According to a report by LinkedIn in March 2023, 78 percent (nearly 8 in 10) of Indian professionals choose to go to the office for socialising and bonding with their colleagues after COVID, even after having work-from-home options.
Some key findings of the report:
✅ 86% of the respondents expressed that they feel positive about going to the office compared to the year ago. I believe camaraderie is becoming prominent.
✅ Employees are also developing a liking for ‘desk-bombing’. (To know what desk-bombing means, please check the link to my previous post in the comments)
✅ Friday is the least popular day for workers to go into the office and now they believe “Thursday is the new Friday”.
✅ Also Monday was the day when employees felt the need to ‘structure’ their workflow and were at their most productive.
✅ A majority of GenZ workers in India (about 60 percent) have experienced desk-bombing and find it useful, according to the report.
This gives me immense pleasure to share with my readers my recent feat.
I volunteered for the United Nations a few days ago. I am positive you should be awed after analyzing this. I additionally sense extraordinary satisfaction in sharing this written excerpt of my experience with you all.
About my journey
I applied for an online assignment by the African Association of Entrepreneurs (AAE) via the UNV website. According to my assignment, I was supposed to write an analytical article of a business environment in a North African country. The AAE team then reached out to me via email and explained to me all the guidelines about how I have to curate the article. I observed them solemnly and placed my wondering cap on to contemplate on the subject.
Moreover, I become informed that I have to body the article in this kind of manner that it’s far focused on the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of any North African country. So, I did my research and decided to pen down about Egypt. The title of my article was “The role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in making Egypt self-sufficient“. You will also be astounded by the fact that the image that you see with my article i.e. the red and black stamp having “Made in Egypt” written has been created by me with the help of Canva. During my journey, the AAE team was commendable and agile. I cherished operating with them. They have been especially responsive and helped me at every step.
The image on my article.
I, hereby, am sharing the process of application to be a United Nations volunteer. Hope this makes applying for UNV a cakewalk for you.
b. Click on UVP log-in and fill in your credentials in the provided space.
If you do not have an account, sign up first, then refresh the page and log in.
c. After logging in, you will be able to see a series of tabs on the left side of the page: Dashboard, DoAS, Assignments, and Explore.
d. Click on DoAS.
Here, you will be able to see a number of “Descriptions of Assignments”. Click on any of the DoAS and if you fit, apply for them after reading their details and the requirements.
To ease out the process for you, the website provides you with a plethora of filters where you may select the kind of volunteer work you wish to do according to the type (online or onsite), title, country/territory, category, area of expertise, region, host entity, languages, etc. You may apply multiple filters at the same time.
e. Click on any of the DoAS and check your fitness for the assignment by giving a thorough reading to its description, details, and requirements. If you fit, click on the “Apply” button on the right side of the assignment description.
f. In the “Apply” section, fill in the Motivation section, years of relevant experience, availability, and any remarks if you want, check the “Acknowledge” box and hit the “Apply” button at the bottom to apply.
*You may apply for more than one assignment at a time but make sure you tick all the checkboxes required for the assignment.
2. What to write in the “Motivation” section?
This section is where you pitch about why you should be given this opportunity and why you want to volunteer for the assignment.
You may include your work experience, previous volunteer work, education, country of origin, and your values. You should also make it clear why you should be given this opportunity. But do keep in mind that this section has a character limit of 2500 so you have to be very frugal in displaying yourself.
3. What to do after applying?
The team of the authority that had issued the assignment will contact you via email (I had applied for two assignments, one of which was by the African Association of Entrepreneurs and both of them contacted me via email only and not via phone call.) that you entered while signing up.
So, make sure you give an active email ID.
4. Be agile
Make sure you stay in close touch with the team and reply to them well.
Follow these steps to make your UN volunteering an experience to be cherished forever.
United Nations provides a surplus of volunteering opportunities. There are onsite as well as online opportunities and the requirements for both vary accordingly. So, apply for volunteering at the UN and get recognised by this distinguished organisation.
If you face any problems while applying, don’t forget to drop me a message.
And if you have already applied, let’s discuss your experience in the comments.
A study released by National Geographic Traveller India in 2020 shows us that with the availability of Work From Home opportunities for the employees, the offices are becoming obsolete because people are now getting used to working from anywhere. This is also an advantage to the tourism industry because the people who like to travel now have the opportunity to work from their favorite destinations all over the globe and still retain the work culture.
As the pandemic still continues, we have adapted ourselves to the current situation and have become used to working in a suitable corner of our homes. We have adjusted ourselves by finding several other benefits of working from home like maintaining a suitable posture according to our convenience, sitting on a bed or a couch keeping our legs straight, enjoying the freshly prepared meals at home, and even working in our gardens. So, the employees are now wondering if they can also work while being on a trip. A perfect holiday destination along with family will make the work seamless. Because they now know how to work with their families, their kids, and even with their pets around. The camaraderie increases and this creates a positive environment for the employees.
