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  • 6 Tips For Designing the Perfect Home Office Space

    6 Tips For Designing the Perfect Home Office Space

    Creating a home office is a great idea. There are a few reasons why you’d want to do this. The current pandemic means that many workers have been forced to work from home, whether they want to or not. For others, working from home was always an option. And some of you may just want a space at home to attend to paperwork and life administration tasks.

    Whatever your reasons for creating a home office, today we’re going to go through six tips for designing the perfect home office space.

    Get a good printer and scanner

    This is an essential part of any home office. HP home office printers offer superior printing and scanning to help you keep on top of all that red tape. A printer/scanner is useful for any forms that you may need to fill and return for your work or in your personal life. A bonus is that if you are buying a printer/scanner for work, it is completely tax-deductible too.

    Upgrade your computer

    You might be fortunate enough to have your workplace provide you with a computer, but if you aren’t or if you are setting up this space for your own time then you will need a good computer. If yours is old and slow, now is a perfect time to upgrade to a newer model that will get the job done.

    Create an ergonomic set-up

    When it comes to your desk, chair, monitor and keyboard you want to replicate the sort of ergonomic set up that you would use in the office. This means paying careful attention to the position of all of these things in relation to each other. This is important if you want to avoid feeling tight and tense after a day at your home office. Check out this super useful resource on how to create an ergonomic workspace.

    Decoration is important

    Who wants a bland, boring home office space? You’re probably more free in your choice of decorations than you are at your actual office. So get creative! Mount some choice artworks or photographs according to your personal preference. Decorate your desk with odds and ends. Put up some of your kids’ drawings and family photos. Invest in a few house plants as well – the benefits of these to air quality and general wellbeing are proven by science.

    Storage matters

    You’re going to need somewhere to store your paperwork, files and other assorted things that come with a home office. As part of setting up the perfect space, invest in some cabinets and storage cubes to help you sort everything. Office organisation is a worthy endeavour.

    Fresh air and light

    Nobody wants to work in a dark, musty and enclosed space. Make sure that your home office location has plenty of natural light and windows that can open to let in some fresh air from time to time. If you are hard-pressed to find a spot that has brilliant natural light then you should invest in a desk lamp to ensure that you have enough light to work with.

    A Studious summary

    A good printer and scanner are a must-have for any home office space, as is a newer computer. Ergonomics are ultra-important to avoid any injury or soreness at the end of the day. Make sure to decorate your space according to your tastes, and invest in some storage solutions for paperwork and files. Finally, try to pick a location that has plenty of fresh air and natural light available. In a pinch, a desk lamp will work well to provide added light should you require it.

  • 6 Business Boosting Benefits Of Using Single Touch Payroll

    6 Business Boosting Benefits Of Using Single Touch Payroll

    The Single Touch Payroll (STP) system is the new means of reporting tax and superannuation information for your business to the Australian Taxation Office. The STP system was introduced gradually over the past few years, beginning with larger businesses and shifting over to smaller businesses as of July 1st of 2019. If you are a business owner in Australia, then you should already be in compliance with the STP.

    However, if you have not yet looked into the STP and what it means for your business, there is still time to get on board. Some business owners might need some motivation or explanation as to why this new system is beneficial. So, if you have ever found yourself asking why this shift to the single touch payroll system has been implemented, then look no further.

    Let’s look at six of the specific benefits that you can expect from using single touch payroll.

    Improve accuracy

    Single touch payroll reduces the chances of making serious mistakes in your payroll information. With the new STP system, you can pre-fill your business activity statements with all the required information to avoid the need for copying this from an original source. This has led to many errors and omissions that wasted time in the past.

    Improve efficiency

    Many features in the single touch payroll system are designed to streamline the payroll reporting process and save you time. For example, businesses are no longer required to submit extensive end of year reports for the Australian Taxation Office.

    If you are worried that switching to the new system will be time-consuming, then fear not. Most payroll software packages are fully compatible with the new reporting standards. Keeping this software up to date will allow you to comply with the STP with ease.

