Entrepreneurship
New Study Reveals Why Not Investing in the Work-From-Home Office of Hybrid Employees Has Dire Consequences
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
A new study by Logitech of 3,000 employees and 1,000 IT hardware decision-makers in large organizations found that 89% struggle with video and 85% with audio in their work-from-home office. Less than 40% received accessories other than mice and keyboards from their organizations.
While these results are concerning, I didn’t find them surprising. When working with client organizations to help them figure out the best hybrid work arrangements, I invariably get pushback when I bring up investing in hybrid worker home offices. CFOs don’t want to “waste” money on employee home offices after already paying for a set-up at the office; in turn, IT and facilities directors express reluctance to stretch their already-thin resources to support the tech and ergonomic needs of staff working from home.
After all, these leaders say, we already gave in to employee demands for flexibility and allowed them to work from home part of the time. They can pay for their own equipment and furniture.
Related: They Say Remote Work Is Bad For Employees, But Most Research Suggests Otherwise — A Behavioral Economist Explains.
The reality of work from home office setups for hybrid employees
In reality, the large majority of workers don’t pay to equip their home offices. When I ask about this issue in focus groups for my clients, employees tell me it’s the company’s job to fund their work-from-home needs. They feel it would be unfair for them to buy whatever they need for their home office just for the sake of doing work for the company. Indeed, in a survey I ran on LinkedIn with over 200 respondents, over two-thirds of respondents believe companies should cover the costs of equipment.
So they end up struggling with technology and ergonomic challenges. Doing so harms their productivity since they can’t work as effectively. It undermines their wellbeing, due to physical discomfort from lack of ergonomic furniture and mental discomfort from concerns about how they appear on camera. It undercuts retention because employees feel frustrated and resentful over not having the equipment they need to do their job well.
And it hurts their collaboration and communication: poor video and audio quality are a bigger problem for those the employee is communicating with rather than for the employee themselves. That involves other employees, but also external stakeholders, such as clients, vendors and investors.
Related: Avoid These 3 Tempting Habits For Remote Work Productivity
All of that harms a company’s bottom lines: as I tell leaders with whom I work, do they really want to lose a sale because they didn’t get a good microphone for their sales staff? That’s not an exaggeration: the Logitech study found that 37% of respondents hold video calls with clients.
With 79% of companies switching to a hybrid work modality, according to the EY Work Reimagined Employer Survey, a large portion of the work employees do for a company will be done from home offices going forward. Given that, I tell my clients that it’s imperative to invest in equipping staff for work from home.
Logitech insights on challenges and opportunities for the work-from-home office
To find out more about the challenges and opportunities of equipping hybrid workers, I interviewed Simon Dudley, Head of Analyst Relations at Logitech, about the release of their study. He told me that Logitech discovered a common experience among most survey respondents.
At the start of the pandemic, companies told staff to grab whatever they could from the office in the transition to remote work. And that’s what staff mostly ended up using for their home office, along with whatever additional equipment more tech-savvy staff had at home or, in some instances, chose to buy online. IT departments adopted a reactive posture: as Dudley stated, “IT departments sit there and basically wait for the phone to ring for someone to complain, at which point they go and try and fix that problem.” The problem with that posture? Most staff members “don’t even know what they could do to make their life better. But they do know what they’ve got today isn’t great.”
The Logitech study confirms employee concerns: 64% struggle with poor or inadequate light in their homes; 60% have poor sound quality through computer speakers; and 58% need to sit in an uncomfortable position to be on camera. They waste valuable work time figuring out technology: 53% check if their speakers and microphone are working, 41% fiddle with the viewing angle of their camera, and so on.
Yet staff don’t feel it’s right or fair for them to purchase better equipment and furniture themselves, and don’t feel empowered to reach out to IT or facilities to fix these problems. As Dudley said “the users are like, well, I assume this is the best that’s available. I mean, they’ve given me a laptop. I’ve got all the things, how can I say to the IT department, I want better when they don’t even know better exists?”
Of course, it’s not only IT and facilities that need to step up. Dudley pointed out that HR needs to get involved. After all, they are responsible for talent management. Optimizing employee productivity, wellbeing and collaboration through support for worker home offices should be a major concern for them. Dudley told me that it’s simple: just go to HR and ask them “how much does it cost you when your workers are off sick with RSI issues or with eye strain or with migraines.” By comparison, the cost of equipping a home office is small, and this wellbeing benefit doesn’t account for boosted productivity and collaboration.
Related: Malcolm Gladwell’s Fears About Remote Work Are Real. It’s Your Brain That’s Telling You Lies — Here’s Why.
Work from home office funding: A case study
Then, I asked Dudley to give feedback on how I helped my consulting clients determine how to support the home offices of their workers, using the example of the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute.