A study has also found that more than one-third of jobs in America could be done entirely from home. Another survey revealed that 82 percent of company leaders plan to offer remote work at least part of the time after the pandemic. Work from Home is also useful because it reduces the time and energy spent on commutation and thus enhances productivity at work. Even the companies can now get their workforce from anywhere in the world along with getting the surety of getting their work done. And employees have the advantage of enjoying their travel destinations along with keeping up with their work.
Now, we are all set to welcome “Work From Anywhere” after “Work from Home”.
Just imagine that you used an app one day, and when you woke up the next day, the view of the app was totally different and mesmerizing. That’s because the UI has been updated.
Time and again we see that many websites and apps update their User Interface(UI) and User Experience(UX) to make their products more user-friendly and easily accessible, along with adding more visual elements to make them more appealing. In a nutshell, they want their users to have a never-seen-before experience. These updates can be observed in almost all the apps we use every day like Google, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter, the OTT platforms, and much more. The limitless opportunities on mobile and web have given birth to more demands of users based on designs, colors, accessibility, fonts, convenience, data, features, and responsiveness. To fulfill these expectations, the UI and UX developers chase new ideas every day. Now let us understand what UX and UI are.
What is UX?
Simply put, User Experience (UX) is how someone feels after using a particular product/service and how comfortably the user can interact with it. These products/services are the websites or applications which the users use on their devices. UX is updated on the basis of the understanding and expectation of the users that will satisfy the business needs as well.
UX developers aim at user satisfaction. So, the updates are checked regularly to keep up with the ever-changing user expectations. Keeping in mind the fact that better products get more visitors, developers always keep on boggling their minds to build up their audience. Another thing that is to be ensured while updating UX is that navigating the app must be a smooth experience for the users. This is because no one likes bugs, interruptions, and lags while using a product on their device and everybody wants seamless accessibility.
One of the parameters that make a UX better is the least time taken to retrieve data from a website, an app, a product, or a search engine. As defined by Don Norman and Jakob Nielsen, “User experience encompasses all aspects of the end-users’ interaction with the company, its services, and its products”.
What is UI?
User Interface (UI) is that space where we interact with a product/service. This space is accessed with the help of a device such as a mobile, laptop, VR device, etc. The User Interface consists of functionalities of a particular website or app such as buttons, icons, search bars, menu bars, etc. UI is also considered a subset of UX. This means that creating a better interface for users is an integral part of the user experience.
To sum it up, UI is what we see and UX is what we feel.
Now that we have a better understanding of UI and UX, we know that UI developers decide how it will look and UX developers take care of how it will operate. So, both the developers work in coherence. A common requirement for both of them is that the usage of their product must be hassle-free and seamless. To fulfill that, both these developers make multiple iterations to check if the product is working properly or not. They check for bugs, intrusions, and inconsistencies, if any, before making it available as the final product to be accessed by the users.
The UI and UX designers apply interactive and visual design principles to web applications and websites for a positive and cohesive user experience. They decide how menus will appear, their sizes, shapes, color schemes, effects, fonts, tabs, graphics, and much more. In order to make the updated version more productive and responsive, the developers may increase or decrease the features to achieve an optimized end-product. They are also involved in changing the product’s current infrastructure to enhance productivity.
To meet the needs of the users, proper research becomes an essential part of updating the UI/UX. This research is done by the developers. The updating process is done through extensive research, testing, and working of the in-built framework, architecture, and other visual elements. Updation is done to smooth out workflows along with the incorporation of pleasant color schemes and graphics. The updated version must be responsive enough to overcome the drawbacks and sometimes even subtle changes can also bring drastic effects.
Some features in an updated UI/UX are as follows:
Looks appealing to the users
All the features are easily accessible
Consists of multiple useful features
Faster than the previous version
Better visual elements than the previous version
Changes are made on the basis of the feedback of the users
More secured
Attracts more users and maintains the existing ones
Satisfy the requirements of people of different cultures and backgrounds
Keeps us updated with the varying trends in designs and graphics
In today’s time, where we have a variety of devices to work on, users’ requirements change with the change in the device and their screen time also changes. A study has revealed that as the size of the screen decreases, the span of using it also reduces. This poses an even bigger challenge to the UI/UX developers to retain that quality of audience with the shift in devices. For example, we use a web app for a larger time on a laptop than on a mobile phone. Also, if a user experiences outdated visual elements or functionalities, it then creates a negative impression about the owner of the app/website. To overcome these challenges, developers have to bring all their ideas together and serve them to the users after applying multiple algorithms that ultimately lead to the best results. The UI/UX developers are sometimes solely responsible to maintain the interest of the users in apps and websites because we, the users, use such apps in which we find value and feel delighted after using them.
