Category Archives: Work

Nov9

4 Ways To Keep Your Workers Safe & Healthy

Posted on by
Standard
4 Ways To Keep Your Workers Safe & Healthy

Your employees are the backbone of your company. They keep it up and running and help you reach your goals. Therefore, it’s wise to implement ways to keep your workers safe and healthy.

The following advice will help you maintain a productive and satisfactory workplace so everyone is happy and stays well. It’s your responsibility as the business owner and boss to ensure your work environment keeps your employee’s safe and that they feel comfortable coming into the office each day. You’ll find that you will deal with fewer accidents or mishaps and that your workers won’t be out sick as much when you follow through with these suggestions:

Clean & Disinfect Often:

If you want to continue to operate and serve your clients during these trying times, then you must be prepared to maintain a clean and sanitary workspace. It’s a reality that many business owners like yourself have to deal with and manage daily. Keep your workers safe and healthy by cleaning and disinfecting the work environment, surfaces, and your building often. Consider hiring a professional restoration services team that specializes in deep cleaning to protect against the coronavirus and other illnesses.

Document & Communicate Policies & Procedures:

Another way to keep your workers safe and healthy is to document and communicate policies and procedures. Put it in writing, so there is less confusion among your workers. You must set expectations early on and have rules in place that help keep them protected and out of harm’s way. Circulate these documents and provide copies to your employees so they can review them and ask any questions they have. These guidelines will help you to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

Encourage A Culture Of Work/Life Balance:

It’s also wise to encourage a culture of work-life balance at your office. Keep your workers safe and healthy by letting them know the importance of them taking care of themselves and that they have your full support in doing so. They’ll have more energy and get better sleep this way and, in turn, will be more productive and content at work. Ensure each person has an amount of work they can realistically handle and have others jump in and help whenever necessary. You might also want to obtain an employee discount to a local gym and implement half-day Fridays during the summertime to show that you’re committed to this initiative. 

Train Your Employees:

You can also prevent injuries and keep your workers safe and healthy by training them. Make sure that they know how to work special equipment or handle toxic chemicals if applicable in your work environment. You want to do all that’s in your power to ensure your employees can do their jobs correctly while at the same time remaining safe and protected. You’re also showing that you’re invested in your workers by making sure they are properly trained and that you’re committed to them performing well on the job.

Implement the tips above and keep those in your company safe during the coronavirus pandemic!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov2

Flooring For Your Retail Store

Posted on by
Standard
Flooring For Your Retail Store

Commercial flooring may be something you are considering if you are opening up a new store or you have determined that it is time for a re-vamp. There are many different types of flooring to pick from, and below we will tell you what needs to be considered when choosing flooring for your retail store.

The first factor to keep in mind is how the commercial flooring looks. A lot of people will only shop in places that visually appeal to them. This is why selecting the right flooring is so crucial. Consider the color and the tone. In hidden corners, dark floors can carry connotations of dirt. Light floors have the benefit of opening up the store and making it look bigger. For excitement and warmth, consider the likes of melon, orange, paprika, and other warm colors. For a modern and refined style, flooring in shades of grey, navy, or mint works effectively.

You also need to consider the resilience, as your floor will need to be able to withstand a high amount of foot track. If you’re going to go for carpet, make sure you put together a carpet cleaning schedule to keep on top of things. High quality carpet extractors will definitely come in handy! You also need flooring that has a high level of friction. The last thing you want is for your clients to fall or slip while looking around. Not only would they end up being injured, but you’d be liable. When choosing commercial flooring, you also have to consider the product. A prime example would be a bike store. Most have non-slip flooring, as this is essential for when customers are trying out bicycles.

You might be surprised to find that there is so much more to selecting the best flooring than you originally thought. You really do need to consider the service your store is providing as well as its visual appearance for the best outcome. If you are having trouble making a decision with all of this new information, that’s okay! When you make an appointment with Carolina Commercial Flooring installers (or a similar company in your local area), your team of professionals will be able to talk through your ideas with you. Based on your conversation, they will be able to give you suggestions for flooring that meets your aesthetics and the functionality your store needs.

What About Flotex Flooring?

In the past, business owners had the option of wood, tiling, or carpet when it came to flooring. This was the case for many years. However, there are now lots of flooring choices available, and one of these options is Flotex.

Flotex commercial flooring is very much like a hybrid of vinyl and carpet flooring. It combines the best features of the two, resulting in commercial flooring that is cheap, practical, and aesthetically pleasing. You will find this type of flooring in a lot of public spaces, including classrooms, gyms, and libraries. So, what makes it so popular?

