Friday, November 29, 2019

These are the tech trends you need to know from CES 2019

These are the tech trends you need to know from CES 2019These are the tech trends you need to know from CES 2019The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicked off in Las Vegas on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, and its been far from disappointing. Now on its last day, CES has showed us technology like every type of reality for gamers (augmented and virtual to name a few) to the not-so-futuristic autonomous vehicle. Of course, since theres so much, we couldnt possibly talk about (or understand) it all. Instead, here are our picks for the awesome tech trends, gadgets and devices fromCES 2019.TravelWhether youre jet setting to the Swiss Alps for a ski vacation or just need to fly overnight to a new city for a work meeting, CES 2019 showcased a ton of new gadgets and devices for people who travel. Here are a few products we found particularly interesting at CESROVER SPEED.If youre in the market for a new suitcase (and can afford it), why not get one that wheels itself around the airport? Its got a rtificial intelligence (AI) technology, connects to your smartphone for easy control, built-in power bank and mora.Table4One App.When youre away on geschftsleben all by yourself, eating alone in your hotel can get a bit boring. This free app will connect you with other like-minded travelers looking to enjoy a meal with someone new. Its great for networking in a new city.Snowcookie.For the serious skier, or just the newbie looking to improve, Snowcookie is the wearable ski tracker that gives you feedback on your speed, body position, stamina, style and more.Nommi.Dont pay for data roaming in other countries. Noomi is the smart router that wireless charging thatll connect you to over 4 million WiFi networks worldwide, while also protecting your data.Cylo Cannonball.The waterproof, floatable Bluetooth speaker is new and improved. Take it with you wherever you go to enjoy music, podcasts and more.Wicked Audio.Can you ever have too many wireless earbuds or headphones when youre traveling ? We didnt think so.Jetson.Scooters, hover boards, skateboards, bikes and more, Jetson offers electric and eco-friendly rides for anyone on-the-go.VehiclesFrom flying to self-driving, vehicles are getting some serious upgrades over the next few years. The technology is here and being tested, as we saw at CES 2019. Here are five vehicles and devices we found pretty awesomeAutoX.So we already get take-out delivered to our homes thanks to Uber Eats, Seamless and other companies, but what if it was brought by a self-driving car? It could be the future with AutoX. Currently in pilot mode in San Jose, California, AutoX uses AI software so that its vehicles can make smart decisions.Chris.Say hello to your new digital car assistant. Chris can be installed in any vehicle and works offline to help you navigate your directions, control music, answer calls and more. You can even control it with a simple wave of the hand.Pal-V Liberty.Imagine this Youre driving down the road one minute and then take flight in the same vehicle the next. With the Pal-V Liberty flying car, it could very much be possible in the near future.Valeo Drive4U.Fully equipped with a digital brain, the Valeo Drive4U autonomous vehicle that can also be controlled by someone remotely via a VR headset.Bmmpr.Keep your car safe with Bmmpr, the smart alarm for cars. It sends alerts to your phone within six seconds if something has disrupted your vehicle.Personal Health And SafetyCES 2019 really upped its game with technology that can help us improve our personal health and safety. From smart wearables to devices for our homes and cars, here are a few that really stood out to us this yearNurture Watch.If youve got an elderly or special needs relative who you often worry about, the Nurture Watch can help ease your mind. It has GPS tracking, two-way communication, fall detection and more.Smartbeat.New moms can probably testify that you often worry about your baby when they sleep. With Smartbeat, youll be able t o monitor your little one via video, as well as through a breathing device.Urgonight Headband.Train your brain so you sleep better by wearing this device a few times per week. It takes an EEG of your brain and then presents the data to you on a screen that then helps train your brain to act in a certain manner.SyncThink.With this technology, a simple VR headset can diagnose brain impairments in just 60 seconds.Meersens.Evaluate the UV light, pesticides, gluten microwaves and more that youre exposed to daily with Meersens capsules and phone app.Fine Dust Eater.Air pollution is a problem, and the dust thats generated from vehicle breaks is a contributing factor. With the Fine Dust Eater device strapped to your car or placed outside your home, you can help reduce the amount of toxic dust that enters the air.Aura Air.Purify your indoor air with this new system, which filters and disinfects through a five-stage process.HomeFrom new home alarms and a bed that will rock you to sleep to a s mart mirror and lamp, unterstellung