We say that “Change is the law of nature” and if after updating our apps we feel that “Change is beautiful”, that is a sign of a good UI/UX.
Since their inception, Siri (2011) and Google Assistant (2016) have made our work easier than we could ever have thought. It feels great to get our work done with just one voice command. But do you even know how Siri and Google Assistant have been able to help us out from a myriad of options and tasks available? It is Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a computing technology in which the machine learns from past experiences and generates the desired results. AI systems find their applications in areas that need the association of human intelligence like visual perception, data analysis, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. It uses technologies like Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP).
WHAT IS MACHINE LEARNING (ML)?
Machine learning, a computer algorithm, which is a subset of Artificial Intelligence improves working automatically through a process of learning from the experiences of the machine/device. This algorithm takes into consideration the patterns in data and provides better results in the future. Another concept that goes along with machine learning is deep learning. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning which uses neural networks to improve itself without the need of any human to do it manually, which is sometimes the case with machine learning.
WHAT IS NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING (NLP)?
Natural Language Processing is another method of AI that lets us communicate with an intelligent device. These intelligent devices are none other than our own smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. NLP helps the device to interpret the human language and display the results in the same language.
Artificial Intelligence can be categorized in two ways: Narrow AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
Narrow AI: Narrow AI is a type of Artificial Intelligence that makes use of machine learning and deep learning extensively. It is also called “Weak AI” because it operates with some limitations. We are only capable of performing limited tasks with the help of Narrow AI. Although the devices seem to communicate with humans or appear to be as intelligent as humans, they lack in acquiring the most basic human intelligence. The devices are only able to perform simple tasks with simple commands. Some of the applications of Narrow AI are Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, image recognition software, IBM’s Watson, and self-driving cars.
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): AGI, often called “Strong AI” is much more advanced than Narrow AI. Although we are still working on developing AGI and embedding it into our devices, we are already aware of the benefits we will be having after developing it. With the help of AGI, the machines will be able to perform tasks with similar precision as humans do. They will have much better decision-making and problem-solving capabilities, just like we watch Robots in movies. AGI will be capable of handling more challenging, complex, and philosophical tasks simultaneously and with greater efficiency.
SIRI AND GOOGLE ASSISTANT
Both Siri and Google Assistant are narrow AI algorithms that get our work done by our voice commands, “Hey! Siri” and “Ok Google!”. They also utilize machine learning and deep learning extensively. Along with that, the use of NLP helps them understand our language and revert us to the same language itself. It is as simple as that. The built-in AI technology then communicates with us and provides us the results of our search.
These voice-enabled searches have eased out our work and now we don’t even need to type the whole query with the help of our keyboards to find something on the internet. With the help of Narrow AI algorithms, both Siri and Google Assistant help us in fulfilling some simple tasks like searching for a restaurant nearby, looking for doctors, and calling someone with the help of voice command. Since they are AI-based, we can even save some of our data just by telling these tools, and they will remember it for almost eternity. For example, you tell Google Assistant that my sister’s name is ‘B’, and whenever you ask it in the future, “Hey Google! What is my sister’s name?”, you will get the answer as “Your sister’s name is B”. If you have not tried it till now, then you must go for it today itself.
You can also set a timer for baking a cake, set an alarm for your workout with the help of your voice, or open any app just by saying it. You can even type your messages by just spelling out the words and the next moment, you see them getting typed on your screen. This is all Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. Moreover, Siri can speak 21 languages, and Google Assistant is capable of speaking 44 languages, till March 2020. So, now you can have an idea about how diverse these applications are.
The day was fun and I was super excited to get into the metro all by myself and with myself. 🙂
My journey began at Rajendra Place metro station, Delhi from where I had to take transit to Sector 15. Without enough prior knowledge about this mode of transport, I entered the wrong metro. Blunder!! 🤦
Me.. Stepping into the Metro 🙂
But as soon as I entered the metro, I looked at the map where the last location which had a red light in front of its name was “Vaishali”… And I was like whatttt!!!
The doors got shut but I was instinctive to leave this metro at the very next station i.e. Karol Bagh. As I came out of the metro at the Karol Bagh metro station, I felt a sigh of relief. I breathed at that station at 9:15 in the morning which was hardly occupied by 10 people in all.
Now I was all set to enter the correct metro, depending solely on my self-learning. OOPS!!
Then came another Metro. As this metro was heading towards me, I noticed that it had its last location mentioned on an LED screen at the front. All my nerves started sending impulsive messages to each other because I had to be extra sure this time before entering it.
The metro stopped in front of me, doors opened, I saw the map, and I was dumbstruck. It had no lights lit… It was a plain map. And I was again like… what is this!!
And then I decided not to board it.
I think the pilot also understood it and the doors got shut. 😁
I waited for 2 minutes again. Then came another metro, and with all my self-learning coming into play, I again noticed that it had “Vaishali” written on the LED screen on its front face. Till now, I had understood what that meant.
The doors opened again, I checked the map again… And this was also a plain map with no light lit at “Vaishali”. But this time, I knew where it was going and I did not board it.
By this time, I had understood the pattern… The Metros to Vaishali and Electronic City come alternatively. YESSS!!
So, I knew it was my Metro’s turn now. I was damn excited.
I waited for hardly 1 minute. Then came ‘my’ Metro. It had “Electronic city” lit at the front so I knew it will take me to sector 15. Before entering, I checked the map. It was a plain map with no lights. But I had no doubts this time. I stepped in and felt relieved.
All the seats were occupied but there was hardly any crowd. So, by the time I was waiting for a seat to become vacant, I checked the map.
Now I came to know that both these metros, to Vaishali and to electronic city, have the same route till “Yamuna bank”. And that was a revelation.
While being in the metro, I enjoyed my ride. I had to wait for a very short time to get a seat. During my journey, I clicked pictures of the mesmerizing views, took videos of the lush green fields near Yamuna Bank, understood the geography of Delhi and Noida, and had an extremely fun time travelling SOLO.
Dear readers, this article contains my very personal experiences and a lot of useful information for you’ll readers. So, read, learn, enjoy and let me know in the comments how much you liked it!!
There are very few people in this world who get the opportunity to speak in front of a large gathering. Not everyone is that lucky to get a chance to rise on a stage and express themselves before a big audience. There is nothing called the “fear of stage” as far as I have experienced. It is just a ‘setup’ in some people’s minds. In fact, speaking on a mic is an experience that everyone should go through at least once during a lifetime and also embrace.
It’s been a while since I wanted to address people about this issue because many people feel a bit dejected and depressed when they are not able to face the public while they are on stage. But fortunately, it has never happened to me. So I feel I am the right person to talk about it.
I have always been very active in participating in many school functions as well as college fests. And out of all the activities, my charmer was anchoring. My college life was full of debates, projects, presentations, and a spectacular fest that took place every year. So, it was always fun to be able to express myself before many different people every time I went to a lectern.
For some, it is fear. But for me, it has always been fun.
I was never frightened by the faces of the audience. Rather, what always attracted me was the mic. It feels great when you get to hear your own voice, one that comes out of the speakers. And what was even more exciting was my capability to modulate my voice. I always loved it. 🙂
Also, being the centre of attraction gives you immense pleasure, trust me. 😉
So here I am to suggest some tips for the time when you will be on a stage. And, here they go:
1. Step up on the stage with a smile. You are the greatest motivator to yourself. The confidence that you wear reflects in your smile. And as they say, “smile is the best makeup….” which means a smile can even make you even more beautiful.
2. Start loving your audience and communicate with them by keeping a healthy smile on your face and proper eye contact. Once you get comfortable with them, you are left with no fear.
3. In your daily life, make a habit of creating eye contact while talking to people. This really helps build self-confidence.
4. A good posture is always the key to confronting people. Keep your back straight and your head high, but be polite.
5. The best way to check whether a mic is working or not is by blowing some air into it. The other way is by tapping the mike. I personally never checked a mike by saying “hello, hello…. 1,2,3…” 😂😂😂 Never.
6. Greetings. We always commence our speech with salutations. But what I always do is that I add some kind of a slogan, a poem of two lines, or some overwhelming quotes before my greetings. This gives a thrust to your content and draws your audience’s attention to you.
7. Make your content so strong that your audience doesn’t get distracted anywhere else. Good content always grabs the audience’s attention.
8. Make your content humorous. No one likes a boring speaker.
9. If you are hosting the event with a partner, make sure both of you are in sync with each other. Try to balance the pitch and amplitude of your voices. It simply means that both voices should be well coordinated. Neither one too high, nor the other too low.
10. Control and utilize your energy well while being on stage. Also, stay at a sufficient distance from the mic and adjust your amplitude accordingly. Do not get over-excited, otherwise, your tone will increase and the listeners will be compelled to put fingers into their ears.
Everybody must try to grab this opportunity to be on stage sometimes. It is very much required to build your self-esteem. Being on stage is a grand experience. Your presence on the stage boosts ur confidence to such a great extent that you don’t wanna come back.
Do let me know any of your stage experiences in the comments. I would love to know them.
ANU SHARMA 
