Workspace – Websites 4 Small Business – Website Design & Development https://www.web4business.com.au Website Design and Development Sat, 09 Nov 2024 08:53:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 7 Ways Smart Offices Increase Productivity and Efficiency https://www.web4business.com.au/smart-offices-increase-productivity/ Sat, 20 Jul 2024 22:03:53 +0000 https://www.web4business.com.au/?p=35937

7 Ways Smart Offices Increase Productivity and Efficiency

By embracing the latest technologies and innovative strategies, businesses can tap into a whole new level of productivity and efficiency. In this section, we will explore seven different ways in which Smart Offices can revolutionize your workspace and boost overall output.

Enhancing Communication and Collaboration

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, effective communication and seamless collaboration are crucial for success. Smart Offices leverage advanced technologies and tools to create an environment that optimizes teamwork and streamlines workflow. By harnessing the power of Smart Offices, organizations can unlock the full potential of their teams and enhance productivity. Smart Offices also incorporate smart spaces to further enhance productivity and collaboration.

Seamless Communication

Smart Offices utilize integrated messaging platforms that allow team members to communicate effortlessly, regardless of their physical location. With instant messaging, video conferencing, and voice calls at their fingertips, employees can collaborate in real-time, fostering swift decision-making and enabling rapid problem-solving.

Virtual Meeting Rooms

Traditional conference rooms are often limited by space and time. Smart Offices transform this by offering virtual meeting rooms that bring teams together from different locations. These virtual spaces enable face-to-face interaction, presentation sharing, and collaborative brainstorming, breaking down geographical barriers and maximizing productivity.

Collaborative Tools and Platforms

Smart Offices provide a suite of collaborative tools and platforms designed to enhance teamwork. From cloud-based document sharing and editing, project management software, to real-time collaboration on virtual whiteboards, these technologies simplify and streamline collaboration, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards a unified goal.

By embracing Smart Offices, organizations can create a work environment that fosters open communication, encourages collaboration, and empowers employees to reach their full potential. With enhanced communication and seamless collaboration, businesses can drive innovation, adapt quickly to changing market conditions, and stay ahead of the competition.

Automating Routine Tasks

Smart Offices have revolutionized the way routine tasks are handled by implementing smart automation systems. With the power of technology, mundane and time-consuming activities like data entry, scheduling, and document management can now be automated, freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on more critical responsibilities.

By automating these routine tasks, Smart Offices not only optimize efficiency but also reduce the likelihood of human error. With advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities, these automated processes provide accuracy and consistency, eliminating the need for manual input and minimizing potential mistakes.

Imagine a Smart Office where your calendar automatically schedules appointments based on your availability and preferences, or where important documents are sorted and filed away promptly, ensuring easy access when needed. With automation, these tasks can be seamlessly integrated into your workflow, allowing you to work smarter and more efficiently.

Furthermore, automation systems can be customized to suit the specific needs of your business, allowing you to create personalized workflows and automate processes that are unique to your organization. Whether it’s generating reports, sending reminders, or managing inventory, Smart Offices can adapt to your requirements, saving time and resources.

Maximizing Efficiency with Smart Offices

The benefits of automating routine tasks extend beyond time-saving. By eliminating repetitive and monotonous activities, employees can focus on higher-value work that requires critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This not only improves job satisfaction but also enhances overall productivity.

Smart Offices are transforming workplaces into efficient and intelligent environments. By harnessing the power of automation, businesses can optimize their operations, reduce costs, and stay ahead in the highly competitive market. Unlock the full potential of your workforce with Smart Offices and experience seamless productivity like never before.

Optimizing Energy Usage

Smart Offices are at the forefront of energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. By leveraging IoT devices and sensors, these offices can effectively optimize energy usage and reduce environmental impact.

The integration of IoT technologies allows Smart Offices to control various environmental factors such as lighting, temperature, and HVAC systems. With intelligent sensors and automation systems, these offices can adjust lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light availability, leading to significant energy savings.

Beyond lighting, Smart Offices also utilize IoT sensors to regulate temperature settings. These sensors continuously monitor the workspace and adjust heating or cooling systems accordingly, ensuring occupant comfort while minimizing energy consumption.

Additionally, Smart Offices employ smart power management systems that automatically turn off devices and equipment when not in use, preventing unnecessary energy consumption. Through these energy optimization strategies, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Moreover, the benefits extend beyond environmental impact. Optimizing energy usage in Smart Offices leads to substantial cost savings. By effectively managing energy consumption, businesses can lower utility bills, resulting in long-term financial benefits.

The integration of energy-efficient technologies in Smart Offices not only aligns with sustainability goals but also demonstrates a commitment to responsible business practices. By adopting these energy optimization strategies, businesses can create a positive impact on both the environment and their bottom line in an increasingly eco-conscious world.  Visit www.utilitybidder.co.uk/ for more information on how to achieve these efficiencies.

