Sanitary Measures for Extraordinary Times.
As many are starting to return physically to work, here are some guidelines and rules of thumb for your workplace sanitary measures.
Don’t wait.
Workplaces and spaces should be taking extra precautions now, not when illness strikes. The CDC recommends that employers implement sanitary measures and start doing these things now, as these measures can reduce working days lost due to sickness and stop or slow the spread of COVID-19 if it arrives at one of your workplaces.
Establish a cleaning routine.
Regularly, make sure to clean all frequently touched surfaces. This includes keyboards, remote controls, desks, countertops, and doorknobs. Using a disinfectant by its instructions will be the easiest way to ensure that the surface is cleaned effectively. See EPA’s 6 steps for Safe and Effective Disinfectant Use.
Be incredibly clear of the expectations of your employees and customers.
Transparency of your expectations when it comes to safety and sanitation is going to be imperative when you are back in some sort of open capacity. Make sure signage is prevalent of what you expect…masks? No masks? Six feet spacing signs are being sold everywhere; they can also be custom designed. Be sure to have sanitizer stations everywhere that make sense, at the very least, at the front when your customers or employees come in and at the register if applicable.
Have a sense of patience.
Remember, this is unchartered territory for absolutely everyone. Tensions are high, fear is present, and the ability to conduct business safely and sanitary lays in your hands.
Three Ways to Reduce Overhead Expenses
Deciding to reduce overhead expenses can be difficult. Many employees are working from home at least a couple of days a week. Remote teams are commonplace, and entire departments have been downsized because of new efficiencies, technological advances, and outsourcing. If this sounds like your company and you find yourself looking at a lot of empty desks every day, it might be a great time to think about where you can reduce your overhead expenses.
Work from Home or a Shared Office Solution
When employees have options on where to work, they tend to be happier – and more productive. In addition to improved work-life balance, they don’t have the commute to deal with, so they can dive right in and get to work right away. Productivity improves, workers are happier, and you don’t have to finance an empty workstation and parking space. Giving employees the option of working from home or using a shared office solution, like Work Webb, can drastically reduce your business expenses while making the employees happier and more productive.
Managed services
Companies no longer need a full-time IT department because most data is now stored in the cloud. This eliminates the need for on-premise servers and all the costly upkeep that goes with it. What used to require a team of high-paid technicians, on-call 24/7, can now be managed virtually—and more efficiently—at a fraction of the cost.
Document management systems
If you’re ready to ditch the paper, a document management system (DMS) is the way to go. A DMS manages your filing systems digitally and is far more secure and foolproof than a conventional filing system. Documents in a DMS are searchable and can be protected by permissions, ensuring that the appropriate personnel can only access them. There are no more lost files, no more filing cabinets, and no need for a separate room to house it all.
If you are considering a shared office solution for your business, visit our website here. Work Webb has two convenient locations, Daytona Beach and Melbourne, Florida, and has a variety of options to suit most needs. Call us today to schedule a tour at one of our locations.
When Loved Ones Join You in Working from Home
When working from home or in a co-working space, there is a fair amount of adjustment to this new lifestyle. No time clocks to punch, no pants to necessarily wear, etc.. but what happens amid COVID19 when you now have a new coworker also known to you as your partner or spouse? Here are some tips to succeed at working from home with your spouse or partner:
1. Arrange separate workspaces, preferably on different levels or areas of your home.
If you work for different companies and you don’t rely on each other’s work, prepare individual home offices in various areas of your home. This separation will ensure that you each have defined areas to concentrate on work.
2. Create individual office hours and respect them.
Decide what your joint workday/hours are and stick to them. The fewer interruptions you both have, the more likely you are to finish your workday on time. Should you both be juggling home, work, and children, consider interchanging your work hours, so there’s more coverage for chores and child care.
3. Avoid disturbing each other with non-work issues.
Just like you wouldn’t call your partner for every little thing during a workday, consider separating or discussing personal matters at only an established portion of the day. This habit will allow each of you to make the essential time for giving the other their devoted attention to any personal or non-work discussion without taking too much time out of the workday.
4. Focus on the upsides
Probably a weird thing to say, especially in this climate, but once you get into this new groove, there a couple of positive you can focus on. This new schedule is a unique opportunity to spend time with your partner or kids in a way you don’t usually get to do. It can also be quite fascinating to see your partner work, which is a side of them you probably don’t get to see.
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An Open Letter to Our Small Business Community
As we navigate the effects of business in our community, we wanted to share the following resources for you to peruse for you and your small business.
Governor Ron DeSantis recently issued Executive Order Number 20-91 “Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency)”. Here is a link to a copy of the Governor’s Executive Order.
