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10 Steps To Increasing Workplace Productivity

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Employees are the main backbone for both small and large businesses. You can see an increase in productivity when employees are satisfied and happy about their work. So, one of the best ways to grow your business is keeping employees happy.

By making certain small changes, you can easily enhance the levels of office efficiency and productivity in your business by time management. It helps you in receiving more quality work in a short time as well as limit the time spent on unimportant tasks. We have listed eight important tips that will help you in getting the best efforts from your employees and also obtain maximum productivity.

1. Be Efficient

Think about how you are currently operating your business and check how you can change the way you are working. It is important to make long term and short term lists so as to prioritize tasks in a small-sized business.

Ask questions to yourself like- Is there is any way where staff members could organize their day to day tasks to accomplish their goals? Offer each of your staff members with a strategy and motivate them to make a list to do activities.  Also, ensure the employees prioritize duties on time and complete tasks every day, which results in efficient working.

2. Reduce Distractions

One of the biggest productivity killers in the present scenario is social media. It is not possible to follow no phone policy but you can motivate employees to remain engaged and focused. You can allow them to take breaks once in two to three hours for better engagement.

Request your employees to switch off mobile phones. During break hours, they can check their phones and remain active in social media as they wish. This way, they will be more productive when they are at their desk.

3. Delegate

Though it is slightly risky, delegation is helpful for enhancing job satisfaction and morale of your staff. It is almost like giving additional responsibilities to your employees. It is recommended to give duties only to qualified employees who have a good track record, experience and success in your field. By giving tasks to employees who are skilled, you can remain in the peace of mind as they do the tasks as per your expectations.

4. Have The Right Equipment And Tools

It is important to offer the right equipment and tools to employees. This way, they can do their duties on time and efficiently. In the present scenario, there are a lot of advanced equipment and gadgets that help in doing work in quick time. For instance, when you do not have a printing device, the employees have to wait for long hours to print their paperwork. It affects your entire productivity.

High quality, modern equipment, and programs make an excellent difference to the workforce and also the way the company perceives. So, save effort and time by utilizing equipment like MFP that functions as scanner, fax machine, copier, and printer.

5. Set Realistic Goals And Provide Real-time Support

Most managers experience this issue, they will not have a clear or strong idea of whether their staff members are performing well or not. Help your staffs by offering some achievable goals. Give clear direction to employees and supervisors to assist clarify expectations. It helps in increasing your productivity and also they will have clear goals and clear focus.

6. Enhance Workplace Conditions

Enhance Workplace Conditions
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The work environment should be comfortable with good furniture and interiors. A workspace that is comfortable should maintain temperature from 68 degrees to 70 degrees F that is between 20 and 21 C. If the workspace is too cold or too hot, it can distract the employees and affects their concentration. Due to this, the employees will be just walking with an electric fan or adjusting their coats around the office. It is necessary to make sure both the air conditioning and heating systems are in good working condition according to the relevant season.

7. Make Sure Employees Are Happy

If the workplace is stressful, you cannot expect good results. The employees who are continuously functioning under stressful situations are said to have levels of absenteeism and disengagement and be less productive. Remember, employees have to be happy. The company has to appreciate, value and respect on a personal level. It is called as gratification. It should never be missed when you want a productive workforce.

8. Practice Positive Strengths

Encourage ,motivate and reward. When your employees are performing well, tell them they are performing a good job and offer constructive criticism. Another important part is providing personal incentives when you find them doing the task perfectly. You can take them for dinner, a free coffee or offer a free holiday trip for performing tasks beyond their rules. It is recommended to share positiveness of employee to another so as to cultivate a feeling of fulfillment and also encourage others. When employees are motivated and given rewards for their hard work, they will start to put more productivity on their daily task list.

9. Get Employees Feedback

Get Employees Feedback
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Employees give feedback on a different angle, which you can think about and implement. When you ask their feedback, you can learn lot of things from their viewpoint. You would not even think about certain things but they would have expressed in form of feedback. It is best to discuss with employees who directly interact with clients. They will know more about client’s expectations. They tell clearly what can be done to improve workplace productivity.

10. Offer Training To Employees

It is necessary to update your employees with the latest tools and technologies for better productivity. As they learn new applications and programs and implement on own, you will find a lot of change in your productivity. It will also help in increasing your productivity at a great rate. Proper training leads to greater productivity and efficiency.

Hope you find these ideas helpful for increasing your workplace productivity. Encourage remote work? Do you want to increase productivity? Do you concentrate on engagement? Share your tips and suggestions in the comment box below!

