Working from Home Without Losing Your Mind.
While it has been said that working from home takes a special person, in this climate, the choice to work from home or not may have been taken away from you. We hear so much about pivoting and the new normal, but now that it has been a couple of months that has brought nothing but Ch ch ch changes, it is time to check in with you and your sanity.
How are you adjusting? Here are a couple of tips!
Make a schedule, set your boundaries and plan for breaks each and every day.
Now more than ever, having a plan each day makes a difference in productivity. One of our favorite methods is the Pomodoro Technique. This helps you focus on working for a specific amount of time and then take a break. Use Pomodoro to work work work and then tale a break. You can use the Pomodoro Technique, in which you alternate 25-minute work sessions with 5-minute breaks, or set whatever intervals make sense for you. There is a start and a stop timer that keeps you on track.
Don’t let friends and family take advantage of your new status.
This is a big one. Mom will still call to see how you are doing, and your five-minute check-ins at the office will somehow mysteriously evolve into longer call times because of course, you are at home, are you really working? Silence your phone and try only to answer as if you were truly in an office setting. It may be hard for them to understand that your time is still not yours even if you are at home while working, but setting boundaries is most important.
Every day be sure to get some fresh air, dance it out, take a break! Promise this works!
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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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Five Ways to Improve Your Home Office
Is your home prepared for you to work from a home office 40 hours a week? When you consider working from home, the space that you will occupy should be one of your first considerations. Making sure that you have a home office designed for functionality and efficiency is imperative for a successful career working from home. There are many ways to customize your office and make sure your working environment is perfect for you.
Here are five ways to improve your home office set-up:
Splurge on a Good Chair
The chair is the most overlooked piece of office furniture people need to work at home. Many people find themselves sitting in their chairs for hours at a time. In addition to incorporating Yoga into your workday, having a chair that fits your body correctly will have long-term benefits. There are many great ergonomic choices for office chairs. Preferences will vary, but the Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair remains the chair for any office.
Self-Storage
It cannot be stressed enough how important a good backup is for a telecommuter. From passwords to sensitive material, all of your work must be secure and accessible if something were to happen to your primary computer. With options of both cloud and physical storage units, telecommuters should employ at least one of these storage options to ensure they do not lose important information.
A Clear View
Whether you are working on a laptop or a desktop system, it is essential to have a screen that has clear resolution and is adequately large enough for the work you are performing. Many people work on multiple screens to ensure they can multitask and work efficiently. Being able to view numerous tabs simultaneously can make communicating with coworkers and working on projects a breeze.
Purchase a Headset
If you will be using your phone for any length of time from home, it is an excellent investment to have a headset that will allow you to type and talk at the same time. By not crimping your neck to the side for conference calls, work meetings, or talking with clients, a headset can make the difference between good and lousy office posture. There are great options for wired and wireless options and Bluetooth headsets at most major retailers.
Universal Power Source
What happens when you experience a power outage in the middle of a project? For many workers, it will destroy at least the project they were working on, and for others, it will ruin their computer. By investing in a universal power source, you can prevent brownouts from impacting your computer. With enough power to save your information and properly shut down your computer, a universal power source is an excellent investment for anyone working from home.
Personalizing your home office can be great fun, and having the independence to design your area is a huge benefit of working from home. You can surround yourself with the items and aesthetics that make you feel efficient and comfortable.
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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 and Sane while being Self-Employed
Being self-employed sounds like The American Dream, but believe it or not, it isn’t for everyone! When you are responsible for your accountability, it takes the right amount of focus, dedication, and adhering to schedule to keep your attention span in check. While the benefits of YOU being the man (or the woman) is plentiful, here are some tips to keep you productive and on track.
Use Cloud Services
If you lose your backpack, or your computer dies on you, you need to reboot from another device and still access all of your work. There are so many cloud-based tools that let you access your documents, images, project management platforms, CRM, invoices, and more. Some of the most commonly-used cloud-based tools are Google Suite, which includes Gmail, Drive for documents and spreadsheets, Slides, and more; Dropbox for storing and sharing images and materials; and Evernote. It is crucial to find which tools work for you, use them, and rest easy knowing you can access your work from wherever you are and whatever device you’re on.
Use a Timer and a System that works for you
One of our favorite productivity systems includes the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in 25-minute bursts. This popular time-management method can help you power through distractions, hyper-focus, and get things done in short bursts while taking frequent breaks to come up for air and relax.
Find a Coworking Space
One of the best productivity tips we can give is to find a coworking space as your “home office.” You are prone to discover that you’re more productive in this environment than a coffee shop because you can put your head down and get some dedicated work done.
