SIAM-SAFE Technical Conference 2024 Highlights Smart Mobility, Safety, and Sustainability

The Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), organized the SIAM - SAFE Technical Conference 2024 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, today. The Technical Conference was held under the theme “Smart Mobility: Integrating Safety with Sustainability”. This conference brought together Government officials, industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest advancements in vehicular technology, road safety, and sustainable fuels, aiming to pave the way for the future of mobility in India.

The SIAM–SAFE Technical Conference was graced by the Chief Guest, Mr B Dayanand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Karnataka, along with the Guest of Honour Mr V Anbukumar, IAS, Managing Director, KSRTC, and Mr C Mallikarjun, Addl. Transport Commissioner, Govt of Karnataka.  Several other distinguished dignitaries, industry experts, and OEMs also shared their valuable insights on the future of mobility and safety in the automotive sector.

Kicking off with an inaugural session on “Technology Advancements for Road Safety in India,” Mr Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, warmly welcomed the esteemed dignitaries and participants. Mr Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM said, "Smart mobility, driven by technological advancements, is making transport safer, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our transport department. As we navigate a period of significant transformation with connected, shared, autonomous, and sustainable mobility, we continue to face challenges in meeting our road safety targets. While aligned with the UN Decade of Action Plan, achieving these goals will require focused collaboration from the government, industry, and the community."

On this occasion, Chief Guest Mr B Dayanand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Karnataka, said, "Road safety is a critical but overlooked issue in India, where every fatality is preventable. While Western countries aim for zero deaths, India lags behind. Responsible road behavior must become habitual, and we need better education to achieve this. Educating the younger generation is key, as reliance on enforcement alone is insufficient. I urge industry leaders to develop solutions like mandatory helmets and seatbelts to start vehicles and reduce noise pollution. Conferences like this are essential for advancing road safety, and I commend the industry's efforts toward safer vehicles."

Guest of Honour Mr V Anbukumar, IAS, Managing Director, KSRTC, said, “The future of public transport lies in innovation, and Karnataka's vast network of 25,000 buses is at the forefront of this transformation. To meet the evolving needs of millions who rely on this network daily, we must focus on modernisation. This includes adopting 13.5-meter buses, implementing advanced designs, and improving vehicle aesthetics."

On this occasion Mr C Mallikarjun, Addl. Transport Commissioner, Govt of Karnataka shared the message from Dr Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to Govt of Karnataka & Chairman (Road Safety Authority). In her message, Dr Shalini highlighted Karnataka Government's comprehensive road safety action plan supported by a budget of Rs 225 crores. This plan aligns with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' guidelines and focuses on infrastructure improvements, vehicle safety, and promoting responsible road behavior to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030. Key initiatives include eliminating blind spots, conducting road audits, implementing intelligent traffic systems, and employing smart enforcement technologies.

Mr Sushant Naik, President, SAFE and Global Head (Government & Corporate Affairs), Tata Motors, said, "I commend SIAM and the dignitaries for a successful day one of the annual convention. As a key industry, we must minimize negative impacts. Today's theme, 'Smart Mobility: Integrating Safety with Sustainability,' underscores our focus on solutions that enhance road safety while aligning with environmental goals. The use of advanced and emerging technologies like AI, ML, Big data analytics, and Cloud computing in Intelligent transport systems will play a pivotal role in making our roads safer, greener and sustainable.

The session concluded with Closing Remarks by Mr Bhagwan K Bindiganavile, Executive Vice President, VE Commercial Vehicles. Mr Bhagwan said, “Let us reaffirm the critical link between road safety and sustainability. As technology evolves, it must prioritize our citizens' safety and environmental protection. Public awareness and community engagement through educational campaigns are crucial for fostering safe driving habits and ensuring the success of our initiatives. I encourage everyone to actively engage in our discussions, focusing on advancing smart, safe, and sustainable mobility."

Dr N V Prasad, Secretary Transport, Govt of Karnataka, Mr Uma Shankar, Addl. Commissioner Transport, Govt of Karnataka and Mr Mallikarjun, Addl. Commissioner Transport, Govt of Karnataka were also present in the inaugural session.

