates become invaluable tools. These templates save you time by offering standardized questions, so you don’t have to start from scratch. Utilizing expert-crafted templates guarantees your questions are accurate, leading to reliable data collection and actionable insights. Furthermore, standardized templates allow for easy benchmarking against industry standards or competitors, helping you identify performance gaps effectively. Consistent use across surveys improves response rates, as they maintain clarity, making it easier for customers to complete them. By streamlining the survey creation process, including options for images questionnaires and survey images free, you can focus on analyzing feedback and implementing improvements rather than getting bogged down in design. Types of Customer Satisfaction Surveys Customer satisfaction surveys come in various types, each designed to gather specific feedback that helps businesses understand their customers better. CSAT Surveys measure satisfaction levels on a scale, typically from 1 to 5 or 1 to 10, providing a quantitative score that reflects overall customer sentiment. CES Surveys focus on how easy it’s for customers to interact with products or services, using a scale of 1 to 5 or 1 to 7 to gauge ease of use. NPS Surveys classify customers into promoters, passives, and detractors based on their likelihood to recommend a NPS Surveys, offering valuable insights into customer loyalty. Post-Purchase Surveys gather feedback after a transaction, addressing aspects like ease of purchase and delivery satisfaction. Finally, In-App Surveys collect feedback within an application or website, providing real-time insights into user experience and satisfaction levels. Each type serves a unique purpose in measuring different aspects of customer satisfaction. Top 7 Customer Satisfaction Survey Templates Seven effective customer satisfaction survey templates can help businesses gather valuable insights and improve their offerings. The Short Customer Satisfaction Survey Template consists of four key questions, focusing on engagement frequency, satisfaction levels, re-purchase likelihood, and recommendation likelihood, making it ideal for quick assessments. The Product Satisfaction Survey Template evaluates customer feelings about products, including feature expectations and satisfaction correlations, aligning offerings with customer needs. The Product Evaluation Template collects detailed insights on customer service, product ratings, and satisfaction during the purchasing experience, facilitating targeted improvements. The Motivation and Buying Experience Template helps you comprehend customer motivations for purchases and assesses strengths and weaknesses in the sales process. Finally, the Retail Store Evaluation Survey Template includes 17 questions covering various store aspects like location, inventory, customer service, and overall satisfaction, providing actionable insights for retail improvement. These templates can greatly improve your comprehension of customer needs and preferences. Best Practices for Designing Customer Satisfaction Surveys Designing effective customer satisfaction surveys requires careful consideration to guarantee they yield meaningful insights. Start by tailoring your questions to specific departmental needs; this approach improves relevance and provides actionable insights into customer experiences. Clarity and simplicity in wording are crucial, as they help prevent confusion, leading to higher response rates and more accurate feedback. Limit your survey length to keep it concise; shorter surveys are more likely to engage respondents effectively and assure completion. Incorporate a mix of question types, including Likert scales, open-ended responses, and demographic questions, to gain a thorough comprehension of customer sentiment and behaviors. Finally, act on the feedback you collect. Businesses that demonstrate responsiveness to customer insights greatly improve loyalty and satisfaction levels, showing customers that their opinions matter, which in the end nurtures a stronger relationship. How to Analyze Customer Satisfaction Survey Results To effectively analyze customer satisfaction survey results, it’s essential to first identify trends and patterns in the responses, as this will help pinpoint specific areas for improvement. Here are three steps to guide your analysis: Utilize Quantitative and Qualitative Feedback: Combine measurable data from quantitative questions with insights from open-ended responses to gain a thorough comprehension of customer sentiments. Segment Responses: Break down results by demographics or customer personas. This allows you to tailor improvements to meet specific customer needs and expectations. Leverage Automation Tools: Use automated analysis tools to condense survey results efficiently. These tools can highlight significant trends and prioritize areas that need immediate attention. Lastly, share your findings across relevant departments to guarantee collaboration. This approach prevents data silos and promotes a unified strategy for enhancing customer satisfaction. Additional Resources for Customer Satisfaction Surveys When creating effective customer satisfaction surveys, comprehension of survey design best practices is essential to gather accurate feedback. You’ll furthermore want to explore distribution channel strategies that guarantee your surveys reach the right audience, maximizing response rates. Survey Design Best Practices Effective customer satisfaction surveys hinge on thoughtful design principles that improve both clarity and engagement. To create effective surveys, consider these best practices: Tailor Questions: Customize survey questions to fit departmental needs, ensuring clarity for better comprehension and engagement. Limit Length: Keep surveys concise; shorter surveys typically yield higher completion rates and more accurate feedback. Diverse Question Types: Use a mix of question formats, like Likert scales, open-ended questions, and demographic inquiries, to capture thorough insights. Timing is additionally essential; send surveys soon after customer interactions to gather immediate feedback. Finally, share findings across relevant teams to encourage collaboration and prevent data silos, which helps in creating a unified approach to improve customer satisfaction. Distribution Channel Strategies In the process of selecting the appropriate distribution channels for customer satisfaction surveys, it is crucial to take into account where your customers are most likely to engage. Using multiple channels improves response rates and captures diverse feedback. Consider these effective distribution methods: Channel Description Email Directly reaches customers’ inboxes. SMS Quick, easily accessible for immediate feedback. Social Media Engages customers where they already interact. Timing your surveys shortly after key customer interactions increases relevance. Customizable strategies allow you to align surveys with your brand, making them more appealing. Finally, utilize automatic results summaries for quick insights, enabling you to respond effectively to the feedback gathered. Frequently Asked Questions How Often Should I Conduct Customer Satisfaction Surveys? You should conduct customer satisfaction surveys regularly to gather actionable insights. A good rule of thumb is to survey customers after significant interactions, like purchases or service calls. Furthermore, consider quarterly or biannual surveys to track changes over time. This frequency allows you to identify trends and areas for improvement. Nevertheless, tailor your approach based on your industry and customer needs, ensuring that you don’t overwhelm them with too many requests for feedback. What Demographics Should I Include in My Survey? When designing your survey, consider including demographics such as age, gender, income level, education, and geographic location. These factors help you understand your customer base better. You should additionally think about including aspects like employment status and purchase frequency, as they can reveal valuable insights into customer behavior. Collecting this data allows you to analyze trends and tailor your services to meet specific needs effectively, ultimately improving customer satisfaction. Can Surveys Be Conducted via Mobile Devices? Yes, you can conduct surveys via mobile devices. Many survey platforms are optimized for mobile use, allowing participants to complete surveys on their smartphones or tablets. This increases accessibility and response rates, as people often prefer using their devices. To guarantee effectiveness, design your survey with a mobile-friendly layout, using clear questions and concise answer options. Testing the survey on various devices before distribution can additionally help identify any potential issues. How Long Should My Customer Satisfaction Survey Be? Your customer satisfaction survey should ideally be between 5 to 10 minutes long, which translates to about 10 to 15 questions. This length guarantees you gather meaningful insights without overwhelming respondents. Focus on clarity and relevance; each question should serve a purpose. Avoid lengthy surveys, as they may lead to lower response rates. If you’re using mobile devices, make sure the survey is easy to navigate and visually appealing to improve user experience. What Tools Can I Use to Create Surveys? You can use various tools to create surveys effectively. Online platforms like Google Forms and SurveyMonkey offer user-friendly interfaces for designing and distributing surveys. Microsoft Forms is another option, integrating seamlessly with other Microsoft products. If you’re looking for advanced features, consider Typeform or Qualtrics, which provide customizable templates and analytics. All these tools allow you to gather responses easily, analyze data, and improve your survey’s overall effectiveness. Conclusion In conclusion, utilizing customer satisfaction survey templates can greatly improve your comprehension of consumer feedback. By implementing the seven crucial templates outlined, you can effectively gather insights that drive improvements in service quality and product offerings. Following best practices in survey design and analysis will further guarantee you derive meaningful results. In the end, these tools enable you to create a more customer-centric approach, nurturing loyalty and satisfaction in your business operations. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Customer Satisfaction Survey Templates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

