Tag: work from home

3 Business Principles We Hope You Follow

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It is always good to have principles in business because it can enable you to achieve more. With that in mind, here are three business principles that we hope you will follow. 

  1. Security should never be an afterthought 

With all the threats out there these days, you now know you must protect your system with a good antivirus. But in a market choke-full of products, it can be dizzying settling on the right one. So what makes a solid anti-virus? One of the most vital tasks a good antivirus should do, is accurately and reliably detect any of the different types of malware. Surfing the net is a bit like walking through a minefield. Every link you click on could potentially harbor that virus, Trojan, or worm. And that’s why your antivirus should have a comprehensive and up-to-date database, which will detect malware before it has the chance to corrupt your computer. The next feature you should have your eye out for is the software’s ability to thoroughly scan your computer. Of course, anti-virus software is not enough. There are so many other security features and elements that are required to protect your business. This includes everything from encryption and network segregation to multi-factor authentication and password protection. 

  1. Listening to your employees is a must

You can always learn the most about your business by listening to your employees. After all, they are living in it every day! They are the ones that need to complete tasks and objectives, and this is why you need to listen to what they have to say. This is especially important when it comes to health and safety. If your employee tells you that something is not safe, you need to listen to them. There are companies like Versatile Systems that can assist you with this if you need to make changes to the physical structure at your business, for example. 

  1. Always dedicate yourself to learning

Aside from the points that have already been mentioned, if you work from home or you want to progress your business, you should always look for ways to enhance your skillset and achieve more. You can do any course online today. So, why not take one of these courses in your spare time so that you can better yourself and take your business forward? When choosing what course to do, you need to think about what is genuinely going to take your company to the next level. Don’t choose something simply because you think it is easy or it will be fun; you need to know it is going to offer you a competitive edge. 

So there you have it: three business principles that we hope you follow. If you follow these principles, it can help your business to achieve more success. It is important to make sure that you always have some principles that you believe in because this shapes your company culture and the type of business you run. Add some more to the list yourself!

4 Questions You Should Ask About Commercial Properties

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Are you the owner of a commercial property? If you are a business owner or a manager, it’s important to handle an asset like this the right way. Here are some of the key questions that you need to consider.

What Improvements Can You Make?

First, you should think about the different improvements that you can make to your business property. Improvements can be used to ensure that a property doesn’t cost you too much money or is more practical in general. For instance, if you have a flat roof, then you can think about applying elastomeric roof coating. This can be used to boost the insulation of a property which will, in turn, ensure that you can lower your energy bills. Alternatively, you could instead focus on the interior design of the building to ensure that it is more welcoming for customers and clients who are visiting. 

Does Your Property Have Curb Appeal?

You should also consider whether a commercial property does have curb appeal. Curb appeal is key because it will make it more likely that customers will want to explore your business and what it has to offer. This is important regardless of whether you are creating an office or setting up a business store. Your business still needs to look great from the outside. If you are wondering how to increase curb appeal, then there are a few possibilities. For instance, you might want to consider adding a unique feature outside your property like a sculpture. 

Is It Secure?

Next, you need to consider whether your business is secure. It’s often assumed that business break-ins are no longer an issue. The reason for this is that there’s a lot of issues surrounding cybercrime these days. While that is the case, break-ins do still occur, particularly if a commercial property does not have the right type of security in place. You need to make sure that you are investing in advanced securing to protect your business assets. 

Are You Better To Buy, Rent Or Work From Home?

Finally, it could be worth considering whether you should rent, buy a commercial property or if you would be better off working from home. The majority of businesses can now be run from home, but there are both advantages and disadvantages connected to this possibility. The main advantage is that you can save money. However, there is still a certain stigma connected to home businesses. Clients will often assume that they are smaller and may not be able to handle the requirements of larger contracts. Renting can be cost-effective but you do still have all the responsibilities of a landlord. These will usually be addressed in your contract. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key questions that you should ask yourself if you do own a business property and the right changes that you can make here. If you explore the key options then you’ll be able to improve your property in a variety of different ways.