The City of Ormond has provided information below related to available programs to businesses affected by COVID-19, in particular, the State’s Bridge Loan Program and the recently approved federal program Paycheck Protection Program.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
The Bridge Loan Program is available to small business owners located in Florida that are experiencing economic damage as a result of the COVID-19. These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer-term recovery resources.
Please visit: http://floridajobs.org/rebuildflorida/businessrecovery
Small Business Paycheck Protection Program
What: The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
How: You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and farm credit system institution that is participating. Please consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating.
Additional Resources:
- Small Business Paycheck Protection Program Overview
- PPP Information Sheet for Lenders
- PPP Information Sheet for Borrowers
Please visit: SBA Paycheck Protection Program web page.
SBA Economic Disaster Injury Loan & Loan Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.
To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, click here.
Manufacturing
If you are a manufacturer or support the manufacturing industry please check-in with the resources with Florida Makes and the Volusia Manufacturers Association.
Additional Resources
Small Business Development Center at Daytona State College is available to assist with filing SBA Loans and Florida Disaster Loans. Please visit their website and request a consultation: https://www.daytonastate.edu/sbdc/
SCORE Volusia/Flagler — Score has information on available resources to businesses which can be acessed here. You can connect with the local chapter through this link.
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce — Please visit the Chamber’s web page for updates and new campaigns to support the business community.
City of Ormond Beach COVID-19 updates page: https://stories.opengov.com/ormondbeachfl/published/igYzbHQ6E
City of Daytona Beach COVID-19 updates https://www.daytonabeach.com/covid-19-coronavirus-update/
Daytona Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce Business updates https://www.daytonachamber.com/COVID-19-Member-Updates-6-17849.html
City of Port Orange COVID-19 Information Page https://www.port-orange.org/812/COVID-19-Information-Page
Southeast Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Information Page https://www.sevchamber.com/
Office Supplies Typically Provided to Remote Workers
If you’re curious about remote work, or ready to start a new remote job very soon, you may wonder about your office supplies. When you work in a traditional office space, your computer and all your supplies are typically provided to you right from the start. When you work from home, it can vary from employer to employer how your office equipment is supplied.
To help you out, we’re going over four of the most common office supplies typically provided to remote workers.
Allowance
Providing an allowance for technology is one option for remote worker office supplies. They allow employees a certain amount of money per quarter or per year to spend on whatever technology and equipment they may need to work remotely (think computers, wireless keyboards, and mice, computer chargers, printers, laptop stands, office chairs, monitors, etc.). Employees typically purchase the items themselves and submit receipts to their company for reimbursement.
BYOD
BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. In this situation, employees do just that—they use their own computers and supplies for work. The benefit of this option is also that employees can use whatever devices they are most comfortable with, eliminating any learning curve if they’re familiar with PC, but the company wants them to use a Mac, for example.
Computer Only
Some employers supply just a computer to remote employees. In this situation, the computer is typically company property and has to be returned when an employee leaves the company. Sometimes companies have specific software programs that employees need to use, and having everyone on the same computer operating system can help. If employees need to access a company Intranet, it can be easier for the IT department to set this up on a company computer. Or perhaps the employer wants to have time tracking software installed on the computer as well.
A Complete Office
Some companies will provide everything a remote employee needs. They may send a computer, smartphone, printer, and more, depending on the needs of the job. This option usually helps companies feel secure knowing their remote worker has everything they need in their home office to perform the duties of their job successfully. Just like the previous scenario, this allows companies to install any required software on employee computers as well, ensuring employees are set up correctly from day one.
If you’re beginning your remote work journey, be sure you know the requirements of your employer. The interview process is a great time to ask how your potential company handles remote worker office supplies. That way, you’ll be ready and prepared to be a star employee from the start.
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10 REASONS TO USE A SHARED OFFICE SPACE
Shared office space is a perfect alternative to working from home or at your own office. This type of workplace offers many perks and an environment full of hardworking and dedicated professionals across all industries. The decision to work alongside strangers can be intimidating but so rewarding.
Below are ten reasons why you should work from a shared office space.
Find Meaning
A person’s work identity becomes stronger when people doing all types and kinds of work are around them. A work facade is no longer needed, due to the lack of competition in a traditional office. Shared office spaces are created to have a sense of community, collaboration, learning, and sustainability.
Perks with a Shared Office Space
Not only do shared office spaces provide a place to work, but they also offer many perks. These include anything from food services, conference rooms, and many more amenities.
More Job Control & Flexibility
Let’s say today you want to work during the day, but tomorrow during the night. At a shared office space, you enjoy this power and flexibility. As a professional, you decide when and where you work. Because memberships at desk chair are month-to-month, you decide if you want to work at a desk or in a private suite. Work Webb has lots of options to choose from.
