Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Tag: work from home

The Remote Work Burnout is Real: Here’s What You Need to Know

In the wake of the pandemic, remote work swiftly became the norm for countless businesses worldwide. Over a third of employees now work, at least partially, remotely. The shift is heralded for its safety, convenience and liberation from the dread of an employee’s daily commute. However, it also bears a downside that looms large: burnout.

The boundaries between professional and personal life blur easier in a remote work situation, leaving many grappling with a constant work-life merging. The tools that enhance connectivity often become instruments of perpetual availability, intensifying the pressure to perform constantly.

A staggering 86% of employees who work from home full-time experience this phenomenon. The absence of physical detachment from the workspace can erode the much-needed respite, leading to a palpable sense of burnout.

Discover the nuances of this remote work phenomenon, focusing on its impact on mental health and productivity and the strategies to mitigate this looming threat. If you’re a business seeking to improve employees’ work ethic or an employee who’s struggling with the daily digital grind, read on to learn more about the issue.

READ: Overcoming Career Burnout — 3 Strategies for Leadership Longevity

Why does remote work exacerbate burnout?

Remote work blurs work-life boundaries, increases screen time and your constant “availability” that digital tools amplify. The lack of physical separation from the workspace leads to prolonged working hours, difficulty disconnecting and heightened pressure to always be accessible, fostering an unceasing work culture.

The absence of a clear distinction between professional and personal spaces renders remote workers susceptible to a relentless work-life blend. The digital environment also becomes a vortex where the delineation between clocking out and leisure dissipates.

From meetings to communication and general work, additional screen time converges on the same device, leading to cognitive overload and a perpetual state of “being online.” This exacerbates the pressure to perform and devastating any time for much-needed respite.

The setup drives these compounded factors, contributing to an environment where the risk of burnout intensifies.

READ: Adapting to the New Norm — Post-Pandemic Work Culture and the Future of Remote Work

How to mitigate remote work burnout

Amidst the rising concern of remote work-induced burnout, employers and employees alike hold the key to fostering a healthier work environment in this digital setup.

There’s a collective responsibility for well-being in a remote work landscape. Cooperation between management and employees is necessary to achieve and maintain the benefits of remote work without sacrificing health and productivity.

For employers

Here’s how you can support your employees past their remote onboarding to maximize their efficacy without sacrificing their well-being.

1. Respect boundaries: Encourage a culture that respects off-hours. Refrain from sending non-urgent emails or messages outside of agreed-upon work hours.

2. Set clear expectations: Define work hours and communication protocols explicitly to prevent the assumption of constant availability. Also, compensate for any overtime or extra work your employee renders.

3. Promote breaks and time-off: Encourage regular breaks and vacations to allow employees to recharge until they’re ready to handle further tasks.

4. Provide support: Offer resources such as mental health services or counseling to support your employees and maintain their health. A support system can do wonders for your employees’ health and morale.

READ: Managing a Remote Work Team with Communication and Ease

For employees

Your participation bolsters the collaborative effort to make work-life balance possible. Here are steps you can take to mitigate the risk of burnout.

1. Define work boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal time, adhering to designated work hours to avoid overworking. However, don’t take advantage of boundary-setting to get away with underworking.

2. Create a dedicated workspace: Establish a separate area for work, if possible, to set a clear divide between professional and personal spaces. Remove distractors in the working environment and remove work-related items in your leisure spaces.

3. Take regular breaks: Incorporate short breaks or step away from screens for a while to let your eyes and mental state rejuvenate throughout the day. If you can, leave your phone behind so you can completely disconnect and recover quickly.

4. Communicate needs: Openly communicate with your employers about workload or stress levels to avoid potential burnout triggers. An open dialogue informs you of what to expect and what your employers can expect from you, tempering both parties’ expectations.

Out with Burnout

Remote work has undoubtedly changed the way many businesses operate. From cost-cutting to added family time, a setup like this allows for better flexibility with one’s time.

However, despite these benefits, it also comes with many drawbacks as employers and employees like Laike need help to find balance in handling each other’s newfound freedom.

Burnout’s detrimental effects ripple widely, fostering increased employee turnover and diminishing quality of life and work outputs. Mitigating burnout demands a collective commitment from employers and employees alike to nurture a culture that prevents its grip rather than perpetuates it.

 

Valerie Chua headshotValerie Chua is a Content Specialist at Manila Recruitment, a company providing headhunting solutions for recruiting executive, expert, technical, and specialist positions in the Philippines.

Starting Your Colorado Business at Home: A Guide to Successful Homepreneurship 

It’s no secret that Colorado is supportive of entrepreneurs. Indeed, a recent report found it to be the 11th best state to start a business.

A thriving business landscape isn’t just positive for those operating from traditional stores or offices though. It’s more practical than ever to start your small business in Colorado from the comfort of your own home. Indeed, it’s a route that many entrepreneurs in the state are taking.

We’re going to run through a few things you should bear in mind about the rise of homepreneurship and launching your business effectively.

READ: How To Start a Fully Remote Business in 2023

What are the advantages of homepreneurship?