Renovating Your Office This Year

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Your office is often like a second home. After your house this is the place you spend the most time and it is a place you need to make your own for maximum comfort and productivity. 

Today we want to talk about your office and renovating it for the better this year. Make the most of the space you have and transform it into the perfect workplace for you and your employees. Use these ideas below to change and improve your office for the better in 2021.

Create a zen space 

We all know how important mental health is, and as an employer it is time for you to take control and take action for the health of yourself and your workers this year. One of the ways you can do this is convert a small spare room into a zen space which has calming colors on the walls, beanbags to sit in, and a TV and books for entertainment. You can hang a small sign on the door that indicates when the space is occupied and from this you’ll be able to allow your employees in here when work is becoming too much and they need some time to calm down. A room like this will make a massive difference to the mental health of your workers and will create a healthier working environment. 

Repaint the walls 

One of the easiest ways to transform your office in hours is to repaint the walls with bright and inviting colors. Enough of the boring greys and blues already! Consider instead adding bright and warm tones such as red or orange to the walls to brighten the space and make it more exciting for your employees. Bright colors help to stir alertness as well as motivation in your team and psychologically it will keep them on the ball and make them more productive. 

Invest in better chairs 

Chairs are an important part of your office and you need to invest in the best ones for your team. Make sure to invest in comfortable and supportive chairs for your employees and yourself to reduce to risk do back problems and sick leave in the office. 

Consider an outdoor area 

An outdoor area is a great idea for a commercial property because it will allow everyone to get away from the stake air of the office for a while and reset. You can use a commercial grade cement mixer from https://thompsonrock.com/ to lay a flat concrete surface and then add benches and chairs for people to sit at. A few choice plant pots here and there will also be great and it gives everyone a good space to reset and relax. 

Build a communal area 

A communal lunch area is a great idea and a cafe inspired look will be good for informal meeting with clients too. Consider building a communal cafe in your office and have coffee machines on hand for people to make their own drinks. You can even add plug sockets to allow people to work on their laptops in this area if they prefer this now and again. 

Ensure You Have the Facilities to Accommodate Visitors

If the business you run requires people to visit your office regularly, you’ll need to make sure you have facilities to accommodate those visits. This starts with making sure your visitors have a place to park that’s secure and safe for them. You can hire paving contractors to sort that out for you, and then you can focus on perfecting your meeting area.

Renovating your office for success is a challenge but if you take some of these ideas to your project you could end up with a stunning workspace for everyone in your company.

Small Things To Consider When Working At Home

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When you work from home, it can often be difficult to work in the same way as you would in an office and it can take some time to get used to the format of your working day. With the pandemic that has swept the world in the last few months, it is no surprise that a lot of us have had to start getting used to working at home in the long term and this doesn’t look to change any time soon. 

If you will be working at home for a while due to lockdown or even if you have quit the rat race to work on your own projects – today we want to share some helpful advice to keep you working well at home and things you should consider doing. 

Keep water nearby 

It is all too easy to get caught up in your work for hours on end and forget to eat or drink anything. While this is not necessarily a bad thing with food; you need to keep yourself hydrated enough throughout the day in order to stay healthy at your desk and to focus when working. Keep a bottle of water next to you throughout the day that you can take a sip of while working and it will make a big difference to your concentration and your ability to be productive. 

Clean your work area 

It is important when trying to work at home productively to clean your workspace and keep it tidy. You need to ensure that you have a workspace that is fit for purpose and one which is free of clutter. A cluttered space is a cluttered mind – and when working from home it is so important for you to have a tidy space to work in. This also extends beyond your desk itself and if you are situated in your spare room make sure it is not completely covered in clutter and mess because this will draw focus away from your work throughout the day. 