More Sense of Community, Less sense of Loneliness
Working from home sometimes creates a sense of isolation. Shared office spaces end this feeling of disconnection. During the day, you work alongside an entire room of other coworkers, and even though the place is full of people, you chose when and how to interact with other members.
Networking Opportunities
Having a shared space and creating a sense of community is another reason why people chose shared office spaces. Officing in this type of environment lets you surround yourself with goal-oriented and high-achieving professionals. Having so many professionals in one room means your networking opportunities are endless. You never know who you will meet to help you move your business forward.
Central Location for Clients
Client meetings just became stress-free because members have a central location. Outside your door, a variety of options for transportation, restaurants, and shopping beckon.
Increase in Productivity
Everyone loves their sleep, so it can be a real challenge to get out of bed some mornings. The social atmosphere of a shared office environment encourages you to crawl out of bed in the morning and get into work. Using a temp office space can increase productivity by decreasing at-home distractions and being surrounded by committed professionals each day is a great motivator.
Cost-Efficient
Office space on a per-square-foot basis can sometimes be crazy expensive. Officing at a shared office space is not only affordable; it also offers the flexibility to grow with your business without having to sink money into lease-breaking fees.
Learn something new
A shared office space gives you the chance to be working across the desk from someone with a completely different skill set than yours. You may even catch yourself working in a new mindset as well. Inspiration from coworkers can help break through the roadblocks and that project you have been working on for months is solved, just like that!
Happiness!
Working at a shared office space, like Work Webb, you surround yourself with motivated and enthusiastic professionals like yourself. You have the opportunity to socialize, enjoy all of the amenities, and work the way you live. The shared office space atmosphere can boost morale and passion, which results in a more cheerful workday!
Staying Motivated When You Work Remotely
When you start working in conditions where pants and time clocks are optional, it is hard to stay motivated. There is no one looking over your shoulder and trailing off and going down a rabbit hole of Instagram feeds can happen in a matter of minutes. Although this is the actual joy of being self-employed (or a fortunate remote employee)-having no structure in place can be defeated as far as production is concerned.
Here are some tips to help stay focused on your work tasks at hand:
Get Up
Wake up early and “get to work” on time. You may be able to see your “office” from your bedroom, but you still need to make that transition. Make a point to be on time for “the man” which is you! Not being on time for yourself is a bad habit, and it is hard to take yourself and your work seriously. Routine is your best friend. At the same time, if you run on more cylinders in the afternoon-late evening, adjust your day overall accordingly. In both cases, consistency is vital.
Get Dressed
At some point, working from home in your pajamas will lose its luster not to mention that it is terribly demotivating. Take a shower, brush your teeth, and start your day clean, fresh, and ready to go. You don’t have to put on your Sunday best, but wear something comfortable and functional that is uniform to YOU.
Get out of the house
While it’s good to stay focused, you are also allowed to take a break. You’re not under house arrest, and this isn’t a prison of your own making. You can and should leave those four walls for your own piece of mind.
Work from home but still crave an office like atmosphere? Consider Work Webb: we offer shared professional office solutions in Daytona Beach, and Melbourne, including virtual, part-time, and full-time shared or private office space.
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What is Emotional Culture?
Whether you work together with your staff at the same location, have multiple offices across the country or have the ability to work solo from a remote location, creating the culture that enables your team to perform at its highest may not be as easy as just hiring good quality employees.
Emotional Culture is a lesser known piece of today’s work culture, and it is getting more attention these days. Emotional Culture is defined as the culture centered around the effective values of an organization—i.e., feelings, moods, and attitudes—in contrast to the intellectual values that typically make up the traditional corporate culture.
Although technology may be able to cross physical and time-based gaps, the cultural and social gaps — differences in social habits and communication styles — are problems that have yet to be solved. If not addressed, these gaps open can pose significant performance issues for teams.
When working virtually, ways to be a communicative team member is an even harder nut to crack. Teams must make a point not only to be clear about how they will interact with one another and shift modes when needed but also address the role that their desired mode(s) of communication with each player as this will play in facilitating their way of working.
When working remotely, you aren’t at the luxury of popping in to your coworkers office, or having the insight as to whether “now is a good time”…keeping your status or schedule on your shared calendar (and messaging platform) updated is an easy way to let people easily see when it is OK to break in and “say hello”. We should make space for these moments, because if we were in an office, we would likely be spending 8 percent of our time socializing, according to a workplace study by Gensler (pdf).
If an effort is made to develop empathy among team members, experience random moments of connection, this will build the discipline that is necessary to a successful team.
