April 2021 - Wam Times

Employee Monitoring Software: Features and Functions

by admin on April 26, 2021

A remote team management software boosts the performance of the organization by ensuring that all the employees are following the best practices while they are at their office. It ensures that all the activities of the employees are regularly tracked. This will help you to understand whether your employees are making efficient use of time or they are simply spending their office hours surfing the internet or viewing illegal content. Too often, employees find themselves abusing the privileges offered to them by an organization. This causes loss in deadlines and longer time to complete a particular project. In such a situation an employee monitoring tool will allow you to efficiently deal with such activities.

Various important functions of an employee monitoring software:

You might think that monitoring the employee is the only advantage of an employee monitoring software. However, this is not the case. The benefits actually go much deeper. Here we are going to talk about some of the major functions of employee monitoring software:

Gaining proper insight: Employee monitoring software will allow you to acquire regular insights about the performance of your organization. You can ask your employees to prioritize the high-priority project rather than working on low priority ones.

Sync activities across various offices: It may so happen that your office has multiple branches. By using employee monitoring software, you will be able to streamline your workflow and make sure that all the employees are working with the same motive.

Better selection of employees: By regularly monitoring the performance of your employees, you will be able to understand your employees’ capabilities. This will help you to make decisions regarding which employee is suitable for a particular project. This will also help you to manage your employees in a better way.

Reduce administrative load: By using a monitoring application, you will be able to focus on various issues of your business instead of continuously observing your employees. This will help you to generate efficient payroll and your efforts will also be distributed in the right direction.

Notable features of employee monitoring:

Timesheet: One of the most important advantages of employee monitoring software is attendance logging. You will be able to understand when exactly your employees are reaching the office and at what time they are leaving the office.

Task Management: An employee monitoring software can be properly configured in order to track which employee is working on what project and who has gone beyond the deadline and what are the tools being used. As a result, you will be able to continuously monitor the operations of your project.

Productivity evaluation: You can take the help of employee monitoring software to evaluate the productivity of your employees. You will be able to see how efficiently your employees are working on a particular project.

Alert generation: Employee monitoring software can generate alerts whenever any protocol is breached or when the employees go beyond the deadline. In this way, you will be able to make sure that all the employees are giving their best at their work.

These were some of the most crucial functions and features of employee monitoring software that are crucial to every organization. Apart from these, there are quite a few other features as well. So, make sure to consider all the functionalities before getting your software.

Health

Creating a Risk-Free Environment for Your Business Post-Covid19

by Jon Rohan on April 25, 2021

We’re at a crossroads. As we recover from the pandemic, businesses must adapt to this new landscape in order for them not only to survive but thrive as well.

The next phase will be marked by rapid change and innovation so now is the time to start looking ahead of what’s coming around the corner or risk being left behind.

In the aftermath of COVID-19, business leaders who explore new opportunities and capitalize on them now will have an edge over competitors.

Revising your risk assessment

COVID-19 marks a shift in the way that employers have to identify and assess workplace risks. If there is any change, they are obligated to take into consideration all hazards. Employers need to make sure not just for now but also long-term of what might come next and how it can be handled better going forward.

Businesses that take these steps now will be well-positioned to capitalize more effectively on the opportunities arising in post-COVID 19 recovery – and continue winning their marketplaces as greater certainty and stability return.

Make sure to update your COVID-19 risk assessment by reviewing the most recent information from public officials in order to identify any new hazards. You should also make a detailed plan for how you’ll handle different situations that could arise if there is an outbreak of COVID-19 near where you live or work.

Maintaining an immaculate workplace

A clean workplace is vital to the health of your employees, but it becomes even more important when you neglect to disinfect a surface. This could put them in contact with life-threatening Coronavirus that they otherwise would not have been exposed to had their environment been as sanitary as possible.

As the day winds down, it is important for team members to take responsibility for their workstations. This includes taking 5 minutes before they leave on a shift and cleaning all surfaces that have been in contact with throughout the day – mouses, keyboards, armrests, or seats of chairs and buttons on devices like phones or tablets.

You can clean your surfaces using disinfecting wipes or spray that you apply on a disposable cloth. Make sure to use products that come pre-packaged with the solution, so they don’t contaminate other areas of your workplace and are completely thrown away after being used for cleaning.