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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Claiming Clutter in Honor Of Earth Day
Earth Day is celebrating its 49th year with more than 75,000 partners in nearly 192 countries who are building environmental democracy. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Earth Day is also a perfect time to see how you and your business can act socially and environmentally responsible every day.
Less Paper. Less Waste.
Conquering clutter is an easy place to start, especially when it comes to paper and paper waste. Look for new ways to use less paper by going digital. Having a paperless business will lessen paper waste, printer cartridges, and clutter too! Switching your magazines, newspapers, bank statements, and bills to a paperless format is a great way to cut down on unnecessary paper usage. With this one step, you’ve reduced the energy used for recycling, the piles on your counter, and your carbon footprint!
Clean For The Earth In Mind
Cleaning supplies with harsh chemicals, throw-away products, and products that come along with excessive or non-recyclable packaging can be replaced with more earth-friendly, non-toxic versions.
Make It Easy to Recycle For Your Employees
It is important to make recycling convenient for your employees and your family. In an office setting, recycling bins should be at every desk and copy station.
Some Other Earth Day Tips
• Turn off your computer or use the standby/hibernate mode when not in use.
• Instead of printing hard copies of documents, save them to your workplace’s online storage system, clouds like Dropbox or Google Drive or a USB drive.
• Try using rechargeable batteries as the disposable types are expensive to recycle.
• Instead of staples, try using a paperclip.
• Reuse paper envelopes and file folders by sticking a new label over the old one.
Time for Spring Cleaning (Your Office)
Isn’t there something about Spring that makes us want to beat the chaos and start anew? And that doesn’t just mean our homes and outdoor space — it means our businesses too! We have made it through the time change, and now Spring, followed by a nice hot Florida summer is just around the corner. It’s time to Spring Forward and do a little Spring cleaning in your professional life.
Now we don’t mean cleaning literally…actually, we take that back. Take a second to disinfect your workspace. Clean your laptop screen and the keyboard. And your cell phone. Germs are everywhere. We suggest wiping these items down once a week.
An easy way to keep your actual workspace clear? The things you use consistently should be within the radius of your arms. No matter, if you are at our shared workspace, or at home-this, can include your monitor and keyboard, telephone, two pens, one notebook, etc. Supplies and paperwork should be kept in the zones you’ve established for them.
Some experts say most of us treat our email inbox like a to-do list, which adds to the stress of any profession and any successful workflow. Attempt a namaste spring clean by organizing your inbox with folders or task functions that will increase your work productivity.
With a freshly organized inbox, make appointments with yourself at least once a quarter to clean out those folders. And now that your inbox is sparkling how about digging into your other folders – especially those on shared drives like Dropbox or Google Drive?
In your professional life, sometimes a spring clean doesn’t mean breaking out the vacuum or Windex, it means taking stock of what’s working well and what’s not, and getting yourself mentally revived after a long winter.
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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 Pros and Cons of Standing Office Desks
Have you heard of standing office desks? You may be surprised that this is a not a new trend! Popular Science, a magazine with roots much older than the Paris Review, first began writing about the virtues of standing desks for writers back in 1883. Once used only by eccentrics like Hemingway, Dickens, and Kierkegaard, this new way to work is now a once again trendy and office setting. Whether you choose to do it the Hemmingway way with and throw your writing machine on the nearest bookcase and get going or buy an actual standing desk, there are a few things to consider.
Did you know that the average office worker spends 5 hours and 41 minutes sitting each day at his or her desk? According to an article in The Smithsonian, the solution, experts say, is not to sit for six hours at work and then head to the gym afterward, because evidence suggests that the adverse effects of extended sitting cannot be countered by brief bouts of strenuous exercise. The answer is to incorporate standing, pacing and other forms of activity into your typical day—and standing at your desk for part of it may be the easiest way of doing so.
It doesn’t matter if you go running every morning, or you’re a regular at the gym. If you spend most of the rest of the day sitting — in your car, your office chair, on your sofa at home — you are putting yourself at increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, a variety of cancers and early death. In other words, irrespective of whether you exercise vigorously, sitting for long periods is bad for you.
But could you do it? Switching from sitting all day to standing all day is a radical physical transition! Check out this article for more pros and cons of standing office desks!
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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.
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.
What’s Happening Around Work Webb
School may be back in full swing, but there is still summer fun to be had around Work Webb. This weekend is the 8th Annual Surf Social put on by the Halifax Historical Society. With a Hawaiian theme again this year, the evening will feature the incredible Stylemasters 2 surfing film along with the best raffle in town. The 8th Annual Surf Social Fundraiser is open to members and the public. Reservations are recommended by calling the museum at 386-255-6976 or emailing your reservations to mail@halifaxhistorical.org. Please leave your name, phone number and whether you are an HHS member or not.