The Best of Both Worlds: Shared Office Solutions
People around the world are becoming increasingly entrepreneurial and embracing alternative forms of employment. In fact, according to a report by software company Intuit, “In the U.S. alone, contingent workers will exceed 40 percent of the workforce by 2020.” If you are self-employed, an entrepreneur or have the great opportunity to work for a company remotely, it has a lot of benefits. Aside from the obvious perk of making your own schedule and choosing whether a shower is actually on the agenda…there are also some unexpected benefits like no commute, no traffic, and no office politics.
While this is, for the most part, a dream situation, sometimes working strictly from home isn’t all it is cracked up to be. For one, it is super hard to focus when distractions of what also needs to be done (laundry, dishes, etc.) is all around…and sometimes working by yourself within the same four walls day in and day out stifles all creativity and motivation.
An easy answer to have the best of both worlds is the benefits of having a shared office solution! Imagine being super focused and energetic around like-minded people in a professional office setting! You would be surprised how engaging this atmosphere can be and joining a like-minded community will push you to success by surrounding yourself with other sharp minds.
Located on the third floor of the historic Kress building on Beach Street in Daytona Beach, Work Webb provides work-spaces to many clients in need of affordable, personalized office space solutions. Choices include anything from 24/7 access, to a single day pass for telecommuting or short-term clients needing virtual or remote office space. Enjoy modern, clean, beautifully furnished private, semi-private or shared office space–available for rent in a variety of options. Click here for more information!
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Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Co-Working Space
If you work from home, you are aware of the lonely feelings that can overcome the home office employee. The coffee shop may seem a great way to get out of the house, but there is another option that can offer you more than just a different view. Co-working spaces usually charge a daily, weekly, or monthly fee for workspaces and amenities and finding the right one for you and your business can be a challenge.
To make sure you choose the right one, ask yourself these questions while shopping for a co-working space to suit your needs:
- Can I Visit? – Just like any office environment, each has their own vibe, and you need to make sure you find the right one for you and your business. Visit the space before you commit to it, and if they do not allow visits – cross them off your list.
- Who are the current tenants? – If you are looking for a space that has tenants that can help you in your business and career you need to see the tenant list to pick the right place.
- Is there a Trial period? – Ask if you can work in the space for a day to see if it fits your needs. If you need quiet time to work, you want to make sure the area you choose can accommodate your needs.
- What Amenities are offered? Most spaces provide Wi-Fi, kitchens, snacks, etc. Ask what the office offers and be honest with yourself if paying for your own coffee will eventually drive you nuts.
- What are the working hours? This is an essential question to ask, if not the most important. If you do not hold regular 8 – 5 hours, you need to know what type of access you will have to this space. If it does not fit your needs, the area is not for you.
- How Long Is the Commute? You are used to working from home and let’s face it the commute from the kitchen to your office is a short one. Before you commit to a co-working space, make sure the drive from your home to the office is not one you will come to despise.
- How long is the contract? Find out how flexible this contract is for the space you are considering. Most co-working spaces offer lots of options. Make sure they have an option to fit your needs.
- How much space do you need? Depending on how long you have worked from home, alone, being right next to someone might be a bit much for you to be productive. Be honest with yourself about the type of space you need to stay productive and make sure the co-working space you choose has an option to fit this need.
Work Webb is a co-working or shared office solution located in Historic Downtown Daytona Beach, Florida and has lots of options to choose from for its tenants. If you live in the area and are considering utilizing a shared office solution, call us for a tour and feel free to ask all the questions you need. We like our tenants happy.
Office Manners When Working in a Shared Office Solution
If you are renting space in an open office or a shared office solution, it may be complicated to maintain a lot of privacy. Also, renting space in a big office, full of people can be incredibly distracting, mainly, if the other tenants are not respectful of the environment around them and cause distractions by their behavior. When working in a shared office solution, it is essential to realize the following so as not to be a distraction to others:
Voice Volume
Loud Phone Conversations can be distracting to others in the office.
In your traditional office environment, you may have your office where you can put your feet up and be as loud as you want while on the phone. But when utilizing a shared office, you must adapt
your volume level to limit distractions and be mindful that others are occupying the same office space as you.
Music
Other tenants may not like to work listening to your playlist. Bring headphones, so you do not disturb anyone.
If you need music to be productive while working in a temp office solution, bring headphones. The odds that an entire room full of strangers will like your music selections are slim to none.
Also, if there is music played by another tenant, and it is distracting, professionally ask them to turn it down.
Refrigerator Rules
Do not assume items in the fridge are fair game. Please, do not be that person. If you want to assume, assume nothing will be provided and bring your drinks and snacks.
Perfumes
A shared office solution is a temporary office, and your co-workers are people you do not know. If you like to massively spray on the perfume or cologne (not judging here, just trying to help), please hold when working in a co-working space. You may just be working near someone that has an allergy to perfumes.