Streamlining Workflow with Smart Organization

Smart Offices harness the power of intelligent organization systems to revolutionize workflow and boost productivity. By automating essential tasks like file categorization, scheduling, and task management, employees can stay organized and prioritize their responsibilities effectively.

One of the key benefits of smart organization strategies is the elimination of manual, time-consuming processes. With automated file categorization, documents and resources are instantly sorted and easily accessible, saving valuable time searching for information. This allows employees to focus on their core tasks and contribute to a more efficient workflow.

Additionally, smart organization systems simplify scheduling by seamlessly integrating calendars and synchronizing appointments. Real-time updates and reminders ensure that meetings and deadlines are never missed, promoting better time management and reducing the risk of misunderstandings.

Task management is another area where smart organization shines. By utilizing intelligent tools that assign, track, and monitor tasks, employees can collaborate seamlessly and understand their priorities clearly. This enables teams to work efficiently and effectively towards shared objectives.

With a streamlined workflow powered by smart organization, employees can devote more time and energy to high-value tasks that require critical thinking and creativity. This not only enhances productivity but also fosters a more engaging and satisfying work environment.

Transforming Your Workplace

Implementing smart organization strategies in your office not only improves efficiency but also promotes a culture of organization and structured workflow. By simplifying task management, centralizing resources, and automating routine processes, Smart Offices enable employees to achieve their full potential and contribute to the organization’s success.

Embracing smart organization is a step towards creating a workplace that values productivity, collaboration, and innovation. By leveraging the power of automation and intelligent systems, businesses can foster an environment where employees thrive and achieve remarkable results.

Conclusion

Smart Offices are revolutionizing the workplace by harnessing the power of advanced technologies and innovative strategies. By embracing these intelligent solutions, businesses can enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and foster a collaborative work environment.

Through the implementation of automation systems, routine tasks can be streamlined, allowing employees to focus on more critical responsibilities. This boosts overall efficiency and reduces the risk of human error.

Optimizing energy usage is another significant advantage of Smart Offices. By leveraging IoT devices and sensors, businesses can create sustainable work environments that not only benefit the planet but also lead to cost savings in the long run.

Furthermore, Smart Offices facilitate seamless communication and collaboration. From integrated messaging platforms to virtual meeting rooms, these technologies enhance teamwork and break down communication barriers, leading to increased productivity and better decision-making.

Lastly, intelligent organization systems in Smart Offices streamline workflows, automate tasks, and empower employees to prioritize effectively. By utilizing these smart organization strategies, businesses can create efficient work processes that maximize output and enable employees to work smarter, not harder.

In conclusion, Smart Offices offer a transformative approach to the modern workplace. By embracing innovation and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, businesses can create intelligent environments that prioritize productivity, efficiency, and collaboration, giving them a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced world.

***

Author:  Blog Management

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]]> 7 Ways to Improve and Upgrade Your Home Office https://www.web4business.com.au/7-ways-to-improve-and-upgrade-your-home-office/ Wed, 11 Aug 2021 02:11:13 +0000 https://www.web4business.com.au/?p=23684
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7 Ways to Improve and Upgrade Your Home Office

The home office has become a haven for many employees over the past few years, and it has its perks – that is, as long as you have the time and inclination to create a pleasant office space for yourself. There’s no better place to create a workspace that feels like home, and with these tips, you’ll have all the inspiration you need to create a space that takes some of the “hard” out of hard work.

Find the perfect room

Having an office in your home might sound pretty cool and convenient, but many full-time workers attest to the fact that it can actually be quite an emotional and physical drain. That’s why it’s so important to separate your home office from the places where you sleep, eat, and relax – so that when the time comes to shut down for the night, the working day doesn’t seep into your personal space.

The main consideration when choosing a room is to make sure you have enough space. Having room to move in your home office might feel like a luxury, but it’s really a basic health and safety measure. The space requirement per person in a standard office is about six square metres, so make sure your space meets that minimum requirement. Besides, you need to be able to fit a certain amount of furniture in your office space, and some pieces can be surprisingly bulky.

Get smart about devices

If you’ve ever spent hours waiting for a computer program to load or struggling with a malfunctioning printer, you’ll know the value of efficient, effective tech all too well. Make sure your home office is equipped to handle all of your technological needs, from a powerful computer and Wi-Fi connection to a high-tech printer. Better still, grab a multifunctional photo printer and you’ll be covered for just about anything you could need to print.

Not sure how to choose the right device for your office? Here are a few handy tips:

  • Consider your work requirements. Are there certain programs and features you need? It’s a good idea to make a checklist and stick to it while you’re shopping around so that you can avoid the hassle of buying (and returning) a device that doesn’t meet your needs. At this stage, you should also make a point of talking to your boss about tax deductions for any devices you need for your home office, as this may influence your purchase decisions.
  • Consider longevity. Having a fancy new device is great as long as it serves all of your purposes, but if it’s purely for work purposes, you might be better off saving your money for something else.
  • Once you’ve narrowed down your options, talk to an expert. Without actually buying and using the device, talking to someone who has bought and used it is the best way to clear any potential red flags and make your choice clear.

