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10 Office Waste Management and Reduction Tips

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Australia is one of the world’s strictest countries when it comes to recycling and waste disposal. Unfortunately, despite most of us adhering closely to laws concerning waste recycling, we are still in the midst of a full-blown recycling crisis.

In any case, we can all still do our part to help offset the effects of the ongoing issue. The key is to reduce the amount of waste we produce so that less needs to be processed. Given that commercial establishments are some of the biggest waste contributors, it makes sense to start there.

Here are some ways your office can be part of the solution:

1.) Consider renting rather than buying some equipment

Many workplaces only need to use certain types of equipment occasionally. Photocopiers and projectors, for instance, are not likely to see daily use in most small offices. Rather than storing these onsite, where they may deteriorate with disuse, it may be better to simply rent infrequently-used equipment as needed.

2.) Invest in long-lasting fixtures

On the other hand, you’ll want to invest in more durable versions of the types of fixtures and equipment you do use. For instance, it may make sense to spend a little more on chairs if they are more likely to last longer. This can significantly cut down on the fixtures and equipment that you would otherwise have to write off every year.

3.) Ask vendors to reduce packaging

If you purchase certain supplies in bulk, ask your vendor to provide you with these without the individual packaging. Also, try to see if they can ship the items in reusable containers that they could take back and refill.

4.) Reuse durable office supplies

Folders, binders, poster board, and other similar items that could be used more than once, saving them from an otherwise premature fate at the landfill. Envelopes could also be reused if adhesive labels are used for the addresses.

5.) Only print reports on demand

The paperless office might not yet be a reality, but there are now plenty of digital alternatives to paper for many applications. Email and app suites such as MS Office and Google Drive make the use of paper for reports and other documents redundant in most cases. Try to discourage the use of paper unless specifically asked for.

6.) Provide reusable plates and utensils

Disposable plates and utensils are by far the biggest source of rubbish at most offices that use them. Traditional utensils and china tend to be a far more ecologically sustainable choice. Just make sure you can provide facilities for washing them thoroughly.

7.) Rent skip bins to handle higher volumes of waste

In many cases, the local rubbish collection services may not be able to adequately handle the volume of waste produced by your workplace. To improve sanitation and to ensure recyclable materials are sent to the right facilities, it’s often best simply rent skip bins. Skip bin rental services typically quite flexible and can rent out different types of bins depending on the volume and type of rubbish. Be sure to use a skip bin price comparison site such as Skip Compare to find the best long-term rental rates in your area.

8.) Optimize your mailing lists

Take some time to clear out duplicate addresses and long-unresponsive customers from your mailing lists. This will not only cut down on your paper consumption but will also help streamline your marketing expenses as well.

9.) Choose less wasteful landscaping

Choose native plants that don’t require too much maintenance or produce too much waste. You may also consider having a rock garden or some exterior artwork instead, especially if your office is a more arid area.

10.) Try bokashi composting for food scraps

If your office does have a garden, bokashi can be a good way to bring down your landscaping costs while reducing the amount of food waste that has to be hauled off. Bokashi is a traditional Japanese composting method that uses the bacteria naturally found on different types of grain bran to break down food scraps and other non-putrid biological waste. It produces a high-quality organic fertiliser that is almost odour-free, which makes the method an excellent fit for residential and office settings.

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Conclusion

In most cases, keeping office waste under control isn’t just a matter of reducing the business’s environmental impact, it’s usually quite financially sound as well. Given the many waste disposal issues facing Australia, reducing and repurposing the waste we create before it’s sent out to processing facilities seems to be the smartest solution.

The secret to getting ahead in modern business

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Photo credits: nd3000 / Adobe Stock

It goes without saying that the professional landscape of business gets more and more competitive all the time. As digitalisation and technological advancement continue to become bolder and smarter, every aspect of life as we know it – including, of course, business – is evolving and realigning with the way the world is moving. Thanks to these modern marvels, the world as we know it is transforming from the inside out. Never has there been a more exciting time to be in business – or to be alive in general, for that matter.

But at the end of the day, why exactly is it such an ideal time to be an active player in the business landscape? And how can you effectively get ahead and stay ahead in a professional landscape that, like it or not, continues to get more and more competitive all the time? There is a secret to excelling in modern business, but to understand that secret and its impact, you must first understand the nature of modern business from the onset.