Flotex flooring is easy to look after and hygienic. Carpets trap everything, from allergens and spills to dirt. This is because the fibers are typically curved. Flotex flooring does not do this, as the fibers are upright. This makes the flooring a lot easier to clean.

You can also expect high levels of comfort and durability with Flotex flooring because it has more fibers than carpet, which makes it very comfortable. It also means that it is long-lasting and durable too, which is why it works well in environments where there is a high amount of traffic.

You can also expect better acoustic qualities when compared with other flooring alternatives due to the sheer number of fibers. As you can see, there are many benefits associated with Flotex, and this is why it is also popular in homes and businesses. Remember that you can usually get samples of commercial carpet squares from reputable flooring suppliers so be sure to use them in order to find the best solution for your space!

Signs You Need To Replace Your Carpet:

Nothing looks worse than a dirty or worn carpet. It can have a negative impact on the overall appearance of your business. Signs that you need to get rid of your current carpet includes stains that cannot be removed, as well as an excessive amount of wear and tear. Is your carpet giving off a bad odor? There is only so much air freshener you can use to disguise this. Plus, not everyone wants to smell artificial air sprays when at work.

Have you noticed that more and more people are suffering from allergies at your business? Allergies are made worse when a carpet is old. This is because the carpet retains more particulate matter and allergens. An increase in allergies is likely to come from your carpet. You also need to look at the state of the carpet padding. If you don’t have any padding, the carpet is essentially nothing but a layer of fabric. The padding improves insulation, buffers sound, and provides comfort. When this layer is worn, you need to replace your carpet with new commercial flooring, as it has lost its effectiveness.

Use the tips above and get your business looking its best with new flooring!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct30

Taking Your Career To The Next Stage With Legal Management

Posted on by
Standard
Taking Your Career To The Next Stage With Legal Management

It is no secret that working within the legal sector can be highly tiring, you are often working unsociable hours, working through complicated paperwork, or presiding over complex cases. As a result, it is easy to feel tired or burned out at work. You may even feel as though you are ready for a career change.

Often, when we are overly busy, we feel as though we get caught in a cycle that we cannot escape, where work consumes most of our day, and we have little time for anything else. It is often hard to find new ways in which you can continue to develop your skills and take the next step in your career. However, that is where companies such as Elite lawyer management come in.

Elite Lawyer Management is a unique PR and talent marketing agency, who works closely with elite lawyers across America, helping them advance their careers through close collaboration. Their services cover a broad range of topics, each of which will help you advance. Here’s how:

Personal Branding:

When developing your personal branding, you can demonstrate your unique skills and capabilities, whilst also building a reputation of excellence within your field. Your personal brand will also allow you the opportunity to express yourself, meaning you can voice opinions about causes that are close to your heart. As a result, you will receive more focused work that is built upon your personal interests, allowing you to develop on a personal and professional level. It is fair to argue that personal branding is essential if you wish to work successfully as a lawyer.

Opening Doors:

Elite Lawyer Management works with lawyers whose careers exceed far beyond the courtroom, allowing you to develop a unique and diverse skill set. For example, they can help you step into the world of publishing and academia or public speaking – both of which will allow you to use your expertise to enact positive change and inform others. If you have always wanted to appear on television, you may also want to consider working as a legal advisor for a local or national news channel.

Content Marketing:

To take the next steps in your career, you need to ensure that you are staying up to date with current trends so that your work remains on the public radar. One way in which you can do this is through crafting an online presence. In fact, in a world that becomes more and more reliant on technology, not having a web presence could harm your growth. Whether this means you focus on cultivating a social media presence or writing blogs, management services can help your work reach the right audience.

In conclusion, legal management services are a great way to progress in your career, providing you with valuable ways in which you can develop your skills and help you stand out from the crowd. Even better, they will not work with any other attorneys or law firms that could be considered your direct competitor, proving that your success remains their priority.

Featured Image By: Nick Morrison on Unsplash

Oct26

7 Pandemic Proof Jobs You Could Try

Posted on by
Standard
7 Pandemic Proof Jobs You Could Try

While COVID-19 has meant that many people have lost jobs, it has also highlighted those jobs which are needed more than ever. If you have been left unemployed or you are only just starting out in your career, then perhaps these jobs are something you should consider:

Teacher:

Parents have never appreciated teachers more now that they have had the experience of homeschooling their kids. Teachers are always going to be needed, and while a lot of teaching has or will move online, this will be an addition to the face to face learning meaning that there will be more jobs for teachers. Thanks to the use of video conferencing, it will be more commonplace to teach to people all over the world. So if teaching is something you have a passion for, then there are people who will always need you.