The idea of running a business from home may feel a little amateurish to those used to traditional business spaces. However, there are some distinct advantages to going this route. Recognizing and leaning into these can be key to a successful launch.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Reduced overheads: One of the commonly cited advantages of homepreneurship is fewer overheads. You don’t have to pay office, store or warehouse rental rates. Your insurance payments are likely to be lower with no staff or customers in your home, too. 
  • Access to a diverse talent pool: Colorado business regulations forbid having employees working from your home. This is great because you can utilize remote staff from across the state, country or even the globe. As a result, you have a diverse talent pool from which to pluck the best people for your business. 

These types of advantages can make homepreneurship a practical long-term prospect for your company. Alternatively, it serves as a great jumping-off point to test your business concept and potentially expand later.

How should you use your space?

As with any business, homepreneurship requires some strategy. One of the aspects you need to plan when preparing to launch your home business is how you should use your space. Your choices here can influence your ability to run a productive, safe and organized business.

Start by considering your needs. Some of these might include:

  • The physical space you require: Where can all your essential equipment fit? If you’re producing or dispatching products, what size room do you need for manufacturing, inventory storage and shipping preparation?
  • The atmosphere most conducive to work: Do you have a quiet area where you won’t be disturbed or distracted? Also, look for rooms that have natural light and climate control for your comfort.

One effective approach to optimizing your space is to convert your garage into a home office. These spaces are often underused and simply house the family’s clutter. Take a little time to clean the space and ensure it has essentials, such as power outlets, insulation and security. Alongside installing office furniture, make sure you personalize the area. After all, you want it to be a place you feel inspired and positive, as well as productive.

READ: Transform Your Workspace — Feng Shui Strategies to Increase Productivity in Your Home Office

What should you invest in?

Every business requires some form of investment. When you’re operating on a tight homepreneur budget, you need to be selective about where you place your capital. Your priorities should be on the elements that help you get working in earnest and support your growth.

Your permits

Being a homepreneur doesn’t enable you to avoid business licensing. Investing in this paperwork means you can operate legitimately. Alongside filing the usual articles of organization and sales tax licenses, in Colorado you’ll also need to get a home occupation permit. This usually costs around $120.

Your marketing

Your home business doesn’t benefit from foot traffic. Therefore, you need to use digital marketing to build buzz for your launch and beyond. Investing in a digital marketing course will empower you with the skills to promote your business in online spaces. These include the principles of designing and producing your marketing materials, alongside using crucial data tools like Google Analytics to influence campaigns.

READ: Cracking the Code of Business Marketing — 10 Strategies for Success in a Dynamic Landscape

Your staff

If you can’t function entirely on your own, one of your most important investments should be in good remote staff. While you should be mindful of your budget, don’t avoid hiring those with solid skills and experience just because it seems cheaper. From here, commit regular investment not just in paying them, but developing them with training. Your efforts can influence retention, productivity, and innovation.

The bottom line

Homepreneurship in Colorado is an exciting and increasingly popular option for small business owners. To get the most out of the various potential advantages, it’s important to be strategic about choosing and adapting the right space in your home alongside investing in some key resources. Remember, though, that being a homepreneur doesn’t mean you need to feel alone. If you’re uncertain, look for online or in-person business groups for locals. These can be great sources of advice, mentorship and support as you start your journey.

 

Indiana Lee Bio PictureIndiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

Adapting to the New Norm: Post-Pandemic Work Culture and the Future of Remote Work

New data published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City highlights the remaining gap in expectations between employees and employers on remote and hybrid work. In July 2022, employees reported they wanted to work from home about 42% of the time on average, twice as much as employers were offering at that point. Here lies the complications of the new post-pandemic work culture.

By November 2022, many employers had shifted their rules to accommodate employee preferences. The average employer in the study data allowed employees to work from home 28% of the week.

Despite compromise from employers, employees increased their preference for working from home to about 43% of the time, during this period. Employee expectations of working from home were still not aligned with their employers’ policies.

For many business leaders, this lingering gap can be a source of frustration. Management may struggle to understand why many employees do not see value in the return to the office three or more days a week.

While this frustration is completely understandable, leadership also needs to recognize the need for strategy and creativity in aligning workers’ preferences with business needs.

The solution is for leaders to refine the “why.” When employees understand the reasons and experience the value of in-office work, their preferences can shift in alignment with their employer’s needs. The requirements to make facetime feel meaningful include a robust organizational culture, strong mission and values, and ample professional development opportunities. The post-pandemic work culture doesn’t have to be at odds with your employees or bottom line.

READ: Best Hybrid Work Strategies — Success in the Post-Pandemic Corporate World

Resolidifying the post-pandemic work culture 

The coronavirus pandemic was transformational in many ways. Many organizations proved themselves capable of adapting at a breakneck pace to totally unforeseen circumstances. With the unforeseen pivot to remote work, staff spent weeks, months and, for some, years productively working remotely.

As challenging and lonely as the pandemic felt, many newly remote workers appreciated the ability to balance their lives more effectively. Some also went months, or even a full year, without visiting the office and experiencing the myriad of benefits from face-to-face socializing with coworkers.

