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Outfitting Your Office For A Return To Work

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Remote work has often been the name of the game in 2020, thanks to necessary societal lockdowns and the difficulty of keeping the Coronavirus in check. That said, it’s also important to consider not only how to keep up with your team and how to maintain your business, both practices we’re sure you’ve been busy staying on top of this year, but also what to do when your staff need to return.

This isn’t always easy to consider. It takes a little bit of time, energy, consideration, willingness and management skill to gather up all of the efforts and practices you need to make this seamless. Furthermore, it’s not always guaranteed that the virus will be in check by the time a return to work is the norm, and so to prevent the chance of your entire workforce being off sick, some precautions are worth keeping in mind. But how should we think of this return to work, and more importantly, how can we achieve this return without too much onboarding? Let’s consider:

Remote Working Possibilities

Remote working possibilities are important, and they can help your team better flourish when getting back into the swing of things. There’s no reason to completely nullify office work for remote work, and vice versa. Remote work has become such an apparent norm that continuing to support it is essential. This might involve ensuring your staff are supplied with excellent devices such as smartphones, laptops or tablets so that their file access is regularly secure and you can control everything about their devices’ ecosystem of programs.

Remote work possibilities may involve transferring many of your in-office meetings to Zoom, so that people around the country and even your business partners abroad can be part of them. Remote work is not an alternative, in many ways, it’s a better and improved standard. Any company that fails to continue to support it, in its entirety, hasn’t fully grasped the limited set of opportunities they could have, apparent from the offset as a silver lining in 2020.

Staggering Returns

Staggering the return of staff to your office is important. It can help you keep up with the maintenance demand. More importantly, it can just help you get used to having people around. You don’t have to force everyone back behind their desk on a Monday morning. Instead you can dripfeed certain departments back into your place of work, ensuring Covid standards are well-kept and protection is paramount. You might figure out that you need a new room layout to ensure your plexiglass shields can be installed correctly. You might realize that thanks to non-use, your heating systems in the midst of winter could do with a little bit of adjustment and repair. Then, once you have the wonky issues resolved, you can ask for more people to return.

Staggering schedules also works here. Bringing people back to the office part-time can be a great idea, or giving them the choice of what days they would like to work from home can also be ideal. These little efforts really do make a difference going forward – and they WILL be noticed by your staff in the long run.

Outfitting The Office 

Outfitting the office can be a tremendously impactful use of your time, in the best possible sense. For instance, it’s good to inspire some morale in your staff members. For this reason, making your office a celebration of your firm and its branding can be a great idea. It increases the sense that everyone is on the same team, and part of the same family – which they are.

With a calec commercial electrician, you can more easily keep on top of this requirement by outfitting lit-up branding displays, ensuring that your office lighting is in good shape, and even use exterior lighting solutions to help your office building look inviting.

Outfitting the office can also involve investing in high-quality ergonomic furniture after selling your old items in a job lot sale. It can mean having the place fully cleaned, a good protective measure against Covid to start with. It might mean replacing shoddy areas of the carpet. Anything that helps your office feel new, forward-thinking, and refreshed for 2021 is a great idea. It might seem like unnecessary, wanton spending to begin with, but you’ll no doubt see how powerful this can be in the long run.

Necessary Upgrades

Offices need a few necessary upgrades from time to time, and they don’t have to be expensive to be worth your time to implement. For instance, it might be that a flickering light has given you grief for some time – fixing that up could be ideal. Maybe your office windows aren’t as well-sealed as they used to be, and that can be fixed in a moment.

It might also be that improving your security works wonders, particularly now that you have more people coming in and out of your office each day. Implementing a keycard system can prevent unauthorized foot traffic, or making sure that Covid social-distance markers are laid out can also be a great use of your time.

Necessary upgrades might also involve using spare rooms, like meeting rooms, for alternative purposes now that you schedule most of your meetings on Zoom. This could serve as a temporary storage room, or maybe a place for you to house your Covid-cleaning supplies. 

Of course, a necessary upgrade may mean something a little more profound due to how your office has changed in this time. That may involve downsizing to a smaller building and saving money on rent. It could mean renting out parts of your office now that you’re working with a limited capacity. Only you can define and decide how to move forward with your rented space – but be sure to consider all options. Remember, we’re not through the difficulties presented by 2020, not by a long shot, and so staying flexible is a great idea.

Student @ Advanced Digital Sciences Center, Singapore. Travelled to 30+ countries, passion for basketball.

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Do’s and Don’t’s of Firing People

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As a business leader one of the hardest things that you could do is fire an employee. Of course, it sounds like an easy thing to do if the employee is rightfully deserving of being fired, but it is a lot easier said than done. Is a decision that many managers actually lose a lot of sleep over, because it’s such a difficult undertaking. 

No matter what you do though, whether you are firing somebody because they are just not the right fit for your business, or you are dismissing an employee for gross misconduct, legal issues can arise that could do damage to your business. HR professionals across the country will tell you that there are many different ways of gracefully terminating an employee’s contract, but there are some do’s and don’ts that you could do to make it an easier process that can help you deal with it. Let’s take a look at a few of those below.