gadgets caught our eye at CES 2019Lumi Charge.This smart LED desk lamp charges your phone, offers dimmable light and more.Elecpro.From a WiFi video doorbell to a smart door lock, this home system aims to make you feel safer than ever before.Savvy Smart Mirror.Control your environment with this smart mirror. You can see whos at the front door, turn up the heat on a cold morning, check how many steps you have for the day and more.TrustBox.If cybersecurity is at the top of your mind this year, this high-grade router can help.Safer Alarms.Fires happen, but with this alarm, you can better reduce your chances of ever suffering from. Unlike a smoke detector, this alarm senses heat instead.WiZama.Love board games? This one takes the cake by integrating video game technology into the board for an elevated experience.I-Ctrl.Take control of all your home devices right from your phone, including TVs, air conditioners, kitchen appliances and more with this one device.ConnectSense.Control more of your home with smart outlets from ConnectSense - they even pair with Amazon and Google smart home devices.Rocking Bed.Having trouble falling asleep? This bed might just be what you need. It rocks back and forth to lull you into a slumber.Focals.If youve always wanted to see everything right before your eyes, these smart glasses could be the tech youve been waiting for. They have holographic display technology, though look like normal glasses.This is just a taste of what really went down at CES this year. With more than 4,400 devices, gadgets and technology on display at CES 2019, our list is really just the tip of the iceberg. If youve been followed along this week, then let us know what your favorite new technology was from the show by emailingnewslettersswirled.com.This article was originally posted on Swirled.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Top 10 Short-Term Career Training Programs

Top 10 Short-Term Career Training ProgramsTop 10 Short-Term Career Training ProgramsReady to embark on a new career, but dont have the time (or money) to spend four years getting a bachelors degree? A short-term job training program might be just the ticket for you to gain access to a rewarding career field. There are a surprising number of fields you can enter without completing long degree programs. Many offer salaries and job satisfaction similar to those that require four-year degrees. If youre in the market for a job change, consider a short-term job training program in a growing occupation. You may find that you can qualify quickly for a rewarding new job. Top 10 Short-Term Career Training Programs The chart below shows the zentralwert, top 10 percent, and bottom 10 percent salaries for each training program. 1. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are in high demand given the increasing needs of an aging population for medical support. CNAs work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, private homes, and residential treatment centers. They support the medical efforts of the professional nursing staff by observing and reporting changes in vital signs and the health status of patients. CNAs help patients to negotiate their daily activities such as eating, dressing, and bathing. Training programs are offered by the Red Cross, hospitals, community colleges, and online. Most programs can be completed in four to six weeks and require at least 75 hours of on-site training. Search in your browser for CNA training to find a list of options in your area. Search Indeed.com by CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant to see some of the jobs offered in your area. Some hospitals and nursing homes offer free training programs to candidates who make a commitment to work for their organization. Job Outlook According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for nursing assistants are projected to grow 11 percent faster than the average for all occupat ions from 2016-2026. Salary - BLS data indicate that the median annual income for nursing assistants is $27,520. The top 10 percent earn at least $38,630, while the bottom 10 percent earn less than $20,680. 2. Commercial Drivers transport goods and materials in trailers or other large capacity vehicles. Contact the division of aggregat vehicles in your state for the exact requirements in your area for obtaining a commercial license. You will be required to complete a written test as well as a road test. Commercial driving schools abound. Consult with your local DMV website or office for a list of reputable schools in your area. Training programs generally last for two to six weeks. Learn more about a career in truck driving. Job Outlook Opportunities for commercial truck drivers are expected to grow about as fast as average, by 4-6 percent from 2016-2026. Salary The median salary for heavy truck drivers is $42,480 with the top 10 percent earning at least $64,000 and the bottom 10 percent earn less than $27,510. Delivery truck drivers earn considerably less with a median annual wage of $29,250 while the highest 10 percent earn more than $48,730 and the lowest 10 percent earn less than $17,660. 3. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the first point of contact for people who are injured or suddenly become ill. EMTs intervene to provide medical assistance and stabilize injured or ill persons prior to treatment by physicians and then transport patients to hospitals for care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for EMTs to expand much faster than for the average occupation due to the aging population and attendant strokes, falls, heart attacks, and other emergency conditions. The basic level EMT requires 100 hours of training. The intermediate or advanced level EMT certification entails about 1,000 hours of training. Candidates must pass a national qualifying exam as well as complete an approved training program to qualify for all levels of E MT practice. Licensing requirements vary by state. Search the state department of health in your area with a query that includes accredited EMT training programs. Learn more about a career as an emergency medical technician. Job Outlook Employment of EMTs is projected to grow much faster than average from 2016-2026 at 15 percent. Salary EMTs earn a median annual wage of $33,380. The top 10 percent earn at least $59,990 and the lowest 10 percent of earners are paid $21,880 or less. 4. Hair Stylists shampoo, cut, color, straighten, curl, and treat the hair of clients. Training programs are most commonly nine to 10 months in length with states requiring about 1,000-1,600 hours for licensing. States require stylists to complete a written exam and sometimes a practical skills exam to qualify for a license. Search by the name of your state and keywords approved cosmetology schools to obtain a list of schools in your area. Heres more hair stylist career information. Job Outlook Job open ings are expected to grow at a faster than average rate of 13 percent from 2016 to 2026. Salary Hair stylists earn a median hourly wage of $11.95. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $8.73 while the highest 10 percent earn more than $24.36 per hour. 5. krpermassage Therapists manipulate muscles and the soft tissue of clients to relieve pain, reduce stress, and increase relaxation. They advise clients about ways to reduce stress and muscular tension and achieve greater relaxation. Massage therapists work in private practice, with chiropractors, and in hospitals, spas, and fitness centers. Most states license massage therapists and require completion of an accredited program, usually a year or so in length, with at least 500 hours of study. Search by the name of your state and keywords approved massage therapy schools to obtain a list of schools in your area. Job Outlook Jobs for massage therapists are expected to grow by 26 percent from 2016-2026, a much faster rate than for other occupations. Salaries The median annual wage for message therapists is $39,990. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $20,300 while the top 10 percent earn at least $77,470. 6. Personal Trainers konzept and deliver fitness programs for clients. They develop routines to optimize the aerobic conditioning, flexibility, and muscular strength of their clients. Trainers must promote their services to prospective clients in an ongoing manner to maintain a viable income. Personal trainers work in private homes of clients, community-based gyms/fitness facilities, and corporate or resort fitness centers. Certifying bodies require candidates to complete a written exam and in some cases a skills test. Candidates typically complete either online courses lasting six to twelve weeks or training programs lasting about six months. Search personal trainer courses and your location to identify some training programs in your area. Ask local personal trainers for recommendations regarding the best prog rams. Job Outlook - Jobs for personal trainers are expected to grow by 10 percent from 2016-2026, a faster rate than for other occupations. Salary - The median annual wage for personal trainers is $39,210. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $19,640 while the top 10 percent earn at least $74,520. 7. Physical Therapy Aides provide support to physical therapists and physical therapy assistants. They help to arrange equipment and prepare patients for procedures. Physical therapy aides greet patients and schedule appointments. Physical therapy aides help patients in and out of treatment areas. They reinforce treatment protocols after therapists have initiated interventions with clients. Most physical therapy aides are trained on the job for three to 12 months. Job Outlook - Jobs for physical therapy aides are expected to grow by 29 percent from 2016-2026, a much faster rate than for other occupations. Salary - The median annual wage for physical therapy aides is $25,730. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $19,620 while the top 10 percent earn at least $38,490. 