Light it up

The right lighting is critical to workplace success for so many reasons. For starters, working in front of a screen all day isn’t great for your eyes, so arranging a well-lit workspace is the least you can do for yourself.  You might be surprised at how different you feel just by illuminating the room around your glowing computer screen. Then there’s the matter of productivity. Studies have shown that natural light works wonders for productivity, mental health, and job satisfaction – and if you can’t actually do your work outside, it really is the next best thing.

Embrace ergonomics

Staying focussed in the midst of the social media onslaught and streams of emails can be challenging at the best of times, and it’s a whole lot harder when you’re uncomfortable. That’s why the right chair is one of the most important features of your office. When choosing a chair, look for one that supports your lower back and thighs, and aligns well with the height of your desk. Otherwise, you’ll be setting yourself up for a physically stressful working life – because if there’s one thing no one needs any more of, it’s back pain.

Here are a few tips on staying physically healthy in the office:

  • Stand up, stretch, and move around regularly. Better yet, invest in a standing desk! These are great for avoiding the dreaded aches and pains that too often come with sitting down all day. Most standing desk models can be adjusted to a range of different heights, allowing you to switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the day.
  • Take opportunities for exercise throughout the day. It’s no secret that a sedentary lifestyle leads to all kinds of health problems over time, so do yourself a favour and make whatever small tweaks you can to flip the balance in your favour. Even something as simple as swapping the escalator for the stairs and drinking one less takeaway cappuccino per week could make all the difference – to your waistline, your wallet, and your state of mind at work.
  • Get yourself some specs. If you, like many office workers, spend most of your working day staring into a screen, the cumulative effect on your eye health could be significant. The good news is that you don’t have to give up your job or throw out your computer, because blue light glasses block pretty much all of the harmful glare so that your retinas can live another day.

Invest in air quality

When people talk about creating an atmosphere for productivity, they’re not kidding – you really can influence how much work you get done (and how you feel about doing it) by improving the quality of the air. Air quality also heavily influences human health, even when you’re no longer sitting in an office filled with other people. If you want to maintain the air quality in your home office, these tips will help:

  • Make proper ventilation a priority. Any room that doesn’t get enough air is prone to mould problems, which is the last thing you want in your office space.
  • Commit to regular vacuuming and dusting. If you’re used to working in a shared (and regularly cleaned) office space, you might be surprised at how quickly dust can build up, and how bad it is for your health. A daily cleaning routine is the key to keeping it under control.
  • Invest in an air purifier. If you’re not able to get a lot of fresh air into your office space, the stale air may become a health hazard. An air purifier is a perfect solution to this problem, eliminating several types of indoor air pollutants.

Add plants

Speaking of air quality, adding plants to your home is a great way to give any room an instant oxygen boost. Some household plant varieties, including devil’s ivy, peace lilies and philodendron, can even filter nasty household chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene out of the air, counteracting the effects of harmful cleaners. Plus, as if we weren’t already indebted enough for this all-important service, indoor plants also have the power to create an air of lightness, tranquillity, and positive energy in the home. Studies have shown that being around plants is great for mental health, and many of the same chemical-quashing species are amongst the best boosters.

Here are a few tips on choosing the right plants for your office:

  • Inspect your space. Before you go choosing your plant species, you need to know what conditions you’ll be bringing the plants into. If your home office gets limited natural light and the air conditioning is constantly blasting, you’ll need to choose plants that can handle those conditions.
  • Do your research. Some species of plants are happy in an indoor space and able to thrive on very little natural light, while others simply don’t. So always check the care requirements for the plant species you’re interested in before you buy.
  • Check your schedule. Just as some plants are particular when it comes to the perfect environment, others require much more attention than others. Make sure you’re prepared to take a little time out of your busy day to keep your new office companions happy.

Get decorative

Now that you’ve added a few dozen plants to your office space, it’s time to think about all the other decorative possibilities. Once upon a time, we all brought pieces of home to the office in the form of framed family photos and knick knacks, but since home has become the office for so many, the possibilities are practically endless. When you have a few hours to spare, give your walls a new splash of colour (hint: blue boosts productivity), hang some new artwork on the walls, or invest in a fancy colour-coordinated binder system for your documents. You might be surprised at just how much it brightens your day.

Creating the perfect home office is a job that many workers may not have had to do until recently, and one that comes with plenty of benefits. Whether you’re working from home on a permanent or temporary basis, it’s never a bad time to try out these tips and fall in love with your home office space.

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]]> Home Office Dilemma: Elevating Your Remote Work Setup https://www.web4business.com.au/home-office-dilemma-elevating-your-remote-work-setup/ Tue, 16 Feb 2021 13:17:03 +0000 https://www.web4business.com.au/?p=22887

Home Office Dilemma: Elevating Your Remote Work Setup

Since the start of the global pandemic, most people have been working from home. Trying to avoid the virus, many employees have stayed home for most of the past year. Staying at home can be the ideal setup for many, but it also has downsides.