Close the door 

When working at home it is all too easy to become distracted by pets, kids, and even household chores if things are within your eye line during the day. This is why it is a great idea for you to choose a room separate from the rest of the house and shut the door so you can focus on your work. When you go to ‘work’ in the morning treat it as if you are leaving home and shut the door to your home life. It will make working so much easier and will ensure you stay focused. 

Enjoy home comforts

Even if you are working all day it is still a good idea to bring some home comforts to your office space to make it more comfortable as well as personal. There are some brilliant ways to bring home comforts into the room such as hanging art on the wall as well as plants, candles, and perhaps a blanket for when the days are colder. Make sure you feel comfortable at home and this will help you work effectively. 

Consider licensing 

It is important if you are starting a business from home this year that you contact a law firm and get a license to work. You need to have a license in order to practice business in your home and this is something you need to do before you even start trading. Working from home is a great thing to do but it is crucial you are doing this legally because you can get into some trouble if you don’t. 

Create work-life balance 

When working from home it is all too easy to start earlier and finish later than you normally would and this can be dangerous for you if you do this every day. Be sure that you consider a work-life balance when working from home and set yourself a start and end time to your day and stick to it. Working from home can be exhausting and if you burn out you can suffer some serious mental issues as a result and it can even make you physically ill. 

Organize ahead of time 

If you struggle to get going in the morning when working at home it is a great idea for you to start making a to do list the night before your working days. It is a good idea for you to write a to do list at the end of the day ready for your work the next day because it will allow you to get going on your work as soon as you sit down in the morning rather than worrying about what to do.

3 Reasons to Work and Travel

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Remote work has become more popular than ever in recent years. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, there was a 159% increase in remote work from 2005-2017. Now, in light of the pandemic, working from home has become the norm for thousands of people. 

Because of that, many people are starting to realize the benefits of remote work. It gives you more flexibility, and some studies have shown that people who work from home can actually be more productive than those who work in an office setting. 

One of the most beautiful things about remote work, however, is that it can be done from anywhere. So, if you’re “working from home”, why not make your home in different locations? Now is the perfect time to travel and see the world while staying on top of your job. 

Why should you travel and work at the same time?

  1. You Can Stay in One Place Longer

Most of the time, when people travel it’s because they’re taking a vacation or traveling on business. As a result, they don’t get to stay in that destination for very long. 

When you’re working remotely and travel somewhere, you can stay as long as you’d like. You can fully immerse yourself in a new culture, get to know the land, the community, etc. It’s a great way to truly experience the world without feeling rushed. 

  1. It’s Good for Your Mental Health

There are so many positive reasons to travel more. When you decide to get out of your comfort zone, you push your mind forward. You are showing yourself that you can do things you may not have thought possible. You’re recognizing your own strength and confidence, and that can be a huge boost to your self-esteem. 

Traveling also can help you to open up your mind and be more willing to try things. That will carry over into other aspects of your life, emboldening you in ways you may have never thought possible. 

  1. You Will Become More Independent

Whether you choose to travel by yourself or go with your family, getting rid of your creature comforts and the things you’re familiar with will force you to become independent quickly. You won’t have a large group of people to fall back on if you’re in a tight spot. Instead, traveling will force you to “figure things out” on your own. 

That might sound like a negative thing, at first. But, it helps to build resilience and mental toughness. Whether you’re traveling in the country in an RV and you suddenly need trailer repair services, or you’re overseas and find yourself running out of money, you will have to use your skills and resources to make things happen and to keep moving forward. If you’re feeling like you’re stuck in a rut by staying at home, or nothing seems to inspire you, traveling is the perfect way to combat that. 

So, if you have the ability to work remotely, why not take full advantage of it? There is no time like the present to travel the world and experience everything you’ve ever dreamed about.

How To Make Working From Home Easier

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Over the past year, thousands of people across the world have said goodbye to their morning commutes and began working from home. Whilst this has many benefits, from ensuring everyone stays safe, to saving you valuable money on gas and transport, it is no secret that working from home can also be incredibly difficult. With that in mind, here are some things you can do, as a business owner or manager, to make working from home easier for your employees.