8. Wind Turbine Technicians maintain facilities and equipment that generate power through the wind. They test equipment for safety and efficiency, diagnose problems, replace parts, and perform other repairs. Wind power has expanded rapidly due to the push for alternative energy sources and advances in wind power technology, so jobs are expanding at a much faster than average rate. Technicians complete certificate programs which range in length from three months to two years. Search Wind Turbine Technician Training to identify some options in your area. Job Outlook - Jobs for wind turbine technicians are expected to grow by 96 percent from 2016-2026, a much faster rate than for other occupations. Salary - The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians is $53,880. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $37,850, while the top 10 percent earn at least $80,170. 9. Apprentice programs provide a mechanism for new workers to learn trades through a combination of paid on the job training and classroom instruction. Common apprentice occupations include plumber, electrician, heating and air conditioning technician, carpenter, machinist, and mechanic. Training typically lasts one to three years, but trainees receive pay during this time and there is generally no charge for the training. Research apprentice options in your area through your state apprenticeship office. 10. Sales Trainees engage customers and encourage them to purchase products or services. Candidates with strong verbal and interpersonal skills can often convince employers to hire them without any direct ausverkauf experience. Make sure you demonstrate drive and assertiveness in your approach to the employer. Conduct informational interviews with salespeople and other staff at target companies to showcase your communication skills. Many organizations have on the job training programs to educate trainees about their products an d sales strategies.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Make Sure That You Fire Employees Legally and Ethically

Make Sure That You Fire Employees Legally and EthicallyMake Sure That You Fire Employees Legally and EthicallyThe decision to terminate an individuals employment carries with it the risk of a possible legal challenge. Depending upon an employers policies or whether an employee has an employment contract, an employee may, for example, have a breach of contract or wrongful discharge claim. An at-will employer- that is, an employer who reserves the right to terminate employees without cause- generally does bedrngnislage need to worry about such claims. Like all other employers, however, an at-will employer still must be concerned about many other possible claims. In recent years, at-will does not always protect an employer so having documentation of employee performance and of the reasons for the termination is increasingly important. Possible Claims of Discrimination Upon Employment Termination All employers need to be cognizant of possible discrimination claims that can arise from employment termination. To prevail, the former employee would have to prove that he or she was terminated, at least in part, because of his or her employees protected status (gender, religion, race, national origin, age, disability, and so forth). In addition, discharged employees could claim that their former employer defamed them by making false, disparaging comments about them to coworkers or other partiestreated them in a manner intended to cause emotional distressinvaded their privacy by improperly disclosing the reason for an involuntary termination orterminated them in retaliation for exercising a legal right, such as reporting discriminatory or other unlawful employment practices or taking a leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the Military Leave Act. Legitimate Business Reasons for Employment Termination Even though at-will employers may terminate employees for any reason- or for no reason at all- terminations are easier to defend when they are justified by a legitimate business reason. Legitimate business reasons could include problems with the employees contribution, misconduct, a reorganization resulting in the elimination of the employees position, or financial considerations of the employer. Regardless of the nature of the employment relationship, an employer should consider establishing work rules that list conduct that could result in discipline or termination. At-will employers should include a disclaimer in the rules making clear that the existence of company rules does not nullify or in any way change an employees at-will status. Moreover, employers (at-will or otherwise) should include a disclaimer stating that the reasons listed are not all-inclusive and that the employer retains the right to terminate employees who, in the employers discretion, have either engaged in misconduct or who have not performed at an acceptable level. In addition, if progressive discipline is provided for, the employer should retain the flexibilit y to discharge employees immediately when circumstances warrant. Questions Employers Need to Ask Before Employment Terminations Before deciding to terminate an employee, the employer should ask themselves the following questions Does the employee have a legitimate explanation for his or her actions or poor performance? Before deciding