Lifestyle

Redefining The Office Space with Muge Yalcin

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2021

The way we work has changed forever. Before the Coronavirus pandemic, remote working was seen as a luxury, often even regarded with some level of suspicion and disdain as an ‘easy days work.’ Fast forward to 2021, and most offices have implemented home working as an alternative work mode for employees. Everyday office work is seen as ‘outdated’ and indicates that a company doesn’t seek to accommodate its workers with a more comfortable home/life working balance.

My name is Muge Yalcin and I am a senior Property manager at Vodafone. My experience has spanned decades and I for one am not surprised by the redefinition of the workplace. I have collated and devised four tips for companies that are seeking to implement a hybrid working pattern for their employees.

I am devoted to bettering the lives of employees through streamlining repetitive processes and engineering solutions that lead to better outcomes for people and businesses. With 17 years of business experience, I have witnessed many trends within the office environment and know what solutions and strategies help companies develop their work in the digital environment.

Here are four tips to enhance and create your digital workplace.

Look into options.

There is a burgeoning demand for digital workplace options to be facilitated for employees in the post-COVID-19 economy. As a result, companies are expected to provide alternative solutions to work that are feasible and comfortable and offer opportunities for collaboration and networking with colleagues.

Championing employees in the digital workplace is crucial, and this can be achieved through creating platforms and spaces that encourage social interaction. This helps facilitate and foster a team environment in which colleagues still feel connected and a part of a wider team working towards common goals.

Empower employees and enhance wellbeing.

Empowering employees in the digital workplace may seem complicated, but attention to proven strategies and careful implementation of such tools can be achieved with positive results. Providing employees with adequate tools and technology to do their job is, first and foremost, a crucial aspect of boosting productivity and morale. This should involve polished and automated digital workspaces, desktop and app virtualization, and file sharing and team collaboration opportunities. Access to support for technical issues also helps appease employees’ anxiety about being out of the office and working remotely.

Sir Richard Branson recently has been quoted as stating, “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your clients”.

This sense of service to your employees takes form in the digital workplace by creating digital platforms for collaborations and discussions, focusing on instant messaging tools, which are the preferred mode of contact for many home workers.

As the digital workplace seems to divide employees by distance, regular communication tools to remind employees of the company vision and goals are welcome in helping to focus teams on a common purpose. Regular, upbeat, and concise communications will help align employees with business goals and ensure engagement and productivity among the team remain high.

Evolve

No digital workplace should be dormant and unchanging, but rather an evolving platform designed by business intelligence and feedback from users and employees. This business intelligence has seen ‘desk booking’ apps available for employees who wish to attend the office. Input from employees will continually expand and modify the digital workplace as different people will want to see other things. This will see a much richer and diverse hybrid workspace that offers inspiration and motivation for all users.

Generating reports and collecting statistics can help provide a clearer picture, portrayed by accurate data representing employee feedback. Enhancing innovation and ensuring the hybrid workplace remains the pulse of employees’ inspiration is the goal. A solid commitment to digital transformation sends a clear message to employees that the company is growing and working toward innovation and change. Agility in the digital workplace reflects the need for employees to be agile and develop a commitment to learning and innovation.

Integrated digital/physical workplace

The digital workplace will evolve and grow into a versatile and varied Centrepoint for employee interaction and business functions. Hybrid workplaces may become the norm in future times and I am offering my leading business advice and solutions for my company that wants to thrive in the new marketplace. Employee and customer satisfaction remain at the forefront of my expertise agenda, and I believe the digital space can become a space that sparks creativity, innovation, and outstanding achievement.

Lifestyle

Hardwood Floors Refinishing: Top Care Tips for a Lasting Shine

Published

2 days ago

September 27, 2023

Michelle Langton

Revamping your hardwood floors requires both a time and financial investment, yet the returns are evident in the enhanced aesthetics and functionality of your residential or commercial area. However, the longevity and durability of these newly refinished floors are contingent upon proper maintenance. This detailed guide is designed to offer expert guidance on how to preserve the quality and look of your newly refinished hardwood floors. We’ll cover a variety of subjects, from the science of wood aging and types of wood that need more frequent treatment, to top tips for floor upkeep. Your investment in hardwood floor refinishing need not be short-lived; with the correct care, it can be a long-term enhancement to your property.

Tips for Ensuring Durability in Your Newly Refinished Floors

After you have spent money on hardwood floor refinishing, maintaining their condition becomes a top priority. Here are strategies to prolong the lifespan and appearance of your updated flooring.

