Category Archives: Employee Benefits

7 Key Factors When Choosing A New Office Space

Your office space isn’t just any other space–it’s the center of innovative ideas and the collective effort of your whole team. That being said, you should always be extra prudent when choosing a new office space.

Whether relocating or starting up, here are several things to consider when choosing a new office space for your company:

Location

The first item to tick off your priority list is the office’s location. Choose a location that’s easy to access, not only for you but also for your employees. Ideally, the office space should be accessible for your clients, partners, and suppliers. Also, consider its proximity to necessities such as public transportation, restaurants and other amenities.

Parking is also another factor to consider when choosing the location. Is there adequate parking for both your employees and customers? You don’t want your customers getting frustrated because they couldn’t find a parking space. Downtown locations generally have very limited parking so it is important to decide how much parking you will need.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure involves several aspects, not just the internet connection. Of course, you want an office space that has reliable connectivity, especially since, nowadays, a business may find it difficult to function without an internet connection. But also take into consideration other aspects of infrastructure like telephone connections and postal services.

If you’re planning to buy a property and turn it into an office space, you need to ensure that the infrastructure is good, especially the availability of good Internet access, electrical, heating and cooling (HVAC), and plumbing systems. If you are planning major renovations for a rehab, check out what is in stock at EasyMerchant.

Your Clients And Other Stakeholders

If you’re moving to a new office, you need to consider if your clients and other stakeholders will find it easy to access the new office. If you’ve been operating in your old office for some time, they’ve undoubtably acquired familiarity with the location and everything around it.

Tasks And Workforce Amenities

Amenities are also an important consideration in determining how comfortable your team will be in the new office. Are there enough amenities for the whole workforce to use and enjoy? An example would be conference facilities that can accommodate the whole team whenever you need to hold a company-wide meeting.

If you’re renting, there are important amenities that should be present in the building like shared meeting areas and daycare centers. Other amenities that may be considered are fitness centers, a lounge, cafes, and even outdoor spaces for tenants.

These amenities will ensure that your organization remains productive at work, and, most importantly, encourage employees to come to the office more frequently, especially if you are implementing an agile workplace with remote work.

Scalability

Scalability means the capacity of your office space to be changed or modified either by size or by scale. Your new office space needs to be flexible enough to accommodate the size of your workforce and it should also have enough room to grow your team.

With scalable office space, you don’t need to worry about having to relocate again just because the space can no longer accommodate your growing company.

Competition

While the office usually needs to be situated in a place where business is centralized, you also need to consider if there are competitors in your prospective area. Make sure and do some research to find out if there will be any competitors that would impact your business nearby.

Price

Whether you’re renting or buying the whole property, you need to know if the asking price is fairly competitive for its location and amenities. If the landlord is not providing tenant improvements, an allowance for them or if you’ll need to do any remodeling and or reconstruction yourself, make sure the price for such is reflected in the price. It is important to make sure you know what it is going to cost prior to signing a lease. You don’t want any nasty surprises after you are committed to a long term agreement.

Conclusion

A productive office space isn’t only for your team’s benefits, but also for the image of your company. Choosing a new office isn’t a walk in the park, but with the help of the tips provided, you have a few of the most important things to consider when choosing a new office space. Needless to say, we recommend you obtain the services of a qualified tenant rep to help you in acquiring your office space. They do this on a day-to-day basis and know what needs to be considered to make sure you get the right space at the best price. We have over 600 local tenant reps to assist you. Contact us today to get in touch with one. No obligation to inquire. You will be glad you did.

Ways Businesses Reap Benefits of CPD

Optimal growth is the goal of everyone, and this applies to both personal and professional situations. For example, in a professional position, employees use continual professional development (CPD) to improve their skills and contribute to their growth.

The best benefits of continuing professional development are seen in employees within a shared office environment. Teamwork, common vision, excellent company culture are just a few of the perks enjoyed by businesses applying CPD.

What is CPD?

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development, and it refers to the learning activities that professionals engage in to improve and grow their skills.

CPD also refers to any activity that allows employees to learn and grow. It takes the form of e-learning, case talks, and reading, but it may also take the form of exchanging information and difficulties with coworkers, especially in a shared office space.

Types of CPD Training

There are a variety of activities that employees may do to earn CPD points each year.

When it comes to auditing, the CPD points your workers acquire, keep in mind that they must be relevant to their present job or future career goals in the firm.