Modern business is more capable and efficient than ever

Here’s the thing. Digitalisation and technological advancement have essentially created a modern world that is more capable and efficient than ever. The whole point of any form of digitalisation or technological innovation, is to make life easier in some way. So, as the world currently becomes more and more driven by these modern marvels, aspects of life – including business – are becoming smarter and more driven all the time. For instance, modern business is operating on a more efficient basis than ever – and technology is largely to thank.

No business is successful without the hustle

Achieving longevity and success in any type of business is never accidental. Being a successful entrepreneur demands a unique sense of determined will and absolute focus on the task at hand. Regardless of if your business specialises in recruitment (think industrial recruitment at Zoom Recruitment, for instance) or security, or any type of business in between, there is one secret to business that ultimately can and does apply to practically every successful business there is.

The secret to getting – and staying – ahead

Ultimately, what it all comes down to is focusing not on the competition, not on the industry you are trying to break into, but on your own trajectory. This is literally all that matters. And a large part of that focus must be on your consumers and what they expect and want from you. Without the attention and loyalty of consumers, no business can hope to thrive and excel beyond its first fiscal year – if that. So, focusing on staying in your own lane and listening to how and what your consumers want you to change and to focus more on, is paramount. It might sound easy and even obvious, but the reality is that so many people are focused on making their businesses better than their competition, that they don’t focus enough on their own business.

Things to consider while choosing multichannel ecommerce software

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Many online business stores limit themselves by selling products only on one website such as Amazon, which can result in loss of revenues. There are several marketing channels which provide opportunities for increasing sales in online business which ultimately help to generate more revenues. However, it requires the right platform to reach more customers with a quick turnaround time. Businesses willing to employ a multichannel strategy should focus more on selecting the right platform for meeting essential needs. Moreover, it will help a lot to grow business significantly to obtain optimal results.

Multichannel ecommerce software for online business

Listing products on many ecommerce channels will consume more time if done manually. A multichannel ecommerce software allows online business stores to sell their products through various networks easily with the latest features, all while automating the process. In fact, it allows businesses to get more leads after listing their products. On the other hand, overselling may lead to penalties and other problems while utilizing the software. Not all software products are the same and a business store should consider certain important things before investing money.

Here are some key aspects to look out while selecting a multichannel ecommerce software solution.

1. Customizable features

It is important to select a platform that comes with customizable features for gaining more advantages. This, in turn, helps to run a business successfully with automation and human-tech support.

2. Ease of use

Business owners who want to control their sales should make sure that the ecommerce software comes with an editing tool. They should find a software support team that can correct things like typos. The multichannel platform should also provide the option to edit product details that can then sync with the listing channels so that they don’t need to be manually updated.

3. Data management in listing

Data management is the most important factor to consider while choosing a multichannel platform. It is necessary to select the best software that will copy current product listings into other channels. A multichannel platform should include images, descriptions, specifications, and pricing when uploading the data.

4. Inventory syncing

Inventory syncing is another thing to consider while buying a new multichannel platform for ensuring optimal results. It is a crucial feature that is needed for an effective listing management system to sell one-of-a-kind products.

5. Multiple sales channels

Large online business stores should choose a platform which supports multiple sales channels that will benefit them significantly. Some software can support many different channels or a large amount of product listings.

6. Shipping

Shipping is the next important thing to consider when buying a new multichannel platform for an online business. This is because a store should make sure that a product reaches a customer on time through established logistics provider after placing an order.

7. Customer service

Anyone who wants to sell products through multiple channels should select a platform that offers personal and individualized customer support. As such, there are many options available on the market to do so, and ultimately good research will ensure that you are able to get the best multichannel ecommerce software solution for your business.

Tips to Grow Your Kitchen and Bathroom Design Business

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Starting a kitchen and bathroom design business is no rocket science as there are so many who have made out there. If you are an enthusiast for interior design, it is never too late to start and become a huge brand. Here are tips on how to grow your business as a kitchen and bathroom designer.

Focus on Marketing

You might have all the right skills to deliver impeccable designs and remodelling, but you have no one to deliver to. A lot of craft persons rely on referrals to reach as many people as possible, but this does not always work since not everybody likes you and will put good work out there for you.

On the contrary, recommendations are not harmful at all but will not get you where you want to go. Start by coming up with a brand name and a simple, attractive logo that represents you. Punch in a slogan cannot hurt too. With these in place, start small according to your financial ability.

You can start with social media pages, podcasts, and blogs and grow to more prominent marketing platforms as you gain more customers and make more money. While still at marketing, move with the trend and consider setting up a website where clients can quickly look through your services and products, including making orders and giving feedback for the services received.