In addition, it’s wise to schedule professional deep cleaning. Although wiping down counters after each use and thoroughly scrubbing at the end of every day is a great way to control the spread of viruses, you can’t be entirely confident that all have been killed without expert help.

Regular Hand Washing

Regular hand washing is one of the most effective ways that you can protect yourself and others from coronavirus. This includes using soap or antibacterial gel to thoroughly wash your hands, which kills any viruses on them. To reduce the risk for all employees, be sure everyone regularly washes their hands. Create a six-step process for washing hands that is both interesting and easy to reference by printing out Minster’s infographic and putting it on bulletin boards around the office.

Importance of hand-washing is a crucial safety measure. It’s important to remember that not only should employees wash their hands when they return from public outings, but also before entering the office and eating or cooking anything in it too! They must be cautious about washing after handling cash as well since Coronavirus can easily spread throughout an entire building if one employee doesn’t practice proper hygiene habits.

Space management

One of the most important factors in designing a workplace for the new normal is space management. The future of the workplace is yet to be fully realized, but one thing that can surely be counted on: there will always need to be space for people.

The days where a company could have one desk per employee are over; instead, expect an increase in diverse spaces like benching and breakout areas as well as agile zones with individualized furniture arrangements designed around each person’s needs. Space isn’t set anymore – it changes depending on what employees need at any given time.

As the prevalence of workstation fixed desks moves from offices to cafeterias and libraries, personal workspaces will increasingly become more fluid and flexible so they can change as needed

Agile workforce

After COVID, there’s a higher chance that we’ll see more agile workers. We’ll see employees who had grown comfortable in one area of work, spreading out and exploring other areas so they’re not clustered together, resulting in newfound agility. Businesses that are closed off to innovation will eventually stagnate, but employees who are forced out of their comfort zone in the workplace might find that they have various skills and can be productive throughout an office setting.

The way we work is changing and it will continue to change. We’re all becoming accustomed to video chats, meeting remotely with people from around the world on a regular basis without actually having an in-person conversation or even seeing their faces. This eliminates time spent looking for open conference rooms where you can host your meetings when there are so many other options available now like Zoom Meetings that make this process easier than ever before as they let employees meet up virtually anywhere at any given moment! It’s about creating new opportunities and eliminating wasted time trying to find places of business while also saving money by not using expensive office space.

Remote work is here to stay

It is predicted that the number of people who work remotely will continue to grow as technology advances. This means office space needs are changing and companies need to be prepared for this change in order to provide an environment conducive to productivity, comfortability, and efficiency

Employers globally expect remote work to become an increasingly common method of employment, and as such have started using it as a permanent part of their workforce.

The future of office spaces is all about fostering a culture and creativity with the latest in design, technology, lighting. Gone are the days when people work at their desks for hours on end or grunt as they head off to see some clients face-to-face – it’s all gone digital! Spaces will be interactive environments where ideas can flow freely.

Home improvement

Stylish and Trendy Practical Furniture Items to Purchase in 2021

by admin on April 24, 2021

Furniture is the essence of every house. Every room should have its exclusive style and that style can be created by installing the right furniture items. Those are the kinds of customized furniture products that we have discussed in the guide below. Do have a look and make a purchase after careful analysis of what’s best for your home.

Cabinetry Furniture

Whether it’s the living room, the bathroom, the bedroom, even the kitchen, cabinets are mandatory for a number of reasons. we will explain the reasons in a while. But, first, let’s take you through some brilliant cabinet designs that are just too good to be overlooked.

Furniture by Living Motus – The Living Motus cabinets are designed with a level of precision that actually has a style that combines the living room and the kitchen. Result? Spacious living room and spacious kitchen. The cabinets are designed and arranged vertically and horizontally and that’s why they’re suitable for every house irrespective of the size.
Furniture by Living Madeleine – Perfect cabinets for the living room, these are available in lighter hues of earthy shades. They feature smooth geometric shapes as designs and look spectacular with all kinds of interiors, rustic, classic, contemporary, and country-side.