While leaders may have hoped the benefits of facetime would be self-evident, that has not necessarily been the case for the majority of remote workers. In a 2023 survey from Pew Research Center, 54% of remote and hybrid workers said their work arrangement hurt how connected they feel to co-workers.

To convince the remaining 46% of the value of the office, leaders can tap into their employees’ desire for connection and build a culture that values relationships. Employee recognition programs, corporate social events and frequent, meaningful one-on-ones with managers can reinforce positive relationships at work.

When employees work in a culture that encourages connection, the time they spend at the office will feel more meaningful, personally and professionally.

READ: Navigating the Post-Pandemic Workplace — Struggles, Solutions and the Return to Office Culture

Strengthening mission and values

Mission and values are critical for employees to feel engaged and satisfied at work. However, there are signs that remote and hybrid workers are disconnected from mission and values.

According to a 2023 survey from Gallup, only 28% of remote workers and 35% of hybrid workers agreed that their company’s mission or purpose made them feel their job is important, plunging from 36% and 43%, respectively, who agreed in 2019.

This disconnect from mission and values could be another reason why the work-from-home expectations gap has yet to close.

Restoring employees’ sense of purpose in their job is a key step to closing the work-from-home expectations gap. The most important step is clearly articulating the purpose of the organization.

First, examine mission statements and core values to ensure they continue to align with day-to-day operations. Then, make your mission and values as visible as possible.

KPIs should tie into this mission so teams can connect their own daily activities with the organization’s purpose. Reference mission and values during corporate meetings, one-on-ones and employee reviews and consider displaying the corporate mission statement at the office.

Finally, leaders need to take accountability, both by modeling these values for their teams and by calling out actions that contradict them. When workers see their leaders walking the talk, they will feel a stronger sense of purpose in their work and greater interest in being surrounded by coworkers at the office.

READ: Navigating the New Era of Employee Engagement — Everything You Need to Know

Offering professional development

Senior leaders know facetime is critical for employees to build relationships and find the mentors they need to advance in their careers. However, workers themselves may not necessarily see the value.

In the 2023 Pew Research Center survey of remote and hybrid employees, barely one in three agreed that working from home hurt their opportunities to be mentored at work. Of course, mentorship opportunities should be accessible to all employees, no matter whether they work remotely or not.

However, the office should also be valued as an environment for mentorship and learning and development (L&D). Leaders can offer in-person “Lunch and Learns,” bringing employees together to learn new skills, or group mentorship events over happy hour. Even on a low budget, these events can use existing spaces at the office.

Not only can emphasizing professional development help close the work-from-home expectations gap, but it can also increase employee retention. A McKinsey study in 2022 found employers tend to underestimate how much employees value the potential for advancement, leading to higher attrition rates. By taking professional development seriously, employers can win over their workers in more ways than one.

Two years after the coronavirus pandemic began, the work-from-home expectations gap between employees and employers remains. The steps to closing the gap — a thriving organizational culture, a well-defined purpose and high internal mobility — are fundamental to an organization’s success.

 

Niki JorgensenNiki Jorgensen is a Managing Director of Client Implementation with Insperity, a leading provider of human resources offering the most comprehensive suite of scalable HR solutions available in the marketplace. For more information about Insperity, call 800-465-3800 or visit www.insperity.com.   

Revolutionizing Employee Satisfaction: Unveiling the Role of Technology in Modern Workplaces

Technology has penetrated all aspects of life, including entertainment, communication, education and work, to provide users with the most stress-free experience. In fact, businesses have been heavily invested in adopting technology, as it directly influences workers’ comfort and satisfaction, positively affecting their performance and engagement; it’s a win-win situation that benefits both the company and employees.

So, in this article, we highlight the top factors contributing to employee satisfaction and how modern technology has helped reshape the work experience.

READ: Navigating the New Era of Employee Engagement — Everything You Need to Know

Factors contributing to employee satisfaction

Work-life Balance

Employees cannot achieve peak productivity without taking time away from tedious and numerous work tasks. In particular, remote work often does not allow for breaks or days off, which can increase physical and psychological stress. Therefore, it is recommended that workers limit their work hours to a maximum of 6-8 hours per day and allocate a minimum of one day per week to relax and unwind away from work-related stress.

READ: Navigating the Post-Pandemic Workplace: Struggles, Solutions and the Return to Office Culture

Job autonomy

Being restricted and controlled by a micromanager who wants everything done their way is the first step towards stifling a worker’s creativity and limiting work development to a single, narrow perspective. Instead, all employees should be allowed to approach their tasks as they deem appropriate, as long as they achieve the objectives. Creative ideas and talents can emerge under the right, flexible and empowering management, ultimately benefiting the company.

Recognition and rewards

All the time and effort spent on work can be wasted if it is not reinforced with appreciation shown through recognition and rewards. Kind words and a pat on the back can greatly impact employee satisfaction, loyalty and motivation. A cash reward for hardworking employees after a month of toil and achievements can also go a long way.

Elevating workplace convenience through innovative technological solutions

Technology has been essentially created for the benefit of humankind: to make their lives easier by simplifying tasks and enhancing problem-solving. Employing these innovations to promote employee satisfaction and increase profits has yielded remarkable results. According to the Global Council for Happiness and Well-being, “Organizations with positive well-being scores were, on average, 16% more profitable.”