Offer Support

When an employee feels valued or expected, they will naturally work harder, meaning a good boss-employee relationship is vital in the successful running of a company, particularly when you have to work from home. Therefore, it is important that you find different ways to offer your support to them during this time – whether this means calling them to check in on how they are doing or sending a personalized email to let them know you appreciate their work and asking if they need any additional help or support. 

Another way in which you can support your employees at this time is by supporting their professional development. Many employees feel as though working from home has put them at a standstill when they had hoped this year would bring them professional growth.  Whilst you may not be able to offer raises or promotions during this time, try and find new easy to invest in your employees’ development. One way in which you can do this is by offering online courses that allow them to develop necessary skills.

Make the most of tech

We live in a world that is almost entirely dependent upon technology, especially in light of recent events. As a result, you must keep your office tech up to date, to ensure the smooth running of your business. You need to ensure that the technology you sue means you can run your company in the same way you would in person, without a drop in the quality of services you offer. Thankfully, there is plenty of technology designed with efficiency in mind that allows for effortless communication and collaboration amongst colleagues, no matter where they are in the world. The 5th kind is a great example of this. The online software allows you to securely share important files and documents with colleagues, allowing for effective collaboration.

Host smart meetings

There is nothing worse than a meeting that could have been an email – whether you are using that time to work with colleagues or converse with potential clients. You need to be mindful of people’s time and ensure that you keep the meeting concise. However, for one reason or the other, online meetings tend to drift off track much quicker. As a result, you should strive to ensure your meetings are effective. One way you can do this is by preparing ahead of time. Before the meeting, make a list of the points you wish to cover and allocate a set amount of time to discuss each topic. Having a plan can stop you from delving off-topic, ensuring that meetings are productive.

Improve your setup Improving your setup from home will make working from home feel more comfortable, and it can also improve your productivity. If you find yourself sitting on the sofa all day to work, that is not good for your mind or body. Find yourself space where you can sit upright and focus. Position yourself in an airy, light, and breathable space. To improve your lighting and air circulation, you can install larger windows, remove obstacles, and use air duct cleaning. These services will remove air dirt and dust from your air system and improve the air that you breathe at home or in the office.

Equip Your Home Office With These Tips

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How amazing would it be to be told that you can work from home? Working in the comfort of your house is something that most people only dream of, and it’s something that you can choose to do with the support of your boss. If they are willing to let you head home and work remotely, it’s going to be one of the best things that they do for you this year. The chance to be in your own surroundings, with no commute, is one of the best feelings! 

Not only do you get the refrigerator space to yourself, you get to set up a home office that works for you without anyone else out there telling you how to work or where to sit. The equipment in your home office is all yours, too, which means that you can use it to your heart’s content. Being motivated and productive at home is only a problem if you aren’t equipped properly, and so you shouldn’t embark on this new adventure without having the right office printers, photocopiers and computers that will work for your workload. You need the best furniture and you need a space that is well-lit and functioning as a proper office space. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most important equipment that you need to have in your home office.

You Need… A Comfy Chair

No home office is perfect without a properly supportive, comfortable chair. Your spine and hips need to be properly seated and balanced so that you don’t have pain while you work. You want to sit as comfortably as possible so that your back is able to keep you upright while you work. You should be able to enjoy your job and you can’t do that if your back and muscles are in agony. With the right lumbar support and armrests, you’re going to be able to sit and work without issues.

You Need… The Right Desk

There are a number of health issues to think about when you are working from home, and hunched shoulders and back are another. If you are sitting for hours on end at a desk, you need it to be the right height to avoid straining your eyes, your wrist and your back. Get a height-adjustable desk so that you can work well without any worries that you are going to be in pain!

You Need… Flowers

Plants make the air more breathable and add color to your office. You can feel happier with the right flowers in the office and you can stay motivated to work when you have the flowers and plants around the space. As natural air filters, you’re going to feel way more motivated to work hard because you are breathing in great air to fuel your lungs and your brain!