Skilled Tradespeople:

Plumbers and electricians, for example, can still do their jobs with little risk as they can social distance and wear PPE to protect themselves and their clients. You can also usually learn on the job with an apprenticeship such as this one here: https://www.abcksmo.org/training/plumbing-program/. Any kind of skilled trade you can learn is a wonderful thing because your job will always be needed. Certification programs in HVAC, for example, are often offered at community colleges. You will learn the ins and outs of your trade and become knowledgeable in various boiler supplies so you can expertly complete the task at hand. This is an especially enticing option for those who don’t want to spend time on a lengthier degree.

Healthcare Workers:

Again, healthcare workers have never been so important, and this will continue to be the case. While the world will be more prepared for a pandemic should one happen again, there will always be a need for more people to help people. Whether it’s those in a hospital or living in care homes, there are many vulnerable people who need health care.

Exercise Coaching:

While many gyms and exercise centers had to close due to the pandemic, exercise is still extremely important and very popular. A lot of personal trainers moved online, and this is something that will look to continue as people want to exercise from the safety of their own home but still want to learn and to be pushed by someone.

Delivery Drivers:

As more people order online, whether it be food or shopping, there is a higher demand for delivery drivers, and this doesn’t look set to change any time soon. You can start by working for somewhere like Amazon Flex or Deliveroo if you just want to make some money on the side.

IT Professionals:

We’ve also never been more reliant on technology and software engineers, web developers, and online security specialists are in demand. Digital skills are required in all industries, from e-commerce to automating processes in factories, so there is huge growth in this sector right now. There is also a lot of competition, but there’s no reason why you can’t beat that and be the one to get the job.

Cleaners:

Offices which are now open have to be extra vigilant with their cleaning, as do shops and services. Also, places like holiday homes need extra attention, so there is a greater need not just for more cleaners but for a deeper clean to eliminate the risk of COVID.

If you are on the hunt for a job, get inspired with the ideas above!

Featured Image By: 14995841 from Pixabay

Oct26

Ballooning Around

Posted on by
Standard
Ballooning Around

Hello! As of right now, there has been a sharp increase of COVID cases in Ohio. Myself and Johnny, both of our families, and all of my clients are hunkered down more than ever and the feeling of having “nothing to do” is particularly strong. As an independent provider for people with special needs, I am constantly trying to figure out ways to keep my clients entertained from the comfort of their home. This past month, I learned that something has simple as a balloon can be a whole lot of fun.

My most senior (and high risk) client’s brother celebrated a birthday in October, so we spent a lot of time making decorations and discussing birthdays of years’ past. The piece de resistance, however, was definitely when I blew up a ton of balloons the day before and the morning of the big day. My client loved selecting which color balloons he wanted and he wrote his brother’s name on every single one.

Once we had plenty of balloons ready, I asked my client if he wanted to hit it back and forth together and he was all for it. In fact, so much so that we have played “Balloon Bounce” pretty much every day that I’ve seen him since. This has been my “sneaky” way of incorporating a more, for lack of a better words, “active” activity into my client’s routine and he has so much fun that it doesn’t even feel like a little work out.

We have dubbed ourselves the Balloon Bounce International League and we have nicknames too! While we’re hitting the balloon, we always play our favorites tunes and it brings my client back to playing volleyball in the Special Olympics. My only rule? Placing items that could get hit throughout his room elsewhere so nothing breaks!

Balloon Bounce is one of the most simple past times I think I have ever come up with and it really is a blast. All it takes it a little creativity and imagination and even the smallest activities can become a new daily favorite. Hey, I’ll take it!

How do you get creative with activities at home? How did you celebrate any recent birthdays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Deeana Creates From Pexels

Oct24

Working In The Care Profession During COVID Times

Posted on by
Standard
Working In The Care Profession During COVID Times

Hello! For those of you who don’t know, I am an Independent Provider for people with special needs and I provide care in home and in the community. I have been an essential worker since the beginning of all of this COVID business in March and, I’ll be honest, sometimes I just want to crawl back in bed instead of go to work!

Because I work with some very high risk families, I have been essentially in my own state of lock down for the past seven months. Coffees with friends have turned into FaceTime dates and dinners out with Johnny just means Door Dashing something now. Of course, this is all A-okay, though, because I would never forgive myself if I ever brought this virus to any of my clients. It’s a lot of pressure but it’s just me doing my job.

I have come to terms with the fact that I will not be “going out” and Johnny has too, since we live together (Believe me, I wouldn’t want to. Just the thought of going to a bar or restaurant makes me cringe!). This has put us in very close acquaintance with our TV, Nintendo Switch, and each other literally every day, lol.