Leading technological solutions that contribute to employees satisfaction:

Wireless charging stations

Wireless charging stations are a great addition to any office, allowing many devices to charge safely simultaneously. There is no need to provide a variety of chargers to accommodate different employees’ devices, as one of the top benefits of wireless charging stations is charging all mobile devices that support the wireless charging feature. Not to mention the aesthetic touch they add to the office by eliminating the uninviting appearance of tangled wires.

Smart desks and chairs

Because employee comfort is the number one consideration for a relaxed and productive work experience, desks and chairs must be of the highest quality. Smart desks and chairs adapt to the needs of workers and enhance their comfort and well-being. For example, a smart chair can monitor workers’ posture and how long they’ve been sitting and recommend a break. Desks should be adjustable in height to suit workers of all heights and prevent hand, back and neck pain.

READ: 5 Ways to Elevate Conference Room Technology

Flexible work arrangements facilitated by technology

Products that are capable of assisting employees and boosting their satisfaction don’t have to cost an arm and a leg; there are many free tools and applications online to benefit from:

Virtual collaboration tools

These tools provide an interface that allows workers to share work-related data and ideas regardless of their physical location, making it possible to work from home, the office or anywhere else. They create an artificial workplace where all remote workers can be familiar with their tasks and responsibilities, communicate and keep track of progress. 

There are many virtual collaboration tools available, but our favorite choice is Slack. It offers a user-friendly interface, facilitates video calls, messaging and file sharing, and is compatible with Google Drive.

Compressed workweeks schedules

While many workers prefer to work long, extended hours three or four days a week and have the rest of the time off, several online scheduling tools provide well-structured plans for such arrangements. 

The bottom line

Achieving employee satisfaction is one of the most important concerns for any employer. Teams cannot achieve the company’s objectives and yield profits until they are comfortable and satisfied. Employing technology for this purpose is a smart move and a guaranteed investment that will bear fruit within a short timeframe.

 

Anna White is a dynamic Tech Entrepreneur known for her relentless drive for innovation and transforming ideas into successful ventures. With a proven track record of launching and scaling tech startups, she excels in identifying market opportunities and developing groundbreaking solutions. As a visionary leader, Anna assembles talented teams, fosters a culture of creativity, and executes strategic plans that drive business growth. Currently, she works with NYTSTND, where she continues to disrupt industries and shape the future through her innovative ventures.

Navigating the Post-Pandemic Workplace: Struggles, Solutions and the Return to Office Culture

Over the last three years, many companies did what they deemed necessary to keep their employees happy in the face of a high unemployment rate, low labor participation rate and high inflation.  

They surveyed employees on their willingness to return to the office, and for how many days, with or without a dedicated seat. Some performed space planning, and even started to negotiate deal terms based on these plans. All this, ultimately, to find that their employees either didn’t want to share a seat or all wanted to be in on the same days — resulting in a need for just as much space, if not more. As such, the overarching trend of today is that of a slow revival of pre-pandemic office layouts, with the addition of more conferencing. 

READ: How To Balance Supporting Your Remote Workers and In-office Employees

Remote work is straining employees and company culture

Time and more accurate data collection have provided a better understanding of the implications of remote work. Chief among these are hindered communication, higher attrition and stifled career development. Employee attrition is approximately 79% higher for remote employers versus hybrid employers, and approximately 51% higher for remote employers versus office-centric employers, according to LinkedIn Talent Insights. 

In-person presence is indispensable when it comes to building company culture and curating mentorship — especially for certain subsets of employees. A working study by economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the University of Iowa, and Harvard University has dubbed this phenomenon “the power of proximity,” noting its particular importance for younger employees. Additionally, the researchers found that in-person benefits only apply when the entire team is present — even one remote teammate can result in decreased collaboration between remaining employees.

Productivity and culture become incredibly important when times are tough, and businesses need to dig deeper to solve problems. Companies are putting themselves at serious risk when employees are disconnected and trust erodes. 

READ: How to Prevent Loud Quitting — Strategies to Boost Employee Engagement and Culture Fit

Expected real estate savings are not being realized 

Expected real estate savings from overall portfolio downsizing are not being realized by the large majority of companies. Many employers are paying more per square foot for higher quality space or investing in additional amenities to improve employee experience.

This, combined with heightened turnover from remote work, is driving increased expenses. Economic constraints are also in play, with interest rates top of mind for many corporate office users and investors alike. Historically low leasing activity and significant sublease space on the market are further fueling risk aversion among lenders and building owners.

Given the influx in vacant space, most tenants would think this is a great time to strike a deal. However, in many cases the concessions or upfront capital contributions from landlords are becoming increasingly constrained. Construction costs are still elevated at a time when many tenants are looking to rework their layout, and security deposits are being heavily scrutinized as owners and lenders focus on credit quality. These factors are causing companies to revisit existing space conditions, leading to a higher usage of the pre-pandemic buildout.

READ: How Do Interest Rates Impact Real Estate Investing? 