Having a conducive remote work setup is a privilege. Not everyone has a quiet space to work in. Not many of us have enough space for all members of the household to work peacefully. Add to that the potential of experiencing cabin fever, working from home might not be the ideal situation for some of us.

As we all strive to be productive during these trying times, what can we do to maintain a good remote work environment?

The Ideal WFH Setup

Setting up a conducive home office environmentis a privilege that should not be taken for granted. If you have the means, it is good to consider these upgrade ideas to make work more fun and productive.

If you have been looking for a new home for a while and the remote work setup has been taking a toll on your productivity, consider moving into a new neighborhood. A quieter environment might be what you need to settle in the New Normal professional lifestyle. When looking for a new house, consider looking for  a home loan provider to help you pay for your new residence.

Invest in a prime home location when working remotely. This is best if you are currently running a small home business that relies on customers in the vicinity of your residence. Study the neighbourhood and its residents to understand their needs and behaviours when it comes to consumer goods and services.

As an entrepreneur during this pandemic, it is important to stay connected online. Ensure your home has proper access to the Internet to ensure quick and easy transactions with potential customers. You wouldn’t want to lose sales simply because of a lagging Internet connection.

Apart from your home’s location, your home interior is equally important. Invest in good home office furniture to design your workspace. This will help increase your productivity levels by allowing you to work in a tidy and neat space that provides all your needs.

Sound-proof your home office if possible. Eliminate all potential distractions that could prevent you from focusing on your daily tasks. Online businesses require as much attention as physical ventures, so make sure you pay close attention to every detail of your business.

These are a few tips on setting up the ideal work-from-home environment, especially for business owners and entrepreneurs. During this pandemic, it is important to stay focused and have a routine to avoid burnout and mental health issues. It is also important for us to stay productive. What is the value of productivity in the time of the pandemic?

Productivity During A Pandemic

Although being productive is the most sought-after trait in business, it might not always be a healthy way to deal with the pandemic. Productivity during this time can be difficult for many of us, given the difficult situation. It is important to prioritize the important things before overstretching yourself with unnecessary factors.

When working on tasks, you should keep in mind that, even before the pandemic, multi-tasking is not considered a productive method of working. Instead, focus on one task at a time to maximize your energy. Doing so will prevent your energy from depleting, and it will also prevent reducing your performance level at work.

Being productive might not always mean accomplishing all the tasks on your to-do list. It can also mean taking time to conduct self-care to clear your mind of negative thoughts. Taking care of your mental health is a productive activity that should not be taken for granted.

During this pandemic, it might be important to contribute to the unstable economy, but you should also prioritize yourself and your well-being. You should be strategic where you allot your time and effort during this time as your productivity and motivation may still be a limited resource.

Before starting a task, it is also a good idea to first take care of your physical and mental health. Consider doing a workout or try meditating to prepare yourself for the tasks ahead.

This is what it means to be productive during this pandemic. During this difficult time of adjustment and shifts, productivity can come in different forms. Try to stay in tune with your mind and body to avoid burning out.

Working from home is not always ideal for business owners and entrepreneurs, but there are ways to work around this new work setup. It can be easier for those who are more privileged with resources to adapt to this shift in the work environment. For others, working from home can entail a deeper understanding of their self-care needs to maintain good mental health and productivity.

by David E

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]]> Inspire the Entrepreneur in You: Home Office Designs for Success https://www.web4business.com.au/inspire-the-entrepreneur-in-you-home-office-designs-for-success/ Wed, 05 Dec 2018 05:07:26 +0000 https://www.web4business.com.au/?p=9671

Inspire the Entrepreneur in You: Home Office Designs for Success

For the average hard-working person, taking the work home has become a crucial job requirement. That’s why many homeowners have decided to create their own home offices where they can completely focus on their work and run their business successfully. In order to help you follow in their footsteps and build your dream home office, we have singled out our top décor trends that will inspire the entrepreneur in you. Let’s take a look.

Choose the best spot in the house

First things first, you need to set time aside to choose the room that you’re going to transform into your home office. This decision should be influenced by the nature of your job and your personal needs. For instance, if you require silence and absolute privacy, you should consider transforming your garage or a part of your attic into a secluded workspace where no one can bother you and where you’ll be able to give your 100%. On the other hand, if you don’t mind a bit of background noise and you have to look after your children during the day, you may want to consider choosing a spot that’s closer to the kitchen or the kid’s room.

The perfect lighting solutions

It has been shown through various studies that the amount and type of light present in our work areas can strongly influence our performance and emotions. Therefore, when designing your home office, make sure to invest in large windows so you can have as much natural daylight seeping in as possible.

This will not only create a welcoming atmosphere in your room but also positively influence your mood and mental health. Additionally, for people who usually burn the midnight oil, it’s essential to invest in diffuse light fixtures and ambient lighting solutions. Lastly, in order to avoid eyestrain and migraines, remember to switch out your regular light bulbs for highly efficient LED ones.