Author Bio

Niall Kennedy is the Creative Director at ”Preferred training networks ”. He has over 20 years of experience in Professional Development Industry. He has published 4 business books – “All Aboard the Brain Train,” “Healthy Leadership,” “Errant Workplace Behaviours,” and “Hidden Observations”.

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Embracing the Elegance of Glass Roof Terraces: A Guide to Transforming Your Outdoor Experience

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Picture yourself basking in the sun, surrounded by panoramic views while enjoying the comfort of your own home. Glass roof terraces or Glasdach Terrassen (in German) have emerged as a captivating solution to revolutionize outdoor living spaces, blending the allure of the outdoors with the coziness of the indoors.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of glass roof terraces, exploring the benefits, design considerations, and essential tips to elevate your outdoor living experience. So, let’s embark on this journey together!

The Intrigue of Glass Roof Terraces: A Dance of Light and Space

Glass roof terraces are a contemporary innovation that combines the functionality of a terrace with the sophistication of a glass enclosure. Here are some key features that set them apart:

  1. Transparency: The glass roof creates an open, airy atmosphere, allowing natural light to stream in while offering unobstructed views. Compared to a lamella roof, a glass roof e.g. always ensures incidence of light.
  2. Versatility: Glass roof terraces can be tailored to suit various architectural styles, accommodating both traditional and modern homes.
  3. Weather Protection: The glass roof shields your outdoor space from the elements, enabling you to savor the outdoors in all weather conditions.

The Charm of Glass Roof Terraces: A Symphony of Benefits

Embracing a glass roof terrace comes with a myriad of advantages that enhance your outdoor experience:

  1. Extended Living Space: By enclosing your terrace with a glass roof, you create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces, effectively expanding your living area.
  2. Year-Round Use: The glass roof’s weather protection capabilities enable you to relish your outdoor space throughout the year, irrespective of the season.
  3. Increased Property Value: A well-designed glass roof terrace not only boosts your home’s aesthetic appeal but also potentially enhances its resale value.
  4. Energy Efficiency: The influx of natural light can help reduce your reliance on artificial lighting, lowering your energy consumption and utility bills.

Designing Your Glass Roof Terrace: Crucial Factors to Ponder

To create a captivating glass roof terrace, consider the following aspects:

  1. Structural Integrity: Consult with an engineer or architect to ensure your existing terrace can support the weight of a glass roof, and comply with local building codes.
  2. Glass Type: Research the different types of glass available, such as tempered, laminated, or insulated, to determine the most suitable option for your needs and climate.
  3. Ventilation: Incorporate a ventilation system or operable windows in your design to prevent overheating and maintain a comfortable atmosphere.
  4. Privacy: If desired, explore options for privacy-enhancing solutions, such as tinted glass, frosted finishes, or strategically placed plants.

Conclusion: Unleashing the Potential of Your Glass Roof Terrace

A glass roof terrace or Glasdach Terrasse as it is called in German, is a splendid addition to any home, merging the beauty of nature with the comfort of indoor living. By understanding the unique features and advantages of glass roof terraces, and taking into account your specific requirements, you can craft an enchanting outdoor haven. So, let your creativity take flight, and experience the magic of a glass roof terrace as you bask in the sun, surrounded by the splendor of the great outdoors.

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What are the 5 key differences between bonds and stocks? 

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Technology has made a huge impact in many sectors globally and investing is certainly one to consider. For instance, online trading platforms have taken off in the last few decades and have opened up the world of trading financial assets to everyone. 

One thing you need to think about before starting to invest online is what to put your money into. There are lots of different assets out there and it pays to know about the most popular before diving in. With this in mind, finding out more about bonds and stocks is wise. 

Although they might sound broadly the same, they are two very distinct assets. But what are they and how do they differ? 

What are bonds? 

Savings bonds are an enduringly popular choice for investors and are widely traded around the globe. In essence, they involve individuals loaning money to a national government over a fixed period in order to make a financial gain when the loan is paid back. 

It is possible to invest in two major types of bonds: a fixed interest rate bond and one that is variable rate. Investors make money from bonds through the amount of interest which is accrued over the period of the loan. 

What are stocks? 

Just as people are getting into online gaming, trading stocks online is a popular activity. But what are they all about? 

Investing in this asset involves traders buying a share in a company listed on a stock exchange for a certain price. The aim is then to sell the shares at a higher price in the future to make money. People can put money into companies listed on a variety of well-known stock exchanges worldwide via online trading platforms, ranging from the NYSE to London’s stock market or the DAX in Germany. 