Pre-pandemic policies are seeing a revival

Between lackluster retention, collaborative dysfunction and minimal real estate savings, office users are shifting away from pandemic-era work policies and returning to a more traditional model. Last year saw a 13.4% drop in the share of businesses operating hybrid models, with the financial sector experiencing an even more dramatic decrease, from 44.9% to 22%.

Remote work will persist for some organizations. Companies with less-specialized workforces and easily measured productivity standards, such as call centers or late-cycle mid-cap tech companies, continue to show a higher propensity for remote work, albeit a shrinking share.

And a return to the office and pre-pandemic policies doesn’t mean employees aren’t seeing change. Employers are investing in more collaboration areas and new technologies to ensure a superior employee in-office experience. 

The next step for companies

Companies have put in a great deal of time and effort over the last three years to accommodate massive societal changes to the workforce. Going forward, they should not let time be their enemy in considering a revival of the historic office approach. 

Companies should also be transparent in their intentions, fostering predictability at a time when very little exists. Communication builds trust and strengthens employees’ understanding of how the office serves them and their work. 

READ: Managing a Remote Work Team with Communication and Ease

Part of this means becoming more comfortable enforcing stricter return-to-office policies. Sixty-five percent of companies surveyed in CBRE’s Spring Occupier Survey reported requiring some degree of in-office work, but only 57% are tracking attendance. This lack of enforcement discredits the policy and breeds distrust among employees. 

Finally, people are the most important amenities to any space. It should be reinforced to employees that they are respected and valued, and that their physical presence in the office makes a difference. 

 

Anthony Albanese 2021 Anthony Albanese and Nicholas Weld specialize in office occupier representation at commercial real estate services firm CBRE in Denver. They lead a team of specialists focused on Downtown, Southeast, Northwest, and Boulder, as well as industry verticals. The team takes a consultative approach that is tailored to each client to make informed decisions and creatively problem-solve. By leveraging CBRE’s global real estate technology and platform, theyhelp clients visualize the impacts of their real estate decisions through customized service offerings, such as location analysis; lease negotiation; global portfolio management; workplace strategy; financial modeling; lease versus own analysis; project management; and labor incentives, among others.

 

 

 

Weld Nicholas 375x500

How Kieding is Creating Flexible and Collaborative Workspaces for the Modern Era

Since 1974, Kieding interior architecture and design has consulted on, planned and designed more than 12,000 projects in the Denver area and in 26 states, with projects ranging in size from 500 to 500,000 square feet. The firm specializes in corporate office planning and interior design consulting services largely for office spaces but also for some light industrial, retail and small medical offices. 

Though the company is named for founder Warren Kieding, the firm today is 100% woman-owned by architect Tia Jenkins and designers Katie Winter and Kim Hoff. After 10 years at the company, Jenkins bought the firm from Kieding in 2007. Hoff and Winter became co-owners two years ago. 

Just as workers were forced to be flexible and businesses to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, designers of business spaces focused on flexibility to create spaces for the new paradigms in work. 

READ: Creating a Home Office — Optimizing Audio Stimulation and Sound Quality for Productivity

“The office is now competing with the comforts of home,” Winter says. “What makes it feel good is that it feels more like a hospitality space, like a restaurant or hotel feels like. Amenities are key to that. Your space is inviting with a great break area where you can chat with your co-workers.”  

More appealing common spaces and multi-purpose kitchens are overtaking bland coffee break areas and utilitarian lunchrooms. Cubicles are on the outs, but shared workstations with standup desk options and lockers to store personal items are trending, Winter says. 

“Collaborative spaces must feature a variety of seating types and environments,” Hoff adds. “Workspaces continue to incorporate right-sized smaller private offices. These offices feature larger glass sidelights for better natural light to the interior.” 

READ: TARRA — A New Way for Women to Work

Private offices are still important but have shrunk as more people work a hybrid schedule with more time from home. Instead of grand reception areas and huge conference rooms, businesses are spending money on technology and smaller huddle rooms that can double as Zoom rooms. 

When many businesses slowed down during the pandemic, the team at Kieding stayed busy redesigning office spaces as businesses continued to morph operations and schedules. In some cases, building owners saw the opportunity of fewer people in office buildings to remodel common corridors and restrooms, Winter says. 

At Kieding, the design process starts with a computerized “test fit” using Revit software to make sure the new tenant’s needs will be a good fit for the building space. During the pandemic’s supply chain disruptions, Kieding designers worked to choose the top three options of products to make sure projects stayed on schedule.  

“A lot of clients are building owners who build out for tenants coming into the building who want to be moved in as quickly as possible,” Winter says. “We can get a space plan done in days, not weeks. We know the pace of tenant finish work, and we know when we get a request, time is really important to them.” 

Jenkins, a licensed architect for 40 years, says as the work environment has changed to more hybrid schedules, employee training has become more of a challenge. 

READ: 5 Tips for Building a Strong Company Culture in a Hybrid Work Environment

“The biggest challenge we have is maintaining the critical mentorship and training specific to our employees within a hybrid work environment between home and office,” Jenkins says. “It is much harder to teach employees how to ‘read’ clients and communicate effectively in the computer environment than it is at a real face-to-face meeting.” 

