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Surprising insights into the work habits of employees during their annual leave

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As workplaces gear up for the return to business as usual after the holidays, a recent research study has unearthed surprising insights into the work habits of employees during their annual leave.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 workers and is nationally representative, has found that a staggering 78% of respondents struggle to disconnect from work-related messages and notifications while on vacation.

Furthermore, the digital itch is apparent, with 83% of workers admitting to sneaking a peek at work-related emails and messages even when spending holidays with loved ones.

These findings shed light on why over a third (37%) of Australian employees have set a goal for 2024 to unplug from work during their days off.

Research initiative

Frank Mondello, General Manager of Coffs Harbour Airport, shared insights into the motivation behind this research initiative, stating, “We know Aussies are hard workers, so we were curious to explore this further, along with the role the Coffs Coast can play in providing a natural antidote to their busy lives.

Within minutes of landing at Coffs Harbour, travelers have access to a plethora of outdoor experiences right at the airport’s doorstep.”

The survey also revealed that 60% of working Australians aspire to spend more time in nature this year, with significantly more workers from New South Wales and Victoria prioritizing outdoor experiences as a New Year’s goal compared to those from Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Mondello emphasized the Coffs Coast’s potential in this regard, saying, “The Coffs Coast has been officially recognized as the first certified ECO Tourism Destination in New South Wales, thanks to its abundant outdoor offerings.

“The airport allows travelers to maximize their long weekends or annual leave by flying directly into a destination where they can engage in activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, surfing, or simply unwinding in the fresh air with a good book. We are on a mission, in collaboration with the local tourism industry, to help busy Aussie workers find their ‘Coff Switch.'”

This tourism initiative aims to capture the attention of travelers, as Coffs Harbour Airport takes the lead in promoting visitation to a region that has long been overshadowed by crowded beach holiday destinations on the East Coast.

Fly-drive holidays

Mondello also highlighted the affordability of fly-drive holidays, stating, “Seventy-six percent of respondents said they would consider flying to Coffs Harbour for a holiday in the next 12 months.

“We also know that car hire costs have reduced as supply chain pressures have eased, making a fly-and-drive holiday more accessible to many. We are confident that a joint industry effort will lead to increased aviation access to the region.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Paul Amos expressed enthusiasm for this new push, saying, “Coffs Harbour is the ideal place for Aussies to disconnect, spend quality time in the great outdoors, and savor our burgeoning food and drink scene.

“The region’s tourism industry is experiencing a renaissance, with new accommodations and experiences giving travelers fresh reasons to visit. Coffs Harbour Airport’s proactive approach to encouraging travelers to find their ‘Coff Switch’ is a win-win for the region and for busy Australians.”

Additional findings from the research include:

– New South Wales (88%) and Victoria (86%) have some of the highest proportions of workers who sneakily check work-related content while on holiday with loved ones.
– Among the generational workforce, millennials aged 35-44 find it most challenging to disconnect from work messages and notifications during holidays (87%), compared to 66% of working baby boomers (aged 65+).
– In New South Wales, 84% of workers find it difficult to switch off from emails and other work-related messages while on vacation.
– Both women and men are equally likely to sneak a peek at work-related emails and notifications while on holiday (85% and 83%, respectively).
– Thirty-eight percent of workers aspire to spend more time with family in 2024, with this figure slightly higher in New South Wales at 42%, and a striking 88% of Tasmanians eager to spend more quality time with their families.

The research findings highlight the challenge many Australian workers face in finding the elusive ‘Coff Switch’ that allows them to truly unwind during their holidays.

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Australia’s workforce revolution sets the stage for a four-day work week

Australia’s AI Workforce Revolution: Automation Paves the Way for a Four-Day Work Week and New Job Redesigns.

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Australia’s AI workforce revolution: automation paves the way for a four-day work week.