The first session titled, “Emerging Trends in Vehicular Technology” chaired by Mr D Balakrishnan, Vice President, (R&D), Ashok Leyland Ltd, highlighted the latest advancements in vehicular technology. The session included a series of insightful presentations, starting with Mr Anil Kumar, Sr GM - PV Engineering, Tata Motor “Overview of BNCAP & Safety Awareness amongst Vehicle Users”; Mr R Babu, Vice President, R&D on “Technology & Innovation for 2W Safety”;  Mr Gururaj Ravi, Vice President, Maruti Suzuki India Limited on “Enhancing Road Safety: Integrating Passive and Active Safety Features in Modern Automobiles”; Mr Subrata Mitra, Vice President, Ather Energy, on, “Overview on Indian Vehicular Technology – 2W Perspective”; Mr. Suresh Chettiar, Vice President, Volvo Bus Corporation, on “Sustainable Fuels in Transport for the Future” and Mr Sudhir Sathe, Dy. General Manager, Mahindra & Mahindra on “ Emerging Trends in Vehicular Technology”.

The second session titled,” Sustainable Fuels for the Future” was chaired by Mr. Alok Jaitley, Vice President, SAFE and EVP, Maruti Suzuki India.  The session included a presentation by Mr. Rajesh M Badhe, Chief General Manager, Indian Oil Corporation, titled “Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology: Potential and Challenges for the Indian Market,” followed by Dr M Murlidharan, Dy. General Manager, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, on “Innovations in sustainable fuel”. Dr Raja Munusamy, Sr. VP, Reliance Industries, on “Hydrogen Fuel Cell Program: The Road Ahead,” while Mr Yogesh Bolar, Vice President, Ashok Leyland, shared insights on the future of fuels in the transport sector.

The third session titled,” Circularity and End-of-Life Vehicle Management” was chaired by Mr Harjeet Singh, Executive Advisor (Technical), Hero MotoCorp, who set the tone by discussing the importance of sustainable vehicle lifecycle management. The session was graced by Guests of Honour, Dr N V Prasad, Mr Purshottam, Mr C T Murthy, Addl. Transport Commissioners, Govt of Karnataka. Mr Chandrababu, Director, CPCB (Regional Office) Bangalore, presented on “Ensuing Policy on End-of-Life Vehicle: Implementation, Challenges and Opportunities,” addressing regulatory frameworks. Mr Balraj Bhanot, Former Director, ARAI, discussed vehicle safety standards in his presentation, “Vehicle Inspection & Certification,” while Mr Sudershan S Gusain, Chairman, Safety Awareness Group, ATMA/ITTAC, emphasized tyre safety and recycling in “Importance of Tyres: Safety & Recycling.” The session concluded with Mr Ailoor Subramanian, Vice President (R&D), Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India, who presented “OEM Responsibility Towards Circularity and Sustainable Development”. SIAM solicitated four Senior Transport Department officers who have done exemplary service in Road safety.

The technical conference concluded on a high note, marked by a rich and insightful exchange of ideas, best practices, and strategies, fostering a collaborative spirit between government officials and esteemed industry experts.

SIAM has been driving the transition towards sustainable transportation through initiatives like the electrification of mobility, promoting ethanol in transportt improving recycling, bringing safety through Safe Journey, developing gas-based mobility infrastructure, and fostering the hydrogen fuel ecosystem.

SIAM and its members have been actively collaborating with governments, corporations, and key stakeholders to promote safer mobility nationwide, in line with SIAM's objective of Building the Nation Responsibly.

About SAFE

SIAM, for carrying out various public policy activities, particularly in the field of road safety and environment, has partnered with various stakeholders and set up the Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE) in the year 1999. It works towards facilitating the enhancement of the competitiveness of the Indian Automobile Industry, reducing the cost of vehicles, increasing productivity, and achieving global standards of quality. SAFE has been engaging all stakeholders and organising its Annual Convention in various states of India, aiming to disseminate information about the best practices adopted nationally and internationally for improving road safety and a cleaner environment. The core objective of SAFE aims to combine the Five E's' – Environment, Education, Enforcement, Engineering and Emergency services to make an overall impact on safer driving habits, road discipline, safer vehicles, and roads for reducing casualties and saving precious lives. 

GE Aerospace’s GEnx Engine Completes Aviation Milestone 2 Million Flight Hours With South Asian Airlines

GE Aerospace announced today that its GEnx commercial aviation engine family achieved a milestone of two million flight hours with South Asian airlines. The first GEnx was delivered in the region in 2012 with 90 GEnx engines now powering Air India, Vistara and Biman Bangladesh flights.

