There’s always that one friend that either can’t make knock-off drinks because they are stuck at the office, or even worse, can’t enjoy themselves at the pub because they’re constantly answering emails throughout the night. To combat this growing trend of work-life imbalance in Australia, Heineken has launched The Closer, a high-tech bottle opener that immediately shuts all work applications when a bottle of beer is opened with it. Sorry, boss.
Image: Heineken
The Closer is a bluetooth-enabled bottle opener that forces a laptop into sleep mode when used to open a bottle. Once the device moves upward with enough force to open a bottle, it sends a signal to the connected device to force it into sleep mode. While The Closer is real, Heineken says it’s meant to be a satirical symbol to remind workers they already have everything they need to close down work and enjoy time with friends.
While gimmicky in nature, the product unveiling coincides with some alarming statistics on Aussie work-life balance. The Closer is positioned as the antidote to the increasing demands of our always-on work culture, where the average Australian is now working 1.5 hours more of unpaid overtime each week, the equivalent of an extra eight 38-hour weeks of work a year, according to Australia’s Institute of Future Work 2021 Report. Australian employers receive $125 billion of free labour from their employees per year, making us the most burnt-out workforce in the world.
Image: Heineken
Heineken hopes the satirical symbol will help Australian workers feel empowered to say no to extra work and sign off on time so they can spend more time connecting with friends and family.
“As a brand, we’ve always stood for creating moments of shared connections with others,” said Heineken Country Manager for Australia, Willemijn Sneep. “While it’s often something we take on the chin, overwork is an Australian affliction. We want to spark a much-needed conversation about the importance of work-life boundaries and the reprioritisation of our social and leisure time, so everyone can feel empowered to log off and enjoy their personal time.”
A limited number of Closer bottle openers are available in Australia. Australian workers can enter for their chance to win one via Heineken Australia’s Facebook page – @HeinekenAustralia. People can also learn more about the device and some of Heineken’s initial tips on how to achieve better work-life balance by visiting the Heineken website.
Check out a full unboxing of The Closer with Austin Evans up top.
Image: Heineken
You’ll also love:
Bushmills 2012 Burgundy Cask Reignites the Causeway Collection