1. Regular Cleaning

A clean floor is a happy floor. Use a microfiber mop or cloth to pick up dust, dirt, and grime daily if possible. For a deeper clean, opt for cleaning products specifically designed for hardwood floors. Make sure to read the labels and opt for pH-neutral cleaners that are free from abrasives or harsh chemicals. Weekly or bi-weekly, consider a gentle vacuuming with a hardwood-friendly vacuum cleaner to remove debris that may have settled between the wood planks.

2. Use Protective Pads

One of the most effective ways to prevent scratches and dents on your hardwood floors is to place felt pads under the legs of furniture. This simple step can go a long way in preserving the smooth finish of your floor. You should also replace these pads every few months, as they can wear down or accumulate grime, reducing their effectiveness.

3. Control Humidity

Fluctuating indoor humidity levels can wreak havoc on hardwood floors. Excessive moisture can cause the wood to swell, leading to issues like cupping or buckling, while too little moisture can cause wood to shrink, leading to gaps between planks. Invest in a quality hygrometer to measure your home’s humidity level, and aim to keep it between 30% and 50%. Use a humidifier during dry months and a dehumidifier during humid months to maintain optimal conditions.

4. Proper Spill Management

Accidents are inevitable, but the way you handle them can make all the difference. Whether it’s water, juice, or wine, if you spill liquid on your hardwood floor, wipe it up immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid using paper towels as they can disintegrate and get stuck in the crevices of the wood. Also, never let liquids sit on the wood, as they can seep in and cause staining or warping.

5. No Shoes Policy

Implement a ‘no shoes’ policy to preserve your floors. Shoes can bring in dirt, gravel, and other harmful debris from outside. If a full-blown ‘no shoes’ policy isn’t realistic for your household, at least insist on no high heels or sports cleats, which can cause dents and scratches. You might also consider placing a high-quality doormat at entrances to trap dirt before it gets to your floor.

6. Regular Inspections

Every three to six months, set aside time to inspect your hardwood floors meticulously. Use natural light or a bright lamp to look for scratches, dents, or areas where the finish might be wearing off. If you catch these issues early, you may be able to address them with a simple touch-up rather than a full refinishing job.

7. Refresher Coats

Although your newly refinished floors look amazing now, they won’t stay that way forever without some upkeep. Consider applying a ‘refresher’ coat of finish every two to three years. This isn’t as invasive or time-consuming as a full refinishing project. Instead, it’s more like a topcoat that adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your floors looking vibrant and shiny.

8. Scheduled Expert Cleaning

A yearly cleaning session by professionals can dramatically enhance the condition of your hardwood floors. Specialized machinery and products are used to eliminate tough dirt, renew the wood’s natural shine, and smooth out minor imperfections. This process not only rejuvenates your flooring but also prolongs its lifespan, maintaining its fresh appearance for an extended time.

Advantages of Consistent Upkeep

Routine care for your restored hardwood floors does more than maintain their visual appeal; it also prolongs their durability, augmenting the long-term value of your property. Floors that are regularly cared for can endure for many years, negating the need for frequent, costly refinishing. In addition, a structured care regimen lessens the likelihood that small defects will escalate into serious issues, thus promoting a cleaner and more healthful living area. In summary, regular maintenance serves as a long-term financial benefit and a means of sustaining your home’s elegance.

When To Seek Professional Help

If you notice persistent issues like deep scratches, stubborn stains, or any form of water damage, it’s best to seek professional help. Specialists in hardwood floors refinishing can assess the situation and provide targeted solutions. Companies like 1DayRefinishing offer an extensive range of services that can effectively address these problems. Notably, the company specializes in a one-day turnaround, making them a convenient option for those in need of quick yet high-quality refinishing solutions.

Finding Trustworthy Services for Floor Refinishing

If you’re in a location with scarce local options, consider exploring 1 DAY Refinishing. Their seasoned experts offer complete solutions for maintaining and refinishing hardwood floors, helping to keep them pristine for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

The decision to invest in refinishing your hardwood floors is a significant commitment to enhancing your home’s aesthetics and overall value. By diligently following proper maintenance routines, your refinished floors can continue to elevate your home’s ambience. Every effort, from regular cleaning, to hiring professionals, adds to the resilience and visual allure of your hardwood floors. Stick to these essential care guidelines, and your floors will maintain their lustre for an extended period.