AI Is It Really Good For Humanity In The Work Place?

By Mitzi Beliveau

More big businesses are using AI for hiring, training, and managing. I believe it is missing the mark on humanity and its toll on society as a whole. This story talks about AI looking for complying personnel. Not creative, not experienced, not wise, educated, or intellectual. Big business complains about open jobs but takes the humanity out of hiring.

After reading a story about a man trying to get a dishwashing job at his local restaurant, Olive Garden, he encountered something that is now required at some big businesses. A blue avitar test about your personality: big companies are saying they are low on finding good employees or low on staff. Employees are looking for good wages and benefits. I believe big business has taken out the human evaluations. Big companies are looking for the wrong answer to all their problems. They want someone to comply with their company. Yes, they are looking for the “yes person.”

Big companies are looking to AI for some of their problems, from hiring to management to statistics. As we all know, AI is only as good as the programmer who programmed it. In my opinion, AI does not factor in the human equation.

As I listen to both sides, I see the employer and employee. Both have wants and needs; some are met, and others are not. But factor in AI, the all-new wonder for businesses, is it working all that well?

Employers said they could not find help. Potential employees say I can’t find a job that will hire me with good wages and benefits, and then add on this new extended AI test. It looks like a game. I have to interject here, saying it must have been a gamer who programmed this software/test. I’m not a gamer and would not find it amusing or entertaining to have an avatar game to test my compliance for a job. I could understand if it was a test to see what my abilities for the job skills they needed. No, as the link to this story said, they rely on AI to choose someone who does not rock the boat.

As AI is used more in big companies, once the employee is hired, they look to AI to see how long AI standards should do a job—of course, not factoring in all aspects of a job like customers that show up that want the employee’s attention, a job sale during the work, etc. Only how long does it take to make or fix something? If AI had input from employees on the workplace’s requirements, would the AI be a good fit for managers and executives, and owners truly know what will take time for their product to make, sell, fix, etc? Businesses are looking to AI for analysis to determine if their employees are working hard enough. Or fast enough. I have heard horror stories of employees and lower management saying that they don’t understand how complicated the complete job is. We deal with our customers as well as fixing things. AI does not account for that. So managers are told to get their workers to work harder and faster because AI says they are not on time.

I have seen and heard of people quitting because of the stress upper level management and owners rely on AI instead of lower management advice on what is truly going on in the workplace. AI is always right! No, maybe the voices of humans should be factor in. I see in the future this will happen. Till then, employees will be quitting, jobs will be open and until someone looks at the whole mess AI in in control. 

Below is a link about one story. Tell me if you have had problem with AI as an employee or employer. Share your story.

https://fortune.com/2024/02/17/man-i-just-want-a-dishwasher-job-why-are-olive-garden-and-fedex-forcing-job-applicants-to-endure-a-strange-personality-test-that-turns-them-into-blue-avatars/?fbclid=IwAR3qvKO8jpBKYSG-aOA60wStnts4–34khswxCzTF1Kl72fT_LKP1tH9jB0

Sounding Off

By Mitzi Beliveau

I would say to help the USA buy what you can find that is made in the USA. You notice I did not say America. That is because things can be made in South America. Small businesses make goods, we should buy from them or use their services. We should buy local. I went to the malls and looked for clothes made in the USA.

Guess what? I looked for several days, and most are made in third-world countries. We buy all the top brands’ clothes, shoes, and other products. Does that trickle down much? Not really. It helps someone keep their part-time job at minimum wage.

Buying local may cost a little more, but it keeps the local money and keeps the shop open, employing several people who buy food, rent, and other things in the local area. They pay taxes on the stuff they buy; you pay taxes on the stuff you buy. This helps the city/state. Each store I went to was strange, and they asked me if they could help me. I said yes, I want to buy USA-made clothes. Most said they did not have any. Some said maybe they had a few but could not find any…

I also started to buy used. It may have been made in another country, but the money goes to charity and helps others. I spend less so I can save. I can go out to eat and trickle down money to with local eatery and wait person. Who will spend money locally and pay taxes to the city/state? It’s a win-win thing there. I also give my unwanted items to charity so they can sell them, go full circle, and help my community, not a big business or another country.

Warrior Within

By Mitzi Beliveau

I am the warrior within and without. No one can defend me on this Earth. It is a role that each one of us walks. How we handle adversity is all about us, not the person who offends or challenges us.

Jobs and Machines

By Mitzi Beliveau

I have to say, I hate that machines have started to take over jobs. Some say no one wants these jobs. Most are part-time with low wages. Remember when we had people yelling at cashiers, hitting them, etc.

Now, we pay for other people’s stupidity and anger issues. I am talking about the scanning checkout machines that are popping up everywhere. I have read the advice of many lawyers who say don’t use them. If you forget to ring something up, you could go to jail. I also had problems with the scanning machines locking up my debit and credit cards where I could not use them.