Chit-chat
Getting to know your new co-workers is excellent but can become an annoyance if it goes on longer than needed and keeps your new found friend from getting back to work.
Be nice, but do not engage in excessive chit-chat, so you are not a distraction to others.
You may be on vacation and using the office temporarily, but to others, this co-working space may be their central office and have a regular full business day ahead of them.
A Shared Office Solution can help you stay productive while traveling for business or vacation.If you are considering moving your business to a shared office solution, or you frequent a temp office while you travel, keep these tips in mind, so you do not annoy others in the office. Traveling to or live in the Daytona Beach area and need a shared office solution, call us and schedule a tour to see what we have to offer.
The Redesign of the Traditional Office Due to Mobile Technology
We have talked a lot on our blog about co-working spaces as an alternative to the traditional office and how the co-working space is changing the work environment. Traditional offices are also going through a metamorphosis and are no longer a sea of workstations depicted in shows like “Office Space.” Today’s office is seen as more of an integration of layered neighborhoods serving different functions. That’s because today we can offer a host of new spaces that better fit the way we live and work in today’s office environment. It’s helpful to start with an appreciation of what is powering the changes to the traditional office design. The most significant driving factor is mobile technology.
While laptops were once a luxury item with limited computing power compared to the desktop counterparts of their day, we all know that today’s mobility has matured. Between laptops and tablets, mobility is both affordable and fully functional, offering more power than most professionals need for just emailing, documenting, sharing and accessing the web. In addition to traditional workplace strategies, today’s portable devices create additional design opportunities to enhance a space that wasn’t possible in the past.
Some of these spaces include small “huddle” rooms for two or three staff to gather and produce work together around a shared monitor. These flexible spaces allow for both privacy and acoustic isolation away from more public workstations. Similarly, soft-seating conference areas can support work with clients who are dealing with sensitive information or are in need of a more nurturing space to interact, while positioning them near an easily accessed screen. Also, coffee shop-style spaces and high-top collaboration tables all enable different types of individual and team-oriented work to occur.
When these spaces fit the company culture and are correctly built, they can lead to increased staff comfort and team focus. At the same time, they can also encourage heads down, focused productivity. This new modern office concept can help staff feel invigorated, well supported and more vibrant. They can provide more acoustic privacy and concentration where it’s essential. Teams can also feel free to be dynamic and loud without distracting others.
It seems like mobile technology is changing both the traditional office design as well as creating the new remote worker.
Is a Co-Working Space Right for your Small Business?
The typical office-leasing process can take months and involves a lot of numbers and paperwork, and even then, you could end up not getting what you thought out of your office experience. An alternative to this tedious process is to explore the option of a co-working space – rented space in a shared office with people from all different organizations. Using a co-working space allows you to have office space that is more tailored to your needs, not be committed to a lease, and have your employees feel comfortable in what usually is a more relaxed, inspired and productive environment.
Why co-working spaces?
There are numerous advantages to using a co-working space, especially for fast-growing and budget-conscious startups.
Sharing an office with similar-minded small business owners gives you the opportunity to network while you work and share resources that you’d otherwise have to track down on your own.
What to consider when choosing a space
There are several factors to consider when selecting a workspace. To get started, ask yourself the following questions:
• Are you interested in establishing regional offices for your brand or testing markets for corporate expansion?
• Will you be meeting with partners or clients?
• When are you most productive?
Here are some other factors to consider.
Location
Enjoy this view from our offices to cut down on work stress.
Shared offices are most frequently found in large cities like Chicago and New York, which can be a real cost-saver for businesses that want to be in these areas without signing an expensive urban office-space lease. However, be sure that your new co-working address is one that you feel comfortable not only showing up to every day but also inviting professional contacts to conduct business.
Design
The design of your co-working space is another critical factor to consider.
Since you generally can’t rearrange and customize co-working space the way you could a private office, you have to be satisfied with the existing layout and setup of a shared workspace.
Pricing structure and membership benefits
While a co-working space might have everything a growing business needs, not all of those amenities are included in your membership price. Be sure to read the fine print and know exactly what you’re paying for, so you don’t end up with any hidden fees.
Your neighbors
Your co-working neighbors can make all the difference in your everyday work experience, so try to find out what other businesses are in the space before you sign up. In most cases, you’ll find that there are a lot of different startups and small companies like yours so that you can benefit from each other’s experiences and connections.
Work Webb is affordable, has a great location and has a professional environment. Call us to schedule a tour of our co-working offices to see for yourself. We are located in historic downtown Daytona Beach which has shops, great restaurants, and a view
that can’t be beaten.