IBM stock was down 10% on Monday afternoon after Anthropic published a blog post about how its Claude Code tool can be used to modernize software written in the COBOL language, which handles large-scale batch transactions. Many of the software systems used by the federal government, banks, and airlines are written in COBOL, and most of those systems run on IBM mainframes. IBM also generates revenue from servicing, modernizing, and consulting on those mainframes. If COBOL code were converted to a more modern language, the systems would likely migrate to newer cloud servers. But modernizing COBOL—which was developed 67 years ago—is a slow and expensive process, largely because the code can be difficult to understand and easy to break. It often reflects decades of institutional knowledge and workflows and is frequently poorly documented, meaning its true intent can only be uncovered through close analysis. These challenges are compounded by the shrinking pool of programmers who know COBOL. Most university computer science programs no longer teach it. Anthropic says this analysis phase is the most time-consuming and costly. That’s where Claude Code comes in. The tool can uncover and document workflows hidden within the code, identify dependencies across different parts of a codebase, and give engineers insights into how to redesign systems. “With AI, teams can modernize their COBOL codebase in quarters instead of years,” the company writes in the blog post. COBOL was developed in 1959 via a public-private partnership that included the Pentagon and IBM, with the goal of creating a universal, English-like programming language for business applications. But private-sector companies have largely moved away from it. The code is difficult and costly to maintain and was designed for batch processing, making it poorly suited for modern cloud-based and real-time applications. (Anthropic and IBM did not immediately respond to requests for comment.) The U.S. government, despite repeated modernization efforts, continues to rely on COBOL-based mainframe systems to manage a wide range of financial transactions, including tax payments and refunds, Social Security benefits, and Medicare reimbursements. Anthropic’s blog post comes in the middle of a separate dispute between the company and the government. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is expected to meet with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to explain why the company has not removed all safety guardrails from its AI models for Pentagon use. Anthropic has drawn the line at providing AI for autonomous weapons or systems that mass-surveil American citizens. At the moment, Anthropic’s models are the only ones approved for government use with classified information. The blog post may not be the only factor affecting IBM’s stock. Investor concerns about the speed and breadth of AI deployment have depressed enterprise software stocks more broadly. The market may also be reacting to uncertainty surrounding new global tariff announcements, which could affect tech companies and their supply chains. View the full article

