The population's participation in the reverse logistics of electronic and electrical equipment and appliances is of utmost importance to ensure an environmentally appropriate final disposal of these wastes. So important that the legislation provides for the consumer's participation within the shared responsibility for the product's life cycle.

The implementation of this process occurs through collection points for this type of waste, preventing disposal in regular trash or conventional selective collection. For reverse logistics to be effective, it is essential that the population follows some guidelines when disposing of these products, such as separating electronic equipment from other types of waste, ensuring they are turned off and clean, and disposing of them whole whenever possible.

It is recommended to delete personal data contained on devices before disposal, remembering that it is not possible to recover the products after disposal. The proper disposal of electronic and household appliances helps prevent water and soil contamination, as many of these products contain toxic components such as mercury and cadmium. Furthermore, air pollution is avoided, especially in the case of devices that contain refrigerant gases, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, which, when leaked, can harm the ozone layer.

It is important to emphasize that the population has no cost to carry out proper disposal, as reverse logistics is funded by manufacturers and importers. By disposing of it properly, the consumer contributes to environmental preservation and also gains more space at home by getting rid of obsolete or unused equipment.

Awareness of reverse logistics and active participation of the population should not be limited only to schools but should extend to companies and all households. With the frequent acquisition of new technological products, it is essential that the proper disposal of old equipment becomes a habit, aiming not only for individual benefit but also for collective and environmental well-being.

By participating in reverse logistics, the population contributes to the reuse of materials and components of these devices in the manufacturing of new products, promoting the circular economy and reducing the need for natural resource extraction. In this way, everyone benefits: the environment, companies, and society itself, which gains from a more sustainable and responsible production cycle.

Recently, the debate around the 6×1 scale has regained significant strength, both on the internet and on the streets. This happened after Deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) proposed a constitutional amendment (PEC) requesting the reduction of the workweek from 44 to 36 hours and the end of the 6×1 shift. However, if this proposal is approved, how will things proceed from now on?

The first thing people need to understand is that the end of the 6×1 schedule does not mean widespread time off on weekends and that all services – especially commerce – will stop on Saturday and Sunday. After all, there are work shifts, and employees of companies will have to split them, and they can indeed work on weekends, but only if both days are included in the new schedule, the 5×2.

However, this reduction can be a challenge for many organizations that are already accustomed to this work scale model and will need some time to organize themselves, as it is likely that hiring new employees will be necessary, but this requires recalculating budgets and making investments. And we know that from the moment it weighs on entrepreneurs' pockets, it may not work very well at first glance.

A survey conducted by Pontotel, a time and attendance management company in Brazil with over 500,000 employees registered on its time tracking platform, states that the end of the 6×1 shift schedule could impact millions of workers and companies in the country. According to the survey, this model predominates in some sectors: Accommodation and food services (69%), Commerce (49.9%), and Administrative activities (35.1%).

Generally, areas that require continuous work, such as health, tend to follow different schedules and there is no possibility of abandoning the 6×1 or any other schedule. Many doctors work shifts of 36 to 48 hours straight, everything varies according to the hospital's demand and their own availability, so they cannot fit into this new model.

The truth is that everything involving the Brazilian labor scene needs to be evaluated with great caution and without haste. And approval without proper discussion and large-scale impact analysis will be worse not only for the entrepreneur but also for the worker, because it is those who generate jobs, not the government.

The ideal is to have a balance so that the entrepreneur and employees in general are not harmed, but it is necessary to find a middle ground. In this regard, it is extremely important for company managers to start assessing their current situation so that they know what to do if the end of the 6×1 schedule indeed occurs in the near future.

Business automation is no longer an option; it is a necessity. In the current corporate world, where competitiveness is growing exponentially, insisting on manual processes is, in my opinion, condemning oneself to stagnation. To survive, companies need agility, precision, and efficiency, qualities that automation provides by optimizing processes and reducing costs. More than replacing manual tasks, it is about transforming operations, eliminating bottlenecks, increasing productivity, and preparing businesses to compete in an increasingly demanding market. Ignoring this change is giving up opportunities for growth and innovation.

The numbers leave no doubt about this transformation. According to a Microsoft study, 74% of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) already use artificial intelligence (AI) in their businesses. Of these, 46% apply technology specifically to optimize operational costs, a figure that, in my view, demonstrates how automation is within reach of smaller companies, demystifying the idea that it is a privilege of large corporations.

And in the case of these larger companies, automation also plays a central role. A Deloitte survey revealed that 58% of them use AI in their daily operations. Applications range from administrative routine (44%) and decision support (43%) to customer service (39%) and big data analysis for software development (32%). This data reinforces how automation is versatile, benefiting strategic and operational areas in an integrated manner.

Still, many companies hesitate to adopt automation. In my view, this is due to a combination of ignorance, fear of initial costs, and the false perception that this transformation is too complex. The biggest mistake, however, is ignoring the return on this investment. Automating is investing in long-term efficiency, eliminating rework, optimizing resources, and freeing teams for more strategic activities.

Another point that often arises is the fear that automation will replace people. However, the goal is not to replace, but to free employees from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more creative activities with higher added value. Automation, by making operations more efficient, creates space for professionals to assume more strategic and innovative roles, enriching their functions and contributing to the growth of companies.

Despite all of this, Brazil still faces significant barriers. There is no denying that companies, especially small businesses, face structural obstacles such as lack of access to technologies and ineffective regulations. In my opinion, government incentives aimed at digital transformation would be crucial to democratize these tools and accelerate the modernization of the Brazilian market.

The data shows that those who invest in automation reap the benefits. Companies that integrate AI and other technologies into their processes not only manage to reduce costs but also position themselves in a more agile and strategic manner. On the other hand, those that resist change risk becoming irrelevant in a market that values innovation and efficiency.

Automation is no longer a differentiator; it is a condition for thriving. The future of business belongs to companies that choose automation now, with courage and strategy. After all, efficiency and innovation are no longer optional, but essential pillars to survive in an increasingly competitive market.