
(Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels) By Stephen Beech Employees are suffering "techno-strain" as a result of digital systems making it difficult to switch off from work, warns a new study. Staff are experiencing mental and physical issues due to being "hyperconnected" through digital technology, according to the findings. Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine conducted detailed interviews with employees from a variety of professions. They found that the cognitive and affective effort associated with constant connectivity and high work pace driven by the digital workplace is detrimental to employee well-being. The study is the final part of a research project exploring the "dark side effects" of digital working which include stress, overload, anxiety and fear of missing out. The results, published in the journal Frontiers in Organisational Psychology , highlight an "overarching" theme of "digital workplace technology intensity" as a result of digital workplace job demands. The research team says their findings indicate a "sense of burden" associated with working digitally which surfaced for most participants in perceptions of overload and feelings of being "overwhelmed" by the proliferation of messages, apps and meetings in the digital workplace. They say "fear of missing out" - or FOMO- on important information and contact with colleagues also contributed to stress and strain for digital workers, as did hassles encountered when using digital technologies. (Photo by Tara Winstead via Pexels) Study leader Elizabeth Marsh said: “Digital workplaces benefit both organizations and employees, for example by enabling collaborative and flexible work. "However, what we have found in our research is that there is a potential dark side to digital working, where employees can feel fatigue and strain due to being overburdened by the demands and intensity of the digital work environment. "A sense of pressure to be constantly connected and keeping up with messages can make it hard to psychologically detach from work." Fourteen employees were interviewed in detail and asked about their perceptions and experiences of digital workplace job demands and impacts to their health. Comments from interviewees included: “[It’s] just more difficult to leave it behind when it's all online and you can kind of jump on and do work at any time of the day or night.” Another participant said: “You kind of feel like you have to be there all the time. You have to be a little green light,” while another commented: “It's that pressure to respond [...] I've received an e-mail, I've gotta do this quickly because if not, someone might think “What is she doing from home?” In their analysis, the researchers explored potential underlying psychological, technological and organizational factors that may influence ways in which employees experience digital workplace job demands. The findings showed that participants' dark side experiences were particularly shaped by a pervasive and constant state of connectivity in the digital workplace, termed "hyperconnectivity." Those experiences contributed to a sense of pressure to be available and the erosion of work-life boundaries, according to the research team. (Photo by Thirdman via Pexels) They said the evidence also indicates that "hyperconnectivity" has become the norm among workers post-pandemic. PhD student Marsh said: “The findings underline the need for both researchers and professionals to identify, understand and mitigate the digital workplace job demands to protect the well-being of digital workers.” The research also makes practical suggestions for employers including helping workers improve their digital skills and empowering them to manage boundaries in the digital workplace. The team says their findings could also be used by IT departments to consider how to improve the usability and accessibility of the digital workplace, as well as reining in the proliferation of applications. Dr. Alexa Spence, Professor of Psychology, said: “This research extends the Job Demands-Resources literature by clarifying digital workplace job demands including hyperconnectivity and overload." She added: "It also contributes a novel construct of digital workplace technology intensity which adds new insight on the causes of technostress in the digital workplace. "In doing so, it highlights the potential health impacts, both mental and physical, of digital work.”