Although it can feel like a lot to be so limited to my apartment, I do still treat myself monthly to getting my nails done and it is my outing to look forward to. I know that many of those working in the care and health profession are doing everything that they can to keep their clients and patients safe and I applaud all of them because it’s not easy, that’s for sure.

I also encourage all of us who are hunkered down to participate in a “treat” to help lift your spirits. After a rough day at work or even just hearing the state of the world on the news, I never say no to a pick me up. Whether that be pampering myself with a face mask or maybe ordering something small online – it’s important for me to be in the best mood I can to continue being able to give the best care that I can to my clients every day.

I am very thankful to my clients and their families because they motivate me to be extra careful every day. I am also very thankful to everyone in the health and care profession as well as all employees right now who continue with their duties despite potentially being in harm’s way. We rock and I wish nothing but the best for all of you! ❤

How has your job been affected from COVID? How do you keep your spirits high right now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct13

5 Ways To Tell You’re Ready For A Career Change

Posted on by
Standard
5 Ways To Tell You’re Ready For A Career Change

Many people aren’t actually doing what they want to do work wise or, unfortunately, only see their job as a means to an end. It’s common to feel a bit stagnant and decide to focus on furthering studies or learning something new. If you’re not feeling challenged anymore, it might be time to shake things up a bit with a career change. You’ll be more likely to be engaged and motivated at work, and will be able to start making realistic financial goals for your future. Here are five ways to tell you’re ready for a career change:

You don’t feel like your job makes a difference:

Many people opt for a career change because they want to do something more rewarding. This might mean a new job where you help make a difference in people’s lives. If you’re interested in this type of work, you could look into taking a course with an occupational therapy school. This is an example of a career where you can help people of all ages with any physical, developmental, and social challenges they may be facing.

You no longer feel challenged:

If you’ve been in the same job for a while, it’s easy to feel bored and in a rut. Often people are afraid to change careers because they don’t believe they can learn something new. This is not the solution, however, and it’s much more beneficial to seek out new challenges. This way, you’ll improve your skill set and have more opportunities in the future. It’s time to get focused and finally leave your comfort zone.

You would like to continue studying:

There are also many benefits to furthering your education. You’ll be a much more valuable member of staff to any employer, and you’ll be able to gain more experience and responsibility. Perhaps there’s a subject you’ve always wanted to study but haven’t got round to yet? It’s never too late to continue studying and if you don’t want to leave your current job you can opt for a part-time course online. Employers are generally on board with this idea, as it helps to motivate staff, so they might even offer to sponsor you.

There is a wide variety of online courses and certificate programs available. Local community colleges tend to offer fully online degrees or you can search online for well credited programs. From literary arts to home inspector training online, you are sure to find something that fits your interests.

You don’t feel financially compensated:

It’s also time for a career change if you don’t feel financially compensated. By focusing on gaining a new qualification you might be able to finally curb financial anxiety and get paid what you deserve. Money isn’t always the reason people decide on a career change, but it’s definitely a factor if you don’t feel valued at work.

Your priorities have changed:

Your priorities might have changed since you were younger. Whereas in your previous role you were more interested in travel or networking, for instance, you might now be looking for other challenges in order to progress. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for in the future, here are some tips on how to prioritize. Before you make the decision to change careers, you need to get your goals and priorities straight.

It’s never too late to try something new and, yes, that includes your career! Good luck!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct4

A Great Day

Posted on by
Standard
A Great Day

Hi! It is always hard to go back to work after having any type of time off, whether that be from being sick, a vacation, or what have you. When I returned back to work after a stint with a sinus infection this month, I can’t say that I was thrilled lol but the ride to my client’s house with Cardi B bumping was enough to get me right back into work mode and it ended up being a great day.

I had to take my client to the eye doctor as well as help her pick out some glasses – it was definitely a long time coming for a new pair! I have always loved helping people pick out glasses and I take a lot of pride in picking out a lot of the pairs that my mom has had throughout the years, so I knew that we were both going to have some fun.

My client and I both decided that it was time for a totally new style of glasses as opposed to her old metal frames so we experimented with a lot of different styles. After finding a few “winners”, I took her outside so she could she what she looked like in a picture without her mask on. It’s hard to imagine a whole new look with more than half of your face covered!

Once we had a quick photo shoot, we both decided that a funky pair of deep purple square plastic frames were the way to go. And, I’ve got to say, they looked fabulous on her. The best part? She knew she looked awesome too and I could tell my client was feeling herself with her brand new look. My friend had such a sense of pride for trying something completely different and the frames working out perfectly was the cherry on top.