Of course, stores say, people are walking off with stuff and not scanning or scamming them at the scan-and-go AI checkouts. We have several problems here. Companies wanted big profits and were already downsizing staff; people are frightened to take these jobs, and the pay is low with no benefits. Some people are still yelling at retail staff. Retail staff got hurt, and companies had to pay their staff when they got hurt.

So the companies decided the machines would cut their cost. Stores also started charging more to pay for the scan-as-you-go. Order less because of transportation issues. Yes, some AI technology replaces real people in transportation ordering and scheduling. The cost of AI made some of the goods we buy go up, plus companies want to make more profit and blame others for the price.

I see many have significant gains but say they don’t have money. Hmmm. That does not make sense to me. Other than that, profit share-holders are making money off us. Back to me, I hate the AI scan-as-you-go thing. It’s not going away; people are losing income because of corporate greed and a few bad apples that can’t control their anger.

I will shop mostly where people work and can ask questions, say hi, and be neighborly. But who am I? I am just an elderly woman who remembers why humans are best when checking out. It’s their faces, smiles, or even a cry. I love the human touch of retail shopping.

My choice while they are still here is that I’m shopping where the check-outs are by humans. I don’t mind the wait. See you at the human checkout service, my friend.

Evil in This World

Some have asked me, ‘Why is there so much more evil in the world then I have ever seen before?’ There has always been evil. Sometimes evil is louder, so it seems like those that follow that path are more. There are more good people then evil in the world. In this world of instant media, we see more evil often, and people capitalize on it. Some call it trolling when someone starts hate, and other follow the vicious and callous behavior. I look at hate as a lower form of Spirituality and humanity. I look at evil in a lesser life form. Mother Earth and the Cosmos/Spirit world, are changing and its life form. The Evil will show it worst and come to its peak. Many are very sick and are in pain. Not knowing this is not what we are meant for. We are meant for love, kindness, kinship, support of each other. We are all on this Earth to become better then we are for the present. The Evil movement is strong, but Love is stronger, choose love. Do not forget to have compassion for those who are struggling. As you see a brother or sister down on their luck or their life; don’t kick them while they are down. Lift they up in love. We all have our down times. It is a loving thing to do when you lift someone one up. I try to raise someone up daily. I have been lifting up for so long as a daily thing to do, love has become a significant part of who I am. I have my failings, but my passion for mankind shines brighter each and every day. I try to touch and lift up to many, many along my path of life. As this year ends and the next year starts, remember to love thy neighbor, friend, stranger, family and anyone else you may encounter. Make your life the best you can be each and every day. Make that choice to be more love and wipe out any hate you may have in your heart. Blessing to you all my Loves. Mitzi Beliveau

Afordable Auto

Affordable Auto Owner/Operator Henry Napiwocki

By Mitzi Beliveau

About ten years ago, I was going to one of the big auto dealer repair shops for the maker of the car. I was truly overwhelmed with disappointment. It was my third time at the shop for the same problem. I felt like my money was going down the drain, and the problem never got fixed. When my engine light went on for the fourth time. That’s when I knew I needed to go elsewhere.

As I talked to one of my neighbors about my frustrations with finding an honest auto mechanic, my neighbor said, “I see Henry at Affordable Auto in North St. Paul, MN. He is the best, honest and at a good price.” My neighbor gave me their number. I called Affordable Auto and spoke to them. I was quite pleased that I was able to get in the day! I got in my car, and I drove to Affordable Auto. I drove till I saw a large sign that showed me the way to their driveway and accessible parking lot. I knew I was in a great place when I walked into the door and was immediately greeted.

I admired the atmosphere while waiting for the mechanic to inspect my car. There were green plants all over the waiting area, free coffee, and the daily paper with a few magazines laid on the table for all to read.

I hadn’t waited long when Mr. Henry Napiwocki introduced himself to me and told me what he had found while searching for answers to why my engine light had come on. It wasn’t long before Henry and I spoke by the first name. I told Henry I had been going to larger and more expensive repair shops. I told Henry what they charged me and how frustrating it had become, saying to him, “They didn’t even fix the problems I had with my car!” Henry said he’d fix it and that he guaranteed his work. Affordable Auto had my car done within an hour and ¼ the price the other place had to charge me. I went home a happy and satisfied customer. I was overjoyed and felt a sense of relief that they fixed the problems I was having with my car on the first visit.

That was almost 10 years ago. I have been going back to Affordable Auto for all my car repairs. They are honest and loyal to their customers. They are knowledgeable about cars, trucks, SUVs, etc. They have always given me an honest quote and never overcharged me. But I also gain a lasting friendship with Henry at Affordable Auto. Everyone I know in the local area seems to know Henry. I am not the first person to write about Henry; the St. Paul Pioneer Press has written about him twice.