Increase Your Staff

As you look to grow in terms of impact in the market and amount of returns you make, consider starting the growth from the inside.

Marketing might work incredibly well for you depending on how good your strategy is but if you do not have an adequate workforce to deliver to the many clients that you got yourself, they will leave and look for a designer who delivers.

Become selfless for the greater good by spending more of the profit to add a few more skilled employees with the potential to grow too in your payroll to increase productivity and improve on service delivery. Eventually, this investment that seems to be dragging your income at the moment will pay off.

Find a Reliable Supplier

Like all other businesses, you will need people to supply to you certain products that you need to make every design you come up with a masterpiece. As part of starting the business, you will need a list of the basic things required to deliver to clients, and with these, you can start looking for the right people to do kitchen and bathroom supplies for you in Australia.

Go for someone whose competency is at the same level as yours or even higher to avoid last minute rush or delays in delivering to clients’ expectation. The ideal choice here is Argent which is a renowned brand throughout Australia and globally for stocking top-tier products at significantly reduced prices.

Make Quality a Priority

The growing might seem easy, but maintaining the trend is not guaranteed, primarily if you are known to play around with the quality of service you deliver. Everybody wants value for their money, and that is why you need not compromise with the quality of service you deliver to clients to keep them satisfied and recommend your services to others.

Connect with Colleagues

As they say, no man is an island, and when starting a kitchen and bathroom design business, you need to learn from others. It is crucial to add on some creativity in your interactions as well and give much thought into hanging out with other designers in the business.

Best way to do this is to attend exhibitions and visit any kitchen and bath showroom in town where your peers are and wear your ‘people’s person’ hat. You will be stunned by how much extra you get to learn by interacting with your competitors and confrères.

Offer other Services

Do not stick to doing new bathroom and kitchen design for clients but consider adding extra services that will allow you to reach out to more clients and get to grow your business.

Remodelling, consultation, and maintenance are some of the additional services you can bring in rather than only working with clients doing completely new projects.

With the right skill set, planning, and the spirit to learn from others and a handy guide like this, there is no reason why you should not grow to a prominent brand recognized and respected globally.

Tips For Managing Your Business’s Scrap Metal Disposal Needs

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If you are running a business that produces waste scrap metals, then you understand that disposing of the waste is quite a challenge. Poorly disposed metal scraps pose a danger to both human health and the environment; this is why there is a need to properly dispose of the waste metal scraps. To effectively manage the waste scrap metals, you need to train your workers on the safety measures to take during the waste scrap metal collection process. They need to understand that no waste metals should be left lying about as this could cause physical injuries. Instead, they should collect all the waste scrap metals and put them in one place for disposal.

The disposal process should be done by professionals who will pick up the waste scrap metals and safely dispose of it. Besides the environmental benefits of managing waste scrap metals, there are some economic benefits to be gained too. The scrap waste can serve as a raw material when properly recycled.

Managing Scrap Metal Disposal

Provide Storage Bins

One way of preventing the inappropriate disposal of scrap metals is to ensure that there are enough storage bins at every point in your business. Putting up bins at designated areas within the business encourages the employees to properly dispose of any metal scraps that they might not need. If your business needs on-site collection bins for metal scrap, make sure you choose the best service in your area.

Provide Adequate Protective Gear

Personal protective gear is important during scrap metal collection. Workers who are moving the waste metals to the collection point may need to have protective gear that will prevent sharp edges of the scrap metals from hurting them. Some of the common protective clothing that should be provided includes thick gloves, safety boots and heavy material aprons that cannot easily be torn by metal.

Erect Adequate Signage

Ensure that there are adequate signs that direct employees and other visitors in your business premise on the right place to dispose of any scrap metal they might be having. You might consider using bright colours, engaging imagery and flashy signs in directing the workers towards the proper point of disposal.

Engage Services of Scrap Recyclers

Recycling is the best manner of getting rid of waste scrap metals on your business premises. Recycling is more beneficial even to the environment because the re-use of a scrap metal prevents any form of environmental hazard that arises from carelessly disposed of scrap metals. When selecting the scrap recyclers, ensure that you chose the best in the market based on factors such as the facilities they have, the reliability and professionalism, and the concern of recyclers to the environment.

Partnering with a Scrap Yard

Partnering with a scrap yard can also aid in managing the scrap metal in your business. You can get into a contract of supplying the scrap yards within your region with the scrap metals that they need to conduct their business. Such a partnership can fetch you some money. Scrap yards use the waste scrap metals as a raw material to create metal items. The partnership with scrap yards will not only get you cash for scrap, but you will also be taking care of the environment; through the management of waste scrap metals.