“The GEnx engine has been instrumental in supporting South Asia’s aviation growth. This milestone is a testament to its engineering excellence and technology maturity,” said Mahendra Nair, Group Vice President for Commercial Program at GE Aerospace, during a visit to New Delhi. “We continue to support our customers’ business goals, with our best technology and services offerings.”

“We are proud of our long relationships with the South Asian airlines, including most recently Air India as it plans expansion of operations with 20 new wide-body aircraft that will be powered by 40 GEnx engines,” said Vikram Rai, South Asia Chief Executive Officer, GE Aerospace.

“GE Aerospace has been a trusted partner in our journey towards expanding our wide-body operations, and the GEnx engine has consistently delivered in terms of reliability, efficiency, and sustainability,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “As we continue to grow our fleet, we are confident that the GEnx engine will play a critical role in helping us achieve our operational goals.”

Reliable & sustainable technology

As a preferred choice for airlines worldwide, powering Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and the 747-8, the GEnx engine showcases a leap forward in propulsion technology. The engine’s superior performance contributes to reduced operating costs and a lower carbon footprint, aligning with the global aviation industry's sustainability goals by making it 15% more fuel-efficient and emitting up to 15% less CO2 than its predecessor, the CF6 engine. The GEnx engine is a product of decades of operational knowledge and experience, derived from the GE90 engine. With its innovative twin-annular pre-swirl (TAPS) combustor, the engine significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 60% below current regulatory limits. Researchers and engineers at GE Aerospace’s technology centre in Bengaluru worked closely with regional customers and implemented various performance improvement solutions and deployed various innovative on-wing technologies like foam wash, advance blade inspection and operational data-based insights to improve engine’s time-on-wing and reduce maintenance burden.

In March 2023, the GEnx engines powered the first wide-body aircraft on a long-haul route to India using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flew from Charleston, South Carolina, to New Delhi on a blend of 30% SAF with conventional jet fuel.

To further enhance the engine's efficiency and sustainability, GE Aerospace introduced 360 Foam Wash, a cutting-edge alternative to traditional water washing methods. This advanced cleaning process helps maintain optimal engine performance by removing dirt and debris, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the time between maintenance cycles. The 360 Foam Wash has already been implemented by seven airlines, including Air India, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and SkyWest. There have been thousands of foam washes conducted in the field with customers, further driving down operational costs and environmental impact.

Improving service quality with AI

GE Aerospace continually monitors its GEnx commercial engines in service and uses digital insights to help identify predictive maintenance measures to enhance the quality of service. To support this effort, the company uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) driven models to increase the number of conditions that can be monitored with even greater accuracy. GE Aerospace’s AI-enabled Blade Inspection Tool (BIT) guides the selection of Stage 1 and 2 High Pressure Turbine engine blade images in GEnx commercial engine for technicians to inspect for faster, more accurate inspections. This helps in obtaining consistent images, a key input to building predictive models.

About GE Aerospace in India

GE Aerospace has been a partner to India's aviation industry for over forty years. Thirteen hundred GE Aerospace and partner engines are in service, powering major Indian airlines. GE Aerospace’s defense engines and systems power Indian Airforce’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk 1, helicopters and Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier battleships and frigates. Its Pune manufacturing facility and thirteen local Indian partners are part of the company’s global supply chain. Researchers and engineers at the company’s John F Welch Technology centre in Bengaluru are building the latest aviation technologies. Learn more about GE Aerospace at https://www.geaerospace.com/in

Pearson BTEC And Niniskillup Join Forces To Equip Students With Health And Social Care Skills

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s learning company, and Niniskillup Training Institutes, a leading provider of training, testing, and placement services, have joined hands to offer Pearson’s BTEC Higher National undergraduate qualifications in Health and Social Care. Pearson BTECs are Vocational Skill Qualification programs, developed and validated in partnership with industry, universities, and professional bodies, offering a diverse range of qualifications, enabling learners a pathway to UK universities.  

The Pearson BTEC Higher National undergraduate qualification is widely regarded as equivalent to the first two years of a three-year honours degree in the UK. It provides students with a distinctive learning experience through assessments and assignments rooted in real-world scenarios. These qualifications have achieved significant global success, benefiting over 1.05 million learners across more than 50 countries.  

Pearson BTEC courses are available at over 30 partner institutions in India, including universities, colleges, international schools, and private training centres such as Solitaire Business School (Hyderabad), Jetking Institutes (Mumbai), and Buddha Group of Institutes (Karnal), among others. 

