AI can offer solutions to certain problems and make predictions or suggestions to help make a strategic decision. Its advantages are gradually making it essential for businesses and other organizations, but also for individuals whose daily lives are improved.

Better understanding of the basics of artificial intelligence

The operation of AI systems is based on the combination of large data sets and intelligent processing algorithms. Each time a set of data is processed by artificial intelligence, the system tests evaluates its own performance, and improves its expertise. Unlike humans, it does not need breaks, which allows the rapid execution of a large number of tasks. By learning a lot in a very short time, the AI ​​becomes extremely efficient at what it is trained to do.

To better understand artificial intelligence, think of it as an entire science instead of just a computer program or application. Its basic goal is to build systems that can model human thinking to use similar processes for problem-solving. To achieve this, AI relies on several disciplines and technologies.

The disciplines of artificial intelligence

The use of artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we work and live in general. It is divided into several branches which are sometimes combined by specialists to offer innovative systems.

Automatic learning or machine learning

Machine learning is the application of AI through which computer systems and programs learn automatically. It is the discipline behind developing better results through experience, without prior programming.

With machine learning, artificial intelligence searches for and finds patterns in data. It can then discover information and improve the execution of all the tasks that the system is supposed to perform.

Deep learning

It is a type of machine learning that makes AI capable of learning and becoming better by processing data. Deep learning is based on the use of artificial neural networks that reproduce the biological neural networks of the human brain. It performs data processing, finds connections between information, and arrives at inferences or outcomes from positive and negative reinforcement. In business, this can be used to implement marketing adapted to potential customers or prospects.

Cognitive computing

Cognitive computing aims to reproduce the functioning of the human brain on a computer scale. It is based on self-learning systems that combine data mining, language processing, and pattern recognition. Research methods and processing methods are constantly refined to be able to anticipate problems and propose solutions. Cognitive computing is used in different sectors such as robotics or virtual reality.

Natural language processing

Natural language processing is an essential component of artificial intelligence that allows computers to recognize human language, written or spoken. In addition to recognizing language, they analyze, interpret, and understand the true meaning of sentences. Using such a program is essential for any AI system designed to interact with humans, via text, voice, or other inputs.

Computer vision

One of the most popular applications of AI technologies is the ability of the computer to examine and interpret the content of an image. This involves the use of pattern recognition and deep learning. With Computer Vision, AI systems can identify components of visual data. We can give the example of captchas that you have probably already encountered on the web. These programs learn by asking humans to help them identify a car, a bicycle, the pedestrian crossing, etc.

The development of technologies has favored the rise of AI

Artificial intelligence is not new, but its applications have developed significantly in recent years thanks to advances in technology. Improvements in IT tools and algorithms essential to the proper functioning of AI have led to its massive adoption.

More accessible and larger datasets

Artificial intelligence needs data to thrive. These are available in large quantities and have become more accessible in recent years. We speak in particular of  Big Data to designate large volumes of information whose processing requires the use of specific technologies.

The development of the IOT  (Internet of Things) is the basis for the production of enormous quantities of data. They are collected using connected devices that make our daily lives easier. The potential applications of AI would be much more limited without the massive use of these next-generation machines.

Graphics processing units (GPU)

GPUs also play a vital role in the growth of artificial intelligence. They provide AI systems with the power required to carry out the millions of calculations required for interactive processing. High-performance GPUs are essential for the rapid processing and interpretation of Big Data.

Intelligent data processing

Intelligent data processing is about advanced algorithms used by AI to analyze data faster, at multiple levels, and simultaneously. Complex systems are better and quickly understood and rare events can be predicted.

The Evolution of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

The use of APIs makes it possible to add artificial intelligence functionalities to computer programs and applications. Systems and software are becoming smarter and can better identify and understand patterns within data.

Some advantages and applications of artificial intelligence

The democratization of artificial intelligence makes its applications accessible to all companies, regardless of their size, their field, or the quantity of data managed. Machine translation,  virtual assistants like chatbots, and predictive maintenance are some of the most well-known uses of AI.

You have the opportunity to improve the work of your employees by sparing them from repetitive tasks with low added value which can now be automated. Artificial intelligence also simplifies research and analysis processes while helping to make informed decisions in business.

It has the advantage of not having the classic human limits such as unconscious biases which infiltrate even the work of the greatest experts. Despite its extraordinary potential, AI still presents challenges, including ethical, legal, and technological ones.

What is the point of making a conventional termination?