The following are some examples; however, they are not exhaustive:

Work-based education
Secondments
Being coached or mentored, as well as being coached or mentored
Online education
Courses of instruction
Providing training
Additional academic or professional credentials
Research

Benefits of CPD

CPD benefits may be viewed from two perspectives: the employees and the employers.

Employees CPD benefits

Employees that enroll in CPD courses have the following benefits

Up to date with peers in the same field’s qualifications
Maintaining and improving knowledge and abilities to provide a high-quality service
Updated with the latest trends.
A better understanding of the consequences of the job
Within their career, they may contribute to the advancement of knowledge and technology.
Employee access to specialists in several disciplines.
Possibility of boosting their public confidence in a professional or a group of professionals

Employers CPD benefits

Employers that encourage or even provide CPD courses for their staff enjoy the following benefits.

Allowing time off for CPD might help the company save money on training.

Professional organizations give some training for free, but most professionals pay for their CPD. Therefore, taking time off for suitable training might save the company money on training costs (e.g., compliance).

Companies may also generate money by having professional organizations approve their in-house training and then selling it to the rest of the world.

Supporting CPD can improve job performance.

Employees in a knowledge society must continually refresh their abilities and learn new things. CPD, according to two-thirds of respondents in a CPD Research Project, helps them do their jobs better.

CPD can motivate employees to take charge of their training and development

When people want to learn rather than being forced to, management becomes more straightforward. In addition, compliant staff will prove more efficient to the company when they take the initiative.

CPD may be used in HR procedures such as performance management

CPD has the potential to become a focal point for management debates. Individuals can link their growth to abilities that will help the organization achieve its goals through appraisals.

Employer sponsorship for CPD will help with recruiting.

The company will be regarded as a beautiful place to advance an employee’s career.

Better performing potential staff will apply at job interviews due to the support of the employer for CPD.

Employees that participate in regular CPD activities go above and beyond.

Supporting CPD might encourage professionals to go the extra mile for their company and their coworkers. Surprisingly, the CPD Research Project discovered a high link between valuing and pursuing CPD and going above and above at work.

The incorporation of CPD into a shared office environment yields the following benefits for business

Increased productivity
The recognition of professional standards.
Developing skill sets that enable businesses to do a broader range of tasks.
Ability to contribute to the company’s business plan’s success
Proper adaptation to change

At all levels of an organization, effective communication is critical to attaining productivity and sustaining great working relationships. CPD helps in bridging the gap in communication between employees and employers.

Employers that devote time and effort to establishing open lines of communication will quickly gain the trust of their staff, resulting in increased productivity, output, and overall morale.

Employees who communicate well with coworkers, supervisors, and customers, on the other hand, are always significant assets to a company, and it is a talent that may frequently set them apart from their competitors when looking for positions.

Companies that seek to benefit significantly from CPD training should organize CPD events or conventions that would help their staff in the shared office environment in the following way

Effective communicating entails keeping everyone up to date and never presuming that everyone has the same knowledge.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member
A cohesive team that strives for efficiency
Creating an atmosphere that allows colleagues to think more creatively.

CPD is a game-changer learning method that improves the efficiency and productivity of businesses by directly affecting the employee and employers.

And if you are looking for office space to house your wekk educated staff, we can help. Our network of local tenant reps are intimately familiar with their markets and offerings and can help guide you to the perfect office for your business. Contact us today for more information. No Obligation and our services are FREE!

Simplest Ways to Become Productive at Work

Most employees or business owners want to become more productive at work. High productivity translates to positive business results, increased profitability, and employee motivation. Productive employees are efficient, and they understand the significance of maintaining a work-life balance.

Though most people want to be industrious, they can’t resist distractions in the office. Even with urgent deadlines, unproductive employees still procrastinate and submit incomplete reports. But how do you cultivate a productive habit? It takes more than working for a promotion or impressing your manager. Below are top tips to help you become more productive as an employee or business owner:

● Get Organized

Organizing your workstation is the first step to becoming a productive worker. You may think you’re a performer, but your desk is full of unnecessary paperwork, pens, staple pins, and other office items. Although you complete your work assignments, you may not be an organized person. Make sure your desk is neat and all your computer files are in order. Getting organized is a critical skill that improves productivity levels.

You can locate essential files within a short time frame and beat deadlines with ease. Working in a neat and organized station helps you concentrate and boost your moods, resulting in motivation and increased productivity.