Library Furniture

The study should be the most organized room in the house. Sadly, it’s the most cluttered and messy room with books and stationary scattered all around. Buying suitable library furniture offers stunning ways to organize the room. Some exquisite designs by one of the most elite interior designing and renovating firms, Cuisines Modena that you must consider are listed below.

Bookshelves by Living Sax.
Cabinets by Loving Motus. There are many options – open style shelves, shelves with sliding doors, and shelves with sliding baskets.

The best thing about this firm is that they offer the flexibility to choose the material of your liking and customize any design that you prefer the most. The designers take proper measurements before the furniture is manufactured so that there’s no size related issue.

Let’s now take you through the benefits of cabinets – other than the obvious, more storage space – that we promised earlier. Have a look.

Cabinets free up a lot of space from the floor and corners. When installed in kitchens, they free up a lot of space on the countertop. When in the bathroom, they help in storing essentials properly. It’s the same with all other rooms.
Since there’s a lot of free space, cleaning becomes very easy. Also, the area looks bigger and brighter.

All in all, buying and installing the right furniture items add to the aesthetics and the practical functionality of the house. So, if you’re thinking about renovation, you must consider buying them for your house.

Shopping

How to Choose the Right Running Shoe for You?

by admin on April 21, 2021

Examine strolling shoe layouts meticulously, as numerous are tight as well as hefty. They battle your all-natural foot activity and reduce you down. Because there are fewer options in the strolling footwear aisle, fitness walkers usually purchase running footwear that better satisfies their requirements.

Padding

What joggers require: Runners impact the ground with three times their body weight with each step, while pedestrians’ impact with only one as well as a half times their body weight. Runners need more padding in the forefoot and heel compared to walkers, which is why you see every one of the buzzes regarding air cushioning systems in their shoes.
What walkers need: Walkers don’t require extra forefoot padding, as well as most, can do with less heel cushioning. Added padding adds added weight, so it is a compromise in between heavier footwear that lessens the trauma to your feet as well as legs and a lighter shoe in which you might have the ability to run or stroll much faster.
What physical fitness walkers must look for: Choose lighter footwear that still offers ample cushioning, so your feet, as well as legs, do not feel attack from the impact after a long walk. While competing flats, as well as minimalist/barefoot shoes, might help shorter strolls, they do not have enough support for normal use or longer walks.

If you prepare to stroll more than six miles at a solitary time, consider cushioned strolling shoes; however, choose ones that encounter the other requirements permanently walking shoes.

Heel Elevation

What joggers require: Operating footwear is developed to provide stability for joggers by having a compiled heel. Strollers strike the ground initially with various components of their foot, depending upon the person. The foot strike can be at the forward part of their midfoot, heel, or the round of the foot. There are various concepts as to what heel-to-toe decline is proper for joggers.
What walkers require: Pedestrians strike with the heel as well as roll via the action. They have no requirement for a greater heel.
What physical fitness walkers must look for: You require running footwear with the least difference in elevation from the heel with the toe. This is called heel decrease, as well as commonly you can discover it listed on the shoebox in millimeters.

It’s deceitful to try to estimate it by considering the shoe’s external sole. Some might appear to have a higher heel; however, the heel of your foot rests lower inside the shoe.

Cyber Security

Cybersecurity Tips That All Employees Should Follow in the Workplace

by admin on April 21, 2021

Did you know that cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common in the business industry? Not only large-scale companies but small businesses are also becoming targets of cybercriminals. According to a recent report, it was revealed that around 58% of small businesses became the victims of malware attacks.

One of the main reasons for the majority of data breaches occurring in companies is human error. Some employees unknowingly respond to malicious emails or simply fall victim to cyberattacks. While employees are an organization’s biggest asset, they can also become vulnerable to cyberattacks.

The only way to reduce this vulnerability is to educate and train employees on cybersecurity. You can also consider deploying a reliable and professional cell phone spy app on their devices to monitor their activities. However, if you still think they can put your company’s data at risk, you need to make sure they are following top cybersecurity tips.

Top Cybersecurity Tips for Employees to Follow

Below, we have outlined some of the top cybersecurity tips that all employees should practice and follow persistently. Let’s take a look at them.

Create Strong and Complex Passwords

Your company’s sensitive data can be at huge risk if one of your employees has set a weak password. A weak password has the potential to compromise the entire company’s confidential data including the list of the company’s partners, clients, and suppliers.