From left: Representing Visa, INSA Sri Lanka and Maldives Director/Account Executive Nalin Dissanayake, Director – Products and Solutions Gimali Soysa, Country Manager – Sri Lanka and Maldives Avanthi Colombage, with Sampath Bank representatives, Assistant General Manager – Card Centre Shiran Kossinna, Manager – Card Centre Marketing Chirath Samarasekara, Manager – Merchant Relationships, Digital Products and Card Sales Chaminda Samarajeewa, Officer In Charge – E-Commerce Business Development Miranda Thennakoon Sampath Bank yesterday announced its successful integration with the payment gateway Cybersource, further strengthening its position as a leader in digital banking. Through this partnership, Sampath Bank is committed to offering seamless payment solutions to businesses that unlock opportunities for growth and success. This integration with Cybersource, a Visa solution, enhances secure, user-friendly transactions while equipping merchants with advanced fraud management tools, detailed reporting capabilities and adaptable payment processes tailored to their unique needs. Cybersource is a leading payment gateway from Visa renowned for delivering fast, convenient, and secure payment solutions designed for small and large e-commerce businesses. Following a successful, seamless onboarding process, Sampath Bank now enables merchants of all sizes to accept secure online payments in various currencies, with the system safeguarding confidential payment information and customer data throughout the transaction process. Sampath Bank Assistant General Manager – Card Centre Shiran Kossinna said: “At Sampath Bank, we are dedicated to delivering forward-thinking solutions that strengthen both the security and convenience of our customers’ transactions. Our integration with Cybersource marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing innovative digital services. With this partnership, we aim to empower merchants to thrive in an increasingly competitive market, allowing them to focus on their core business while we manage the complexities of payment processing.” Visa Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Avanthi Colombage said: “We are delighted to further deepen our partnership with Sampath Bank with this new collaboration and offer Cybersource to the bank’s merchants. With our collective commitment to digitise commerce in Sri Lanka, we are bringing secure, simple and accessible solutions to our country’s businesses so they can accept domestic and cross-border digital payments. We aim to enable merchants of all sizes to thrive in the digital marketplace by equipping them with the tools and technology to navigate today’s dynamic economy confidently.” Through this integration with Cybersource, a globally trusted partner in enhancing customer experiences, Sampath Bank reaffirms its commitment to onboarding merchants and supporting their growth by offering secure, reliable payment solutions aligned with its customers’ evolving needs.PM Anwar (left) being escorted by Premier Abang Johari during the former’s visit to Kapit on Sept 29. — Bernama photo YEAR 2024 was a busy one for Kapit, somewhat correlating with the prediction for the Year of the Wood Dragon on the Chinese zodiac calendar. Many astrologers have said that the Year of the Wood Dragon will be a time of growth and changes, but not without its challenges especially in terms of the environment. Here is the list of happenings in Kapit that have taken place throughout the past 12 months. Visits by nation’s leaders On Jan 15, Deputy Health Minister Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni visited Kapit Hospital to officiate at the presentation of the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility, meant to enable the medical officers in diagnosing the patients more accurately. According to Kapit Hospital director Dr Francis Lee, previously the patients had to be referred to Sibu Hospital for the MRI, which was quite burdensome for them, not to mention time-consuming. In April this year, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick performed the earth-breaking ceremony for the portable petrol pump owned by Sungai Kapit Cooperative at Kampung Sawang, Jalan Melekun in Baleh. This new facility meant to ease the congestion at the already-existing two petrol stations in town. On July 3, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi visited Punan Ba at the border of Kapit and Belaga districts. He also announced various infrastructure projects for Kapit, including the federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKLW)-funded works on water treatment plant, solar hybrid energy, Sungai Ba Bridge, and Jiwa Murni Belaga-Punan Ba road, set to benefit over 1,300 villagers in the area. On Sept 29, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated at the earth-breaking for the RM150-million new Kapit District