● Avoid Distractions

Minimizing distractions during work hours enables you to increase efficiency and finish tasks on time. Attending unnecessary meetings, gossiping with colleagues, and spending time on social media are some of the distractions that can prevent you from attaining productivity. These distractions affect your concentration, and you will eventually lose focus on what you were working on. Also, ensure you perform one task at a time.

● Don’t Multitask

Although most people think that multitasking translates to more work done, it is also a distraction. Working on numerous tasks at once means that you will concentrate on one and neglect others. Or you will perform shoddy work without cross-checking for errors. Therefore, it’s best to finish one task at a time to increase efficiency and productivity.

● Prioritize Your Work

Prioritizing your tasks is a critical aspect that determines whether you are a productive employee or not. You might submit incomplete assignments if you don’t plan your work according to urgency. Thus, prioritize your workload to avoid getting overwhelmed. Creating to-do lists every day is one way to plan your tasks. Break down complicated assignments into doable tasks and place them according to urgency. After ranking your work, make sure you finish them on time. Prioritizing your work increases productivity.

● Learn New Skills

Productive employees do not sit and wait for projects, especially if they require consequential processes in different stages. You need to learn what other employees are doing to accomplish various tasks. Thus, learn new skills when you can; you never know when they might come in handy. Learning is part of becoming a productive worker because you enhance your skills and focus on practical solutions. Use online resources, such as YouTube, and podcasts, to learn new skills and enhance workplace productivity.

● Avoid Burnout

Are you a workaholic who spends long hours in the office? Your boss may be impressed with your work, but when you experience burnout, your work efficiency reduces. Therefore, do not work until you have no energy left for the next task. Balance your workload and take breaks when necessary to avoid fatigue and extreme burnout. You don’t have to complete all the work assignments at once; delegate other projects to your junior staff or work according to urgency. Moreover, avoid carrying work at home in the evening because it will affect your work-life balance. Ask for help or take a few days off when you start losing interest in your work or experience energy loss to perform even the simplest tasks.

● Work at Your Best

Most people feel more alert and productive in the morning, while others work best at night, especially remote workers. Choose a suitable time because you will deliver more in a short time when you are fresh and mentally alert. Therefore, do not force yourself to complete work tasks when you feel demotivated. It is better to work at your best time and maximize your productive hours.

Ultimately, people are different and work within varied conditions. But if you want to become a productive worker, you must cultivate the above skills one day at a time. Consistency is key, and over time your employer will start noticing results and reward your efforts. Be the unmatched employee who gets things done immediately, no matter how big or small the task. Highly productive people are efficient, valuable, and lead fulfilling lives because they also know the significance of balancing work-life commitments.

And if you are looking for a workplace for your company where everyone can be more productive at work, let us know and we will show you how we can help you acquire your next office space.

3 Reasons Why Online Education Works Well For Employees

Take Your Business and Employees To A Whole New Level with Online Education

Developing and growing your company usually involves helping your employees grow alongside you. Which can mean giving them access to high-quality education. Today, the internet and computers have made it easy to provide the ability for everyone to have access to education no matter where you are.

Online education has become a game-changing tool for businesses and their employees. Here are three reasons why you should consider implementing Online Education with your employees.

1) Provides Your Employees With Incentive

Offering your employees the opportunity to advance their skills through free or discounted education gives them the incentive to want to do well in their position. In some cases even advance their careers. Most employees in America are unable to afford any further education and therefore will be very appreciative of the opportunity.

This education will also boost your employee’s self-esteem. They will feel needed and more equipped for their tasks going forward and will therefore result in a higher retention rate and happier employees. It is easy to find programs. As an example, a quick search at MyDegreeGuide.com will show you how easy it is to select a program suitable for your employees.

Some may worry that offering employees a way to better their skills will send them on the hunt to use those skills at a different company however, there is no data to support that statement. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. Employees are more likely to remain loyal to a company when provided with the opportunity to grow and learn for free or at a discounted rate.

2) Increases Productivity and Progress

Since the education is being offered online, the productivity and progress of your company will not be put on hold. You employees will be able to continue their work throughout the day and have time afterwards to work on their education and skills.

On average, Online Education to your staff increases productivity by at least 2%, and when the courses are specific to the company that rate increases even more. Education improves an individuals’ communication, time management, and collaboration skills which will inherently affect how well your company runs. Imagine a business full of individuals highly skilled in time management? The turnaround time would be unparalleled.

