Frontline workers face increased abuse and stress
A Perceptyx report reveals that 53% of frontline workers encounter verbally abusive or threatening customers, with retail workers most affected (61%). The study surveyed 21,000 employees and also highlights that 81% feel burned out, and 40% report managers rarely check on their emotional health.
Employees facing unruly customers are 1.3 times more likely to seek a new job and 2.2 times more likely to experience stress-related physical health issues. Moreover, over half of these workers also experience customer discrimination. The report highlights the challenges of managing customer-facing roles amidst rising stress and safety concerns.
UK government to cut 10,000 civil service jobs in cost-cutting plan
Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to cut around 10,000 civil service jobs as part of efforts to reduce government running costs by £2 billion annually. The job cuts, primarily in back-office and administrative roles, aim to meet a 10% reduction in department running costs by 2028-29. Unions have strongly opposed the plan, warning that it will negatively affect frontline services and lead to delays.
Additionally, the government has frozen 20,000 credit cards and significantly changed the benefits system. Civil service unions are heavily opposed to these moves.
Atlanta Hawks introduce AI-powered cashierless store at State Farm Arena
State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, has launched the Hawks Express Cashierless Checkout store, powered by AiFi’s spatial intelligence and Verizon 5G Edge. Located on the 100 West main concourse, the AI-driven store allows fans to grab items and go, with purchases automatically processed via mobile payment.
This innovation enhances stadium convenience while optimising operations. In addition, Verizon Sensor Insights and Delta Fly-Through Lanes further improve efficiency. AiFi, which operates in over 280 autonomous stores worldwide, continues revolutionising retail with frictionless, high-speed transactions for millions of customers.