You Need… Color

The office at home doesn’t have to be boring. With the right artwork in the office, you can feel at peace and ready to work. You don’t need to spend a lot – some beautiful prints are really low-cost. You don’t even need to make your office chair a black one; go for a pop of color to help you to feel more motivated to work. The right upholstery or cushions do make a big difference to the way that your office feels, and it’s so important that you WANT to work at home!

You Need… Good Lighting

Placing your desk under the window is one thing, but you really need some well-placed lamps around the place, too. Think about the way you work and add as much lighting as it takes to make this easier for you. You want to see the room and not strain your eyes when you are working at the computer. You can make sure that you don’t have the worry of not being able to see with a shopping trip to get new LED light bulbs and removing the net curtains from the window to let the natural light flood right in.

You Need… Snacks!

A refrigerator is already in your kitchen, but what about having one in your office? You can fill it with healthy and nutritious snacks so that you can keep up with your workload. You could even fill it with bottles of fresh water so that you are refreshed while you work. If you have snacks in the office, you won’t have to leave the desk if you get peckish.

 

The Pros And Cons Of Working From Home

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These days, there are some big changes being made in the world of work. A lot of companies, especially modern startups are now turning their backs on the traditional nine-to-five working day. Lots of firms now let their workers work from home at least one day a week as they find that it can help them boost their motivation and productivity. Not only that, though, but some companies are also starting to offer flexible working hours to allow their staff to work parts of their days at home.

Do you think that this sounds like your preferred way to work? As most companies are now open to giving their staff more flexibility, your employer might let you if you ask them. Here are the pros and cons that you will need to weigh up to make sure you make the right decision for you.

Pros

  • You Won’t Have To Deal With A Commute Again. One of the main things that people hate about their job is the commute to and from their office. Most people will live about a thirty-minute drive away, and they will have to sit in long rush-hour  traffic jams which can really increase their commuting time. Plus, trains and buses are often extremely busy during the rush hour. Thankfully, you won’t have to deal with that on the days you work from home.
  • It’s Great For Those With Disabilities Or Long-Term Conditions. Some people who have long-term health conditions might struggle getting to the office every day. Working from their own home will be their perfect solution. Plus, it means they won’t have to worry about going to their doctor or physiotherapy appointments as they can fit them around their own schedule at home.

Cons

  • It Can Be Isolating. Of course, when you are working from your own home you won’t have any colleagues around you. Even if you do chat to them regularly over email or Slack, you could still find this to be fairly isolating. In order to combat this, some people spend part of their days working from a co-working space or their local coffeeshop.
  • It Can Be Hard To Know When To Stop. Some people find that when they work from home, it can be very difficult knowing when to call it quits for the day. They simply keep on working through the evening to try and get as much done as possible. Obviously, this isn’t going to do your wellbeing any good as you will need to take a rest and ensure you get plenty of sleep.
  • Some Find It’s Too Easy To Procrastinate. A lot of people also find that it can be very tempting to procrastinate at home. After all, there will certainly be a lot more distractions compared to in the office!

So, what do you think about working from home now that you have seen some of the pros and cons? You will have to think long and hard before deciding whether this is the best way for you to work.

Well Paid Roles For Those Wishing To Escape the Nine to Five

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For businesses these days, there is are so many more options from the standard nine to five job. For many employers there are opportunities for their team to work from home and to work flexibly, meaning that they can log back onto the computer at different times fo the day, to suit their lifestyle and needs. But there are still many jobs or careers that are very much still sat behind a desk and working nine until five. It can be easy to see why people do it, though, even if it can be hard, dull, and uninspiring for some; many of the best paying jobs are desk-jobs. But if you are thinking about your career-path, no matter where you are in, and you can’t envisage working in such a repetitive and regimented role, then looking for jobs outside of an office are a must.