3) Increases Your Business’ Profits

If your company’s productivity is increasing it’s logical to assume that so would your profit and you are correct. Employees with a hire turnaround time as a result of proper training will bring in a revenue of up abn average of 24% more than a company that doesn’t offer their employees education.

You may be thinking about how much the cost would be to be able to offer your employees at least a discounted rate of tuition, and you’re right it will run the business a hefty amount. However, in the end, the pros outweigh the cons and you’ll be left with a stronger and healthier company. If you’re able to find the funds to do this it is highly recommended. it is a great employee benefit! Only you know what the best decision for your business and employees are, choose wisely.

And if you are looking for an office to house your well educated employees, we can help. Contact us today. Our services are free and there is no obligation. We will put you in contact with a top local tenant rep who will also help with no cost to you.

4 Ways to Become More Productive at Work

Productivity is the heart and soul of a functioning workspace. If employees are to be productive at work, it could come down to the structure and setting of the office. Not just the location, but the layout of office furniture and equipment, the flow between employee space, and the overall feeling of the office.

Fortunately, there are resources out there to help boost a business’s productivity and make an office a place where employees want to get their work done. Keep reading for four tips and some advice on how to accomplish a more productive workspace.

1. Create Opportunities for Movement

The best way to stay focused during a long day of work is to acknowledge when you’ve hit a productivity wall and to take short, quick breaks to gain a new perspective on what you’re working on. Ergonomic furniture such as stand-to-sit desks encourages changing positions and moving throughout the workday. Standing desks can improve overall mood and vigor in not only the workplace but has been shown to carry through to out of work environments. You can build other opportunities for movement into your workspace, such as putting the copy machine on the opposite end of the room and having a central water cooler. Create reasons to stand and move about.

Productivity is not directly correlated with time spent on tasks, so it’s important to make sure that you’re recalibrating and refuelling once in a while.

Ideally, you want a workspace that doesn’t confine employees to one spot and gives them the option to work in different locations, even remotely, if the business model allows for it.

2. Give Gadgets a Home

Smartphones and tablets can help you stay organized, but they can also be a big distraction and aid in time-wasting. The best way to avoid wasting time is to find a home for gadgets and leave them there.

We have so many screens competing for our attention. Consider putting them in a drawer. Try to keep them in their dedicated place while you do your work so that you won’t be distracted by a constant stream of notifications.

3. Keep Your Space Clean

If you’re sitting in a messy area thinking about how messy it is and how you should really clean it, you’re probably not getting a lot done. It makes it much more difficult to be productive at work.

Take a few minutes every day to organize your workspace. Throw out unnecessary items and maintain whatever organization system suits your style, so those extra distractions don’t build up.

In addition to cleaning or organizing your workspace every day, organize and prioritize a to-do list so that you have a clear idea of what you need to do, which have top priority and don’t waste time at the beginning of your workday trying to figure it out. At the end of the day, sit down and quickly write what you need to get done the next work day.

This helps you reflect on what you’ve accomplished during the day and how you can move forward to produce great work the next day.

4. Get Personal

Personalizing your space can increase your emotional connection to your work, but it’s important to not let the personal touches become clutter and to do this in moderation

Items that you don’t frequently use shouldn’t take up desk space. Add a productivity-boosting plant and keep a personal calendar to stay on track throughout the week.

Plants are fashionable these days and aren’t just for pretty social media photos. They serve a great benefit in the office, too. Make space feel more alive. Although not a traditional method of creating a productive workspace, their impact is not imaginary. Plants assist in creating an environment far more conducive to increased productivity, than traditional, sterile workspaces.

Having plants around the workspace helps produce cleaner air, and it motivates one to be more energetic and creative. Scientific studies have even been able to prove the positives of more greenery for the office. From reducing stress to increasing productivity and creativity, plants have been proven to improve it all.

Choose personal items that inspire you to be more productive. Keep a framed photo of your family, kids, partner, or pet on your desk. Let them be the ones that keep you motivated throughout your workday.

No one is the same. There is no single approach to office layouts, design, or functionality that suits everyone, espcially considering there are now 4 generations in the workforce. Having the flexibility to not be in the office during the entirety of the workday, having some plants and personal touches, and having a space to breath, be creative, and express oneself will make the workplace more productive, and helps everyone to be more successful.