Find the right office furniture

Working for extended periods of time can become a nightmare if your home office isn’t equipped with comfy furniture. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to find an ergonomic chair that will support your back and which you can adjust to fit any position. Furthermore, if you are one of those people who like to work on their feet and keep their focus level high at all times, feel free to invest in a standing desk which will allow you to get more work done effectively. Additionally, amazing floor rugs can keep your feet warm during colder seasons. Their interestingly patterned designs will definitely help your creative processes.

Put together the perfect colour scheme

Research has also shown that different colour schemes for walls, furniture and décor elements can have various effects on our mood and productivity in the home office. Due to this, if you feel like you can’t really put your mind into your work from time to time, you could opt for a colour scheme that consists of pastel blue and green hues which are known to boost focus. Additionally, if you need a pick-me-up of energy and creativity, you can explore different orange and red shades that will motivate and inspire you to hunt for new ideas. Finally, painting an accent wall eggshell or beige will allow you to create a corner ideal for relaxing during a break from work.

Go green

Last but not least, introducing greenery will add a touch of liveliness to your home office. Not only will plants enhance the aesthetic quality of your workspace, but they will also purify the air enriching it with oxygen. Most importantly, office plants do not require a lot of maintenance so you won’t have to worry about leaving them unattended for a couple of days when you go on a business trip. Species like peace lilies and Aloe plants have gained a lot in popularity and are prominently featured in interior design magazines, so you should absolutely give them a go and thus add a touch of elegance and class to your office space.

As you can see, designing your home office to meet the highest standards and all your needs doesn’t have to be hard after all. All you need to do is explore the latest office style trends, invest in quality furniture, add some greenery and not be afraid to make some bold design choices. We wish you a lot of luck with your project.

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]]> 6 Businesses You Can Run from Self Storage Units https://www.web4business.com.au/6-businesses-you-can-run-from-self-storage-units/ Sat, 30 Jun 2018 16:01:43 +0000 http://www.web4business.com.au/?p=7574

6 Businesses You Can Run from Self Storage Units

If you’re running a small business from home successfully, chances are that even though you’ve chosen a dedicated space just for work, the work has taken over the whole house nonetheless. Although you try to keep your business operations enclosed in a certain area, it somehow always manages to get out, in form of products all over the house, paperwork on the sofa and materials lying around.

If this is your case, it may be time to step things up with a more professional location — like an office or other place of business. However, if you’re not in the position to take out lease and add hundreds or even thousands a month to your overhead, there is another solution. A 20 to 30 square meter storage unit can be inexpensive and give you all the space you need. Here are some businesses you can take on from self-storage units:

E-shop

If you’re selling your products online, whether through your own shop or something like Ebay, a self-storage unit is an ideal solution for your business. Not only will you have an office where you will take in your orders, you can also use it as a photo studio for your merchandise and also store it there, where it will be safe. You probably have your goods piled up all around the house so you will make room in it by storing everything in the storage unit. If you’ve considered starting an online business, make sure to get all the information before you get started and follow the numerous guides you can find online.

Second-hand

If the facility allows such activity, opening the door to your store regularly could only mean popping the lock and sliding open the doors to your new second hand shop. Records shop, bookstore, clothing store, furniture studio – whatever it is, it can be done from a self-storage unit. Choose the right unit for your business and start selling things. Your home will be grateful for taking everything out of it and making more space. You can organize your shop by buying some nice shelves and putting clothes or whatever it is you’re selling on them, nicely decorating the unit and of course, don’t forget to set up a cash register near the entrance.

Audio/Video producing

Provided that it’s allowed to do that, adequately constructing a storage unit into a studio is a brilliant choice, no matter what your business is. Many units are spacious enough to allow space for shooting videos or recording sound and you can even make space for a desk with a laptop or a computer for editing of the final product. Just be sure to have a good sound engineer on standby. The confines of a storage unit are sure to present some challenges for audio. You can also try and insulate the unit so the audio quality is better and recording goes smoother. There are many guides on sound-proofing rooms on a budget, so take that into consideration.

Photo studio

A professional photo studio can be made everywhere – even in a self-storage unit, if the facility approves that, of course. Proper backdrops and lighting are key to good photos and with those in place, it’ll be impossible to tell your shots were taken inside a storage locker. With some adjustments, you can make an ideal area for a photo studio where you can take your clients and maybe even find space for a desk for editing photos. Make sure you have the right equipment (camera, flashes, tripod, background, and lighting) and there are dozens of guides on how to make your own photo studio on a budget.

Fixing companies

If you repair damaged or broken products, it’s a high possibility that you don’t have enough space at home or in your workshop at the moment. Storing all these things at home can be awkward or impossible, especially if you don’t live alone and find yourself trespassing on everyone else’s space. Those with handy skills and the ability to fix just about anything broken need room to operate and even more room to keep all the tiny parts and tools that they need to get the job done. You can solve this problem by renting a self-storage unit to free up more space. You can store your backlog of repairs, or even carry out the required repairs within the self-storage unit. There are a few hazards, however – fires in self-storage units can spread quickly. If your repairs include any kind of fire or electricity, make sure to be careful when you work and don’t ignore the warnings. For the most part, units are not ventilated well. Be careful not to get stuck or injured in a unit, because there’s a chance that no one will notice.