Are well-paid jobs out of an office few and far between? Here are some of the best paid jobs that aren’t office-based and of course, if you started your own business you could choose where you worked. Are there any here that take your fancy?

Medical Professions (Surgeons, Anesthesiologists)

Medical professions are ones that are going to get you a lot of money and not have you behind a desk. There can be a lot of paperwork in some medical professions, but not all of them, as there will be a team of people behind you. These kinds of jobs are paid really well, but it can take a while to get to that point. But if you love medicine and really making a difference in someone’s life, then it could be the career path for you.

Construction and Property

There is a lot of money to be had in construction and in property, especially if it is a business that you do on your own, and it is certainly not a job that will have you chained to a desk. You could become a landlord in this kind of industry, or just work alongside architects, looking for things like cranes for sale, and then getting into construction that way. If you are someone that likes to be pretty hands on, likes to see a difference in what you can achieve, and would like to earn some pretty big bucks, then getting into property management (flipping homes and selling on), or construction (where you’re building them), could be for you.

Psychologist or Psychiatrist

With the stigma around mental health being lifted more now than ever, people talking to a counselor or a psychiatrist is something that more and more people are seeking out. There can be quite a few years of training needed, of course, but it is something that could be different every day that you’re there, and would be something that could make a real difference in people’s lives. If this kind of job sounds appealing to you, then it definitely is one of the better paid options when it comes to a job that is flexible and relatively desk-free.

Simple Steps To a Greater Work and Life Balance When You Work From Home

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Working for yourself and working from home can bring with it so many benefits. The flexibility of the work can be a big pull, because as long as the work gets done, it doesn’t matter where or when the work is getting done. But because you are never too far from your computer, it can be hard to switch off; there can always be the temptation to have a look at your phone to make a few calls or a look at your emails. Differentiating between home and work can be difficult, but it needs to be achieved if you are going to achieve a greater life balance as the year goes on.

Here are some of the ways that you can get a better work and life balance, but still be able to get the work done that you need to.

Have a Separate Space

When your working space is somewhere like the dining table, which is very much a part of the home and family life, it can make it hard to switch off as it makes it hard to think that you’re either at home or down to do some work. Which is why having a separate space is really important. The space could be a spare room, bedroom or office, so when you close the door, you know that work is over. You could even look into a company that does metal home kits to create something like a garage for you that could be converted into an office, as not everyone will have spare space indoors. The space will help you to get into work mode or get into home mode, which is something that does happen when you work in a regular office.

Schedule Time

Flexibility has been talked about as one of the benefits of working for yourself. But even so, being able to schedule your time is important. Decide what you are doing and when, and then stick to it. If you have an hour a day for emails, then that is all that you have; the rest can wait. If you get into the habit of going back to check your emails all of the time, then it doesn’t help you to achieve the balance that you are looking for, and you’ll keep wanting to check them. So plan your time, otherwise it will plan you.

Make sure you incorporate physical activity into your day

One of the problems with working from home is that you miss out on a lot of the physical activity that would do if you were to work in the office. It is the small things – the commute to work, the walking up the stairs, the to and from to the coffee machine/water cooler/printer, the quick trip to the coffee shop at lunchtime, and so on. When all you have to do is roll out of bed into your home office, it can be very easy to miss those moments of physical activity. Make sure that you do incorporate some activity into your day; a jog around the block in the morning, a walk around the park at lunchtime, a session with a golf instructor that you have found on Grumpy Gopher. All of these will break your day up, give you a chance to leave your desk and get some much-needed exercise.

Ban Tech

Technology is a modern blessing that makes being able to work from home possible. But having times where the whole family (or just you if that is the setup), bans tech for a couple of hours, can help you to have some screen-free quality time, whether it is playing a game, cooking a meal, reading a book, or being able to switch off for a nap. All can help you to achieve a greater work and life balance.

The key is to really plan your time if you want to be able to enjoy being at home and feel like you aren’t constantly working. Then comes the time that you have to stick at it. It takes time, but it can be really worth it.