If you are looking for the right office space to create a workplace to help employees become more productive at work, we’d love to help. It is what we do on a daily basis through out the US and Canada. Give us a try. No cost and no obligation. Let us know what you are looking for and we will get right on it.

4 Reasons To Support Employee Continuing Education

Why Is Employee Continuing Education Important?

Learning is a vital factor for human development in general. With new and improved information coming in regularly, education has become an ongoing activity. Employees need to stay up to date with the latest development, enhanced skills, and well versed with the latest technology to match the constant change in industries.

In many professions, employee continuing education is mandatory. For example, a doctor has to learn new treatments introduced to better support their patients, just like a lawyer needs to be updated on a country’s laws as the country progresses.

A false belief that trained employees change their jobs for better opportunities has held back many employers from offering this continuous education option. Contrary to this belief, when employees feel more appreciated and taken care of by their investment, they tend to be more loyal to employers. Progress and growth in job profiles tend to be among the top five motivational factors for employee retention.

Let’s take a look at the top four reasons employers should consider Employee Continuing Education:

1. Employees feel appreciated and are happier

With today’s competitive market, an employee enhanced with more skills and knowledge provides them with security. Security of jobs motivates them to stay on their current job and work productively. Online education, like at Degree Planet can help employees learn at their own pace and perform better at work. It is always better to train and invest in a current employee rather than finding new ones.

2. Better Performance Boosts Overall Morale

Every employee aims at pleasing their management with their excellent performance. With continuous education, they can learn to perform tasks in a much more productive way. This boosts the morale of the employee as he can perform more efficiently and the performance of the business. A competitive advantage to better problem-solving skills and technical skills creates a win-win situation for both the employee and the company.

3. Increases Company’s Profits

Every business aims at making more profits. It is a no-brainer that efficient employees are better able to help a company make more profits. Therefore, training and educating employees will show a higher margin of profit for businesses than those who don’t train them. Though investing in employees may come across as a cost, it is a good investment that pays off in the future.

4. Creates A Learning Culture

Adopting a learning culture at the workplace where everyone understands the value of training and development through continuous education creates the right pulse for all employees. A team that is continually improving its performance creates a positive environment too. Being stuck with old and traditional methods with no motivation to improve can make employees feel frustrated and unhappy at their jobs. Easing their job difficulties by providing education programs will help them realize that a learning culture is good.

Employee Continuing Education For A Better Future

With so many improved and enhanced forms of education available now, the earning process has become more flexible and can accommodate all work schedules. Learning can now take place online or even in the workplace. Continuously education can boost confidence in your employees and help them also to have advanced career options.

Happy and satisfied employees have set many examples of a sound and flourishing business. Isn’t it time for you to start considering your business’s growth by enhancing your best asset, your employees?

And if you are looking for office space, we can help with our network of local tenant reps. Contact us today for more information on how we can help. No cost or obligation.

Is Coworking the Solution to Childcare Work Issues?

The arrival of a new baby brings joy to the parents. However, it isn’t long before the family realizes that their focus on career and work has gone down. A recent report shows that nine in ten families with a new baby have at least one working parent. This means that one or both parents must continue working after the arrival of a new child and has the potential for childcare work issues.

Although remote working and freelancing have replaced the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. employment, the majority of people still have to go to work during the day. Most companies are yet to create kid-friendly workspaces. Similarly, daycares are nowhere to be found in most corporate environments. Parents soon discover that they spend very little time with their children because they have to go to work every day.

Some parents try to take new careers, reduce their working hours, or come up with a flexible working schedule as they raise their children. While this can increase the amount of time you spend with your child, you’ll still be facing several problems. So, is everything lost?

Enter Coworking Spaces

The first coworking space in the US was opened in 2005. Although coworking spaces did not sprout quickly, they have become very many across the country in the recent past. Here, you will find remote workers, freelancers, and professional teams sharing one office. Studies have proven that people working in co-working spaces have higher productivity levels than those working in traditional offices.

As the demand for coworking spaces increases, many coworking companies are creating new features. One of the most famous updates is the introduction of a child care unit within the coworking environment. The child care unit has various purposes and features. Many resemble the standard daycare models, while others are more like babysitting services or ‘after school’ style learning experiences that encourage skills like math, science and even coding. The entire idea is to enable parents to work as they know they have the care of their children.