Conventional termination is a legal means of terminating an employee's employment contract amicably. It can concern a single (individual contractual termination) or several employees (collective conventional termination) of a company. The principle of this method of termination of an employment contract is a mutual agreement between the employer and the employee concerned. It is not necessary to justify the termination in this case, unlike dismissal for example.

As an employee, negotiating a conventional termination can facilitate your search for a new job or care in the event of sick leave. In addition, unlike a  resignation, a  conventional termination allows you to receive specific compensation when you leave the company. For conventional termination compensation, the minimum amount is set by law and you can agree with the employer on a higher amount.

Conventional termination and unemployment are compatible because you can register as a jobseeker at the end of your employment contract. Termination of the contract upon mutual consent of the parties proves more advantageous than resignation and dismissal for the employee when it is well negotiated.

Furthermore, all companies can implement a conventional termination procedure when all the conditions are met. Only employees on permanent contracts are eligible for this amicable procedure, employees on fixed-term contracts and those with a temporary employment contract cannot benefit from the system. When a fixed-term contract is terminated before its end, we rather speak of termination by mutual agreement. Conventional termination is also possible in the civil service, but this can only concern permanent civil servants and contract workers on permanent contracts.

What are the conditions for carrying out a conventional termination?

The essential condition required to implement a conventional termination procedure is a mutual agreement between the employee and the employer. There is no legal agreement or legal framework that offers the possibility for the employer to impose a conventional termination on the employee and vice versa. This breach of contract is however prohibited in the following situations:

• lack of consent between the two parties,

• a procedure proposed as part of a collective agreement for the forward management of skills and jobs or a job protection plan,

• a procedure aimed at circumventing the guarantees provided for the employee or staff in matters of economic dismissal.

When your plan for a conventional termination is deemed fraudulent at the approval stage, the industrial tribunal has the power to cancel the procedure.

What are the steps to make a conventional termination?

Conventional termination procedures generally take place in five main stages.

The conventional termination letter

To request a conventional termination, you must write a letter mentioning the articles of the Labor Code which authorizes it. The latter must be drawn up by the person at the origin of the request for conventional termination, that is to say, the employee or the employer. This letter must also include:

• the identity of the applicant and their contact details,

• the name of the company or administration,

• the start date of the contract and the desired end date.

You can hand deliver the written letter to the recipient by requesting a receipt or send it by post.

The preliminary interview

Following your request for a conventional termination, you are entitled to a  prior interview organized with the other party to discuss the subject. This prior interview is mandatory. The date, time, place, and deadline are freely set by the parties. The employee may be assisted by a staff representative or a company advisor after having taken care to inform the employer. For its part, the employer can request a member of staff or the union organization after having informed the employee.

The conventional termination agreement

When the parties agree to proceed with the conventional termination, the act is materialized by an agreement that sets out the terms of termination of the employment contract. The conventional termination agreement is in fact drawn up by the employer and a copy is given to the employee after signature by both parties. It includes a brief statement of the facts, the date of termination of the employment contract (generally the day after the day of authorization from the labor inspectorate), and the amount of compensation.

Validation of the conventional termination

For the act to be valid, a  notice of conventional termination of 15 days following the signing of the agreement must be respected. Once this period has passed, the agreement or the conventional termination form is sent to the competent authority in charge of employment, solidarity, and population protection. The request for approval of the agreement is then made by the employee or employer.

End of employment contract

The labor inspectorate has 15 days after receipt of the letter to respond to the request for approval of your conventional termination agreement. When the procedure is completed, the employee's employment contract ends on the agreed date. On this date, the employer gives him the employment certificate, the Pôle Emploi certificate, the all-account balance, and a summary of the amounts saved.

What are the rights and compensation in the event of a contractual termination?

In addition to the salary due until the last day of work, the employee on a permanent contract who benefits from a conventional termination receives  several compensations  :

• compensation for paid leave in respect of acquired leave which was not received on the day of termination of the contract,

• compensation under the non-competition clause,

• any bonuses and bonuses,

• specific compensation for conventional termination.

The final compensation is paid by the employer, regardless of your seniority in the company. The amount cannot be less than the legal severance pay. Conventional termination compensation is exempt from income tax for the employee under certain conditions.

On the other hand, it is subject to CSG for the employer, but exempt from social security contributions for the fraction below 82,272 euros. The calculation of the amount of compensation is done in different ways depending on whether you have less or more than 10 years of seniority in the company.