Accounting

If you’re an accountant, a self-storage unit is ideal for you. It can allow you to store all your important paperwork for your clients in a safe and secure location, and best of all, they won’t be in the way of anyone and safe from any damage. There’s something you need to make sure of, though: most storage units are not designed for people to be in for long periods of time. You need to make sure to get some light into the unit and for it to be ventilated well, or else you won’t be doing yourself any favors by staying there the whole day – probably making you less productive than usual.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re selling online or fixing car parts, making your living space more livable and finding a space where you can work uninterrupted is of the utmost importance. These are some of the businesses you can take out of your house and into supercheap storage units – a practical and inexpensive solution to making more room and expanding your business without having to buy a pricey office or other kind of business space. These solutions are simple and innovative, but just be mindful of the facility’s policy and follow safety measures at all costs.

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]]> Creating the right work environment at home https://www.web4business.com.au/creating-the-right-work-environment-at-home/ Thu, 28 Apr 2016 02:59:49 +0000 http://www.web4business.com.au/?p=6445

Creating the right work environment at home

Running your small business from home has never been easier thanks to the radical advances made in technology over the past decade. With the advent of digital communication services and cloud-based data storage and software, running a small business from your home can be both economical and very convenient.

But what does this new freedom mean for the work environment that we now create for ourselves? Being free from the traditional office setup means we can tailor our work environment to suit our personal productivity needs but how do you best achieve this?

Here are a few tips to consider when setting up your work environment at home.

Location, location

Finding the right location for your home office is an important first step. For many this will be a straight-forward decision as they will already have a study or spare room in mind. However, it’s important to consider an alternative work space that may be available around your home.

While having an established office is important, many home workers find it beneficial to have a second area that they can access in order to reset when they go through periods of frustration or overwhelm. This needn’t be an entirely new office but could be a simple table in or outside of your home that you can easily escape to and get started again with relative ease. Experiment in using this space at different times during the day.

You may be surprised by the impact this can have on your focus and ability to deal with tricky problems.

The workspace

Once you have decided on the room or location of your home office you will need to put some serious thought into the actual layout of that workspace. This will require planning how you’ll set up your computer and where your desk will be. If you haven’t yet experimented with using multiple screens, you may want to make this a priority.

Having multiple displays for your computer means you can have more of your work visible and this can provide a real productivity boost. Standing desks have also become quite popular recently and allow you to work from both a seated and standing position which is thought to aid posture and reduce ailments caused by being seated at a desk for long periods. It’s highly likely that you’ll spend some considerable time in this workspace so consider its layout carefully.

Desk de-cluttering

There are numerous benefits to having a clear, organized work desk including increased productivity and reduced mental stress. A great way to start this habit is by taking all of the usual items that live on your desk and placing them in a box on the floor. You then should take out only what you need, when you need it and then keep those items organized neatly in your work space. By doing this you’ll likely find that many of the ‘things’ you have in the box will stay there and after several days you’ll have only the essentials on your desk that you actually need. A great way to maintain this habit is to ensure that at the end of every day you spend 5 minutes cleaning and clearing what is on your desk so that at least 80% of the surface is visible. It’s very easy to end up with piles of documents, folders, cups and whatever else you encounter throughout your day on your desk. By ritually clearing this away you’ll avoid the temptation to continue layering these items on top of each other.

Using music to help you focus

The use of music in an office is usually a divisive issue between those who love to work with it and those who find it distracting. If you’re a music lover though you’ll be glad to hear that there have been numerous studies into the positive effect of music on productivity. E

ven better though is the range of options you have available for introducing music into your workspace. Many people will find the radio an easy source to use but if constant talking and adverts aren’t your thing, consider signing up for an affordable subscription from Spotify or Apple Music to fulfill your musical needs. If vocals are distracting for you, there is a great online service called ‘Focus at Will’ which streams specially selected instrumental tracks that have been scientifically proven to increase concentration and productivity.

Use this with a set of noise cancelling headphones and you could find a far more effective you. If all of this sounds too high tech, there is always your vinyl collection and a record player to help you stay mellow and get more done.

Working on your business from home can revolutionize the way you spend your time. By tailoring your work environment to suit your particular needs you’ll begin to wonder why you ever stepped foot in an office in the first place.

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Carl is the co-founder of www.rockitrecordplayers.com.au, an Australian store that specialises in contemporary and retro-style turntables and record players. As a vinyl enthusiast, Carl has made it his mission to curate the finest collection of record players in Australia.