“India is experiencing a significant shift towards vocational and skill-based education, with a strong focus on developing skills and enhancing employability. Health and social care are critical needs in India today and through our partnership with NiniSkillip, learners will have access to Pearson BTEC programs that will equip them with practical, industry-relevant skills they need to succeed in a competitive job market.” said, Siddharth Parnerkar, Senior Director, Pearson Workforce Skills 

On the announcement of the partnership, Vishesh Chandrashekar, CEO, NiniSkillup, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Pearson to bring their esteemed BTEC Higher Nationals Health and Social Care courses to our institution. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing our students with internationally recognized qualifications that meet industry standards and prepare them for successful careers in healthcare and social services." 

Pearson is working with the National Skill Development Corporation International (NSDCI) to promote Pearson BTEC qualifications across India. Globally, Pearson BTEC has collaborated with industry leaders such as Amazon Web Services, BMW Group, and Schneider Electric to design industry-specific customized qualifications for learners across sectors. Pearson BTEC offers courses in 24 subject areas with more than 2000 qualifications ranging from business to digital technology to art and design to healthcare, EVs, and Semiconductors among others, enabling learners with skills relevant to the global workplace.  

About Niniskillup?Training Institutes: 

Niniskillup specializes in training, testing, and placements, offering language testing, certifications, and study abroad services. We have established partnerships with key institutions such as the British Council for English language training and examinations including ACCA and CMA. Additionally, we collaborate with Cambridge for all English proficiency exams, TCS for government and entrance exams like JEE and banking exams, ETS for TOEFL and GRE, and IDP for IELTS. Our comprehensive approach extends to providing training in English and other foreign languages, aimed at enhancing students' employability skills. 

About Pearson: 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com. 

Yamaha Announces Festive Offers On FZ Series, Fascino And RayZR Models In Karnataka

* Exclusive cashback on Yamaha’s 150cc FZ model range and 125cc Fi Hybrid Scooters

* Low-down payment starting at INR 2,999/- on Hybrid Scooters & INR 7,999/- on FZ Series

As India celebrates a vibrant season of festivals, India Yamaha Motor is pleased to announce special offers for its customers Karnataka. In line with the festive spirit, Yamaha’s exclusive deals offer great benefits on its popular 150cc FZ model range and 125cc Fi Hybrid Scooters, making this the perfect time for customers to bring home their dream Yamaha two-wheeler.

Offers and Schemes:

Cashback of up to INR 7,000/- and Low-down payment of INR 7,999/- on FZ-S Fi Ver 4.0, FZ-S Fi Ver 3.0, FZ Fi

Cashback of up to INR 4,000/ and Low-down payment of INR 2,999/- on Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid and RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid

Yamaha’s diverse product portfolio includes premium motorcycles such as YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15M (155cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc), MT-15 V2 (155cc), and FZ series bikes like FZ-S Fi Ver 4.0 (149cc), FZ-S Fi Ver 3.0 (149cc), FZ Fi (149cc), and FZ-X (149cc). Additionally, Yamaha offers a range of scooters including Aerox 155 version S (155cc), Aerox 155 (155cc), Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), and RayZR Street Rally 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc).

U.S. Polo Assn. Joins Zepto’s Quick-Commerce Revolution, Expanding Fashion And Apparel Offering

In a landmark move that marks the next phase of the quick-commerce revolution, U.S. Polo Assn. (USPA), the official brand of the United States Polo Association, is collaborating with Zepto operators to bring its exclusive collection to the platform. Zepto, India’s fastest growing consumer internet platform known for its 10-minute delivery promise, is expanding its offering to include premium apparel and fashion, starting with USPA.

This collaboration not only enhances Zepto seller’s portfolio but also signifies a shift in how shoppers can access fashion—from groceries and personal care to now clothing from premium international brands—all within the same rapid delivery window.

On the announcement, Aadit Palicha, co-founder & CEO, Zepto shared, "We’re thrilled about this partnership. USPA, a brand that is synonymous with premium quality and timeless style. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our quick-commerce journey as Zepto expands into the fashion and lifestyle space. With USPA on board, our sellers are delivering a new level of convenience to fashion shoppers across India."

Shailesh Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, Arvind Fashions Limited says “With U.S. Polo Assn.'s sporty coolness and Zepto's lightning-fast delivery, we are bringing a new level of accessibility and convenience to our customers. That's such an exciting trend setting solution for modern day needs of our consumers.”