Make a Shared Office Solution Part of your Emergency Plan
When Hurricanes happen here in Florida small local business take a hit. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), almost 40 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors after a disaster. Recent data from a CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey also shows that most small business owners don’t spend too much time thinking about the environment as a critical factor. Many small businesses do not have an emergency plan, and a storm like Irma closes their doors. Remote workers need a plan as well. Remote workers take a hit when Mother Nature shows her power resulting in disruptive downtime in business. Finding a shared office solution before you need one can make the financial difference as a remote worker. Here are some examples of when knowing the local shared office solution can help in times of natural disasters.
Hurricanes
This hurricane season has hit hard this year and exposed many businesses that were unprepared for this scenario. If you travel to a hurricane-prone area, do some research ahead of time to see what shared office solutions are available when you may need them. A hurricane has an extensive reach of disruption. You may be stranded for an undetermined amount of time if you travel to a hurricane-prone area for business. If you live in Florida and travel for your profession, you may not be able to home, and a shared office will be needed. Also, if you go to an area hit by a hurricane, you may be stuck until the airports and roads are safe. If you can find a temporary office that has power, you can utilize this space until you get the all clear.
Flooding
Working from home is great until your home is flooding from a storm. Floods happen without a hurricane sometimes and having A temp office that escaped the flooding will help lower the stress of having to worry about meeting business deadlines on top of the stresses caused by the flood.
No Electricity
After a storm, it takes weeks to get electricity back to the community. Remote workers can’t work without power. Researching before you need them will give you a list of businesses you can call to see if they have electricity after a storm hits.
A shared office is not the only place remote workers can go to work after a natural disaster, but it is an ideal setting. Going to a coffee shop will not have a printer or provide the privacy you may need to conduct business. If you can find a shared office solution in the cities you travel to or live in before you need them, you will have a great emergency plan. If you live locally in Daytona Beach, Florida, and have never seen the office of Work Webb, call us for a tour. We would like to be a part of your emergency plan.
Successful Remote Working
The internet has changed the landscape of the office environment. Remote working is more common today due to the technological advances made possible with the web than ever before. But can this relationship work between employer and remote employee without the traditional office environment? Do companies feel confident their remote employees are doing their jobs consistently? In reading up on this topic and talking to several remote employees, several key factors come up consistently when the remote working is well, working.
Communication
A system for communication on a regular basis without adding steps to accomplishing work is key to making a remote working arraignment successful. While management discussion always matters significantly, it’s even more critical that remote managers stay in frequent contact to ensure management knows what’s being worked on and the progress being made with remote employees. The perception is if communication is not happening between management and employee, work is not being done. But how to do to this without creating more work in a remote working arraignment can be a challenge. A regular schedule of Skype calls or utilizing the Slack platform for projects can help communication flow seamlessly on projects without adding to the workload or having to shift through long email chains to get a status of performance.
Clearly Defined Goals
Management must establish expectations that might normally develop over time in a tradition office when hiring remote employees. A remote worker will also not have the opportunity to get the “feel” of the personality of the office. Something as simple as not knowing a coworker does not like morning meetings can cause conflict. Measurable goals combined with a clear understanding of the workload and office politics are crucial for this arraignment to be productive.
Schedules are Key
Having flexibility is not a free pass to work whenever and not be available for updates. It is the remote employee’s responsibility to keep management informed of when they are and are not available. A mutually agreed upon schedule between all parties is the best way to organization remote working.
There are many dynamics of a traditional office, and there three tips are just my findings. Your situation may include more or less, and not all jobs can have a remote working position. Remote working grown %115 since 2005, is expected to continually grow over the next few years according to this information from Latest Telecommuting Statistics. If you are a remote worker and have some advice not included in this post, please comment your suggestions. Every situation and job are unique, and others could benefit from your experience.
Challenges of Working from Home in the Summer
Working from Home in the Summer
It’s summer and the kids are out of school. Working from home during the summer can present a challenge. If this is your first summer working from home, you may not know what to expect for the next three months. Let me enlighten you on what I have heard from clients that I only see here at Work Webb during the summer months.
Interruptions Are Constant
Older children that handled being home alone while you worked in a traditional office last summer will completely regress to needy toddlers now that you are working from home. They will not be able to find anything, do anything without asking you for help. Why you ask? Because they know you are there to help them and answer their questions. You will stop work to find the TV remote, Play Station controller and any number of meaningless tasks your children just can’t seem to do without you.
Family Visits
Now that you no longer have a traditional job, your extended family may think they can come to visit for extended stays. Honestly, if they catch you off guard you may not have a quick answer as to why they can’t come for a visit. Then you are stuck with family coming especially if you live in a desired area like Florida. Your office may be lost to your teenage nephew that likes to sleep the morning away and – POOF – there goes your productivity. In addition, if you are a good host, your in-laws might expect home cooked meals every night because after all you are home. Don’t’ forget since you are home, odds are you still do laundry, etc., so these tasks just doubled for you. All that does is eat up precious hours that should be used to get your work done.
