Zoom Firing
What’s trending? In recent months, there have been several companies that are terminating the contracts of large numbers of employees via group video calls or other virtual communications. In December 2021, US mortgage company Better.com fired 900 workers over Zoom. Shortly thereafter, US used-car company Carvana let 2,500 workers go in a similar manner, some […]
Returnless returns
What’s trending? Retailers are starting to consider a ‘returnless’ return policy in cases where the cost of receiving the return is more than the cost of the actual merchandise. Smaller, cheaper items that are expensive to ship would be kept by customers while they still receive a refund. Fuel prices and supply chain turmoil are […]
The Great Property Staggering
“This is a spot-on presentation for the entire property industry at this point in time. Not to mention the Planning & Development units of every major (and majorish) municipality.” – Carola Koblitz, Media & Communications, Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) The property sector has been hard-hit by the pandemic – commercial and retail in particular. […]
Climate proof housing
What’s trending? Climate change has been wreaking havoc around the world, so much so that climate proofing of cities and houses against hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and floods is becoming increasingly important. The recent damage from floods in KwaZulu-Natal is demanding a rethink on infrastructure while Cape Town is already fortifying the V&A Waterfront against rising […]
Generation Alpha & Money
What’s trending? Born after 2010, Generation Alpha is the youngest consumer segment, the oldest of them being only twelve years of age. Companies are beginning to pay attention to this cohort and, in particular, we are starting to see financial products being developed targeting this generation. Chore-setting app BusyKid allows Gen Alpha to buy fractional shares […]
Psychedelics
What’s trending? There has been a surge of interest in psychedelics, with certain drugs losing their social stigma as legislation is eased in parts of the world and evidence grows that they are safe and efficacious when consumed in controlled settings. Ketamine is already legally available in clinics across America and Europe and psilocybin (magic […]
Climate litigation
What’s trending? Climate change litigation is growing as individuals, environmentalists and organisations take on corporate entities or countries seen as violating climate change best practices. This is occurring mainly in the energy sector, though agriculture and food industries have also been targeted over claims of greenwashing. There have been almost 1400 climate-related litigation cases around […]
Sustainability served 2 ways
As the world comes (slowly) out of the covid crisis and right into the next twin crises of conflict and climate, it’s time to reevaluate what “sustainability” really is on a personal and a political level. This talk looks at new trends shaping the future of energy (and everything), including: The difference between positive and […]
Time to travel
What’s trending? After two years of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and being unable to travel, people are eager to go on vacation. ‘Revenge travel’ has become a buzzword in the tourism industry and refers to people being so fed up with not travelling that they’re determined to make up for lost time. They have […]
Unretirement
What’s trending? There is an increase in people delaying retirement or ‘unretiring’. Unretirement is the phenomenon of taking up the reins again after a short period of stopping work. Early this year, Peloton hired a retired CEO, Howard Schultz returned to Starbucks and football star Tom Brady rejoined the NFL just 40 days after resigning. […]