]]> Seven Ways to Organize Your Home Office to Create More Space https://www.web4business.com.au/seven-ways-to-organize-your-home-office-to-create-more-space/ Mon, 29 Feb 2016 07:04:17 +0000 http://www.web4business.com.au/?p=6095

Seven Ways to Organize Your Home Office to Create More Space

Keeping an organized and tidy workspace is essential. Studies have shown that concentration is negatively affected in an untidy work environment. So it’s just as important for home workers to keep their workspace clean as it is in a conventional office. As the specialists in both home and office cleaning, at Helpling, we’re uniquely qualified to offer tips on how to keep your home office clean and organized. We’ve put together some of our top tips on how home workers can keep a neat and tidy workspace.

1. Go digital

If you’re working from a home office, space is likely at a premium. Maximise what room you have by digitizing as much of your paperwork as you can. Use laptops or iPads for meetings to shorten your paper trail and reduce printing costs. It is also much better for the environment.

2. Invest in storage

Another option for home workers with boxes upon boxes of paperwork is to use a third party storage service to create more space. It can be a cost-effective and efficient solution, especially if digitizing everything isn’t an option.

3. Keep it tidy

It sounds obvious, but the more of your workspace that is taken up by mess, the less space you have to work in. Make an effort to regularly tidy the mess and clutter that builds up. Consider investing in a cleaning service like Helpling who can take care of cleaning them office along with the rest of your house.

4. Reorganise

Having a properly organised workspace can make a big difference. And it won’t necessarily take a major reshuffle to get you there. Keep electrical wires out the way with cable ties or Velcro wraps. Set up a workflow system that files papers and resources by new projects/tasks – current projects/tasks – completed projects/tasks. These and other simple steps can grant you valuable inches and make your workspace that little bit more ordered.

5. Get creative with containers

Keep your office supplies neatly stored away in baskets, drawers, boxes and desk tidies. Colour code your containers to help you keep track of what office supplies go where. Or even invest in a label maker.

6. Innovate with furniture

Look for innovative furniture, like a dual function sofa/coffee table combination or foldaway desks that maximize your space. It will also add a bit of flair to your home office.

7. Store vertical

Though it may be simple, using cupboards, hooks and shelves maximises space and keeps your workspace tidy by making sure everything has a place in your home office. Storing vertically also saves you vital floor space. Look into floor to ceiling shelving units, which have the additional benefit of making your workspace look bigger.

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Helpling is the smarter online platform to book a legal home or commercial cleaner from $27 per hour. There are no agency fees, and the service is 100% flexible. All cleaners are insured and local.

]]> Sustainable Office Design for a Green Tomorrow https://www.web4business.com.au/sustainable-office-design-for-a-green-tomorrow/ Fri, 05 Feb 2016 04:59:55 +0000 http://www.web4business.com.au/?p=5698

Sustainable Office Design for a Green Tomorrow

In recent years, the adverse effects of the changing climate on the environment are being given more attention in the field of office design. Some researches even show a correlation between sustainable work spaces and a more efficient work environment. Investing in ‘green’ offices is a growing trend, since employers have come to realize that this investment pays off in the long run. If you are having trouble with low productivity and high productivity costs, maybe you should try the following ‘green’ tactics.

Let there be daylight

If your office relies more on daylight and less on artificial light, you will save up on electricity. There is also a clear connection with productivity. Employees who are exposed to daylight work better, concentrate more easily, and sleep 46 minutes more each night than those who work under artificial lights. With the development of new technologies, even office spaces that are located inside a building, with no windows, can get natural light with clever devices that redirect sunlight.

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Image Source: Millennium Painters & Decorators

Bring the real green in

In addition to providing natural light, windows also provide views of trees and parks outside. Looking at nature and plants increases the ability to concentrate. If your office has no windows, or the windows are there but the greenery is missing, place plants around the office to help raise productivity. Plants also provide cleaner air and increase the flow of oxygen. Researches show that even a photo of a plant produces the same effect as a real plant.

Conserve computer energy

It is estimated that over $1 billion in electricity is wasted annually due to the use of energy inefficient computers. Conserve energy and save money on electricity bills by investing in Energy Star labelled computers. Also, set the computers to energy-saving mode: make monitor and display turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity, and set the system standby to activate after 30 minutes. Screensavers do not save energy, so avoid them. Make sure the employees turn off their computers and all peripherals when leaving work. Unplug power adapters and battery chargers when not in use.

Green commuting

The location matters as much as your office interior design. If employees were enabled to walk, bike, or take public transport to work, instead of driving, that would decrease the emission of carbon dioxide gases into the air. By choosing office space at an easily accessible location, you will be doing a favour to both Mother Earth and your workers. Workers who bike or walk to work are happier and less exposed to traffic-jam related stress, and thus less likely to get sick.

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Image Source: Pinterest

Maintain healthy airflow

Air quality makes a huge difference. People spend over 80% of their time indoors, and most of it at work. Harsh chemicals and air contaminants make people sleepier and jeopardize their health. A well ventilated office space is likely to improve employees’ performance by 6% to 9%. Encourage your cleaning staff to use non-toxic cleaning products, and water-dampened cloths when wiping dust. Open the windows to increase air flow, or install a central ventilation system. Forbid smoking in or near the offices. Use air purifiers to eliminate contaminants.