Parental Guilt
Since you ARE working from home and this is your first summer with the kids, you might feel compelled to be the super parent. Trips to bowling alley, movies or to the beach may eat up your daylight hours which means you will burn the midnight oil or get up with the birds to get your work completed. In short – you will work twice as hard the next few months. Trust me.
Taxi Services
A common complaint I hear from my summer clients is they become a taxi service for the children and their children’s friends. After all you are home – and your children will volunteer your services without asking. Your productivity and gas tank will bottom out fast.
Avoid these pitfalls of summer by finding a shared office solution near you. If you are close to the Daytona Beach or Melbourne, Florida area, visit Work Webb’s website to see what we can offer you besides a quiet place to work.
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Updated: 3/29/21
How to Choose the Correct Shared Office Solution
Starting a business is scary but finding a shared office solution to fit your business needs should not be. Utilizing a shared office solution for your small business and not a traditional office space with all the usual headaches is smart and can lower your startup costs. Not every office solution will provide what your business needs to portray the professional look you desire. Here are the most important things to look for when shopping around for a shared office solution for your business:
Options
Does it have the right options to fit your business needs? Do you want a private office or a co-working space? Do you need a dedicated desk or will you share? What type of payment plans are there? Do they fit your budget or will you be paying for more office time that you need? When shopping around for a shared office solutions for your business, these are the types of questions you need to ask yourself. Work Webb tries to have an option to fit most business needs. Visit this link to see how we break down our different packages and al la carte add on features.
Professionally Decorated
Is the office professionally decorated? It must be said – an office needs to be pleasing to the eye, decorated nicely, and have nice, comfortable furniture. The first impression of the office space should convey the environment that meshes with your business. If the shared office solution company does not care to provide a clean, professional and comfortable environment for its clients, it may be a sign that this will not be a good fit for your business.
Great Location
Is it a great location? Having an office means meeting clients and clients get hungry. The office
needs to be near some quality restaurants. In addition, it can’t be in the bad part of town. A benefit of using a shared office solutions is upscaling your office at a low cost. Get a view from your shared office, clients are impressed with views. Have restaurants nearby and have convenient parking.
Office Staff
Is there an office staff on site? A receptionist greeting clients and answering the phone is a great first impression for any business. A reputable shared office solution company will provide some office staff to give this professional polish every business can benefit from.
Shared office solutions are becoming increasingly popular because of the many benefits to businesses large and small. Do your research to make sure you pick the right fit for your business. If you live or plan on visiting the Daytona Beach, Florida area and are in the market for shared office services, please visit our website here for more information and schedule a tour.
Music and Food with Chef Papa Along the Riverfront
What’s Happening Near Work Webb
There is always something happening in downtown Daytona Beach and this weekend it’s Music and Food with Chef Papa. As mentioned last week, Daytona Beach offers more than Bike Week and NASCAR. Step outside the Kress building and you can find a lot of choices for dinner, shopping and live music. No need to wait for a holiday. Excellent food and music is provided for no special reason other than it’s the weekend. There is no better way to end a work week than walking along the riverfront while taking in the gorgeous view or window shopping.
This weekend is the second to last installment of Music and Food with Chef Papa. If you do not know who Chef Papa’s Catering & Food to Go is, you are truly missing out. Located four doors down from Work Webb along the river walk, Chef Papa provides healthy, yummy and affordable lunches. All summer Chef Papa has hosted a themed menu dinner and live music. This has been on of the best kept secrets of the river walk shoppes . The second to last event is this Saturday, September 24th, starting at 6:30 pm. Chef Papa will host a NOLA menu this week with live jazz music provided by Clarence (of old Ocean Deck Band fame) and Church Archer. Only two more weekends to attend the Food and Music series at Chef Papa’s Catering & Food to Go. October 1 will be the last in this popular series.
Support downtown Daytona Beach and the Riverfront Shoppes by calling Chef Papa to make a reservation for this event 386-253-5080. Here is a directory of the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach.
Make sure you check The Watercooler Blog every week to stay informed on what’s happening along Daytona Beach’s quaint Riverfront Shoppes.
3 Ways Renting Full or Part Time at a Shared Office Space Can Save You Money and a Whole Lot of Stress
Increase Your Profit and Decrease Your Stress: Rent or Lease a Full or Part Time, Fully Furnished, Private, Semi-Private, or Shared Co-Working Office in Your Area
Renting or leasing an office is expensive: There’s first and last month’s rent; you’ll have to buy office equipment and furniture; supplies, a printer, fax (do people use those anymore?), copy paper, coffee, water bottles, snacks, tissues, toilet paper – the list could go on and on. What gives?