Educate your Employees

Training your employees can be a means of sensitizing them of the importance of proper metal scrap disposal. You can engage your employees in seminars that may equip them with the knowledge necessary for proper disposal of metal scrap.

Featured Photo © Pixabay

About The Author:

Caroline Bird is a creative writer and digital marketer. She loves sharing her perspective, tips and how-tos related to home improvement, productivity, business, technology, and SEO through her writing. Connect with Caroline via @bCarolinebird12

Streamlined Systems – 5 Ways to Improve Office Efficiency

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Source: Geralt/Pixabay

It’s getting hard and harder to make a dollar. Living costs are rising, but wages are not keeping pace. What’s more, most business’ profit margins seem to get narrower by the day. Rather than make drastic changes that could impact those around you, it’s time to turn your office into one of efficiency to benefit your bottom line. Here’s how to do it:

Update Your Communication Methods

If you haven’t heard of cloud unified communications, then you’re missing out on dramatic savings that could have a positive impact on your business. Unified communications are an advanced phone, video, email and messaging system that merges all these different communication methods into one.

You can make and receive phone calls from anywhere in the world on your official business number, use instant messaging and group chat, and even utilize voice and video calling. Even more eye-opening is the price tag. Unlike traditional phone systems which are complex to maintain and expensive to upgrade, modern methods such as unified communications are scalable and affordable.

Time Tracking Technology

Did you know that over 30 percent of employees waste at least half an hour of work time every day? That might not seem like a lot, but that equates to around four hours every week, per worker. It can make you wonder whether your team’s roles as are streamlined as they could be.

Time tracking technology can help you to establish how much time a particular task takes. While some staff may see it as a privacy invasion, that’s not its purpose. Once you know how long a job takes to complete, you can find out whether some staff can take on more work, or if others need a helping hand.

Team Project Management Applications

Remember in school when everyone had a job to do on a team project, but something always went wrong? Crucial data fell through the cracks, someone didn’t pull their weight, or people forgot which job was theirs.

The workplace can be a lot like that without appropriate project management applications in place. Time equals money, and if you can save time with streamlined project management applications, why wouldn’t you? Such apps have digital paper trails, task allocation, and instant messaging so that everyone knows where they are.

Integrated Workplace Management Systems

When you’re trying to make your workplace more efficient to boost profitability, the last thing you want to do is spend more money. However, that’s often the answer. If you’re going to spend it anywhere, invest in integrated workplace management systems.

Such software can spell the end of most of your everyday programs, transforming them into one easy-to-manage system. In the long-run, you’ll save time, cut down on expensive fees, and make your workers’ days a little bit easier.

Give Your Workers Freedom

While offering your staff freedom doesn’t sound like efficiency, it can have more of an impact than you think. Give your team the freedom to turn their office space into a place for them, and productivity will follow.

Studies show that 17 percent of those with custom workspaces were more enriched and empowered than workers without anything to call theirs. Even a family photo and a few knick-knacks can make all the difference.

Cutting costs isn’t always about redundancies, downsizing, and cutting back on stationery purchases. It can be as easy as focusing on efficiency and productivity to save time. Time is money; let’s not forget. Find out whether your workers’ roles are at full capacity, and invest in beneficial technology to make their lives easier. The financial rewards will follow.

5 Benefits of Performing Cyber Security Risk Management

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For the past few years, there are increased numbers of security breaches due to the advances in technology. Lack of proper security measures can lead to unauthorized access to the financial status of an organization and theft of client’s information. Moreover, important data can be lost. To prevent such risks, an organization not only need a great cybersecurity system but also a modern comprehensive cyber security risk assessment system.

Smart businesses ensure that they understand what is cyber security risk . They then integrate cyber security strategies into their organizational risk management policies. Their main aim is to prevent data loss, improve security measures, protect the network services and manage and control the active data. A company such as AusCERT, a leading Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), helps organizations to mitigate such risks.

Companies need to understand that cyber security risk management system has a huge impact on an organization’s ability to reach their goals. So here are five benefits of performing a cybersecurity risk management and prioritizing it.

Timely identification and mitigation of the cybersecurity risk

In order to manage cybersecurity risk, your team should be able to identify red flags. Such a team identifies any dangers to ensure that all the information is secure. Cybersecurity management measures involve identification of problems before they occur in order to determine the security measures to mitigate them.