First, we surveyed staff to determine their needs and concerns regarding technology and furniture, focusing on how we can help them be more productive and have better ergonomics and wellbeing. We encouraged employees to volunteer any suggestions on specific technology and furniture solutions they found to be a good fit for their needs. We also had the Institute’s IT and facilities staff conduct in-depth research on market options based on survey results.
Then, we determined an initial list of standardized equipment that IT and facilities felt comfortable they could support in employee home offices. We shared the list with staff members in another survey and revised it based on their responses.
Next, we purchased equipment for staff members and shipped it to their homes. For anyone who needed help with the equipment, we arranged for home visits by IT and facilities staff. To address tax concerns, we developed a policy asking staff members leaving the organization to donate any bulky furniture that was impractical to return to facilities. Finally, we covered the costs of fast broadband for staff.
Dudley applauded this approach as exemplary. He did highlight that sometimes staff don’t know what they need because they may not be aware of relevant capabilities, and thus encouraged providing more hands-on guidance and expertise. I integrated that approach into my work with future clients.
Conclusion
In short, failing to invest in hybrid worker home offices is penny-wise, but pound-foolish. We know that much if not most of the work done by staff members for the large majority of companies going forward will be from home offices. And most employees won’t buy quality tech and furniture: they feel it’s not fair to ask them to do so. Companies that fail to invest in home offices will lose out on productivity, wellbeing, retention, collaboration and communication, all of which will reflect poorly on their bottom lines.
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Travelling to Shimla is a major travel goal for many. And it is no surprise why? After all, there can be no mortal being that cannot be charmed by the alluring and enigmatic beauty of the mighty Himalayas. Located on the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
Popularly known by its moniker, ‘the Queen of hill stations,’ the city is a gateway to all your Himalayan adventures. Once the summer capital of the British during the colonial era, Shimla, with all its natural splendours, Victorian-style monuments, evergreen forests, pristine lakes, and fascinating history, never fails to leave you enthralled.
With plenty of things to do and places to visit in Shimla, you need at least five to six days to explore the city comfortably at your pace and have a fun holiday. Speaking of a memorable holiday, you can get the best experience by booking your stay at the Club Mahindra Kandaghat resort, one of the most premium resorts in Himachal Pradesh. This abode of peace and unmatched holiday experiences is a short distance away from bustling Shimla. That is one of the many reasons why you would love this property, below are others.
1. Club Mahindra Kandaghat resort has a reputation for offering guests the most comfortable and spacious rooms. Also, each room offers you a spectacular, uninterrupted view of the vast valley, and you can wake up to this view every day.
2. One of the reasons why Club Mahindra Kandaghat is rated among the top resorts in Shimla is because it boasts of world-class amenities. You have all the facilities you need to enjoy a relaxing and comfortable holiday and have a gala time with your family. You have amenities like – a sprawling swimming pool, a world-class spa that offers ayurveda-based massages and body treatments, a fully-equipped gymnasium, a souvenir shop, a library, an activity zone for kids and more.
3. During your stay at the Club Mahindra resort, you can enjoy tasting the best of local foods as the chefs at the in-house restaurant prepare a special menu every day to give you an unforgettable dining experience. If you have any specific dietary preference or want to order any particular dish off the menu, you can request the chef, and they will be happy to prepare it for you. The in-house restaurant of the resort is one of the best restaurants in Kandaghat.
4. The strategic location of the Club Mahindra Kandaghat resort makes it easier for you and your family to get around the city and visit all the famous sightseeing spots without any hassles. Whilst there are many places to visit in Shimla, here are some of the must-visit spots:
• Kufri (distance from Club Mahindra Kandaghat Resort – 40.2 km approx.)
• Mall Road (distance from Club Mahindra Kandaghat Resort – 25.9 km approx.)
• Chadwick Falls (distance from Club Mahindra Kandaghat Resort – 25 km approx.)
• Mashobra (distance from Club Mahindra Kandaghat Resort – 36.1 km approx.)
• The Ridge (distance from Club Mahindra Kandaghat Resort – 25.7 km approx.)
5. Throughout your stay at Club Mahindra Kandaghat Resort, you can be assured that you will never have a dull moment as the resort offers many outdoor and indoor experiences to suit your and your family’s preferences. You have many options, from going on a family expedition to explore an Apple orchard to taking a cooking class with your child and partner.
Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
By Peter Boyd, a Florida attorney who founded PaperStreet. He has helped over 1,500 law firms with their websites, content and marketing.
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Blogging offers a low-cost way for law firms to attract new clients and stay top of mind with referral sources. But there is nothing more frustrating than setting aside time to plan blogs only to have your mind draw a blank when it comes to picking a topic.