Admission at the door on Saturday, August 19th is $20 each for non-members. HHS members’ tickets and ticket sales in advance to non-members are $18 each. Tickets include wine, beer, cold drinks, good food, and door prizes. This year’s awesome raffle is going to be the best yet. Attire: Your Best Hawaiian Style.
The Halifax Historical Society Museum is located at 252 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida, between Magnolia and Orange Avenues. Plenty of parking is available in the Palmetto Avenue parking lot behind the businesses on Beach Street, with walk ways through to Beach Street and the museum.
Tips to Deal with Work Stress
Work causes stress and can’t be avoided but there are many ways to help deal with work stress better so it does not dominate your life. Whenever stress builds up, you need to stop and use these 
three tips to not let the stress of work take over the day.
1. Exercise. Make exercise part of your daily routine. A 15-minute walk or an hour-long weight lifting session will help reduce the stress in your life. It improves your mood, helps you get a better night of sleep, and improves your mental alertness. Exercise can help lower your blood pressure and helps you maintain your weight.
2. Take a Break. Stop working every few hours. Slowing down when you feel the stresses of daily life getting the better of you is a great way to take back control of your day. Get in the habit of taking small breaks throughout your workday – make a cup of tea, watch a funny video – 5-minute breaks allow you to slow things down and mindfully think about how you can be your most productive self.
3. Get Outside. Research has shown that parkland settings significantly reduce anxiety and stress, so get outside and take a walk in the park. Nothing brightens the mood like a little sunshine and getting away from an office setting.
Having an office at Work Webb lowers your overhead costs but it can also lower your stress. All three of the above-mentioned tips are easily accomplished from our offices. Some of the best views are from Work Webb’s offices. In addition, walking the bridge will let you get outside and get your stress-reducing exercise. We also provide complimentary coffee and tea for when you just need to step away from your desk for five minutes. Chronic stress is a killer. So, make it a priority to reduce stress in your work life with these tips.
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.
Revolution of the Traditional Office
The traditional office is in the middle of a revolution. I have read several articles lately questioning the conventional office environment, its hours and work performance. It seems that society is asking questions like, “is it really necessary to sit in an office from 9 to 5 to do my job?” This traditional 9 to 5 environment sometimes creates less productive, unhealthy and unhappy employees. Employees that are unhappy are not optimal for any business. Some businesses are re-evaluating the traditional office environment and researching if remote working can fit their particular industry. The traditional office seems to be going through a revolution and may go the way of the pager, fax machine & home phone. Here are three reasons I think society will ditch the traditional office environment and a combination of shared office solutions and collaborative work spaces will be the next big thing.
- Technology. Technology is the reason the work world is very different today. It has created jobs that did not exist a few years back. Technology along with the internet has connected the home office to the traditional office. The restrictive and dated definition of going to the same office every day from 9 to 5 does not work for every industry in today’s world. Technology has made this change and it is the reason collaborative work space and shared office solutions are a growing trend.
- Reduced Overhead Costs. Businesses using collaborative work spaces do not have to pay to maintain a typical office which significantly reduces overhead costs. No building to own or rent, maintain, insure, clean, furnish add up to huge savings for businesses. Employers can have the best of both words by renting office space just for the time a traditional office setting is needed. These types of shared office solution companies are becoming more commonplace.
- Improved Attendance and Retention. Remote employees have more control of their schedules freeing them up for other important activities. Having more freedom can make individuals happier in their employment. Happy employees get sick and call in less often. Honestly, who has not called in just because they didn’t want to get out of their PJs? Working remotely provides employees the option of staying in their PJS and still getting the job done. Employers will save money on sick days and have a lower turnover rate in their company. Happy employees do not leave. Everyone wins.
There is no downside to revolutionizing the traditional office. Quite frankly, it’s about time. Having control of your schedule reduces stress and starts the process of being a happier worker. Work Webb may be the local missing piece to finding a better working environment. Work Webb provides big city shared office solutions in historic downtown Daytona Beach. Call today to schedule and tour and visit our web site here for pricing.
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…)
4 Simple Things That Have a Serious Impact on Your Work Productivity at the Office
Believe it or Not, These 4 Simple Things Actually Have an Impact on How Much You Get Done at the Office.
In today’s busy workplace, it’s easy to forget a very simple, very important truth: That your brain, like the other organs in your body, is a muscle.While it may not do the physical pushing and pulling of your arms or legs, it’s just as important to respect your brain for what it is, and give it a rest when necessary. (more…)