That’s why employees are recommended to create strong and complex passwords so nobody can guess them. They should create passwords that are longer and contain uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Avoid setting up passwords that include their details such as the name of their pet, name of their school, home address, etc.

Enable Multifactor Authentication

Enabling multifactor authentication to all the accounts being used in the workplace is just like putting up more barriers in the place so that it becomes more difficult for cyber hackers to access your company’s data. This is the basic idea behind multifactor authentication or MFA.

When you enable MFA, you create an additional defense layer that makes it almost impossible for cybercriminals to target employees’ devices, networks, and even databases. Every company’s priority should be standardizing MFA across all the company’s platforms including employees’ devices and accounts.

Identify Phishing Scams

All employees should learn to identify phishing scams. Phishing is an online scam where cybercriminals send an email that appears to be from an authentic company asking users to provide private and sensitive information. In case an employee is deceived, he/she could grant the hacker access to the company’s sensitive information.

This is the reason why it is important to educate and train your employees to identify a phishing scam and how to stay away from one. The employees should not open suspicious links that they receive in an email, they should never share sensitive details with someone they do not know, they should never trust an email that comes from a suspicious domain name. Also, if the email contains spelling or grammatical mistakes, they should know it’s not legit.

Be Careful with Software Downloads

All employees should be extremely cautious of the software downloads. They might think that certain software is safe as long as it is being downloaded from a reliable site or is coming from a trusted brand. In reality, these software downloads can pose several security risks. The internet is laden with fake and hoax software that can inject malware or other sorts of dangerous viruses into your computer system.

To prevent the risk coming from software downloads, it is better to limit downloads as much as possible. If downloading certain software is necessary, make sure you run them through antivirus programs. By doing this, you can ensure your employees are following and practicing the basic cybersecurity tips in the workplace.

Stay Away from Public Wi-Fi Networks

Businesses work in different ways now. Gone are the days when employees only used to work in the workplace. Some employees need to work from home or some need to stay on the road. That can require them to conduct meetings in public places such as cafes, airports, and restaurants. All these places offer free public Wi-Fi networks but are they really safe?

The truth is, public Wi-Fi networks are not safe at all. Malicious malware or other harmful viruses can easily be transferred from one device to the other if they are connected to the same network. Similarly, it is easier for hackers to access your sensitive information if connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Therefore, employees are suggested to not connect their devices to a public Wi-Fi network when they are having a business meeting in a public place.

Install Employee Monitoring Solution

Last but not least, you should install a third-party phone spy app on your employee’s device as it would act as an employee monitoring solution. With the help of monitoring software, you can keep a close eye on your employees’ activities and see what they are up to during office hours.

In case, they are misbehaving with someone, spending leisure time browsing entertainment websites and social media sites, or watching movies during office time, you can instantly know and decide what to do with them.

Tech

Golf Launch Monitors

by admin on April 15, 2021

No matter if you’re a regional pro or a weekend warrior, every golfer wants to improve their game. In earlier times, you had consultations with a course coach who knew the course really well or you employed the help of a swing coach. Sometimes you’d read the latest golfing magazines to pick up some tips or get a set of VHS tapes with famous professionals to glean some information on the proper swing. What was once restricted to Tour Professionals can now be purchased by everybody and that’s a golf launch monitor.

As mentioned, these monitors have been around for a little while within pro circles to help with their swing. These machines provide a swing coach to you at all times on the course as the monitor sits to the right of your ball on the tee. The monitor takes snapshots multiple times per second to capture your swing in high-definition to show any faults that you may be doing. The HD camera also takes these same multiple captures of the ball coming off of the tee. The monitor captures the speed, the angle, and the spin of the ball off of the tee at the point of club head strike. The information captured is absolutely vital to your golf game and how you could improve on the data that it captures. Each minute adjustment to your swing will produce different results within the data logged.