    Access new employee information

    Hiring new employees and getting them into your systems can be a time-consuming process. However, with the single touch payroll system, you can easily access the tax file number and superannuation information of your new employees from the myGov website.

    Make Your Processes Digital

    Most government operations in Australia are shifting towards a digital format. The STP is one of many processes that are being streamlined and refined in the process. This general wave of digitalization will rapidly become the new norm for doing business in Australia, too. Switching your systems to be in full compliance with the STP will allow your business to be on the right side of this trend.

    Affordable software

    Thanks to regulations issued by the ATO, all software that is used for complying with the STP system must be affordable. This means that if you have been hesitant to make the switch because you thought it might set your business back, do not worry. With this reassurance, you can try out numerous payroll software packages to find the right one to meet your business’s needs.

    Provide the government with better data

    One of the main goals of the single touch payroll system is to provide the Australian Taxation Office with up to date information about the current business climate. With this more accurate and reliable data, the ATO can better inform policymakers and adjust the governance landscape accordingly. This makes it easier to do business in the country and to make sure that policy is responsive to the needs of all Australians.

    Start reporting with Single Touch Payroll

    These are some of the many benefits that will flow from the single touch payroll system. Make sure that your payroll systems are configured to report in compliance with the STP to ensure that your business does not experience any grief or hindrances in the future.

  • Cloud-Based Voice Service: Why Your Business Needs It

    Cloud-Based Voice Service: Why Your Business Needs It

    Most small businesses use cloud-based voice services such as VoIP, which means Voice Over Internet Protocol. VoIP uses the internet to make calls. It also uses a voice service that uses the internet to make calls and utilizes offsite cloud servers to keep data. You may be thinking about how a voice service in the cloud will benefit you.

    Discussed below are the reasons your small business needs a VoIP service

    Inexpensive

    The size of your company will determine how much your cloud-based voice service will cost. Other determinants include added features, and your service provider, which shouldn’t be expensive. With hundreds of dollars payable monthly, your company will start enjoying cloud-based voice service.

    Also, prices vary depending on dial tone, and equipment priced per station. Nevertheless, VoIP is cost-effective and requires less hardware when compared with premise-based voice services.

    Invaluable data to run your company

    Cloud-based voice service tracks and gathers data to assist you to run your company. Storing information is also easy due to numerous accessible data solutions that keeps phone call information. If you want to send voicemail messages, VoIP will help you do that directly to your email inbox. You won’t need to access your desk phone since it will be easier to retrieve messages with VoIP. Also, it won’t be necessary to dial into a voicemail system, you’ll regain messages through VoIP.

    Easily adjustable phone call routing

    Some businesses use a premise-based phone system. However, it is labor-intensive when it comes to handling, and routing calls. This is where VoIP setup comes in. With it, you can change the routing calls immediately in case of power disruption, or bad weather. The good thing is that changing the routing of calls can be done anywhere, provided there is internet access.

    You’ll concentrate on your business

    Communication solutions must be easier to help you put more effort into your business. This is the reason why many large and small businesses use cloud-based voice integrated with unified communications. With unified communications, you can handle your business requirements at once. VoIP will assist in freeing up your company’s telecommuting options. This means you will find and employ qualified staff minus geographical limitation fears.

    Easily adjustable phone call routing

    Some businesses use a premise-based phone system. However, it is labor-intensive when it comes to handling, and routing calls. This is where VoIP setup comes in. With it, you can change the routing calls immediately in case of power disruption, or bad weather. The good thing is that changing the routing of calls can be done anywhere, provided there is internet access.

    Better customer service

    Cloud will improve your customer service provided there is data incorporation, connections, and call login. Also, the cloud helps track call unified communications better, which in turn draws up the client caller’s account data on your computer. This is a quick way of starting the business of answering customer queries and concerns. Great customer service improves your overall business success. You can enhance your customer service by taking your voice services to the cloud.

    The best thing about the entire cloud-based voice service is that it’s inexpensive and easy to use. Its user interfaces enable it to be modified to fit one’s preferences. Also, a cloud-based voice service is combined with unified communications to handle all your needs immediately, and a steady software update for your business affairs to keep running.