It may seem like a simple outing, but a quick trip to the eye doctor reminded me of how much I enjoy my job. I felt amazing because my client felt amazing and I had something to do with it. It made her day and it made my month! ❤

How has someone made your day recently? What was the last new thing you tried? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep29

Having Trouble Focusing While Working From Home?

Posted on by
Standard
Having Trouble Focusing While Working From Home?

Many of us have had to get used to the prospect of working from home over the past few months. While there are undeniable benefits to being able to take care of business in your own space, a lot of people have trouble adjusting to it, as well. If you’re having trouble getting productive, here are a few solutions that might help you get back on top of things:

You’re not making time for it:

With the flexibility that comes with working from home, it might feel tempting to simply do work whenever it suits you and not have any solid plans. However, this tends to end up wrecking your work-life balance. It’s a good idea to find what time you’re more productive and create a daily schedule around that, complete with strict starting and finishing times. This way, your life and work-life don’t start to bleed together to the point that you feel like you have to be half “on” whenever you’re in the home.

You’re surrounded by clutter:

It might sound like the difference would be minimal, but a neat and organized desk actually has a big impact on your mental condition while you’re working. Clutter has been shown to be a more significant cause of stress than we otherwise give it credit for. Maximizing closet space and making use of things like desk trays in the home office can ensure that you’re not surrounded by bits and bobs all day long. You may find that your office space becomes cluttered quickly because you don’t have enough surfaces to work at. If that is the case, then it might be time to check out Office Monster to see if there is any furniture that you could add to your current set up to help better organize your space so you can complete your day’s work free of distractions.

Your office doesn’t give the right vibe:

This point might sound nebulous, but getting yourself in the right headspace to work is vitally important. As such, investing in decor that can help you create a quirky but professional vibe is important. You want to make sure that you’re surrounded by imagery and designs that inspire and energize you while also ensuring that the workplace is subtle enough that it doesn’t serve as an ongoing distraction.

For some people, it might be as simple as hanging a few pieces of art to give the room some life. For others, it could be a total change of scenery to complete a huge deadline. If this is the case, utilizing Hamilton Cabin Hire (or a similar service in your local area) could give you a welcome reprieve from your home office to focus fully. Your best work might just be a long weekend away.

You’re physically uncomfortable:

Of course, even if your office gives the vibe you need and is organized to perfection, you’re going to have a hard time enjoying it if you’re dealing with a sore back. You might not notice the impacts of poor posture immediately, but if you start to feel some aches and pains in your back and joints towards the end of the day, that means it’s time to look at your chair and desk setup. Ergonomic furniture design can help support these achy parts of you, leading to a more comfortable working day while decreasing the chances that you might actually injure yourself.

It isn’t always easy to create a home office that feels right for your working needs. However, it’s worth taking the time to implement fixes and find what works for you rather than letting yourself start to hate the prospect of working at home entirely.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep28

Hold My Beer

Posted on by
Standard
Hold My Beer

Hello! Being self employed is super rewarding and there is nothing better than being your own boss. However, I do have one complaint: Taking time off sucks! When I am sick or going on vacation, I don’t get paid time off so I often end up running myself ragged until all of it catches up with me. Like last week, for example.

I’d like for all of us to take a minute to laugh at what I told Johnny when I returned home from work last Monday. I believe it went a little something like this: “I’m really not trying to take time off until Thanksgiving”. Then, the world said “hold my beer” and I ended up having to take the rest of the week off from being sick.

When I woke up on Tuesday, it was like a switch flipped on and “Sick Mode” commenced. Oh my, was I miserable. I had a hell of a sinus infection and all of the drainage going into my stomach made me nauseous to the point of throwing up. I was so tired constantly even though some nights I slept for close to twelve hours. Needless to say, there was no way I was going into work.

It honestly took falling sick and feeling so yucky for me to realize that I need to be far more generous with my time off – even if I’m not getting paid for it. My health should always come first, especially in COVID times and I can’t take care of my clients or myself properly when I am so worn out and going for months on end without a week day or two off.

Being the CEO to two thriving businesses has its perks. I love making my own schedule, being one hundred percent in control of everything, and only having myself to answer to. But, being the boss also means knowing when an employee needs a break and I plan on being much more accommodating to that from here on out.

I’ll tell you what, being sick and all alone in my apartment while Johnny is at work is for the birds. And not having my parents take care of me like back in the day when I was under the weather is for the birds too. So, here’s to less days off from being sick and more days off for pure fun and relaxation. Let’s get it!

How do you keep sane while self employed? How did you spend your last day off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah