TORONTO — Siequalynnda McNeil-Bobb glides her stylus along a tablet, turning the strokes into an intricate drawing of a wolf.
Her fellow WildBrain Ltd. animators watch through their computer screens as she draws Coast Salish art, describing being from the Stó:lo Nation and speaking Halq’eméylem.
“They thought it was so cool and I got so many messages after,” she says. “It felt incredible. The studio is full of different cultures, but I haven’t found as many who share one similar to mine, so this was something new to share.”
For many businesses that moved to a remote-work model this year, keeping employees engaged without the usual watercooler chatter, team lunches or after-work pub nights has been a challenge. With a view to boosting morale, some have found new ways to stay connected: virtual movie nights, cooking classes, Q&A sessions with famous guests and sometimes even small, physically distanced gatherings.
For McNeil-Bobb, WildBrain’s efforts were a chance to stay connected with coworkers she hasn’t seen in five months.
Other staff at the Halifax entertainment company, which is behind such animated series as “Carmen Sandiego” and “Snoopy in Space,” have had a chance to show off their skills with sketchpad drawing, stamp sculpting, Photoshop and painting.
On top of art sessions, it hosts virtual coffee breaks, fitness sessions and a offered week of Pride-related activities including a Q&A with “Canada’s Drag Race” star Tynomi Banks.
At the Royal Bank of Canada, virtual movie nights, volunteering opportunities, scavenger hunts, coffee chats and monthly Q&A sessions with the company’s leaders.
There have also been workout challenges, name-that-baby and kids’ art contests and chances for workers to share videos of their “COVID hobbies” — guitar, ping pong, Scrabble, trampoline and yoga.
Meanwhile, Manulife Financial Corp. employees are belting out tunes, creating wigs from scratch and playing the piano blindfolded in a company-wide virtual talent show.
The insurer also launched a staff book club, with selections like Celeste Ng’s “Little Fires Everywhere,” and hosted sessions with guests speakers including astronauts and the Boston Red Sox trainers.
“These are attempts to see what the new normal will look like that keep people engaged and let employees know that their organization still cares about them and their team is still there,” said John Trougakos, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, who has researched employee wellbeing and productivity.
“This gives companies a way to come up with new normals and ways of doing things, because the old way isn’t necessarily the only way.”
These reimagined team activities, he said, are boosting productivity, creativity, satisfaction and commitment, while also addressing long-held fears about working from home being isolating and a detriment to companies.
Many companies have realized productivity isn’t plummeting while workers are at home, so they are increasingly turning their attention towards team spirit.
At Montreal’s Element AI that’s manifested itself in getting staff to host virtual home tours so they can bond over their new workspaces and at Toronto-based benefits company League, it’s meant virtual cooking classes and morning stretch sessions.
While those companies say staff have embraced the new experiences, Trougakos predicts not all the new programs will survive the pandemic.
“We are in a testing period. Some things are going to work and be fine, but also some things are going to come off as not too good and won’t work out as they planned,” he said.
Meghan Smith, the vice-president of people and culture at Toronto-based education software company Top Hat, has noticed an evolution in what bonding experiences employees have been interested in throughout the pandemic.
Staff at first enjoyed virtual game nights, escape rooms, lunch and learns and even a digital baby shower for a staff member who was due to give birth.
“We shipped a massive balloon to her house. She had no idea and we got her favourite cupcakes sent,” said Smith.
“We played a lot of games virtually where we had to submit our baby pictures and guess who it was. It was honestly one of the best baby showers I have gone to.”
When professional sports resumed, interest edged towards online sports viewing parties or small meet-ups in parks.
Attendees were advised to stay at least six feet apart, but the company made gatherings easy by building an internal map workers could submit their address to figure out what Top Hat pals lived nearby.
Workers seem to appreciate the efforts.
“Our employee engagement scores have really gone up and you wouldn’t think that wouldn’t happen during the pandemic and such a challenging time,” said Smith.
The efforts won’t replace the excitement of the family picnics Top Hat hosted some summers, but it’s the thought that counts.
“It’s so important to make sure your employees are heard and that we are doing what we need to as a business to make them feel supported, appreciated and recognized.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Aug. 17, 2020.
Companies in this story: (TSX:WILD, TSX:RY, TSX:MFC)
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