The Big Gulp might have some new competition in the realm of giant beverages from an unlikely dark horse: Dunkin‘. Over the weekend, Dunkin’ customers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts began posting head-turning images of giant coffee buckets on the menu at their local stores. While some commenters doubted the veracity of these reports, a Dunkin’ spokesperson confirmed in an email to Fast Company that the donut chain is indeed testing out a 48-ounce collectible bucket at select stores after noticing buzz around coffee buckets taking off on social media. A “coffee bucket” is exactly what it sounds like: a giant iced latte served in a plastic container that looks more like a garden tool than a cup. The novelty beverage took off this summer and appears to have been sparked by several different small businesses, including Noctua Coffee in Missouri, Dulce Vida in Oklahoma, and Wicked Southern Coffee in Connecticut, all of which attracted thousands of views on social media. Dunkin’ is no stranger to jumping on a trend, so it makes sense that the brand would arrive at this moment in the social media zeitgeist with a bucket in tow. In the past few years, Dunkin has experimented with wacky concepts like an alcoholic drink line, a donut deodorant, and a horny Halloween donut. Here’s what to know about its latest launch: Where can I find the Dunkin bucket? Dunkin’ told Fast Company that the coffee bucket test is taking place at select stores in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but the company did not provide an official list of locations. Internet sleuths and coffee fanatics have uncovered a few stores that reportedly carry the bucket, according to a cursory search of social media. We have requested the full list of participating stores from Dunkin’ and will update this story if we hear back. What comes in the bucket? According to the Dunkin’ spokesperson, guests can fill their coffee buckets with classics like iced coffee, iced lattes, or Dunkin’ refreshers. Also available are three featured drinks: the blueberry cobbler iced latte, caramel coco iced coffee, and strawberry dragonfruit lemonade refresher. (We shudder to imagine the nutritional contents of these creations.) Customers report paying between $7 and $10 for their buckets. How are customers reacting? So far, customers’ main complaint for this behemoth of a beverage appears to be the impossible prospect of transporting it. One Instagram Reel with almost 85,000 likes from creator Elijah Boivin shows Boivin cradling the bucket above the caption, “Me holding my Dunkin bucket because I don’t know where to put it because it doesn’t fit in the cup holder.” A modern conundrum, indeed. View the full article

Home buyers working with the originator won't have to liquidate their digital assets to access purchase, refinance, second-home or investment loans. View the full article

Some mortgage companies are taking advantage of a loan-interest deduction that was designed to benefit community banks, a Washington State legislator alleged. View the full article

A median-income household could comfortably afford a $331,483 home with a 20% down payment in January, $30,000 more than a year ago, Zillow found. View the full article

Freelancers Union is pleased to introduce Elle Toussi as Interim Executive Director. Elle first joined Freelancers Union as a member, helping to organize local LA Spark events that fostered community, collaboration, and connection among independent workers. Her commitment to strengthening the freelancer community led her to serve as a Member Representative on the Board of Directors, after which she was elected as a permanent Board Member and, two years ago, chosen by her peers to serve as Chair of the Board. With more than 15 years of experience in journalism and production, Elle has built her career around storytelling and advocacy for creative and independent professionals. She is also the founder of Boom Dia Media, a production company dedicated to producing impact-driven films and media projects that elevate stories designed to inspire change. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to amplifying the voices of independent workers and advancing a more equitable future for the freelance workforce. Have questions? Email us at community@freelancersunion.org. View the full article

Freelancers Union is pleased to introduce Elle Toussi as Interim Executive Director. Elle first joined Freelancers Union as a member, helping to organize local LA Spark events that fostered community, collaboration, and connection among independent workers. Her commitment to strengthening the freelancer community led her to serve as a Member Representative on the Board of Directors, after which she was elected as a permanent Board Member and, two years ago, chosen by her peers to serve as Chair of the Board. With more than 15 years of experience in journalism and production, Elle has built her career around storytelling and advocacy for creative and independent professionals. She is also the founder of Boom Dia Media, a production company dedicated to producing impact-driven films and media projects that elevate stories designed to inspire change. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to amplifying the voices of independent workers and advancing a more equitable future for the freelance workforce. Have questions? Email us at community@freelancersunion.org. View the full article