In Short

UiPath’s report highlights the rapid shift towards “agentic automation,” where AI makes autonomous decisions, encouraging businesses to reassess roles and harness automation for productivity. This evolution may enable a four-day work week and necessitates the retraining of staff while ensuring regulations are in place for trust and compliance with AI integration.

The trend towards work reallocation is rapidly advancing, with UiPath’s new report identifying significant shifts in AI and automation.

Key insights from the report suggest a move towards “agentic automation,” where AI begins to make autonomous decisions. Yelena GalstianHead of Solutions and Customer Advisory at UiPath shares her key insights.

Organisations are encouraged to reassess existing roles and identify areas where automation can enhance productivity.

A critical aspect will be the orchestration of collaboration between human employees, AI agents, and software robots to ensure effective teamwork.

Looking ahead, the motto for businesses is to “redesign and reassign” processes while considering how AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing human employees to focus on more complex responsibilities.

As organisations embrace these changes, we could see a potential transition to a four-day work week, made feasible through increased efficiency and productivity from AI.

For further insights into the research and methodologies for implementing AI in business, interested parties can connect with the UiPath team through their website.

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Future of hospitality: AI, smart automation, and record-breaking 2025 travel growth

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As global tourism revenue surges, cutting-edge technology and automation are revolutionising the hospitality industry.

Global travel demand remains strong heading into 2025, with industry experts predicting record-breaking tourism revenue.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, global tourism revenue is set to hit $1.9 trillion this year.

With record-breaking growth projected for the travel industry, hospitality leaders are embracing AI, automation, and luxury innovations to enhance guest experiences.

As demand for international travel remains strong, hospitality businesses are adapting to evolving traveler expectations through technology and innovation.

One of the key trends shaping the industry is the rise of artificial intelligence and smart automation.

From AI-powered customer service to energy-efficient hotel management systems, technology is redefining guest experiences.

Luxury boutique hotels like London’s Eccleston Square Hotel are at the forefront of this transformation.

Known as one of the world’s most technologically advanced hotels, Eccleston Square has recently unveiled a major tech upgrade.

The hotel is now using Apple TVs from ROOMNET, an advanced automation system developed with Leading Edge Automation, and a cutting-edge building management system by HSYCO. These innovations enhance operational efficiency while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

These enhancements work in sync with the hotel’s property management system, MEWS, to create a smarter, more sustainable hospitality experience.

As AI continues to reshape the hospitality landscape, Eccleston Square Hotel’s approach reflects the industry’s broader shift toward innovation, efficiency, and sustainability—paving the way for the future of luxury travel.

Olivia Byrne, Owner and Company Director Eccleston Square Hotel joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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Nightmare for Labour as Reform UK leads in poll

Reform UK surpasses Labour in polling for first time, with Brexit leader Nigel Farage gaining support amid Conservative decline.

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Reform UK surpasses Labour in polling for first time, with Brexit leader Nigel Farage gaining support amid Conservative decline.

In Short

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has overtaken Labour in a YouGov poll with 25% support, while Labour sits at 24% and the Conservatives at 21%. This shift indicates growing discontent with the government, particularly as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch struggles to regain support.

The poll, conducted among 2,223 adults at the beginning of February, shows Reform UK at 25 percent support, a rise of two points from the previous poll.

Labour has declined by three points to 24 percent, while the Conservative Party has dropped to 21 percent.

While these results are notable, the next general election is not required until August 2029, and Reform’s lead falls within the poll’s margin of error. POLITICO’s Poll of Polls shows Labour and Reform both at 25 percent, with Conservatives at 22 percent.

This polling data is troubling for the government, particularly after Labour’s dominance in the last election, where they achieved a majority with 33.7 percent of the vote. Reform UK was in third place with 14.3 percent.

The findings also reflect poorly on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who seeks to restore support following recent losses.

YouGov indicates that 24 percent of those who voted Conservative in July would now choose Reform, with 43 percent of Conservative voters in 2024 favouring a merger between the two parties.

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