Timely identification of potential risks involves monitoring the system for suspicious patterns and behaviors. They can also carry out cyber security risk analysis, and assessment to identify any gaps in the security of the system. Such measures lead to timely identification, and control or mitigation of the risks. Thus, it can help in preventing data leakages and ensure data protection.

Creates better IT support team

A company with an actual cybersecurity strategy and a protection solution in place means that your team will follow a specific protocol. They will use on-site measures and the established software combinations to react to system threats because they have the needed knowledge on what should be done.

Such a team will always be prepared in case of cybersecurity risks. Such a strategy and plan in place means that there will be less stress for the team working in this crucial department. Additionally, the working relationship will improve because there will be enough trained personnel to mitigate cybersecurity threats.

Reduces vulnerabilities

Fixing a patch after a data breach in a company takes time. Hackers or unauthorized people can take advantage of such vulnerability to steal important data. Cybersecurity risk management can help identify the risks and assist the company to eliminate or reduce the impact.

Identification of the problem means the threat is there and thus a proper cybersecurity assessment should be done. In order to address the problem in your company, you can design a separate department that facilitates and report on risk management.

Saves revenues

There are many types of threats out there that can lead to loss of profits from clients, fines and lawsuits. A DDoS attack on your system can completely shut down your company’s platform preventing engagements with clients, and online purchases and transactions. Despite that you will have to invest some revenues on a cybersecurity management system, they can greatly reduce losses due to attacks on your system.

Enhances your business reputation

A business thrives by keeping the clients’ interest in mind. One way to ensure that is through establishing trust. This virtue can be achieved by protecting your clients’ data. Lack of proper cybersecurity management systems can lead to data breaches which can cost you customers and finances. They also lower the reputation of the company due to its negative impacts. Thus a company that prioritizes the data security of their customers get more loyal clients, and experience success through doing more business.

A cybersecurity management plan and system are more than an option for a company. It is significant for the success and security of an organization. It is a responsibility for each team member including the leaders and technology team. No matter the company you may find yourself in, cybersecurity is a must in the modern world because it ensures information integrity and the trust of the employee and client.

About the Author:

Caroline Bird is a creative writer and digital marketer. She loves sharing her perspective, tips and how-tos related to productivity, business, technology, and SEO through her writing. Connect with Caroline via @bCarolinebird12

A Dose of Drive – The Productive Benefits of an Office Coffee Machine

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Did you know that 2.25 billion cups of joe are consumed around the world, every single day? That’s a lot of coffee’coffe vendor business australia

 But after all, it’s one of the most popular drinks around. And that’s no surprise – who doesn’t love a steaming, fragrant, delicious cup of “let’s wake up right now” every morning when getting ready for work? It helps you get things done, whether it’s in the office or around the house.

In fact, a workplace without a steady source of productivity beans is a workplace that is seriously low on morale. So, if you’re in charge of an office, workshop, warehouse or other place of business and your staff don’t have access to that sweet, sweet arabica, you need to discover the benefits of an office coffee machine, post haste.

Great for morale

Getting an office coffee machine, whether it’s buying one or investing in coffee machine hire, is a great way to boost the morale of your staff. First of all, who doesn’t like a free cup? By putting on some gratis brews, you’re showing your staff that you value them and that you are being generous. They’ll appreciate it and work harder for you, day in and day out. Secondly, a coffee machine is a great way to encourage your staff to get together and bond. Trust us, the thing will run hot most mornings from 8 till lunchtime. People will gather around the machine, getting cups and having a chat, laugh or discussion.

Productivity booster!

Coffee increases productivity, there’s no denying it. This is because coffee contains caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant. A good dose of caffeine will wake up employees and get their brains whirring and into gear – setting them up for a productive and innovative day. A few cups can turn the most dreary meeting into a dazzling brainstorm of activity, so by installing a coffee machine in your office you’re actually investing into your business. The return on investment may not be as noticeable as a growing bank balance, but long term productivity and employee engagement are rewards enough.

Keep it stocked and serviced

A coffee machine that runs out of beans is a serious risk to your bottom line. Watch morale plummet and the grumbles begin when the beans run out. To counter this business risk, keep a healthy stock of beans ready to grind and brew into that nectar of commerce. If you’re running a huge office or a multi-level building, then try to find some wholesale beans – you’ll pay less per kilo and ensure you’ve always got a steady supply.