The sector has specialized data that experts can help with and may mitigate cyclical risk, but costs and customers are considerations, an industry veteran says. View the full article

Whether you're a Samsung fan, an Android user, or just a tech enthusiast in general, you may want to clear your calendar: Samsung Unpacked 2026 is nearly here. Like Google I/O or Apple's fall event, Unpacked is Samsung's keynote, where the company shows off what it's been working on since, well, the last Unpacked. Like previous keynotes, this year's should be full of big Samsung news, all of which you can watch live as it happens. When is Galaxy Unpacked 2026?Samsung's big presentation will kick off in San Francisco on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Like many tech events, Galaxy Unpacked starts at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). How to watch Galaxy Unpacked 2026While Samsung is hosting a live presentation for a limited number of media and guests, anybody can tune into Galaxy Unpacked 2026 as it happens. The company is streaming the show from a number of websites, including Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung's official YouTube channel. The YouTube livestream is currently up, but, of course, you won't see much until 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday. What will Samsung announce at Galaxy Unpacked 2026?Usually, all we have is rumors and conjecture when reporting on what a company like Samsung will reveal during a big hardware event. We still need to do that in this case, but, that said, the company outright told us what its biggest announcement will be. When Samsung first announced Unpacked 2026 a couple weeks ago, it said that "the new Galaxy S series is coming," which, no doubt, refers to the Galaxy S26. Samsung says this new series is "built to simplify everyday interactions, inspire confidence, and make Galaxy AI feel seamlessly integrated from the moment it's in hand." Whatever that means. Unpacked 2026: Galaxy S26 seriesWe can look to rumors surrounding the S26 series to paint a picture of what to expect Wednesday. As it the norm, Samsung will likely release three main S26 units: the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. It isn't clear whether the company will release an S26 Edge this year to follow up the S25 Edge. The standard S26 seems like it'll be a small upgrade over the current S25, though with one key change: The new Galaxy will house its three rear cameras on a raised camera bump, following in the footsteps of Apple and Google. Rumors are split as to whether the cameras themselves will be upgraded, with some speculating that the Ultra will jump from 12MP to 50MP. The S26 may pack a 6.3-inch AMOLED display, a 4,300 mAh battery, up to 12GB of RAM, and possible up to 512GB of storage. Samsung may be running with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 to power the phone. The S26 Plus will likely be a similar phone, just with a larger 6.7-inch display. The S26 Ultra looks like it'll launch with four rear cameras, with three of them contained to the bump out. As usual, the Ultra is the largest of the bunch, sporting a rumored 6.9-inch display. It could even be a bit thinner than the current S25 Ultra. The cameras may get some upgrades too, though the raw numbers appear to the same as the S25 Ultra. For example, while both may have 200MP main sensors, the S26's sensor may get some upgrades. It, too, could come with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, as well as up to 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, a 5,000 mAh battery, and 60-watt fast wired charging. The entire S25 series may also support 25W fast wireless charing, and may start selling a 25W Qi2 charger that supports it. They may all also support satellite communications, which would let users call and text emergency services and contacts without cellular network—similar to Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone. Unpacked 2026: Galaxy Buds 4Samsung will likely unveiled a new pair of earbuds Wednesday alongside the S26 series: Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. If the rumors are true, the Buds 4 will come in black and the Buds 4 Pro will come in white, though both will come with a charging case with a transparent lid. Besides color, the other big difference here is how the buds fit: The Buds 4 Pro are rumored to come with silicone tips, like AirPods Pro, while the Buds 4 do not, like Apple's standard AirPods. Unpacked 2026: AIFinally, expect some big AI announcements, especially as they pertain to the S26 series. In a press release on Sunday, Samsung announced an "expansion of Galaxy AI" to support "a choice of integrated agents." Specifically, Samsung is partnering with Perplexity to bring its AI agents to Galaxy devices. You'll be able to say "Hey Plex" to access the agent, and the bot will work across Samsung apps, like Calendar, Clock, Gallery, Notes, and Reminder. At the same time, the company is currently testing the latest version of its own assistant, Bixby, with One UI 8.5. The goal is to let users ask Bixby for things on their Galaxy device, such as "I don't want the screen to shut off when I'm looking at it," and the bot will adjust the proper settings in kind. The new Bixby can also access the web to answer questions, similar to other AI bots like ChatGPT or Gemini. Expect to hear more about this during Unpacked as well. View the full article