  • How Can Business Software Benefit Print Shops?

    How Can Business Software Benefit Print Shops?

    Technological advancements and new software developments have completely altered the way that we do business. Many different kinds of industries are changing, even ones you might not even expect.

    You might not think that new software and technology have that big of an effect on industries such as the print industry, but it actually can play a key role.

    So if you’re in the print industry and are trying to improve your print shop, how exactly can new business software help?

    What do you gain from integrating business software into your business model?

    Here’s how business software can benefit print shops.

    Efficiency

    The most obvious benefit you can gain from print shop software is the improved efficiency your business will experience. Business software can automate many parts of your business, something that can greatly speed up the production process.

    Everyday tasks and processes can become automated, speeding them up and freeing your employees to do other tasks. Business software can be a huge boost to production and efficiency, allowing you to get a lot more done with your business.

    In a world where production and the ability to meet orders is key, improving efficiency can be a massive help in growing your business.

    Feedback

    An underrated aspect that business software can bring to your print company is the feedback and analysis of your business processes. With business software, you can see exactly what is going on with your prints, allowing you to track print usage.

    At first you might not think this is a big deal, but with a little analysis you can identify extremely wasteful areas. With business software monitoring what you’re printing, employees will be much more careful about what they’re printing and how they’re using your materials.

    In addition, you may be able to identify other wasteful areas, further helping you run your business.

    Maintenance

    Another great thing that business software can do to help your print shop is aid with maintenance. When you own a print shop, there are many things that you need to maintain.

    With business software, maintaining various aspects of your business becomes much easier. For example, business software can tell you when your printers need updates or a new round of supplies and materials.

    Maintaining and keeping track of everything involved in a print shop can be quite the hassle. Thankfully, business software can help streamline the process.

    Security

    An important part of your business is its security, as you don’t want any sensitive information leaking to the public. However, cyber threats are very real in today’s business climate, even if you’re just a small print shop.

    Hackers and other cybercriminals do lots of damage if they breach your security, damage that can cripple your business.

    Thankfully having business software can be a huge help. Certain business software can protect your sensitive information, whether it be your finances or your unique designs.

    There is plenty of sensitive information for you to protect as a business owner. Fortunately, business software can make your job much easier by improving security.

  • 3 Things You Need for the Best Virtual Tailgates

    3 Things You Need for the Best Virtual Tailgates

    Many upcoming major sports events will take place virtually, leaving ardent football fans to tailgate closer to home. You may count yourself among millions of football followers who will leave your truck or RV parked in the backyard this year. However, you can still celebrate your favorite team.

    If you are planning on celebrating the gridiron on your terms while staying safe and keeping others safe, you may need some ideas. Here are three things you need for the best virtual tailgates.

    1. Invest in a big screen television

    A big screen television is a critical piece of equipment for a virtual tailgate. You may want to consider upgrading your modest living room TV and invest in something to soothe your woes during quarantine.

    For example, the Samsung Q900 TV comes with a big price tag at more than $5,000, but depending on your resources and how you plan to use your TV, you may feel it is worth the investment with its 8K graphics, Quantum processor and ultra viewing angle. Other high-quality televisions include the LG C8 TV, Vizio E Series TV and Sony X850G TV.

    2. Count on your communications company to guide you to your games

    The whole point in tailgating is to watch NFL games live at home with friends and family. You need to know how to find the game you want to watch without missing a minute. Sign on with a communication company that goes several steps beyond making all the right connections.

    Find one that helps you catch live local and primetime sporting events in real-time without confusion and frustration. Some providers offer users advanced voice search capabilities. For instance, say the name of the game, team or sport you are seeking to view results, then turn to your game.

    3. Rent or buy a high-quality canopy in the right size

    You probably rent or buy a canopy for fall tailgating events each year to contend with inclement weather. Everyone expects cold and chill, but everyone would like to avoid adding rainfall and wet clothes to the mix.