The monitor keeps the data logged internally until you can hook it up to your computer to extract the data to showcase how you’re doing, swing-wise. There are facets to your golf game that can always be improved on such as club head speed, club head angle, ball spin, etc. You can see your swing in real-time or slowed-down to see if there are any hitches in your swing. You can make these adjustments to your game with this data and compare your changes to the new data that you pick up in future outings. Professional basketball teams have used a similar monitor device to measure the shot angle for free throws for many years. Teams have reported an increase in free-throw percentage when using these monitors.

The prices for these monitors have come down substantially over the years due to demand and better technology. With these lower prices, the demand for the monitors have never been greater than right now. So, if you’re looking for a reason to stop seeing your swing coach, you should look into a golf launch monitor to help take your golf game to the next level!

Home improvement

Benefits of Installing Bathroom Vanities

by admin on April 14, 2021

A lot of great inventions in history actually took place in bathrooms. We’re not joking! Had Archimedes not been in his bathroom, he might not have even discovered the law of buoyancy. Now, if you think about this for a minute, you might realize that you too spend a great deal of time in your bathroom without even realizing it. Whether it’s a bubble bath or a hot shower, there’s a lot you can do in a bathroom to relax and have a soothing calming time.

Having said that, how would you like a dirty dingy room that barely has enough room to walk, let alone relax? After all, not everybody can afford a luxurious big bathroom. Does that mean some bathrooms don’t have any scope? Well, that’s not true. With the arrival of brilliant bathroom vanities, you can actually create a lot of space in your bathroom.

Some of the benefits of having bathroom vanities installed are as follows.

The Space Looks Neat and Organized

Before a place can look luxurious, isn’t it necessary that it looks neat and clean? If you get a vanity installed in your bathroom, you’ll actually be able to store everything in place. As a result, your bathroom wouldn’t look like a neglected store room. Precisely, bathroom vanities help in decluttering.

You’ll have enough drawers to store every bathroom essential in an organized way.

Cleaning the bathroom will Become Easy

It’s such a turn off to see neglected dirty corners in a bathroom. Hygiene, that should be practiced the most in a wet room, gets compromised in such areas. The result is more than just irritation. It makes people fall sick. When you have a vanity, no corner goes unclean since no corner is squeezed behind a mess. Having a vanity, thus, makes the process of cleaning the floor easier.

You’ll be Able to Relax

Having a neat and organized bathroom can literally be very calming. Senses relax when the surroundings are neat. Besides, you can really enjoy a cozy bath when everything is neat.

That said, the abundant vanity options like Kitchen Wholesalers vanities that are worth every single penny spent are as follows.

Under-the-sink vanities if your bathroom is small.
Wall mounted vanity.
Fancy vessel vanities.
A free standing vanity.
Cabinet vanities.

The choice will always depend upon the size of the bathroom and, of course, your budget. The bottomline, however, is that whether it’s a new bathroom or you’re getting an existing one remodeled, don’t forget to buy vanities from premium sellers only.

Business

Hiring for new positions? Work with a recruitment agency!

by admin on April 14, 2021

Recruiting new employees can be an overwhelming and expensive affair for any organization. Eventually, every company wants to find the best people for different roles, and without extensive experience of hiring, there is always inherent risk involved. Even if your company has an in-house HR team, they may not have the time to handle everything – right from creating job proposition to managing interviews.

More businesses and organizations in Canada are opening up to recruitment agencies. Services like Agence de Travail Synergie Hunt have been working with clients extensively across different sectors, bridging the gap between employers and prospective candidates. In this post, let’s talk why working with a recruitment agency is a good idea.

Tailored solutions for your business

Regardless of which roles you are hiring for, you need to find candidates that standout. With recruitment agencies, you have a ready pool of talent to choose from. Most agencies offer custom and personalized solutions for businesses, and only the top profiles will be sent to the client’s HR team. For specific sectors, where niche skills are important, collaborating with recruitment agencies is always a better idea.

Identify top talents

Most agencies have ready set of profiles and candidate information that can be reviewed for your business goals. When it comes to finding top talents, you can trust the recruitment agency to match profiles with job positions. They will also take care of the advertising needs, to find more people, and their marketing skills are usually very specific to each industry. You can expect better exposure for vacancies when you work with a recruitment agency.