whether to terminate an employee, conduct a thorough investigation of the events in question and get the employees version or explanation. Consider whether a neutral third person would find the employees explanation plausible.Does the punishment fit the crime? Consider whether a neutral third party would agree that termination was ritterlich given the nature of the conduct or the seriousness of the performance problems. Is the decision to terminate inconsistent with previous actions of the company? For example, has the employee recently received a favorable performance review, promotion or pay increase? If yes, this would make it more difficult for an employer to justify terminating an employee for performance-related reasons if you were involved in a legal proceeding.Is the decision to terminate the employeepremature? Determine whether alternatives to termination are more appropriate, such as giving an employee a last chance, using progressive discipline to get their attention, or placing the employee on a performance improvement plan. Does the employee have any pre-termination rights? Ensure that any pre-termination procedures provided for by the company are followed. (Note special procedures may exist for public sector employees who have certain due process rights not accorded to private sector employees.)Has the company administered discipline in a consistent manner? Ensure that members of any protected classification are treated the same as employees outside of the protected classification who engaged in similar conduct, under similar circumstances (severity of theconduct, prior offenses, thelength of employment, and so forth). Actions That an Employer Needs to Take Following an Employment Termination Following an employment termination, an employer can reduce the likelihood of a court challenge in a number of ways. Ensure that appropriate post-termination procedures are followed. Public sector employees may be entitled to a post-termination hearing. Private sector employees would also be entitled to a hearing if provided for in company rules, the employee handbook, or in an employment agreement or contract.Be candid with the employee. Be candid when advising the employee of the reason for termination. Dont sugarcoat the reason in order to avoid hurting the employees feelings. If an employee later sues, these statements will adversely affect the employers defense. Respect the employees feelings. Do not do anything to embarrass the employee during the termination process. When possible, avoid escorting the employee from the workplace in front of coworkers. Employees who have been humiliated are more likely to challenge their termination.Respect the employees privacy. After termination, advise only those employees and managers who have a need to know the reason for the termination, and advise them not to discuss the matter with anyone.Obtain a release. If any severance benefits are provided such as severance pay, payment of medical insurance premiums, outplacement counseling, and so forth), in addition to those owed an employee under company policy, consider making the benefits conditioned on the employee signing a release of claims.For a release to be effective against federal age discrimination claims (employees 40 or older), the release must contain several specific provisions, including a 21-day consideration period and a 7-day revocation period. Avoid inconsistent post-termination statements. Do not make post-termination statements in a termination notice, reference letter or response to the state unemployment compensation office that are inconsistent with or contradi ct the reason for termination. Such written statements, like comments to the former employee, will create credibility problems for the employer.Maintain relevant documents. An employer should secure the employees personnel file and retain all documents, including the employees poor work product, which supports the decision to terminate the employee. Help the employee find other employment. Consider providing outplacement services and, in certain cases, a neutral reference to aid the employee in finding another job. The sooner an employee is reemployed, the less likely the employee is to bring an action against his or her former employer. Disclaimer Although Mel Muskovitz is an attorney, please note that the information provided, while authoritative, is not guaranteed for accuracy and legality. The site is read by a world-wide audience andemployment lawsand regulations vary from state to state and country to country. Please seek legal assistance, or assistance from State, Federal, or zwischenstaatlich governmental resources, to make certain your legal interpretation and decisions are correct for your location. This information is for guidance, ideas, and assistance. This article contains a brief overview of potential legal issues in an employment termination. It is not intended to be a comprehensive discussion of the subject. Further, because every set of facts and circumstances may raise different legal issues, this article is not intended to be and should not be regarded as a legal opinion.