police headquarters at Bletih, meant to replace the old station that was built 1970. The new police station to boost the security here. The Prime Minister also announced that the federal government agreed to give priority to the construction of several road projects in Kapit Division. He had said that the first phase of the road construction should kick off in 2025, and that he had asked Public Works Minister and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi to ‘speed things up’. Anwar, who was accompanied by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, also attended a briefing on the construction of a bridge across the Rajang River in Nanga Yong during his Kapit visit. Later, Anwar attended a gathering with community leaders and longhouse chieftains in Kapit and Song districts, at Rumah Robert in Nanga Sebatu. On Kapit’s news police headquarters, Anwar said it would house 146 personnel, including senior and junior police officers and general officers. “With the new Kapit District police headquarters, it will raise the effectiveness of assignments, ensure public order and safety in the district and facilitate service delivery to the people of Kapit district. “It will also benefit police officers and personnel in Kapit by ensuring their welfare and reducing their cost of living expenses,” he said in a Facebook post, adding that the project would be implemented in two phases from 2025 to 2029, beginning with ground works and then the construction of the headquarters’ complex. On the Nanga Yong bridge project, Anwar said it would encompass a new tarred road and two bridges connecting Jalan Nanga Belawai and Jalan Song-Kapit, as well as the upgrading of two junctions scheduled to kick off in 2025, and reach completion in 2029. “This project will bring socio-economic development to residents in settlements along Rajang River, including in Nanga Belawai and Kapit town. “Upon completion, it will be a safe and comfortable rural road network for all residents, and create a platform to build other public facilities, including electricity, water and telecommunications,” he said. The Prime Minister also approved allocations of RM2 million for bank restoration works meant to overcome erosion issues along Sungai Rejang at Robert Longhouse, Nanga Sebatu. ‘A visit, 45 years later’ In May this year, 90-year-old Reverend Pastor Richard Schwenk from Chicago, USA, spent a week in Kapit, visiting his former parish and reconnecting with old colleagues, friends and the longhouse folks in town and also in Baleh. Richard, who was accompanied by his son John and grand-niece Kete, arrived in Kapit in 1965, where he served as an Agriculture Missionary under Sarawak Methodist Iban Annual Conference till 1979. (From left) John, Kete, Richard, Ling Geok Lian and Kimi Soon Peng Hai during the recent meet up in Kapit. “I was stationed at Nanga Mujong in Baleh to teach the longhouse folks about cultivating their land for paddy, vegetable and fruit tree farming, aiming for food sufficiency. “Later, I was attached to the Methodist CHEMPRO (Community, Health, Education, Motivation and Propagation). “I also taught English Language and Bible Studies at SM Methodist Kapit,” recalled Richard. Changes in leadership Year 2024 also witnessed changes in community leadership. In April, Kapit Division Chinese paramount community leader Temenggong Yong Thu Fook passed away at age 71, which resulted in promotion of several appointments. Pemanca Toh Tze Hua was later appointed as the Temenggong, Penghulu Lim Eng Hock as the Pemanca, and Kapitan John Khoo as Penghulu. Kapit Iban community leader Pemanca Enggin Nyipa, 85, retired and consequently, Penghulu Pasang Tubak became the Pemanca. Pemanca Steward Saweng also retired and was replaced by Penghulu Bunsu Geringang, while ‘Tuai Rumah’ (Longhouse Chieftain) George Tang became Penghulu. Malaysia Games 2024 On May 19, the division-leg ‘Sukma Baton Run’ kicked off with 500 participants covering the 2.3km route around Kapit town. Among them were past Malaysia Games (Sukma) top athletes Tiong Tien Kong (boxing), Stanley Jaranding (swimming), Richard Lim (weightlifting) and Jenny Saie (hockey). Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Native Customs and Laws) and Bukit Goram assemblyman Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat performing the flag-off for the division-leg of the Sukma Baton Run, at Kapit Civic Centre. The run was conducted to promote the 21st edition of the Games, hosted by Sarawak from Sept 20 to 28. It kicked off in Limbang, proceeding to Miri, Bintulu, Mukah, Sibu, Kapit, Sarikei, Betong, Sri Aman, Serian and Samarahan, before ending in Kuching. River tragedies On March 7, a speedboat transporting five passengers from SK Lepong Baleh jetty to Nanga Tulie, capsized in Baleh River. All five men on board that ill-fated vessel were part of a team transporting explosives to a construction site in Nanga Tulie. Four of them were pulled underwater after the boat turned over, but a passing boatman managed to rescue one passenger, Muhammad Firdaus Ngui Abdullah @ Moses Ngui. On March 9, the body of Sgt Jonathan Lambet was found near Kapit Express, while the boat driver Jack Balan was found in Sibu, and Amerson John Nain was found in Meradong. On March 15, police found the body of Cpl Iskandar Ibrahim at the Seputin section of the Rajang River, about 2km from the site of the incident. On March 19, at around 2pm, Muhammad Firdaus was pronounced dead at Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching, where he was receiving treatment. On Nov 19, Tuai Rumah Bubut Benang went missing after the fibreglass boat that he was in struck a rock and sank in the Rajang River. Bubut, a contractor, together with his wife and a worker, were travelling from Rumah Belaja in Nanga Benin to Kapit town. Bubut’s wife, in her police report, said their boat struck a rock in the middle of the river and sank. She, along with the worker, managed to swim to safety, but her husband was nowhere to be seen. Bubut was returning from inspecting the ongoing construction of a bridge at Rumah Belaja, some 30km from Kapit town. His body was found at around 3.30pm on Nov 21, located some 500m downriver from where the incident occurred. On Nov 27, 75-year-old retired pastor Bangau Amping lost his life when his car was washed away during the flash floods at Sungai Selepong in Selirik. It was reported that he was driving home after dropping his wife at the Terasang Market, at around 5.30am, when the incident occurred. It was also stated that the continuous heavy rain since around 2am, had caused the water level at Sungai Selepong to rise quickly and inundate the road. The fast-flowing waters carried Bangau’s car around 50m away from the road before the vehicle got stuck in the riverbed and was almost submerged. The first responders from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Civil Defence Force and police arrived at the scene around 7am, where they saw Bangau trapped in the driver’s seat. However, upon extricating him from the saloon car, the retired pastor was pronounced dead at the site. This major unusual flooding was among four recorded in Kapit this year: the others occurred on July 3, Aug 22, and Oct 19. Photo shows floodwater almost submerging the vehicles at the 43-door Rumah Dennis Langok at Sungai Amang in Selirik. A century of peace The 100th anniversary of Kapit Peace Agreement Kapit was hailed as a significant milestone for this division, in that it emphasised the importance of peace in growth and development of a region. The celebration, which ran from Dec 1 to 8, commemorated the historic event at Fort Sylvia on Nov 16, 1924, which ended years of tribal warfare and division. The Tun Jugah Foundation, in a statement, highlighted the chaotic era before the Brookes administration, noting the conflicts often arose over spiritual beliefs, social status, territorial disputes and resources. Rivalries existed both between and within ethnic groups, exacerbating the unrest. Nanta (front, second left) and former federal minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leo Moggie, on his left, arriving at Kapit Civic Centre to attend the closing of the seminar, carried out in connection with 100th anniversary of Kapit Peace Agreement Kapit. It said under Rajah James Brooke’s rule starting in 1841, pacification tactics were introduced to quell uprisings and resistance movements. These efforts included symbolic peace ceremonies featuring exchanges of valuables and acts of reconciliation, such as the killing of pigs. “The Brookes administration faced serious opposition from the local leaders who fought with courage and resilience, seeking to preserve their traditions and autonomy. The Brookes resorted to pacification tactics as a way to quell uprisings, rebellions, and resistance movements,” said the foundation, as cited in a Bernama report. The Brookes also undertook punitive expeditions to restore order, including the Katibas, Ulu Ai, and Great Kayan expeditions. A notable effort, the Kayan Expedition, involved over 15,000 fighters using 500 longboats. These missions laid the groundwork for the eventual peace ceremony in Kapit. The pivotal peace ceremony of 1924 marked the end of conflicts among the Iban, the Kayan, the Kenyah and the Kajang communities. Works Minister and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, also the chairman of the Tun Jugah Foundation, described the agreement as ‘a beacon for future progress in the region’. “As Kapit enters its second century, the legacy of the 1924 Peace Agreement continues to guide its journey. “The 100th anniversary celebration served as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of peace, unity, and collaboration,” said the statement.
METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Dejounte Murray plans to return to the New Orleans Pelicans ' lineup on Wednesday night for the first time since fracturing his left hand in a season-opening victory over Chicago on Oct. 23. And when Murray takes the court against the Toronto Raptors , his mother will be on his mind. After practice on Tuesday, Murray discussed his impending return and disclosed more details about the previously unspecified “personal matters” that caused him to leave the team during the final days of the preseason. His mother had a stroke, he said. “It was tough to leave and go deal with that. As she got better, she wanted me to come play,” Murray said of his last-minute decision to start against Chicago. He added that his hand injury near the end of that game was God's way of telling him, “‘Nah, you need to stay with your mom.’” “I was more concerned about my mother. That was my priority,” Murray continued. “I wasn’t really worried about my recovery.” Murray's mother has recovered well, he said, while he is “healthy and ready to help this team.” “I’m ready to hoop. Play for my mother — she’s going to be watching," Murray said. “I’m ready to compete, bring that winning spirit.” The Pelicans (4-14) certainly could use the help, having lost 14 of 16 games since opening the season with a pair of victories. Injuries have ravaged the roster. At times, all five starters have been out. Star power forward Zion Williamson has missed 12 games this season — one with an illness and 11 with a hamstring injury. Herb Jones has been sidelined by a shoulder strain and Brandon Ingram's status is in doubt after he sat out practice on Tuesday with calf soreness that also sidelined him during a loss on Monday night at Indiana. But at least two starters — Murray and fellow guard CJ McCollum — are expected to play against the Raptors. “I don’t care how many games we’ve lost. I just know every time I step on the floor I feel like we can win games,” said Murray, who had 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in his lone game with the Pelicans. "That’s just my mentality, and I feel like it can carry over to a lot of guys.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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Major retailers in UK and Ireland pull products associated with Conor McGregorMicah Richards was 'banned' from discussing Brest on Tuesday night, leading to a hilariously immature conversation about the French side. Brest were facing Barcelona in the Champions League and as part of CBS Sport's coverage of the night's action, Kate Abdo , Thierry Henry , Jamie Carragher and Richards were set to take a look at the side. CBS Sports have built a reputation for combining sports content with comedy and entertainment, leading to a number of memorable moments in their recent coverage. Knowing that ex- Manchester City star Richards has a somewhat immature sense of humour, Abdo took the opportunity to have some fun and try to make him laugh when discussing the unfortunately-named French side. “We are going to do a segment about Brest, but unfortunately you’ve consistently proven that you can’t stay professional when talking about Brest so production would ask are you comfortable just staying silent?” Richards responded: “Come on, Kate. I can do this! You can’t trust me?," to which Abdo replied: “No, we can’t. Experience has taught us not to trust you.” Beginning the segment, Abdo asked: “So after four games, who here likes Brest?," to which Carragher immediately raised his hand. “You like Brest?” asked Abdo, with Carragher replying: “I like the shape of them.” This led Richards to burst out laughing as he watched on in disbelief. Abdo continued: “You look at the setup that the manager has got – do you think he’s going with a front two tonight?” Henry replied: “Yeah, two big – a big pair up front who will try to...” “work off each other,” interrupted Carragher. Abdo then asked: “I’m interested to know how much you like to watch them, would you pay to watch them?” Carragher then replied: “I have done,” which led to hysterical laughter from Henry and Richards. Henry then added: “One thing you have to say is that you don’t have to be big, you can be small to compete,” with Abdo replying: “Hmm, that’s interesting.” The anchor then asked: “Do you think Brest could get exposed tonight?” with Carragher cheekily replying: “I hope so!” With a look of disbelief on his face, Richards asked: “What is this? What is this? Nonsense! HR? Wow!” Abdo then asked: “What do you think Micah? Do you think Barcelona could come a bit quickly for Brest tonight?,” to which Carragher replied: “Oooh, I think we might have crossed the line.” Richards then responded: “You’re trying to get me sacked! I’m taking the fifth (amendment),” with a big exhale. The panel then went on to properly analyse the French side, before Abdo wrapped up the segment. She said: "Daydreaming about Brest, I'm sure you can all relate," to which Richards replied: "What is going on here?" Brest ended up losing the clash 3-0, with Robert Lewandowski helping himself to a double.
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