How can you get your business off the ground when all of your start-up money is going to filing cabinets, Internet hookups, and that dreaded cartridge of ink that’s worth its weight in gold? Well, there’s an affordable office rental solution which is trending that can take care of all those things for you. Renting or leasing an office in a shared workplace atmosphere will benefit not only your business and profit, but your peace of mind as well.
Here are 3 ways you can save money (and a whole lot of time and energy) renting a shared workspace or a private or semi-private full or part time office space at a business incubator or co-working office with multiple office or meeting space rental options to suit your particular needs:
1. Renting an office costs much less when you choose to do your work in a co-working atmosphere or shared workspace.
We’re lucky enough to call the offices of the historic Kress building in Daytona Beach, FL home.
Renting or leasing a quality workspace in a quality area is expensive. Renting a full or part-time office in a shared work environment allows you to drastically cut the cost of a worthwhile office rental. You’ll also be surprised by the benefits that come along with the natural networking you’ll engage in amongst other businesses and professionals that also have an office in your building or on your floor. Remember that a shared office will have real estate in “choice” areas of your city or a main downtown area that you otherwise may not be able to afford office space in on your own. Say goodbye to the days of giving sketchy or confusing directions to your clients, no more ruining your business reputation with coffee shop meetings, you can now afford an office in the most notable buildings in your area provided they have a shared workspace.
2. You don’t have to worry about buying a bunch of office furniture.
Fully furnished means exactly that: From waiting areas, to meeting rooms, chairs and desks: shared workspaces have it all.
A fully furnished office rental is a guarantee when you rent office space in a shared workplace or business incubator. When you rent or lease your own office by yourself, the costs of the deposit and rent are just the beginning. Then you have to worry about finding an office chair, work desk, supplies, filing cabinets, wall art, plants (you really should keep live plants in your office), decorations, soap, a coat or umbrella rack (we live in Florida after all), a trash can or two, toilet paper, water, the list goes on…
3. Coffee, snacks, supplies, paper, and even free meeting and conference room rentals at a shared office environment give you everything you need for even your busiest workday – saving you time and money.
Why spend time and money stocking up your office snack area when someone could do it for you? Workplace win!
Any virtual, remote, or shared workspace will have the proper office supplies you need to keep your workday running smoothly – whether it’s that extra cup of coffee, a hit of protein or sugar to keep you going, a professional meeting space or presentation area to impress your clients and colleagues, or a printer, copy, fax machine to get your documents in order and professionally delivered.
Bonus! When you rent a place of work in a happening part of town, the rates are lower at a shared office space, and you get all the amenities and benefits of working in an office on a main street or in a busy section of town (way better than renting an office off of the beaten path!). You’ll really dig the after-work outings and office lunch break options that you get when you rent a workspace in a happening area of your city.
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Many businesses and professional tenants are benefiting from shared office solutions. Visit Work Webb on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ for more office tips and workplace advice.
Need an Affordable Office for Rent? Consider Work Webb Shared Office Solutions in Daytona Beach, FL
Renting or leasing a shared office space can save you money and provide you with opportunities to grow your business. If you live or work in or near Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, DeLand, or the surrounding areas of Volusia or Flagler counties, contact Work Webb at the Historic Kress Building on Beach Street in Daytona Beach to schedule a tour of our private, semi-private, or shared office spaces, conference, or meeting rooms.
Here are the 3 Things Every Office MUST Have
If You’re Lacking These Office Essentials – You’d Better Make Some Changes in Your Workplace, Stat
There are 3 basic items every office or workspace needs (besides a working coffee machine, a water source, and functional bathrooms). If you, your company, office manager, or your boss don’t have these 3 essential office ingredients in your place of work, you’d better get on it and complete your surroundings with this vital list of office necessities. Your mood and work productivity will surely improve when you set the stage properly at the office with the following items, drumroll please… (more…)
Professionals Take Note: Holding a Business Meeting in a Coffee Shop Will Screw Up Your Game Plan (and Your Profit)
Turns Out Coffee Shop Meetings Can Hurt Your Business. Here’s How…
OK, this is a unique PSA, but here goes: Are coffee shops hurting your business?
If you sometimes hold meetings in a public place, like your area coffee shop or café rather than an office or meeting room environment – this blog post (or warning, I should say) is for you… (more…)
Rent a Conference or Meeting Room and Grow Your Business
“Meeting” a Certain Standard: 3 Ways a Conference or Meeting Room Rental Can Grow Your Business
Most start-ups, independent entrepreneurs, and budding small business owners can’t afford a private office just yet; and for many industries and professionals, sometimes a full time (even a part-time) office isn’t really needed. This poses a problem when the need for a conference or meeting room arises, and your kitchen table won’t cut it. (more…)