When Kieding and its team moved into a new space in September 2021 on South Monaco Parkway, they gutted and redesigned their space to exemplify the comfortable, flexible workspaces they also design for clients. 

“We definitely went the route of ‘work everywhere,’ and collaboration is why people come to the office,” says Winter, who has been with the firm for 22 years. “We have four areas where people could meet together. We have those numerous spots for two to four people working together on a project.” 

Like their clients who want flexibility in workspaces and schedules, the 15 employees at Kieding usually spend one day a week working from home. 

 

Suzie C. Romig is a freelance journalist who has lived in Colorado since 1991. Her byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the state on topics ranging from small businesses to raising children to energy efficiency. She can be reached at [email protected]

Creating a Home Office — Optimizing Audio Stimulation and Sound Quality for Productivity

The rise of remote work spotlights an otherwise often-overlooked facet of our professional lives — the influence of audio stimulation. Never before has sound quality played such a pivotal role, shaping our communication with clients and colleagues and helping enhance productivity and maintain hearing health.

In the pursuit of designing the perfect home office, three primary areas need careful attention — equipment, volume and environment. Each of these elements uniquely contributes to the overall sound quality when creating your home office arrangement.

READ: Managing a Remote Work Team with Communication and Ease

Equipment

Your audio setup significantly impacts the quality of sound you experience. Much like painting — the tools you use drastically change the outcome of the artwork. A physical volume controller is a vital setup component for ease of use. 

Imagine quickly controlling your audio environment without breaking your workflow. Utilizing a physical volume knob eliminates the need to navigate through digital settings when your favorite song comes up or when you suddenly need a volume change. Analog volume controllers are crucial as they are much easier to use and eliminate fumbling with your computer’s virtual sliders when the phone rings or you need to take a break. Several good options are available on Amazon, like the one from Geekria.  

While headphones are useful in certain situations, speakers provide the best listening experience. Most small speakers should be placed about 1.5 to 3 feet from your listening position. 

The following speaker systems are affordable, easy to use and purpose-built to achieve excellent sound quality: 

Volume

The volume of your music or other audio content is critical to your productivity and focus. Like “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” the volume shouldn’t be too loud or soft but just right. Studies show that music played above 95 decibels can decrease reaction time by up to 20% — a statistic closely linked with cognitive function. 

Finding your optimal volume level can be more art than science. For instance, gentle music can be ambient background noise for your workspace, fostering a more focused and enjoyable environment. However, you can quickly lose focus and productivity if the volume climbs too high. 

A simple test might involve writing out the preamble to the Constitution or the happy birthday song by hand — adjusting the volume until you can do this without your handwriting resembling abstract art. Through this exercise, you might discover that you enjoy instrumental music played at a slightly higher volume than music with lyrics, allowing for pleasant variety in your day.

And remember the importance of taking listening breaks. Now and then, turning up the volume for a couple of your favorite tracks can provide a refreshing pause — almost like a mini vacation for your ears. Likewise, sometimes taking time away and letting your ears rest is necessary — sound engineer pros do it, and you should too. These two simple practices can rejuvenate your focus and help you power through the rest of your workday.

Environment

Your work environment significantly contributes to your sound experience and overall productivity. Here, we introduce the concept of the “noise floor,” or the background noise level present in your workspace. In noisy environments, cranking up your audio volume to offset the background noise is tempting, but doing so could lead to loud competition that can disrupt your focus rather than enhance it.

READ: Is an ADU or Creating a Home Office a Good Option for Your Property?

Also, consider the acoustics of your space. Hard surfaces force sound to bounce around and create distracting echoes. Soft furnishings like rugs, chairs or curtains can help absorb sound and create a more pleasant auditory environment.

The key to creating the perfect work environment is striking a balance. Utilizing the proper equipment, aim for a volume level just slightly above the noise floor when the room is quiet. This ensures that when the ambient noise naturally subsides, your music seamlessly steps in, providing a consistent, soothing backdrop.

Creating a Home Office Harmony

Creating a home office involves careful consideration of the audio environment. By focusing on your equipment, managing volume appropriately and optimizing your workspace, you can significantly enhance your productivity and overall work experience. So, set up your sound, find your perfect audio balance and enjoy a more harmonious, productive home office experience.

 

Steve Borne is an inventor, sound designer, musician and recording studio owner with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Borne witnessed the birth of the digital audio revolution as an early hire at Pro Tools — the most used audio production software in the entertainment industry at the time.As a sound designer, he’s worked on over 50 feature films and is best known for his work on Spielberg, Jane Fonda in 5 Acts, Billy Joel-Live from the River of Dreams, and The Half of It. He has also worked on 20 complete seasons of episodic network TV programming, winning two mixing Emmys for his work on Nurse Jackie, where he was the sound designer and supervisor for seven seasons.

IWG Offers Cyclists Free Access to Workplace Locations for Bike to Work Week

To celebrate National Bike to Work Week and the sustainability benefits of hybrid working, IWG, plc — the leading provider of flexible workspace, both in the US and globally — has announced it will provide free access to its business lounge facilities for all office workers in the metro areas of seven U.S. locations. The participating markets include Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Washington, D.C. San Francisco, San Jose, and Denver. The offer is redeemable for any two days between May 15-19, 2023.