Handling other concerns

Depending on the arrangement you have with the recruitment agency, they can handle interviews and salary negotiations too. Agencies also have the expertise in discussing salaries with clients and prospective candidates alike, so that a mutual arrangement can be agreed upon. Also, if your business has seasonal demand for candidates or needs to hire people for specific roles, a recruitment agency is your best bet. Quick hiring is always possible with the right service, even if you don’t have a dedicated HR team.

Contrary to what many business owners believe, working with a recruitment agency doesn’t mean adding to the hiring costs. Yes, they do charge for their services, but considering the amount of time and effort you can save, that money is totally worth paying. Check online now for best agencies in Canada!

Business

Different Types Of Traffic Control Devices

by admin on April 12, 2021

Setting up construction sites or work zones in the middle of the road or at public places can be a challenging task as the site planner is under obligation to ensure not just traffic safety but also the safety of the pedestrians and the locals. So, hiring traffic management companies can help tackle this situation very effectively. They may use various traffic control devices to provide safety for all. These traffic control devices guide, direct, and navigate the drivers by providing visual indicators. Some of their types are discussed below:

Signs

Signs are the most common yet significant traffic control devices. These road signs provide local information to the drivers. These are made of highly reflective materials to ensure better visibility at night too.

Regulatory signs- These declare the accepted legal use of the immediate public roadways.
Warning signs- These signs warn drivers of driving hazards like animal crossings or twisting paths.
Guiding signs- These help drivers find their destinations by providing routes.

Barriers and Channelizers

To make work zones safe and secure for the general public as well as the traffic, site planners or traffic managing bodies make use of barriers and channelizers, which can control and regulate the traffic, warn against hazards, and mitigate accidents quite effectively. Traffic delimiters and cones are often used to provide warnings around work zones.

Neck downs

Neck downs are yet another efficient traffic control device. A neck down, which is also commonly known as chokers or bulbs, is usually installed at intersections. These can also be used at or around work zones to slow down the traffic and prevent accidents. Neckdowns can radically reduce the distance for foot traffic, crossing streets.

Bollards

Bollards are visual elements that can alert the drivers of the changes in the lane patterns. Work zones can lead to several temporary changes in the lanes or the routes, of which the drivers need to be made aware. So bollards can be installed to withstand vehicle impacts, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Bollards thus can easily guide and navigate the traffic around a construction site.

Conclusion

In this way, traffic control devices near work zones are of utter importance as these can effectively prevent accidents and allow smooth flow of traffic. Here, Capital Traffic can provide solutions on the maintenance and the implementation of safe work zones.

Business

Designing commercial buildings: All about finding the right architect

by admin on April 12, 2021

Investing in a new commercial building, regardless of whether it’s an office building or a distribution center, requires considerable planning. Investors are often interested in achieving specific goals, but having the time team for architecture, construction, and execution, makes the biggest difference. Finding the right architectural practice is critical, and in this post, we are sharing more on how to choose one.

Start with work profile. In Montreal, services like Stendel Reich architecte commercial have worked across a wide range of projects. From retail spaces to data centers, food processing units, and everything else, they have done it all. The work profile or portfolio of an architectural firm should be considered before anything else.
Ask for references. If a company has been into architecture and commercial projects for a while, they wouldn’t shy away from offering references. Make sure that you ask the concerned firm to offer a glimpse of the work the have done so far.
Discuss your requirements. Every commercial building has a particular purpose, and discussing the same with an architectural practice in depth is necessary. This allows their team to come up with solutions that are unique and niche for the project, besides demonstrating what they can really offer for a project.
Ask the tough questions. There are some basic questions that an architectural practice must answer. For example – How does a firm differ from others? How do they plan to tackle some of the inherent challenges? What are their plans for adhering to the timeline and budget?
Get quotes but don’t be tempted. While most architectural firms and companies will be happy to bid for a project, but do not get tempted by the idea of choosing the lowest one. Adhering to a budget is important for sure, but you need a team of architects who can align their expertise with your business.

Other things to consider

Most architectural firms prefer to use of client’s existing resources, so ask in advance about the extent of support they expect. Knowing the team of architects, especially the key designers, is critical. As a client, it is wise to ask about their qualifications, big projects, and why they would be the ideal fit for your requirements. Check some of their recent projects in depth to know more about their work culture and approach to the job. A known company will also have good reviews in the industry.