U.S. Polo Assn.’s collection is live on the platform, offering Zepto platform users a curated selection of timeless, stylish apparel. From classic polo shirts to casualwear, Zepto users can now enjoy iconic USPA pieces delivered within minutes.

This collaboration represents a significant leap in quick-commerce, with Zepto sellers expanding from essentials to premium fashion. Whether it’s grabbing a classic polo shirt minutes before an event or ordering casualwear for a spontaneous outing, Zepto’s users can experience the unmatched convenience of fast, high-quality fashion—a true game-changer for those who value both speed and style.

About Zepto: Founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto became one of India’s fastest-growing internet companies of all time. Headquartered in Mumbai, Zepto has delighted millions of users by delivering over 20,000 products, ranging across categories in 10 minutes through a network of delivery hubs across the country.

About U.S. Polo Assn.: U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the non-profit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers, and ecommerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide.

About Arvind Fashion Limited: Arvind Fashions Ltd., based in Bengaluru is India's No. 1 casual and denim player in the country’s retail industry, a lifestyle powerhouse with a strong portfolio of fashion brands catering to consumers across various sub-categories and price points. With a host of renowned brands, both international and indigenous, like U.S. Polo Assn., ARROW, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Flying Machine. Arvind Fashion has presence across lifestyle brands and value fashion.

Udemy Data Highlights Three-Dimensional Design Application And GitHub As Emerging In-Demand Skills In India

* Demand Soars for Next-Gen Engineering, Design, and Digital Literacy Skills Among Indian Organizations and Professionals in Q2

Udemy, a leading online skills marketplace and learning platform, today released its Q2 2024 Global Workplace Learning Index. This quarterly report provides insights into which technical and professional skills are growing in demand to help organizations stay ahead of the competition worldwide.

The latest 2024 Q2 Skills Index reveals a significant surge in demand for technological and professional skills among Indian learners in Q2 when compared to Q1. The following percentages reflect the highest increases in course consumption in India during Q2:

Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) - 94%

GitHub - 81%

English Grammar - 80%

Problem Solving - 56%

System Design Interview - 41%

These findings indicate a strong focus on developing skills in design, technology, communication, critical thinking, and system architecture. Notably, English Grammar and problem-solving are in high demand globally, as they enhance operational efficacy and interpersonal communication, making them essential skills across all regions and industries. The Q2 Index highlights the evolving needs of the Indian workforce and the importance of upskilling to remain competitive in the job market.

Vinay Pradhan, Country Manager & Senior Director, Udemy India, said, "With nearly 15 million learners in India, we are witnessing a growing impetus on moving towards a skills-based economy, aligning with the government's mission to create a future-ready workforce. The surge in demand for emerging skills like CATIA, GitHub, System Design, English Grammar, and Problem Solving highlights the growing need for both technical and professional skills. CATIA, in particular, will aid in upskilling not just the tech sector but also the manufacturing workforce, which is vital as India strives to become a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. Investing in targeted learning and development, especially in skills like CATIA, is crucial to unlocking the full potential of our workforce and driving economic growth."

“Udemy’s research shows that most organizations have begun implementing skills-based processes, but employees and leaders still need help knowing which skills to focus on first," said Greg Brown, President and CEO of Udemy. Soft skills, like teamwork and problem-solving, are critical to enabling the success of key tech trends like AI, which have the potential to shift the trajectory of many industries, so it’s encouraging to see these themes trending in this quarter’s Index.”

"With technology like Generative AI and the shift to hybrid work models, constant change is all around us. Adapting to this change can be tough, but it’s really about understanding and guiding how people think and behave," says Sivakami S, a Udemy instructor and change management expert. “All change is rooted in human behavior, making it crucial for leaders to draw insights from psychology and behavioral economics. By developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, leaders can build trust and motivation, guiding employees effectively through complex changes.”

To learn more about how organizations can partner with Udemy Business to upskill for the future, visit: business.udemy.com.

Methodology

The Udemy Global Workplace Learning Index uses data from thousands of Udemy Business customers worldwide. Location data is based on the country associated with the company. The skills data compares the consumption of courses in the Udemy Business collection from Q1 2024 to Q2 2024. Courses are associated with one or more topics, with a maximum of five topics per course. The trending skills that you see in the report are based on these topics. If a course covers multiple topics, consumption minutes are divided equally across all topics associated with the course.