The concept of 15-minute city living — where people live and work locally, within 15 minutes of their home, has been rapidly growing in popularity since the pandemic. There is a growing demand for living more localized and enriched lives with more time spent with friends and family and less time commuting. This philosophy goes hand in hand with sustainable, active transportation options. For hybrid workers who have the option to work at an office closer to their home, biking to work is a healthier, more sustainable option than driving a car or traveling extended distances on public transport.

READ: How To Balance Supporting Your Remote Workers and In-office Employees

“Sustainability is top of mind for many companies around the world — and their employees are looking for ways to decrease their carbon footprint,” said Mark Dixon, CEO and Founder of IWG. “During Bike to Work Week, we are promoting sustainable transportation and access to office spaces that are closer to home – both of which are growing trends and interests of our customers. The shift to the hybrid work model is bolstered by the rising popularity of the concept of the 15-minute city, where people live and work within 15 minutes of their home.”

To participate, all workers need to do is find the nearest location is download the IWG or Regus apps. When they arrive at their center of choice, they will show a ​​photo of their bike parked with that day’s timestamp or a receipt from a bike-sharing company to the IWG team and they will be provided access to the business lounge or co-working space. All IWG locations have fully furnished spaces, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi connection, 24/7 customer service and dedicated meeting room spaces. On the app, users can take advantage of a range of professional products and services from booking meeting rooms to printing collateral to utilizing facilities including private offices, meeting rooms, co-working and creative spaces.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation emissions comprise 27% of carbon emissions in the United States. Switching to a sustainable form of transportation like biking or walking is one of the most effective ways that a person can reduce their everyday carbon emissions, with biking having about a 30th of the carbon impact of driving a car.  Additionally, recent research from IWG and Arup shows that working in the hybrid model can reduce emissions associated with work by up to 90% in some U.S. cities. The report found that workers who travel to a local workspace more than half of the time have much lower carbon impacts than people working with a traditional five-day commute.

Cyclists can take note of bike safety details in each respective market, including:

IWG provides on-demand services to its members, including access to 3,500 locations around the world, meeting rooms whenever they are needed, IT support, networking, and business and social events and much more.

To download the app, please visit here.

 

About IWG PLC  

IWG is leading the workspace revolution. Our companies help millions of people and their businesses to work more productively. We do so by providing a choice of professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces, communities and services. 

Digitalization and new technologies are transforming the world of work. People want the personal productivity benefits of living and working how and where they want. Businesses want the financial and strategic benefits. Our customers are start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large multinationals. With unique business goals, people and aspirations. They want workspaces and communities to match their needs. They want choice. 

Through our companies we provide that choice, and serve the whole world of work: Regus, Spaces, No18, Basepoint, Open Office and Signature. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size. From some of the most exciting companies and well-known organizations on the planet, to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. All of them harness the power of flexible working to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity. Join us at www.iwgplc.com

Navigating the New Era of Employee Engagement — Everything You Need to Know

Employee engagement is always important to keep a business running smoothly and successfully. In the time of The Great Resignation and “quiet quitting,” leaders must get creative. More attention must be paid to employee needs from pay to overall quality of life.

READ: 6 Ways to Find New Employees During the “Great Resignation”

Workplace health

Your job can impact your mental health and physical well-being. Employees are increasingly taking notice of how they feel at a job and factoring burnout and lack of support into their decisions to work elsewhere. The health of employees is vital from an ethical standpoint but also in order to preserve efficiency and productivity. If your staff is hurting, physically or emotionally, so will your bottom line.

Employee burnout results from putting too much pressure on employees and not providing enough engaging activities. Leaders should focus on integrating staff into the workplace culture and putting their health first. Productivity will follow inherently. For example, Colorado tech company, SumUp, emphasizes team events and has seen a shift in overall business success from doing so.

More employees work from home now than ever. In fact, Denver has the 12th largest remote workforce in the nation, when considering cities with 300,000 people or more. The number of people who work from home in Colorado jumped from 9% to 24% remote employees from 2019 to 2021. This is a massive change, and leaders should be aware of how this impacts employee health and engagement. 

For instance, working from home can exacerbate chronic pain from spending long hours at less-than-comfortable desks. Providing ergonomic home office accessories can help your employees live a healthier lifestyle while still being able to work remotely. This could include standing desks, ergonomic office chairs, or even blue light glasses that prevent eye strain. 

READ: Managing a Remote Work Team with Communication and Ease

Along the same vein, team events may need to be remote, but they should be plentiful, optional and engaging. Employees should want to come to work every day. Otherwise, they simply won’t — whether that’s physically or mentally.

Increased flexibility and transparency

When it’s tougher to get employees to “show up,” leaders have a responsibility to incentivize them to do so. Put your focus on the quality of life at work to inspire confidence in your company and workforce. One of the best ways to increase employee satisfaction and engagement is to trust them — and to encourage them to trust you.

Giving employees the autonomy to choose when and how they work can do wonders for your engagement rate. Adopt a more flexible schedule and don’t micromanage employees by tracking their every keystroke. You’ll be surprised how a little wiggle room encourages them to work more often and efficiently. And when they do, recognize their efforts companywide. 