    However, when hosting a virtual tailgate at your home amid social distancing concerns, you need to consider a few extra things.

    A certain number of people may fit into your home in the event of a downpour, but you may go over capacity quickly. If you rent a big canopy to cover as much of your yard as possible, it is easier to keep everyone covered and dry. Beyond keeping everyone comfortable, you want to protect your big screen TV and any other electronics you plan to keep outside during the event.

    Make the most of your virtual tailgates with essential gear and resources

    Complying with COVID-19 recommendations and mandates does not mean giving up celebrating your favorite sport or team. Your virtual tailgates will rival those usually held at football stadiums, and you can invest in your own gear and save some money in the long-run.

    With your dream big screen TV, helpful channel guidance from your communication company and a high-quality canopy to protect it all, you may carry on virtual tailgates long after the lockdowns end.

  • How to Boost Success in Remote Teams

    How to Boost Success in Remote Teams

    Working within a remote workgroup means that you will have to manage your workload while also working collaboratively. Most meetings will be done with your team virtually, but you can still see and talk to one another, even from behind your home computer.

    Technology is changing to make it more convenient to work remotely than commuting to a central office. As such, all sorts of businesses are testing out remote workgroups and seeing if it can lead to more productivity. Results have shown that this business model has led to great results, provided that a few principles are followed.

    To boost success within your remote teams, look at your workers individually, as a group, and keep the lines of communication open.

    Keep regular communications

    Unlike working at a physical office, remote workers depend on different forms of digital communication to stay on target. From the standard email message to text messaging, web chat, and even bulletin board based workgroups, your team can send and receive messages instantly.

    Calendars, collaborative work platforms, and other tools can also help your team to keep up with all forms of communication. Exporting Outlook gives you more functionality, which is an important factor that can save your team time. There will likely be multiple email strings going, so try to come up with plans to keep your communication methods well organized.

    Celebrate individual successes

    When you work in a digital team setting, it can be hard for your individual successes to stand out. As much as it is great for companies and their employees to have the ability to connect virtually, the recognition of personal successes is still important for job satisfaction and healthy workplace environments.

    After all, why else would businesses be so invested in awarding the employee of the month, and so on? Whenever one individual worker particularly shines, management, as well as fellow team members, should give them a pat on the back. Making sure that you recognize individual contributions will absolutely aide in boosting overall success.

    Encourage collaboration and cooperation

    Regardless of whether all your team members are specialized or working on the same tasks, they should be encouraged to work together as a team. During the workday, there will likely not be a whole lot of conversation.

    In fact, working remotely almost totally ensures that chit chat and off-topic conversations will not be happening regularly. You want team members to get to know one another, to build comradery, and know that they can each get assistance from their co-workers. Team people up on projects and encourage them to communicate.

    Switch up regular workgroups

    After your team has become accustomed to working from home, you should start putting together different people in new teams. Working remotely can get a little monotonous, with workers totally forgetting who they work with. Switch up the regular workgroups and foster an environment where everyone knows how to get along.

    There should be group emails sent out to the entire work staff, letting them know about future projects and collaborations. Team members will always have something to look forward to, with new and exciting workgroups being forced and bonds being strengthened as time goes on.

    Working from home has gone from being a perk reserved for a handful of employees at best, to the standard for a lot of companies. With a home office setup, people can work together from thousands of miles a day, regardless of time zones, skill level, or even language barriers.

    Boost success within your remote teams of employees by keeping up morale and making them feel like they are working right next to you when they log in each day.

  • 4 Main Advantages of Virtual Data Rooms

    4 Main Advantages of Virtual Data Rooms

    Virtual data rooms are becoming more and more popular among businesses as they provide secure storage spaces and make data sharing safer. It doesn’t matter whether you are a small business or a big enterprise; if you are still using local servers to store your data, it is time for you to move to virtual data rooms. VDR, also known as electronic data rooms, provides you with cloud storage where you can save all the sensitive information about your business, and you will never have to worry about bleachers.

