Money

Telco giant launches new Sidekick service so you’ll never feel alone or unsafe again

Published

2 years ago

September 9, 2021

A major telecommunications giant is doing its part to ensure the safety of customers

Australia’s second biggest telco, Optus has launched a new feature called Sidekick which help customers to feel safer and reassured when they are making their way home, out on a walk by themselves or just at home on their own.

The new Optus feature will allow Optus customers to choose up to three close and most trusted contacts to check in on them whether they’re home alone, walking alone or making their way home on their own.

How it works:

You select your three contacts, you set a timer to cover the amount of time for your walk, your commute home or anything else you want – and if you don’t stop this timer before it runs out your contacts will receive a notification.

Users can cancel the timer at any time when they’re feeling comfortable or when you get a reminder to stop it.

“Optus Sidekick was initiated as a passion project by our team who, from experience, research and news stories, realised that a certain sense of apprehension when out and about alone wasn’t uncommon and we wanted to give our customers just a little more peace of mind,”
says Katie Brodie, Optus Director, Digital AI.

“Many of us can identify with that feeling of wanting someone to check in with us in a little while to make sure we are okay, even if we can’t exactly pinpoint why we feel that way.

“It may feel awkward to ask someone for that extra assurance.

“Optus Sidekick can help you prearrange a time when Optus will let the people you care about know you want them to check in on you, and only gets in touch if that time arises.

“We have also discovered that it’s not just women who may want to use Optus Sidekick, but also kids walking home from school, people out for a late-night walk, and even an elderly neighbour who walks to the store alone.”

Customers can set up the Optus Sidekick with a simple tap in their My Optus App.

Money

Real reason bosses want employers back in the office

Published

21 hours ago

November 30, 2023

ticker NEWS

As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, employers are increasingly pushing for their staff to return to the office after years of remote work.

The driving force behind this push is the sharp decline in commercial property values, which has left many businesses concerned about their real estate investments.

Commercial property values have plunged in the wake of the pandemic, with many companies downsizing or reconsidering their office space needs.

This has put pressure on employers to reevaluate their remote work policies and encourage employees to return to the office. #featured

Money

Businesses cash in on Black Friday sales

Published

21 hours ago

November 30, 2023

ticker NEWS

Black Friday, the annual shopping frenzy, has become a global phenomenon rooted in economic strategies.

Retailers deploy various tactics to lure consumers, creating a win-win scenario for both shoppers and businesses.

The concept of Black Friday traces its roots to the United States, where it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Retailers offer significant discounts on a wide range of products to attract a massive customer influx. This strategy, known as loss leader pricing, involves selling a few products at a loss to entice customers into stores, hoping they will buy other items at regular prices.

Retailers also employ the scarcity principle by advertising limited-time offers and doorbuster deals. This sense of urgency compels consumers to make quick decisions, boosting sales.

Furthermore, online shopping has revolutionized Black Friday economics. E-commerce giants use data analytics to customize deals, targeting individual preferences. Cyber Monday, the digital counterpart to Black Friday, capitalizes on the convenience of online shopping. #featured

Money

Australian inflation figure finally starts with a 4

Published

21 hours ago

November 30, 2023

ticker NEWS

Australia’s October inflation figures have surprised economists, as consumer prices rose at a slower pace than anticipated.

This slowdown was primarily attributed to a significant drop in goods prices, contributing to the nation’s subdued economic climate.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October indicated a modest 0.4% increase, falling short of the 0.7% forecasted by analysts. On an annual basis, inflation stood at 2.1%, below the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target range of 2-3%. This unexpected deceleration is likely to affect the country’s monetary policy decisions in the near future.

Goods prices, including essential items like fuel and food, recorded a notable decrease of 0.8%, mainly due to supply chain disruptions and global economic uncertainties. Meanwhile, services prices continued to rise, albeit at a slower rate, driven by higher wages in some sectors.

This unexpected dip in inflation raises questions about the overall health of the Australian economy and the central bank’s strategies to combat it. Policymakers now face the challenge of balancing economic growth with the need to manage inflation effectively. #ticker today #featured