Perhaps more importantly, treat employees as part of the team. This may seem obvious, but people value transparency in the workplace. Rather than being blindsided by layoffs or company policy changes, keep your workforce in the loop as much as possible. Some things are on a need-to-know basis, but be as transparent as you can as quickly as you can, and employees will respond positively.

Fair wages and benefits

This new wave of employees also expects to be rewarded fairly for their hard work. Only 32% of the current workforce believe their pay is fair. You can stand out from the competition by adhering to these expectations.

Pay staff as much as you can, because they are likely to shop around for a better offer somewhere else if they feel under-compensated. The internet has provided job seekers — and current employees — the opportunity to see how other employees are being paid within their industry. Make sure to offer as much as you can to show staff that you value their time and expertise.

This also includes benefits. Ping-pong tables and nap pods may look inviting when recruiting initially. However, long-term employees value tangible, useful benefits at the end of the day. Think about your unique workforce and what would benefit them the most. That can include stellar health insurance, a free gym membership or even flexible maternity and paternity leave policies.

READ: 5 Tips for Building a Strong Company Culture in a Hybrid Work Environment

Putting employees first

Above all, put your employees first. This seems cliche, but it takes a strong head and a big heart to lead in this new era of employee engagement. Ask for feedback, optimize your engagement strategies and constantly communicate in order to meet the unique needs of your staff. Your bottom line and engagement rates will thank you.

 

Indiana Lee Bio PictureIndiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

How To Balance Supporting Your Remote Workers and In-office Employees

Remote workers have been on the rise for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused this new model to skyrocket across the country. Now, as we enter a post-pandemic society, many employers have started to recognize the benefits of keeping some employees in a remote setting.

However, there will always be some positions that require people to come into the office. This has led many offices to adopt a hybrid work environment that fits everyone’s needs. There are plenty of benefits to this model. Productivity in remote workers is often increased due to flexibility and a better work-life balance. Your business can save money on overhead costs, and thanks to technology, there are multiple ways for people to collaborate whether employees are at home or in the office.

There can be some challenges, however, when it comes to striking a support balance. Every employee deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported whether they’re working from home or coming into the office each day. So, how can you strike that balance with your remote and in-office employees?

READ — Guest Column: CEO of Atlas Real Estate — Is Working Remote Worth the Missed Opportunity?

Build a better company culture

It’s easy to think of ways to improve company culture in an in-person setting, but it might not be so clear-cut in a hybrid environment. It’s not fair to your remote workers if you focus on building a positive in-office environment if you’re not going to promote that same culture for those who work from home.

Some of the easiest ways to build a strong, hybrid company culture for everyone include establishing and sticking to a few core values, measuring productivity instead of working hours, and encouraging breaks and adequate time off.

There are also plenty of practices you can put in place to make your remote workers feel more included in the overall company environment, including:

One of the best things you can do to help your remote team feel more included in office culture is to open up communication as often as possible and be completely transparent. These ideas can help you get started and can almost instantly boost your employees’ involvement.

Communicate directly and often

Speaking of frequent communication, it shouldn’t strictly exist between your in-office and remote employees. While establishing teams between the two is always a good idea, it’s up to you to foster consistent communication and show daily support to your remote team.

READ — Managing a remote work team with communication and ease

It’s often easier to communicate with your employees working within the office. Something as simple as a quick “hello” can let them know they’re seen and valued. It can be more of a challenge to connect regularly with your remote workers, but it’s not impossible.

Try things like organizing virtual activities and happy hours, setting up weekly conference calls or video chats, and celebrating their successes as often as possible. One of the risks remote workers face while staying at home all day is feeling isolated and lonely. You can combat that by checking in regularly and acknowledging their hard work and commitment. If you see that some of your employees are struggling (especially those working from home), don’t be afraid to encourage professional help. Acknowledging that struggle can make a big difference, and could give your workers the boost they need to reach out for more support.

Support mental health

More employers are starting to recognize the importance of mental health initiatives in the workplace. Remote work, in general, has been shown to boost the mental well-being of employees. If your office is on the fence about allowing some employees to work from home, their mental wellness is an important thing to take into consideration. For starters, many of your employees would likely benefit from losing the mental and physical strain of a daily commute. Some of the other mental health benefits of remote work include:

  • Reduced stress
  • Fewer distractions
  • Better focus
  • Less pressure

While it’s still important to offer your support to your remote workers who might be struggling with their mental well-being, your in-office workers might need a little more attention when it comes to mental health issues. You can promote a mentally healthy office culture by encouraging breaks and letting your employees spend some time outside each day. Stock up on healthy snacks that boost people’s mood and energy levels. Book in-office yoga classes on a Friday afternoon. These simple additions can go a long way in showing your employees how much you support them and value their well-being.

Finding a balance of support for your remote and in-office employees doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use technology to your advantage to stay connected with everyone, and remain as open and transparent as possible. By showing up for all of your employees and establishing a culture of care, you’ll create a hybrid work environment that allows your business to grow and your employees to stay healthy and happy.

 

Indiana Lee Bio PictureIndiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.