As you can see, the very nature of what each asset involves already marks them out as distinct from one another. But what are the five specific ways these two differ?  

1. Risk level 

Perhaps the major difference between these two assets is their level of risk. Savings bonds are commonly seen as low-risk and less volatile than investing in stocks. This is because bonds involve you loaning money to national governments who are almost certain to repay it. 

Bonds also come with the knowledge that you should always get your initial outlay back and enjoy regular income from them across the period of the loan. Stocks on the other hand are seen as a lot riskier as there is no guarantee of getting your initial investment back or making any money on them.  

2. Timescales 

The timescales involved in bonds or stock investments also mark them out as separate assets. Stocks have no pre-set timeframe for how long your investment should be held for and this leaves people free to exit the trade whenever they like. 

Due to this, stocks also usually have no penalties for exiting a trade earlier than you might have planned initially. Bonds, however, do feature a pre-set loan period and can involve penalties for redeeming the bond before it is due to mature. 

3. Tax 

Another way stocks and bonds differ is how the IRS looks at them. Investing in stocks can lead to you having to pay tax on any profits made or dividend distribution tax for shares which pay out dividends each year. 

Bonds are not looked at in the same way and are treated as debt instruments. This means they are not exposed to any tax burdens and this means you keep 100% of any returns made, minus any transaction fees for the trade at your broker.

4. Issuing of stocks and bonds 

As noted in our brief definition of each asset above, bonds are loans made to national governments by individual traders but stocks are shares you buy in a publicly listed company. This reveals another key difference between the two which is who actually issues each asset. 

In their most basic form, bonds are issued by governments or government institutions but stocks are issued by individual, privately owned businesses. This is a clear area where they diverge and yet again shows how they differ. 

5. Potential returns 

Stocks can potentially deliver higher returns because they are not tied to interest rates and allow you to sell your shares without penalty whenever the price is right. 

Bonds though tend to offer less scope in terms of potential returns as they are tied to a pre-fixed return or variable interest rates which may not be as lucrative. They do have the huge benefit of being lower risk in general though.

Stocks vs bonds: Which should you invest in? 

The simple truth is that you should consider both assets and invest in the one you understand best. If you find it tough to choose, many traders will include both in their portfolio as a way of diversifying. 

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3 Things Employees Want from Employers Post-Pandemic

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The COVID19 pandemic has made some huge changes to the world of work over the past few years. Not only are more people now working remotely, but professionals are choosier about where they work, prioritize a good work-life balance, and are more likely to gravitate towards employers who care about their employees’ health and wellbeing. As an employer in the post-pandemic world, upping your game when it comes to employee benefits is crucial if you want to continue attracting the best talent and protecting your reputation as an employer. Some of the main benefits that people want to see after the COVID19 pandemic include:

Healthcare Benefits

There’s nothing like a pandemic to make people put their health and wellbeing first, and after the crisis, people are less interested in working long hours and more interested in making sure that they are well and healthy. So, it’s only natural that they will be looking for an employer who also values this for their employees. Employers who offer a good healthcare benefits package are in high demand today, so consider offering some of the most sought-after options such as health insurance for your employees and their families, accident and disability insurance and supplemental health benefits such as those from Humana Healthcare OTC and alternatives. 

Education and Development

Lots of people used the COVID19 pandemic as an excuse to develop their skills and learn something new; online courses and free skills development opportunities online boomed during lockdowns when people were spending more time at home with more free time to invest. Much of this has continued to spill over into the workplace today, with lots of professionals more interested in working for employers who will invest in their learning and development. Nobody wants to be stuck in a rut when it comes to their job, and for many the pandemic was a wake-up call that they could be learning more and doing more if they weren’t putting so many hours in doing the same thing every day. Offering funding for training courses, programs, and even degree qualifications will help you stand out as an employer in the post-pandemic world. 

Remote and Hybrid Working

Finally, the ability to work from home has become so normalized in the world since the COVID19 pandemic that it’s almost not a benefit any longer. The truth is that after lockdown, people who do not need to be in an office to get their job done don’t want to have to be there every day of the week. Throughout the pandemic, people realized that working from home was not only just as effective, but it also allowed them to spend more time with family and save money without commuting. If you want your business to thrive as an employer after the COVID19 pandemic, then it’s definitely worth considering continuing remote working, or offering a hybrid setup where employees work partly from the office and partly from home. 

In 2020, the world of work was dramatically changed in many ways by the COVID19 pandemic. To thrive as an employer now, these are the top things you’ll need to offer.

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