Andrew Stegmann

Are Companies Ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

Business leaders are currently facing two high-level challenges: the need for business model innovation and identifying how best to use the next generation of technologies.

With the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) gaining momentum, companies must prepare themselves to do things differently.

Richard Firth, CEO of MIP Holdings

“Typical innovation approaches will no longer be enough as we move into the digital future. Only companies that master the profound technological challenges 4IR is creating will remain relevant – and they need to do more than merely adopt technologies because their competitors are doing so. Businesses looking to survive, and thrive, need to master the technological challenges and transform them into opportunities.”

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report predicts that leaders and organisations will need to understand and learn to harness four major technologies – 5G, cloud technology, big data and AI. Firth points out that the biggest challenge for businesses today is handling the emerging business models and evolving customer expectations created by technology leaders.

We are living in a world where unforeseen technological innovation is the new normal, and companies are grappling with how to best use new technologies such as AI and big data to create real value. They are also struggling to balance product innovation against business model innovation. At the same time, customers are demanding real-time, personalised experiences. Consumers can no longer be viewed as the end users of products, but must be seen as active participants in the supply chain. As a result, any new technology must be implemented as part of a strategic decision to solve today – and tomorrow’s – customer demands.

Richard Firth, CEO of MIP Holdings

“We are already seeing applications of artificial intelligence in supply chain management and customer service interactions, but the technology is still in its infancy, relatively speaking, and we have a long way to go before it delivers the value businesses and customers expect from it. That being said, companies that embrace AI and integrate it into every element of their business and technology strategies today, are the ones that will be leading the future.”

Firth adds that developing and nurturing a future-focused workforce is also essential. “Investments in technology should be synchronised with investments into people. Your people are going to use and interact with these technologies on a daily basis, so they should have the appropriate skills and knowledge to ensure that any transformation initiatives a company undertakes is successful. If a company only focuses on the technology, it is missing an opportunity to close critical skills gaps and future-proof itself.”

Almost all organisations in the future will be digital, and 60% of all global GDP will come from digital sources by 2022, according to the World Economic Forum. In light of this, Firth says that companies not keeping on top of emerging technologies and understanding how to harness their capabilities may as well already close their doors. “The coming decade will be a pivotal time for organisations to make themselves 4IR-ready. The successful businesses of the future will be the ones that can take decisions at light speed, and act on their insights equally fast,” he concludes.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

Emirates and Etihad Resuming Flights

Emirates

Dubai’s Emirates Airline is resuming scheduled passenger flights from today (Thursday May 21), and now these return flights will continue until June 30.

Currently, Dubai’s flagship carrier will operate flights to nine different destinations, including connections between UK and Australia.

As of today, passenger return flights include the below:

  • London, UK
  • Frankfurt, Germany
  • Paris, France
  • Milan, Italy
  • Chicago, USA
  • Toronto, Canada
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Melbourne, Australia

In light of further developments of COVID-19, destinations and regulations may be changed. You can keep updated by visiting Emirates’ essential travel page.

As for re-entry to the UAE, restrictions remain in place upon arrival in Dubai which includes a mandatory DHA test on arrival and a mandatory 14-day quarantine and a follow up test before release.

Emirates has advised travellers to arrive at check-in three hours ahead of departure to avoid any delays, and to bring their own face mask, hand gloves and abide by social distancing rules.

Along with this, passengers will need to bring their approval letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allowing them to return back to the UAE.

Etihad Airways has also announced increased flights to destinations around the world, including more frequent repatriation flights. Find out more here.

Etihad

Etihad Airways has started to increase the frequency of international flights from Abu Dhabi.

Flights to a number of destinations worldwide have been announced over the past few weeks to destinations including New York, London, Toronto, Tokyo and more.

Changes to flights and airspace have come about due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout May and June, Etihad will increase the frequency of flights to previously announced locations and will add new flights to locations including Milan, Paris and more.

A number of safety measure have also been introduced for passengers travelling with Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi in-flight and at the airport.

In addition, travellers must apply in advance for Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) approval through the UAE Twajudi resident service.

When approved you will receive a unique ICA approval number by email which must be used when booking.

The latest schedule of flights for May and June from Abu Dhabi are below:
• Amsterdam on May 20, 22, 27, 29 and June 1, 3, 8, 10 and 15.
• Barcelona on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Belgrade on May 21.
• Brussels on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Dublin on May 23 and 30 and June 6 and 13.
• Geneva on May 23 and 30 and June 6 and 13.
• Frakfurt on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Jakarta on May 21 and 28 and June 4 and 11.
• Kuala Lumpur on May 23 and 30 and June 6 and 13.
• London on May 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 30 and June 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 15.
• Melbourne on May 20, 22, 27 and 28 and June and 11.
• Milan on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Paris on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Seoul on May 21, 23, 28 and 30 and June 4, 6, 11 and 13.
• Singapore on May 12 and June 2 and 9.
• Sydney on May 26 and June 2 and 9.
• Tokyo on May 25 and June 1 and 8.
• Toronto on May 21.
• Zurich on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.

For more information about repatriation flights, click here.

Abu Dhabi airport has also recently announced new rules for arrivals in the city from destinations overseas.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].



Andrew Stegmann

Relo Originals: The Importance of Recycling

At Relocation Africa, over the years, we’ve recognized the importance of a strong recycling culture at our head office, and of motivating team members to get involved in our efforts to be kinder to the planet.

As we all know, sustainability has been a hot topic for some time now, with many companies looking for ways to put the environment higher up the priority list when it comes to operational decisions. Climate change is an ever-looming threat to the well-being of future generations, and the world as a whole is already well behind with where it should have been, with emissions targets not having been met, and waste disposal, especially of non-biodegradables, being at far too high a level for the long-term.

At our head office in Cape Town, we’ve decided to take a multifaceted approach to sustainability. This includes:

  • Striving towards a paperless office, be encouraging team members to use digital notes, and collaborate on documents in the cloud, rather than printing things that would waste paper.
  • Having dedicated recycling bins around the office, in which staff are to place recyclable items, instead of throwing them in the regular garbage cans.
  • Having a regular drop-off at our local recycling depot, which we have been using for years. The Oasis Association, which runs the depot, uses its income to support those in South Africa with mental disabilities, through support workshops, day centers, and group homes.
  • Encouraging staff members to use sustainable items.
  • Doing annual litter clean-ups in the area around our office, and taking the items collected off the street to our local depot for recycling.

Oasis Recycling Depot

From left: Tanja Glatz, Marlyse Wood, Chantelle Butcher, Lucy Smith, Joy Jackson, Eloise Williams, Inaaz Arend, Nausheena Hoosain, Rene Stegmann, Lynn Mackenzie, Quintin Coetzee

 

Even though individual efforts may seem small, when they add up on a company-wide scale, they are truly impactful. And if more companies join in, we may stand a chance at reaching those elusive targets. We hope our initiatives inspire more businesses to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Let’s all join together to reduce waste, and have a positive impact on our natural environment.

Gallery

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

Feeling Anxious About Coronavirus? A UCSF Psychologist Offers Tips to Stay Clearheaded

As cases of the novel coronavirus infection, COVID-19, increase across the U.S., many people may be feeling anxious. UC San Francisco psychologist Elissa Epel, PhD, who studies stress, shared some thoughts about the difference between anxiety and panic, and steps you can take to prevent panic and be prepared.

Some anxiety is normal, but our anxious minds can easily go into panic mode

“The good news about the widespread anxiety is that it is fueling big changes fast—many people in affected areas are being very careful to limit exposure. Anxiety fosters prevention and safeguarding behaviors. Prevention reduces anxiety,” said Epel

“However, when threats are uncertain, such as the current coronavirus situation, our anxious minds can easily overestimate the actual threat and underestimate our ability to cope with it.” Epel noted that people with pre-existing anxiety conditions are particularly vulnerable.

“While some anxiety helps us cope, extreme anxiety can become coronavirus panic. When we are in a panic state, we suffer, we stress out our children, we are more likely to make mistakes and engage in irrational decisions and behavior,” said Epel. Panic can create new problems, such as overbuying that creates supply chain shortages of masks and sanitizers, and xenophobia toward certain groups.

Keep in mind that your anxiety influences those around you, said Epel. “Too much anxiety creates emotion contagion and spreads panic. That’s not helpful.”

Children will naturally have questions about the coronavirus, said Epel, and she pointed to resources to help you talk to your children and help them manage their own anxiety.

Limit media exposure and stick with reliable sources

“It’s tempting to check for updates, but checking several times a day can keep us in an escalated state of anxiety,” said Epel. “We then easily transmit that type of exaggerated anxiety to our children and those around us.” Focusing on catastrophic thoughts and predictions, especially given the examples on social media, can fuel panicky feelings.

Instead, she advises sticking to reliable sources of coronavirus information such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Be informed about the key safety precautions, and be supportive to others, helping them think more calmly about it.

Reduce anxiety by reducing your risk

“Don’t feel silly or embarrassed about taking reasonable precautions,” said Epel. For example, follow the safety advice from the CDC, such as frequent handwashing; stay home if you don’t feel well; get enough sleep and take good care of your immune system. “Preparing a plan for the future, such minimizing exposure to large crowds, makes sense and can help reduce anxiety,” said Epel.

“During this uncertain time, it’s important to keep up your self-care routine, or even add something to it, to reduce your somatic anxiety, the anxiety we store up in our bodies,” said Epel. Consider what helps you most, such as taking a walk in nature, meditating, exercising, or talking to a friend.

“Make time to step back from screens, and make sure to connect with people about things other than just this issue,” said Epel.

About UCSF Psychiatry

The UCSF Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics, and the Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute are among the nation’s foremost resources in the fields of child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric mental health.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: CDC [1], [2].