Henry and his shop have been on the local news channel Kare11 for the best repair shop in the Twin Cities area dating back to 2011, the local Lille News for Best Automotive Service Shop for 2003 and 2004; the Reader’s Choice Award for Lille News 2002 and 1997. Affordable Auto has their awards of achievement proudly displayed on the walls for customers to view.

Affordable Auto started their business in May 1981 in North St. Paul, MN. In August 2003, Affordable Auto moved the location of the shop to expand their business. The shop employs four full-time mechanics while Henry’s daughter answers the phone and makes customer appointments. I asked Henry what his challenges were when he first started. He said, “Times were better, and not much competition. I had 8 or 9 full-time guys then. I now have four long-term employees. One has been there 20 years, two about 10 years and one over 10 years.”

Henry said to stay in business, you have to be honest, care about your customers, do the job right, stand behind your work, and always stick with it. Working hard and enjoying the people seems to be a gift of Henry Napiwocki. Henry said he does not put out ads. His business is the only word of mouth, and three generations of families come to his shop. Affordable Auto does check light, FREE! That is almost unheard of with the big auto repair shops.

Henry will let you know if you have options in fixing your car, he’ll offer an honest price for repairs and you’ll find lasting friendships at Affordable Auto and through their loyal business practice. Every time I go in the Affordable Auto. I feel this sense of pride and appreciation, like I am going to my family’s shop. There is a lot of love going around in the shop, and it shows. Henry is well-known and loved in the neighborhood. Affordable Auto’s recognition extends throughout local metropolitan areas. I know I gained an honest and valued friendship at Affordable Auto Shop.

This shop is no longer available, the owner retired. What a great loss for the community.

High Rent In Minnesota

By Mitzi Beliveau

Rent is high in Minnesota. 50% of my income goes to rent. My rent is one of the cheaper places and safer. (my rent is cheaper than the affordable rent rates in Minnesota) For a senior like myself rent is rising in leaps and boundless. Ever increasing for many Minnesotans. Soon, there will be a large vacancy of rental properties, and the builders and planners will wonder why? People can’t afford them!

My medical costs are 35% of my income. So why can’t I live on the rest of my 15% income for food, utilities, and cell phone? I don’t have a budget for anything else. Savings and retirement money are almost gone. I wonder why? I can still expect to live another 10 -15 years.

The way things are going I maybe one of many living in the tent cities…really! Affordable housing is only for the upper middle class. And not for the low, middle-class, low-income people or seniors. Unless they are millionaires. Be better, Minnesota. Work to help lower-income people with disabilities, too. Low-cost housing is not the same as “Affordable Housing. “

I tried and attended a few meetings for “Affordable Housing” for seniors. The housing builders, community leaders, and other organizations thought multiple housing units without elevators were ok, with no plans for handicapped accessibility housing and no housing for low-income seniors living on Social Security only.

“Affordable Housing” is calculated by a family of four working in that area. With both parents working. I ask the question, how does that relate to seniors and the challenges they face?

I look at the single moms or dads with only one income; how does “Affordable Housing” calculate their payment? Low-income, two-income people, elderly, and vets? “Affordable Housing” does not include building new housing for anyone in this population. No wonder there are more homeless.

So let’s put more people in planning who know who needs low-cost housing so we don’t have so many homeless families, elderly, and vets.

Why Are We Here

By Mitzi Beliveau

Why are we here? For ourselves? For our families? For our communities? Each of us is here for a purpose. For me, it is my writing and my networking. One person at a time. I may bring large groups together, but I try to touch each one. With a smile, a few gentle words, a hug, a dance, or just being there. I am a child of the light, a warrior of the light. I could just sit and watch the hate, complain about it with others, or join groups that talk about hate and how bad it is. Or I can keep doing what I am doing. Not just pray, but be a person of action with one person at a time and let that ripple. Have a great day, my friends! Love and hugs, Mitzi Beliveau

Depression

By Mitzi Beliveau

My message for the day is to those who suffer from depression or live with a bunch of AH for family and friends.

Sometimes you have to let some people go. If they can’t accept who the real you are. Sometimes you don’t know who you are. You might be so busy keeping everyone happy you don’t have a YOU. People will come and go, and families will get mad. Make yourself happy. Believe in yourself. You may think you make mistakes, but they are just learning tools. We all have these tools! Do a few things you love. A nap, lying in bed, listening to your music, playing with your dog or cat, going by the lake, eating, or whatever it is that you like to do. It is a reward for being you in those moments. Sometimes we work so hard trying to please others we lose ourselves. As you get older, you discover you are your best friend. Others come and go, help us at the moment. But we live with ourselves through the good times and the bad times. We are still here. Sometimes a mess, sometimes empty. But we are still here and have overcome some stuff others could not. Believe in yourself because you are a warrior. You have the battle scars of your heart to prove it. Having the courage to live another day moment by moment. Mitzi Beliveau

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