    So, it is highly advised that you get in touch with an Electronic Data Room Provider and get a virtual data room for your business right away. If you are still skeptical about VDRs, below, I have mentioned a few advantages of using them that will convince you otherwise.

    1. Protects your data

    As mentioned earlier, the biggest advantage of using a VDR is that it protects your data from hackers. In this modern age of technology, data is everything. If your company data falls into the wrong hands to get to your competitors, then your business can take a serious hit.

    Having a virtual data room makes sure that none of that happens. Your data is always secure in cloud storage, and only the people with permission are allowed to access it.

    2. Speeds up processes

    Another major benefit that virtual data rooms provide is that it allows you to speed up your day to day tasks. You and your employees can access and handle all the data from one dashboard when it is on VDR, which makes it easier for you to upload and share data.

    All the parties, including the clients, can access the data whenever they need and can share their feedback without any delays. Your data will always be organized in a VDR, and that makes it much more accessible.

    3. Access levels

    Virtual data rooms allow you to create access levels, which is something you cannot do easily when you are sharing data on local servers. All the information you upload on your VDR can be categorized and labeled.

    You can put extra security on certain files making sure that not everyone on the VDR can access it. Depending on the designation of the employee, you can provide them limited access to the VDR. If it is sensitive information that does not concern a certain number of employees, then it is always better to not give them access to it in the first place. You don’t want them to stumble it on accidentally and leak it unintentionally.

    4. Customer support

    With local servers, you will have to hire an IT expert, and whenever you face a technical problem, your server can go down for hours. A good electronic data room company offers you 24×7 customer support.

    This means that even if you come across technical problems, it will be resolved immediately. That way, you will never have to worry about the deadlines, and all of the projects will be finished in time. You also won’t need to hire an extra IT expert for the sole purpose of handling servers.

  • 3 Ways Companies Collect Your Data and How to Take Back Your Privacy

    3 Ways Companies Collect Your Data and How to Take Back Your Privacy

    In today’s world, data is the most essential, critical thing and is worth millions. All these big tech giants play high time on it. Companies like Facebook, Google go to any length to get this data. The significant deals are around the same. Without this data, online advertising falls flat. These internet giants hold the most vital part of the worldwide web and track your every move from the very moment you sign up with them.

    Once you sign up, you provide them with your personal information like name, residence, pictures, likes, interests etc. People trade through this data and use it for promoting their businesses.

    If today, you receive a call from an unknown number, you cannot be surprised- the reason being that we give our number at so many sites, it is easy to get to others.

    It is because of this unwanted flow of data that your phone is full of advertising messages, you get promotional calls, and all of this takes away your peace of mind.

    Therefore, it is essential to get your privacy back. Let us see how these big companies get our data, and how can we prevent them from doing so.

    1. In-Store or public WiFi activity

    Information sent via public or publicly exposed WiFi networks is vulnerable to hackers who eavesdrop and collect all your personal information. If you are available on any public network, you are making things difficult for yourself.

    To protect from this, use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and transfer confidential data and private information without risking your privacy.

    2. Meta-data from social media activity

    When you upload a picture on social media, you also upload metadata related to it. It may include the location along with some other personal data like your name and mail-id. For protecting this data, the best way isn’t tot stop uploading pictures.

    Instead, one should change the privacy settings of the account. Moreover, if you are tagging a location, experts recommend sharing it only when the account is not public since the information can put to use abruptly.

    3. Facial recognition systems

    It has become a more convenient method to get personal data quickly. With the advent of AI, it is indeed the next big thing. However, there is a risk of this data misused in a lot of ways. One most prominent reason is the imperfection in the field.

    If the recognition is not done with perfection, anyone else can access your data without your knowledge. The best way to keep a check on this is by not allowing every other site/app to access this. Stick to old “unlock with passwords” till the AI masters it!

    Therefore, we can see that there are multiple ways through which the big companies access our data and hinder our privacy. However, we have the right to limit this sharing of data. The above solutions will help you for sure.

    We will keep coming up with such ideas, till then, stay protected and beware of how much you share. Like this, the Internet will become an even happier place.