While many firms choose to use their blog as a vehicle to show off accomplishments, there are many other options for subjects that can increase your appeal to potential clients and enhance relationships with current clients.
1. Answer Some Of The Questions You Get Most Often
Off the top of your head, you can probably think of a few questions that current or prospective clients ask frequently. If your firm has staff who interact with clients frequently, check with them to see what questions they find themselves answering repeatedly. For future topic ideas, start keeping a list or have someone on staff keep a list of client questions.
This type of blog can be especially helpful to members of the public who are looking for information, and when your site becomes an authority on the subject, that can improve your credibility with search engines, which can lead to improvements in search results.
2. Discuss Changes In The Law Or Developments In A Related Business
New statutes or regulations that affect your area of practice are a natural topic for a blog. Changes in judicial or administrative procedures also make good blog topics because they provide information that can be extremely helpful to clients in your practice area. Like blog posts that cover popular questions, blogs explaining the impact of legal changes can prove to be popular and authoritative posts that can help boost your website’s SEO.
In addition to statutes and regulations, consider writing about judicial opinions involving your practice area, even if they involve a different jurisdiction. They may serve as a persuasive authority or signal a coming trend. At the very least, they can provide arguments that could appeal to prospective or current clients.
Industry developments with a connection to your practice area can also provide topics for a law firm blog. For instance, personal injury lawyers could discuss the effect of new driver-assist features on cars. Divorce lawyers might blog about trendy practices such as birdnesting.
3. Surprise Or Entertain The Reader
Some of the blogs that can appeal most to readers are those that start out with a surprise. Discussing little-known laws or fun facts can provide the full topic for a post or just serve as an attention-getting introduction.
Did you know that there’s a National Lost Sock Memorial Day? How about National Lima Bean Respect Day? Highlighting little-known commemorations can provide a great lead-in for certain topics. More traditional holidays also work well as a source for blog topics, such as writing about VA long-term care benefits for Veterans Day during November. These blogs can be fun for writers as well as readers.
4. Expand On Topics Covered In Your Practice Area Pages
A well-constructed website contains informational pages that delve into your practice areas and the services you provide to clients. You can use your blog to explore additional areas or expand on information introduced in your practice area pages.
For instance, an estate planning attorney might go into detail about funding a revocable trust or the various steps involved in the probate process. A personal injury lawyer might discuss what not to do after a car accident. A criminal lawyer might discuss a probation-before-judgment program.
5. Share Information You Wish Clients Understood
Law firms can even use their blogs to make their job a little easier by explaining things they wish their clients knew. They might discuss the etiquette for an online hearing or what to expect in a deposition. A blog could explain what a firm provides in an initial consultation or how clients should prepare for a mediation session. They can also use blogs to reinforce information contained on the practice area pages, such as explaining how comparative negligence can reduce a settlement or verdict.
Getting Help With Blogs And Blog Topics
If an obvious topic does not come to mind, scan posts that others in your practice area have written, particularly those in different cities or regions of your state. You might also talk to your marketing staff or consultant. They should be able to suggest valuable topics that will build your credibility with potential clients and with search engines.
You can also outsource the entire blog process, although you should reserve the right to approve any posts before they go live and to insist on quality work befitting your firm. Blogs can serve as a valuable tool, and they need to provide accurate information, but they are only a small part of the big picture and should not take an inordinate amount of firm resources.
Perched comfortably at over 5,200 ft above sea level in the Western Ghats Mountain range, in Kerala amidst the most picturesque setting you can imagine is Munnar – the largest tea-producing region in India. A breathtakingly beautiful hill town, Munnar is perhaps the perfect testimony to why Kerala is called ‘God’s Own Country.’
What makes Munnar truly special, and a popular tourist destination is its pleasant weather throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 0 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius. The exotic wildlife and the majestic tea estates add to its inexplicable charm!
If you plan to visit Munnar for a family holiday, you will be pleasantly surprised that there are plenty of exciting places that you can explore. On the flip side, choosing which ones to visit can be daunting. So, to help you get the best experience, we have consolidated a list of top places to visit in Munnar. Oh please, you can thank us later!
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Coming to Munnar and not visiting the tea gardens would be a sin! Amongst the many scenic tea estates, Kolukkumalai is the best! It is the highest tea plantation in Kerala and is set against the perfect backdrop of expansive skies shrouded in misty clouds. The lush greenery around and the tranquil environment make it a must-visit spot.
Ensure you carry your camera on your visit to click some stunning selfies for your Instagram! The tea estate is a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic in nature’s lap and spend a peaceful time with your loved one. Of course, you must have a cup of hot tea made from the fresh tea leaves that grow at the estate.