Benefits

If you find a coworking space that has childcare components, you can expect many benefits from that place. First, you will be working alongside people with similar challenges and opportunities. They, too, will be taking care of their children as they try to cater to clients and their careers.

Similarly, the coworking space comes with shorter commuting distances within the day. You don’t have to travel far during lunch breaks to see your children. You can just be working as your children play nearby.

Typical Hiccups

Unfortunately, not everything goes well in coworking spaces with childcare components. There are fluctuating rental prices, lack of appropriate locations, and incompatible childcare facilities. When somebody starts a childcare facility, they must satisfy many requirements.

For example, they must get the right license for the business and their employees. Similarly, there is a child-to-adult ratio that must be adhered to at all times. At the same time, if you want to take your child to work, you must get the appropriate license.

Places Where It Has Already Worked

Despite the existence of many challenges, some coworking spaces with childcare facilities have seen immense success in the last few years reducing childcare work issues. One of these companies is The Workaround. The Toronto-based company promotes a working environment where creators, artists, and parents can work together. Everybody is a parent with a dream to fulfil and children to take care of.

The main obstacle to establishing coworking spaces with childcare facilities is the lack of proper regulation. Authorities have placed tough ratios and facility requirements on daycare facilities.

Bottom Line

It is seems obvious that coworking is the future of the office. It balances the flexibility of working from home and the professionalism of going to an office. The introduction of childcare facilities at coworking spaces means parents of young children can continue their careers and work when their baby arrives and mitigate childcare work issues.

We can help you find a coworking space that meets your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

Handling Workers Compensation and Injured Employees

Accidents happen, whether deliberate or by chance, and they are a serious issue in many workplaces. When sustaining work-related injuries care must be taken that workers are fairly compensated and no further harm comes to any side. That is where Workers Compensation plays a part.

Legal trouble concerning these issues can come in the form of employees exaggerating their injuries in order to be compensated much more or the employers trying to minimize the damage to avoid any compensation whatsoever. Both cases have been regularly encountered in the US judicial system.

The best solution is in the middle ground, where both parties are following their legal obligations and rights, but if needed you should be aware of how you can fight for your rights in case of injury.

Finding an Attorney

Even before anything bad happens you should consult a legal expert. From the start, when reviewing your contract with the employer you could ask a trusted personal injury lawyer for an initial opinion to make sure the terms for any injury compensation are agreeable. But in the worst-case scenario, where an injury has occurred, finding a good workers compensation attorney, like the ones at Fendon Law, who provided info for this post, can literally be a lifesaver. Having someone with experience fight to get your medical expenses covered is a huge deal not to mention lost wages. Find out what you should look for in a Worker’s Com attorney.

Educating and Preventing

Preventing injuries is the first step that needs to be thought out when organizing any job. Considering that blue-collar workers are at an inherent risk of sustaining serious injuries while operating machinery they need to be properly educated about the tools and materials they will be encountering. Though the number of fatal work injuries is relatively low, a much larger number of non-fatal injuries is present or even goes unrecorded if the worker is in the “exempt” category.

Education of employees and employers goes two ways – one is the education about their rights and obligations, as both parties have them defined by law and contract, and the other about safe working practices. The employer is supposed to know the workers’ limitations and not ask them to work beyond them, while the workers are supposed to be fully capable of safely working within their limitations and job description.

Immediate Response

In case of injury, the first response is the most critical in the long run. Reacting quickly and correctly to mitigate any serious or life-threatening injury is beneficial to every party involved and should therefore have top priority in such situations.

If, for example, a worker is badly hurt from a machine malfunction they should be administered first aid immediately, after which 911 should be called. If anyone present doesn’t know how to give proper first aid, 911 should be called first and they will give further instructions.

Filing Appropriate Paperwork

It is the injured employee’s responsibility to file a claim within one year of the injury. This can be done by filling a form at the doctor’s office or by obtaining a Worker’s Report of Injury. If no claim of injury is reported in one year since the accident happened the employer is exempt from providing compensation to the worker.

The employer is also required to submit an Employer’s Report of Injury, though that doesn’t count as a claim, only as a report. Employees should therefore be aware that, even though they do not need to submit a claim as soon as possible it must be done in a timeline manner as there is a limit on how long you can wait. All such claims and reports must be submitted to the ICA.

What to Do After Compensation and Recovery?