Recycle

Almost anything in the office can be recycled, from copy paper, envelopes, and cardboard boxes, to computer monitors, and ink cartridges. Encourage your employees to recycle as well. Place bins in the lunch area for organic waste and plastic and tin containers, and post clear guidelines above them.

How do you handle productivity issues? What sustainable measures do you take in your work environment?

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Author’s Bio: Lana Hawkins is an architecture student from Sydney, Australia. She loves writing about interior design and she does it regularly for Smooth Decorator. Lana finds most of her inspiration in  green architecture and sustainability.

]]> 5 of the Hottest Home Office Furniture & Fitout Trends https://www.web4business.com.au/5-of-the-hottest-home-office-furniture-fitout-trends-for-2016/ Fri, 04 Dec 2015 06:09:51 +0000 http://www.web4business.com.au/?p=5490

5 of the Hottest Home Office Furniture & Fitout Trends

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Just because you’ve decided to set up business at home, it doesn’t mean to say you need to jeopardise on quality and space. Creating the right work environment – no matter where you’re working from, allows room for productivity and inspiration.  You want a space that excites you and stimulates you whilst still remaining practical too.

As more employees call home ‘the office’, whether they’re working for themselves or others, the need for this workspace is constantly evolving. In fact, the home office has become on par with the kitchen and dining room when it comes to home building and design pushing the space in the top three of importance.  So how do you create the best workspace for your needs and lifestyle? Here’s some of the hottest trends to provoke efficiency and encouragement.

1. Multipurpose Spaces

Space is usually permitting when you’re setting up at home so be smart about how you use what you have. Multipurpose spaces and multilayered trends are big for 2016 because they are space conscious whilst still allowing productivity. Use your wall space to build layers of shelving and organisation and create a space that doesn’t just need to be defined in one area to help mix up your work routine.

Work bars will boom in popularity for the New Year to establish a space that can be open to the kitchen. It’ll allow parents and children to work together in a multipurpose space. To keep a defined balance between your work and lifestyle though, it’s advised to still have a separate room for your workspace for those times to completely disconnect from distraction. Extendable tables, multipurpose spaces that emphasise new technology and standing home office desks will all be popular for 2016 as they allow the worker to adapt to various options.

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2. Colour and Material Trends

The use of colour and texture in your workspace can make or break the way you get things done. Bright and juicy colours to motivate work are a big trend, blended with various materials to add a fresh feel to the area. Before you begin to incorporate the right colour theme for your work and lifestyle needs, familiarise yourself with how colour impacts productivity. Depending on the type of work you do and the goals you want to achieve will determine which shades are best.

Metal alloys, eco-friendly products, wood and natural stone are all trendy materials to use in the home office space for 2016. Natural and sustainable materials help to achieve a ‘green’ rating in the office and because of their design flexibility have grown in popularity. Getting back to nature can boost productivity in workspace so make sure you incorporate plants and greenery around the office too.

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3. Longevity plus Style

Whilst aesthetics are essential for office interior design, you want to invest in home office furniture that’ll last the distance. Opt for lightweight furniture, as this is a practical trend in decorating and invest in pieces that are convenient, easily moveable and modern.

No productive worker wants to sit down at a desk that feels cheap – you’ll be amazed at how quality items can make a huge difference in the work you’re doing. Organically modern furniture will be a huge trend for 2016 and still be stylish for years to come so tap into this movement.

4. Making Health a Priority

Overall health plays a big role in how productive you are at work. As trends develop to allow your mind and body health to be a priority in the workplace, furniture and fitouts have adapted to this need. Comfort is key to a healthy mind and body – especially in a home office and will help to boost productivity levels too. Create emotional and physical comfort in the office with an organised space and the right pieces of equipment.

Height-adjustable workstations will take over office fitout and furniture trends in 2016. According to a few studies, 80% of workers experience less discomfort using a desk that allows the option to sit or stand. Working in a ‘fixed’ environment can lead to reduced levels of productivity but when the desk is adjusted accordingly or changed depending on how you feel, there’s a significant decrease in neck and back issues as well as reduced eye strain. This can contribute to the health of your mind and body immensely.

5. Less is More

Because you’re usually dealing with minimum space in a home office environment, tidiness and organisation is key. Opt for minimal space that’s smart, motivating and not cluttered as neatness is increasingly at the centre of home office design. Use technology solutions that are mobile or don’t take up too much space and go wireless where possible.

If you need to keep archived files or product samples, try and find a storage space away from your home office to avoid clutter. You can store them away in the back shed or an unused room or loft area but if you don’t need it in your space, move it. Smart purchases and multipurpose spaces will ensure your home office is organised and promote a better place to work without all the clutter.

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Author Bio

This article is written by Jon Craddock at Interia Systems – the go to place for quality at-home office furniture and office fitout options with over 30 years’ experience in Perth, Western Australia.

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