Entry ticket – INR 75 (per adult)
Timings – 7 am to 6 pm
Closed on – Sundays
Lockhart Gap
Lockhart Gap derives its name because of the heart-shaped gap formed naturally between the two mountains. A popular spot among tourists, especially couples and honeymoon goers, the place exudes an undeniable romantic vibe.
Whether you are travelling to Munnar with your significant other or extended family, visit this place. It is the perfect gateway to forget the city chaos and get wonderfully lost in the solitude and the ethereally peaceful environment here.
Entry ticket – Free for all
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm
Open on all days
Mattupetty Dam
Located about 13 km from the city centre, Mattupetty Dam is one of the best places to visit near Munnar. The highlight of the dam is the emerald lake right in its centre, surrounded by lush green gardens. A popular spot among the locals, it is an ideal place for sightseeing and enjoying speed boating and watching a gorgeous sunset.
Entry ticket – INR 10, boating charges INR 500
Timings – 9.30 am to 5 pm
Open on all days
Nyayamakad Waterfall
A waterfall like no other! The gushing sound of the water and the deep valley make it postcard perfect! What makes your visit to this waterfall unique and memorable is that here, you can see the local women plucking the freshest and the most tender tea leaves.
From the drive to the falls and the scenic view, everything about this waterfall is majestic. The magnificent sight of the almost milky waters and the sweet thud of the water will remain etched in your memory for long.
Entry ticket – Free
Timings – All day. For the best experience, visit in the evening or early morning
Open on all days
Eravikulam National Park
Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Munnar, the Eravikulam National Park needs no introduction. Almost all the tourist guides to Munnar will recommend visiting this place. The park, which is spread over 97 square kilometres, is home to several beautiful flora and fauna, some of which are rare, including the Nilgiri Tahr, a native resident of the Western Ghats, and Neelakurinji, an exotic flower that blooms only once in 12 years. Just WOW! Isn’t it?
Entry ticket – INR 65 for Indians, INR 245 for foreigners
Timings – 7.30 am to 4 pm
Open on all days
Things to do in Munnar
Like there are many beautiful attractions for sightseeing, there are many exciting and fun things to do in Munnar for all. Here are some suggestions that will surely give you experiences you will enjoy and remember for a long time.
• Enjoy a shikara ride on Kundala Lake
• Go street shopping at the local markets around the city
• Explore the rich history of India’s favourite beverage – Chai (tea), at the Tata Tea Museum
• Offer your prayers and seek blessings at the Mount Carmel Church
• Get your dose of adventure by going hiking to the Anamudi Peak
• Be mesmerised watching the Kalaripayattu performance, one of the oldest martial arts in the world
Best time to visit Munnar
Like all hill stations in India, Munnar has pleasant climatic conditions throughout the year. But the best time to visit Munnar is during the winter, between September to February. During this time, the temperature hovers around 10-20 degrees Celsius, providing an ambient condition for sightseeing and indulging in many outdoor activities. The nights can get colder, so wear appropriate warm clothes.
If you visit during early September, just after the rains end, you can still see plenty of greenery and waterfalls. The summers can get a little warm, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. So, it is best to avoid travelling to Munnar between March and June.
Resorts in Munnar
As a popular tourist destination, there are many hotels, homestays, and resorts in Munnar. If you are going on a family holiday, you may prefer a premium stay, right? So, for a memorable holiday experience, you must book your stay at the Club Mahindra resorts. There are two resorts in Munnar, vis-à-vis Club Mahindra Mount Serene and Club Mahindra Munnar.
These resorts hosted by Club Mahindra have a reputation for being the most premium family resorts in Kerala. These resorts perfectly capture the true spirit of Kerala and local traditions and culture, as is evident from the beautiful décor all over the resorts’ premises and in the rooms.
The proximity of these resorts to famous tourist spots makes them the perfect haven for all your Munnar adventures. You can easily get around the city without any hassles, explore the city at your own pace and at the end of the day, you can retreat comfortably in your rooms and enjoy the world-class amenities.
A special mention to the in-house spa at the resorts. Here, you can enjoy a traditional ayurveda massage and a range of other body treatments that help you relax and rejuvenate. When in Kerala, you ought to taste the delicious local cuisine and at Club Mahindra resorts, you get the best dining experiences you can ask for.
The chefs at both resorts prepare a special menu for every meal with a range of Kerala delicacies, including the much-famed fish curries, payasam and coconut-based gravies. Each meal here will be a delightful experience that will fill your tummy and heart, we bet!
Lastly, the Club Mahindra resorts in Munnar offer a range of specially curated experiences that allow you to spend time with your loved ones and strengthen your bond while having fun. All-in-all, a family extravaganza with love, happiness and joy awaits you at the Club Mahindra resorts.
Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
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