Waiting to be compensated can be a tricky period. A serious injury may put a worker out of line for a while and with less income but higher spendings due to medical bills compensation from insurance come as much-needed relief.

When returning to work afterwards there should be a period of adaptation so as to not make another mistake while operating a machine, for example. If all is well both the employer and employee will continue to have a professional relationship and will work out what caused the injury so that it doesn’t happen again.

Compensations for work-related injuries are a basic human right and should be available to everyone in the workforce. Even though nobody wants to get hurt it can still happen even to the best of us and knowing how to handle the injuries and compensation paperwork is a big part of being a responsible worker.

We can help you find the office space that meets all the safety requirements for your employees, whether conventional or flexible space, we can help. Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion on how one of our local tenant representatives can help.

7 Tips to Managing HR in Off-site Locations

Technology alongside the pandemic has combined to encourage the number of off-site or teleworking employees and contractors. Most mobile aspects of businesses operate from off-site locations, and with the same productivity objective.

Working off-site encourages contactless management. In the same manner, HR managing becomes even challenging as HR managers do not meet the workforce. Since they can’t meet the workforce, it is tough to tell the difference between a satisfied and dissatisfied workforce.

Fortunately, HR software brings the reality of stringent man-management despite operating from off-site locations. A typical reliable HR software features 24/7 support, more comprehensive employee-manager communication, advanced assessment tools, and trendiness.

Upon implementing preferred HRIS, the next thought in line is effective off-site management. So, what are the tips for managing HR in off-site locations?

1. Schedule Employees

Managing and balancing schedules when dealing with multiple off-site teams in various locations can be challenging. However, implementing staff scheduling and management systems can be organized to enhance management.

To make scheduling seamless, HR software must be user-friendly and accessible by everyone. Of course, it must be app-based online systems that support instant adjustments sending notifications and reminders to the workforce regardless of their location. you may even consider building your own app-based online systems app.

When the workforce is scheduled in this manner, it also enhances regulatory compliance in your jurisdiction. Moreover, neither work overtime nor under-time, which creates balance.

2. Bring Technology to the Workforce

HR managers must bring technology to the workforce to enhance off-site management. In this regard, employees and contractors must be open to self-service and partake in the digital culture of the company for collective progression. A characteristic of off-site management is contactless working. It means that managers and employees will find it difficult to rapport effectively.

So, why not give your workforce technology? It is simple; configure a portal and provide the employees with self-service access. The HR tool must be such that employees can lodge complaints, make suggestions, enter updates, etc. Most importantly, employee HR software must support HR administration before changes and suggestions are deployed.

3. Delegate Tasks

Managing HR in multiple off-site locations should not be a one-person task. Your HR team may be the best, but you can configure the HR system to delegate responsibilities manageable from one system.

Suppose the company is under pressure to deliver, what becomes of the lone-working HR? In a bid to satisfy the company or clients while managing off-site location HR, you may burn out. Seize the capability of human resources management software to delegate tasks, even onto the workforce. HR assistants should not be exceptions either.

Meanwhile, depending on the nature of certain HR functions, HR can delegate activities to employees. The idea is to task employee supervisors with simple objectives. They become responsible for managing sections of the workforce that may be tedious to reach out.

4. Ensure Collaborations

Modern HRM software allows shared docs that ensure tracking of company activities. It will enable HR managers to remain apprised of the team’s activities. The most intelligible aspect is that it helps managers refine responsibilities and employee expectations while operating from off-site locations.

Moreover, you must agree on the acceptable behaviour for virtual collaboration. Professionals, note, for instance, that sending quick messages such as “Busy. I will return the call soon” and “Busy, please” are a decent virtual collaboration behaviour. It is imperative while focusing on a task when another employee reaches out.

Reliable collaborations are also dependent on the quality of the HRMS. Getting in touch with colleagues virtually would be best if the HR tool offers extended features, which necessitates selecting HR software carefully.

5. Implement Similar Management Options

Every working site is unique, regardless of whether the functions may be similar. First, you ought to understand how each location is structured by contacting supervisors to report what you know. Secondly, you need access to the database, except for the organisation that integrates all-employees-in-one databases.

Understand that implementing consistent and uniform operating standards across various locations can enhance convenience. Of course, the HR would have no need reinventing the wheel for each site.