About Udemy

Udemy transforms lives through learning by ensuring everyone has access to the latest and most relevant skills. Through the Udemy Intelligent Skills Platform and a global community of diverse and knowledgeable instructors, millions of learners gain expertise in a wide range of technical and professional skills — from generative AI to leadership. The Udemy marketplace provides learners with thousands of up-to-date courses in dozens of languages, offering a variety of solutions to achieve their goals. Udemy Business empowers enterprises to offer on-demand learning for all employees, immersive learning for tech teams through Udemy Business Pro, and cohort learning for leaders through Udemy Business Leadership Academy. Udemy Business customers include Fender?, Glassdoor, On24, The World Bank and Volkswagen. Udemy is headquartered in San Francisco with hubs in Austin and Denver, USA; Ankara and Istanbul, Türkiye; Dublin, Ireland; Melbourne, Australia; and Chennai, Gurugram and Mumbai, India.

Atlassian Research Reveals ’Emotional Overhead’ Is Costing Businesses Valuable Time And Productivity

As the modern workplace becomes increasingly digital, a new study by Atlassian, a leading provider of team collaboration software, reveals more than a third of the workforce is losing over 40 hours a year trying to decode and interpret what their colleagues are trying to say - essentially equating to a full work week lost.

Atlassian surveyed 10,000 knowledge workers across India, US, Australia, Germany and France, for research which highlighted the hidden costs of miscommunication in today's digital-first work environment.

Molly Sands, Head of Teamwork Lab, Atlassian said, “This is what we call ‘Emotional overhead’, the wasted time and emotional turmoil caused by unclear or ambiguous communication. This poses a serious challenge for businesses. In the time that knowledge workers are wondering what their colleagues mean to say or what their manager wants from them, they could be doing mission critical work.”

Email is still popular, but ripe for misinterpretation

Despite the distributed nature of modern work, email remains the tool of choice for many respondents, with 93% of workers regularly relying on written communication tools like email and instant messaging. And, yet 61% of workers also admit that written communication is most susceptible to miscommunication, highlighting the need for greater clarity and intentionality in digital messaging.

“Written communication is both really important and really hard to get right. Without precise, expressive writing it can be hard to know what’s important, how urgent something is, or how your colleagues feel. With so much work happening online today, we can’t always rely on body language and tone of voice to convey meaning,” says Sands. “Teams need to communicate with thoughtfulness, humanity, and intention. The emotional side of communication must come through - even in the workplace.”

The power of emotion in workplace communication

When teams communicate with emotion, workers are 3x more likely to be highly productive. In fact, when emojis are an important part of company culture, 78% of respondents admit they’re more likely to read a chat message with emojis or open an email if there’s one in the subject line.

The research also revealed 65% of workers surveyed used emojis to help convey their intended tone or set the vibe. Unsurprisingly, there’s a generational split here with 88% of Gen Z workers saying emojis are helpful when communicating with colleagues, while only 49% of Boomers agree. This difference is also evident in how emoji use impacts motivation, with 68% of Gen Z feeling more motivated when their messages receive emoji reactions.

“Given the significant productivity and connective gains teams experience, business leaders are well-advised to encourage their teams to bring emotion into their workplace communication”, concludes Sands. “But obviously that is not an easy task, as emotions and their interpretation are highly individual. My recommendation for teams is to align on a common understanding, boundaries, and expectations. Teams should collaboratively define these communication norms to reduce day-to-day friction and room for miscommunication.”

How the best teams avoid emotional overheard

To round out the study, Atlassian looked at how high-performing teams use written communication and found a number of common threads. The most productive teams:

Are less likely to use email as the default for communicating

Prefer written communication, especially when clarity is the priority

Are encouraged to express emotion at work and feel connected to each other

Are more likely to work in environments where emojis are a part of the company culture

As a result, these teams waste less time trying to understand written messages or figuring out what their manager wants. In other words, their emotional overhead is very low.

For further details on the new research, please visit: https://www.atlassian.com/blog/communication/how-to-avoid-emotional-overhead-at-work

About Atlassian

Atlassian unleashes the potential of every team. Our agile & DevOps, IT service management and work management software helps teams organize, discuss, and complete shared work. The majority of the Fortune 500 and over 300,000 companies of all sizes worldwide - including NASA, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Salesforce - rely on our solutions to help their teams work better together and deliver quality results on time. Learn more about our products, including Jira, Confluence and Loom at https://atlassian.com.