  • Do get everything in order before you fire them. From evidence as to the reason they are fired, to the paperwork for them to leave the business, get everything in order so that there are no loose ends. For a firing to go smoothly this needs to be prepared in advance. Before you terminate the employee, you need to be able to prevent any misunderstandings or even accusations of illegal activity going on. Follow the policies and procedures in place of your organization and if necessary, consult a lawyer. Secure computer files, make sure you pull together all in performance appraisals and written warnings as any other correspondence that you might need. You should also make sure that you have all of the payroll information in place so that you can reassure the person being fired that they will be paid according to the law.
  • Do choose a private space. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be fired from their job. It leaves a bad taste, it’s nothing to be proud of, and it can be embarrassing for the employee. When you are dismissing somebody, you need to choose the right time and place and make sure that there are no eavesdroppers. It’s always a good idea to do it as early in the week as possible at the end of the day so that you minimize impact to your business. If an employee depends on the company or their colleagues to get home, it just makes good sense to ensure that they are not going to be left stranded.
  • Don’t fire somebody with an audience around. As we mentioned before, anybody in your business has a right to privacy. Doing it in front of an audience will be poor behavior on your part as an employer. It also won’t help people in the office to feel comforted by the idea that they may not be next. Use an official meeting space, as it’s a private and neutral location that is free from any disruption.
  • Don’t forget to toe the line. If you terminate an employee on parental or medical leave, or you terminate an employee who is pregnant, you are going to open yourself up to a lawsuit. Toe the line when it comes to the law and make sure that you are firing somebody with all of your ducks in a row in advance.

Terminating an employee’s contract is not easy, but sometimes it needs to be done.

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Best Strategies to Create an Comfortable Atmosphere in Your Restaurant

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Creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in any restaurant is essential for success. Customers often form their first impression of the restaurant based on its ambiance, and if it isn’t pleasant or enjoyable, they are less likely to come back. It’s important to consider all aspects that can make up a positive dining experience — from the decor to the music playing in your establishment to the service you provide. Here are some strategies that will help you create an atmosphere that customers won’t forget.

Decor:

The key to creating a cozy environment is by designing decor that reflects your restaurant’s style and promotes relaxation. Think about what kind of mood you want customers to feel when they enter your restaurant — from the lighting to the art on the walls to the decorations that adorn your tables. Depending on the cuisine you serve and the atmosphere you want to create, consider investing in muted tones or warm colors for a calming effect or bright and vibrant shades for an energetic vibe.

Music:

The music playing in your restaurant can make all the difference. Too loud music can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, while music that’s too quiet won’t create an inviting atmosphere at all. Consider investing in a music player for restaurant so you can control what music is played and when it starts and stops. You should also consider whether you want to provide live or recorded music. Live music will usually give customers a sense of authenticity and provide them with something to enjoy during their meal, while pre-recorded songs can help set the background without being distracting.

Service:

Your service can be just as important as the ambiance in creating a memorable experience. Make sure your staff is well-trained, friendly, and attentive to guests’ needs. Ensure they understand your restaurant’s standards and expectations — from proper table setting etiquette to how glasses should be filled. Customers greatly appreciate being treated with respect and kindness, so make sure your waitstaff is not only efficient but also shows genuine care for their customer’s satisfaction.

Atmosphere:

Creating the perfect atmosphere requires more than just the decor, music, and service — it also includes small touches that will make your restaurant stand out. For instance, consider offering complimentary snacks or appetizers to customers while they wait for their meals to arrive. You can also provide warm towels after meals as a sign of endearment and appreciation. Additionally, choosing linens with exquisite patterns or using fresh flowers on each table will add even more charm to your restaurant’s atmosphere.

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Turn Your Passion into a Career: How to Make Money Doing What You Love

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Many dreams of turning their hobby, passion, or creative outlet into a career. It’s a beautiful idea, but it can take time to figure out where to start. Here’s a guide on successfully turning your hobby into a career. 

Do Your Research 

Before you turn your hobby into a business, please research and find out what the industry looks like, your potential customers and their needs. Next, consider your strengths, skills, and knowledge and decide how to use them in this new venture. Finally, consider what makes you unique in the industry and how you can market yourself. 

Take A Strong Career Test

A Strong Career Test can help you identify your ideal job and the type of environment you would flourish in. In addition, knowing this information can give you an idea of what kind of business to start and whether it’s something you’d be passionate about.

Think About Finances and Legalities 

Once you have an idea of what you want to do, consider the financial aspect – are there any costs associated with getting started? What sort of budget will you need? Will there be any tax implications? It’s also essential to think about the legal side of things – if necessary, consult with a lawyer specializing in business law so that you understand all the regulations associated with starting up and protecting your intellectual property rights. 

Create a Business Plan 

Now that you have researched and considered the legalities and finances involved, create a business plan that outlines all this information. Make sure it includes short-term and long-term objectives to keep track of your progress over time. Be realistic when setting targets for yourself – don’t aim too high at first because this could set you up for failure if it doesn’t pan out. Also, consider whether or not there is potential for growth or expansion once your business gets off the ground. This may include marketing strategies such as social media campaigns or investing in advertising materials such as brochures or flyers. 

Start Networking 

Networking is essential when launching any new business; it’s about building relationships with people who may be interested in your offer. Start by reaching out to family, friends, and acquaintances who may already know about your business or service offering; they may even be willing to share it with others! Additionally, join online groups related to your area of expertise – these are great places for exchanging ideas with like-minded people and potentially finding potential customers/collaborators/mentors/partners, etc. Finally, attend events such as trade shows or conferences where relevant topics are discussed – these are ideal opportunities for making connections within the industry that could prove beneficial down the line! 

Turning your hobby into a career is no small task, but it can be approached thoughtfully and strategically! Please research the industry thoroughly before beginning to understand its nuances; familiarize yourself with the legalities of running a business; create a viable yet ambitious business plan; network extensively (both online & offline). And never give up! With dedication & hard work, anything is possible.

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