Practical tips for transitioning to new opportunities

Before your professional transition, you must avoid certain pitfalls that could compromise your conventional termination. For example, you must make sure to make your verbal requests while keeping your mood. You must also avoid criticizing the company and staff in written letters, which can be produced in court in the event of litigation before a court.

Also, read the termination agreement carefully before signing it to be sure that the content complies with the agreements. If you notice an error after signing, do not hesitate to exercise your right of withdrawal or contest the act before the industrial tribunal after approval.

If your conventional termination went well without any major errors, start by writing an effective CV for your next job search. Take stock of your professional project and take care of your online reputation by prioritizing quality over quantity. If necessary, take time to train yourself, organize your job search like a professional and prepare for your job interviews as best you can.

What is digital pollution?

Digital pollution refers to the negative environmental footprint linked to the life cycle of devices and technologies necessary for work in the company. The harmful impacts on the environment relating to digital pollution concern, among others:

• excessive consumption of electrical energy,

• the production of electronic waste,

• the disruption of biodiversity.

Digital pollution also concerns greenhouse gas emissions linked to the use of technological devices .

How does digital pollution manifest?

Digital pollution is noticed at the level of production, use and end of life of the electronic and IT equipment used.

The impact of the production of technological devices on the environment

To produce a computer or a television, we need non-renewable metals (lithium, cerium, tantalum, aluminum, etc.) from mining. A large amount of fossil energy is used to extract raw materials, which produces greenhouse gases. Extraction produces toxic waste that is often poorly managed. This can pollute the soil, air and surrounding water points and therefore disrupt biodiversity.

For the production and transport of devices to consumers, fossil fuels will also be used: coal, oil and gas. The environmental footprint is considerable. For example, the production and transportation of a laptop made in China is estimated to produce an average of 940 kg of CO2 emissions.

The ecological footprint of the use of digital accessories

This concerns the significant consumption of electrical energy generated by the daily use of digital technology for the company's activities. The electricity used to operate digital devices and the internet is mainly of fossil origin.

Queries on a search engine or a cloud environment, consultation of video content are all factors accentuating digital pollution within the company . Sending emails also constitutes a significant source of technological pollution at the corporate level.

End of life of equipment

There is also the production of digital pollution when computer accessories that have reached the end of their life escape the recycling process. The complex composition of technological accessories does not promote adequate recycling.

For a computer that is made of more than 50 different materials and present in very small quantities, recycling electronic waste is often not economically profitable.

The fight against digital pollution in societies

It is important to avoid CO2 emissions and excessive consumption of electrical energy linked to digital activity in business . To do this, all stakeholders in society must adhere to the chosen control actions. This will involve defining and implementing a coherent and comprehensive action plan for this purpose.

Staff awareness

From employees to the management team, everyone must master the challenges of combating digital pollution for business activity. It is about uniting employees around a common ideal through eco-responsible awareness. This allows everyone to fully play their role at their level in a proactive manner to limit the impact of digital technology on the environment.

For example, it is possible to encourage employees to avoid sending attachments that are too large for emailing. Storing exchanged emails and coins requires high electrical energy consumption. According to ADEME, the energy consumption of sending an email with a 1 MB attachment is equal to that of running a 60 watt lamp for 25 minutes.

Old emails should be completely deleted and unnecessary emails should be avoided. Employees should also unsubscribe from non-essential newsletters. Ethical search engines like Écosia or Lilo should be favored for searching for information. Meetings by videoconference must also be reduced as much as possible, as this involves significant fossil energy consumption each time.

Better management of IT equipment

The real needs of each employee regarding work computer equipment must be known and monitored over time by a specialized manager. As long as the computer, tablet, printer, or company phone is in good condition and not obsolete, there is no reason to change the equipment. When devices are defective, the first thought should be repair, if possible. With good preventive maintenance, many cases of equipment failure can be avoided.

By moderating the renewal of the company's IT equipment, it is possible to halve your impact on the environment. This will ultimately make it possible to limit the production of new digital accessories which cause nearly 80% of overall digital pollution. If your company is used to changing IT hardware every 24 months, it would now be wise to do so every 48 months.

It is also important to choose equipment that consumes little electricity for the work. You should not hesitate to seek advice from a professional for this purpose. When possible, we will, for example, prefer laptops which have an annual CO2 footprint that is half that of desktop PCs. When an accessory is not in use, it should be turned off to avoid consuming electricity .