Regarding employee management, endeavour to maintain a similar employee handbook across the various locations. Each employee must experience the same shift structure, training, assessment, and reward system. Moreover, this practice simplifies moving the workforce to other branches at short notice to replace shifts.

6. Welcome Feedback

It is vital to be open to critical feedback from your team irrespective of their opinion. You can encourage sincere feedback by configuring the HR software to maintain staff anonymity. It means you provide the room for the team to commend or rule out the management’s effectiveness. Make sure to encourage feedback that suggests changes instead of critique only.

To encourage your team to feel comfortable, have an open-door policy and explain to your team the need for their contributions.

Regardless of their views, your reaction must not be retributive. If you have reasons for implementing particular policies that feedback lash, give detailed explanations to your team. It is also advisable to adjust to demands rather than impose relentlessly.

7. Engage Virtually and Commend

The biggest secret for managing HR in off-site locations is to engage your team virtually and commend deserving individuals. First, ensure that your HR virtual tool is reliable, whether for an all-employee team-building event or custom leadership development.

Get the team to connect from the various off-site locations and seize the time to commend top-performing staff or branches for challenging the workforce. You must, however, commend everyone while singling out top-performing talents or groups.

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When and How to use Drug Test Kits for Your Office Employees

For employers, drug testing is an important way to determine if an applicant has a substance problem or not. When a drug is detected during a background test, it usually results in an immediate denial of the application.

The main purpose of drug test kits available today is to test drug use in the workplace. An individual’s ability to get a job is often affected by their past drug use, which makes it crucial to have an accurate drug test kit on hand.

When To Use Drug Testing For Employees

A drug kit is often an ideal solution for pre-employment measures against drug use in the office. Drug test kits, such as urine drug test kits, include a sample kit and instructions, are affordable, user-friendly, and offer quick results.

Most drug test kits usually test for the presence of certain illegal drugs in an individual’s blood by utilizing a saliva sample. This sample can then be analyzed by a trained laboratory technician who can determine the drug’s concentration within minutes. An employee may also receive a notice that their application has been denied, as an employee failing to produce a reliable test result could put their job in jeopardy.

Here are some basic facts about when and if employees should be tested.

Each state has different legal requirements. Some states require employees to be tested for a drug at the start of employment, while other states only allow testing after a notice has been given to the employee.
For employers, drug testing kits come in handy when hiring new employees. Employers need to ensure that drug abusers don’t have access to sensitive information within the company, such as sensitive documents, computers, and other devices that could potentially expose company secrets. Drug test kits can help catch employees who are using drugs, giving the employer peace of mind.
Most states don’t require employees to submit to random drug testing.
When a person first starts to take the drug tests, they’re usually asked whether they had used illegal drugs in the last year. However, many employers don’t require drug tests for employees who have not used drugs in the previous year. This is especially true if the employee has taken a drug-prevention class or has shown a willingness to follow an anti-drug program.

How To Use Drug Testing For Employees

As a general rule, employers who want to drug test their employees should consider taking a sample of urine or blood. Since urine contains more concentrated substances than blood, an employer may receive more reliable results.

However, there are a few factors that determine whether an employee will be positive for a drug.

First of all, the test may be able to detect recreational drugs. In addition, certain types of drugs can have a delayed effect on an employee’s response. Therefore, if an employee has a problem with drug use, the test can often give false negatives because the employee has no prior problems or is using the drug for the first time.
Once an employer decides to test employees, there are a few questions that should be asked before administering a drug test. These questions can include: Are there any physical signs of abuse that cannot be ignored? Is the employee willing to let their doctor know about drug use? Are there any signs of withdrawal? Does the drug make the individual feel nervous or anxious? Are there any negative changes in the way that the person acts?
Many of these test kits will also include instructions on how to prepare the employee’s urine samples. Therefore, the employee will know when and how to use a test kit for their own urine and will know what to do when they’re ready to test their urine.

In some cases, the employee will be able to send a urine sample home with the employee kit, but they’ll only be able to do this if they have had a chance to get a hold of the kit before it’s time for the test.

There are many different drug test kits available on the market today, some of which are very accurate. However, it’s essential to know how these kits work before you actually decide to purchase one for accurate drug test results.

Conclusion

Regardless of the reason that an employer decides to test for drugs, it’s important to know when employees need to take their tests. By understanding when and if they should be tested, employers can avoid having an employee suffer the consequences of drug addiction as well as keeping the office running smoothly.