Likewise, a good coffee machine is a like a prestige automobile, it needs a bit of tender loving care to keep it running smooth. Your office coffee machine will need a regular service, and, sometimes, it’s going to break down and need repairs. The company that leases it to you should be able to provide this service, or you can find a third party. Either way, ensure it gets a regular checkup and immediate repairs when broken – you don’t want your staff going back to instant swill, after all.

Brewing it up

 

An office coffee machine is great for morale and staff culture and will bring your teams together. It will also provide a major lift in productivity due to the stimulant properties of caffeine. Ensure that you keep a good stock of roasted beans on hand to make that delicious joe, and ensure that you service your machine on the regular and fix it promptly if it breaks down.

Opening a Physiotherapy Practice – Where to Start

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The need for physiotherapy is only expected to increase with contemporary demographic changes. As such, opening your own practice has potentially never been more opportune or potentially lucrative. However, knowing where to begin the process of taking such a leap can be difficult and it’s important to take some time to understand exactly what is involved in opening your own physiotherapy practice.

Starting from scratch opening a physiotherapy practice can be difficult. There are many points to check off that it can quickly become an overwhelming task. However, with the right guidance, support, determination and patience, you can make your dream a reality. With every stage of the process, you need to do what you can to ensure that things go smoothly.

Let’s take a look a closer look at some of the key elements of opening a physiotherapy practice, from building plans to practice management software and everything in between.

Read on to learn more!

Some First Steps

To open your own practice, it is important to understand the requisite legal specifications you must check off before you open. Understand what the industry standards are. This includes officially registering as a physiotherapist which must be done with an application to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. This organization requires both an initial and annual registration fee.

In addition, you must apply for a Medicare Provider number and (often) also apply for registration with the Australian Physiotherapist Association.

If you will require financing, it is useful to write a proper business plan. This should incorporate your knowledge of the physiotherapy market as well as details regarding projections for your own practice.

Structuring Your Practice

In terms of the organisation of your practice as a business, it is useful to think about how you will structure it. Usually, following a company structure is most sensible. This will establish your practice as a distinct legal entity. This can reduce your personal liability in case of potential accidents. Choosing your structure will also depend on whether you are opening the practice as a sole individual or whether you are entering into a partnership with other physiotherapists.

In any case, it is also vital to register your business in Australia to get it legally up and running. You will need to acquire an Australian Business Number and a Tax File Number to ensure that your practice is in good stead with the government.

Laying The Foundations

Unless you own some real-estate which can serve as the physical location of your practice, you will likely be renting or leasing a space. In any case, choosing a prime location is paramount. If you do choose to lease, know the rights and obligations of your retail or commercial lease. It is critical that you make sure you know what you can use the space for and whether you will have the option to extend the lease. Procuring equipment for your practice can easily be done online.

Once your location is set, it is important to hire a team of employees that can serve you well. Depending on the specifics of your practice plans, you may be hiring additional physiotherapists or staff to assist with administrative tasks. Vet candidates on how well they can fit in with the work culture of your practice. Be sure to follow existing hiring laws and make sure to set up the proper tax filing information for each new employee.

Setting up medical practice management software can also streamline the day-to-day operations in your practice. These programs can be used to help integrate electronic medical records with operational administrative and financial matters (appointment scheduling and insurance claims, for example). They can also provide performance indicators to let you know how efficiently your practice is operating.

Grand Opening

Taking the time to fully understand how to open your new physiotherapy practice is the first step in getting your new business up and running. Owning and operating your own business is a huge commitment but when managed correctly, it can be a very rewarding and satisfying experience. With the right preparation, you will be on course to a successful future from the very beginning and will be able to establish your new physiotherapy practice in your local community in no time at all.

5 ways small businesses can encourage healthier eating at work

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Maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle can be really difficult, particularly if you’re working full-time or are managing a business. Whilst it is not strictly your responsibility to ensure that your employees eat in a healthy manner, it is in your best interest to encourage healthy eating and diets in the workplace, as this can have many positive effects on your business’ productivity. Indeed, there are many convenient and tasty recipes like HelloFresh, which you can use to ensure your employees actually look forward to meal time at work.

So, what should be your plan of attack when encouraging healthy eating in the workplace?

Increase health knowledge

One of the first things you need to do as a manager is help improve the health knowledge of your staff and workers. Building this knowledge could come in the form of scheduling seminars on quick and easy recipes that are healthy and affordable. Consider hiring a nutritionist to come in during the week and discuss healthy eating habits with your staff and colleagues. You could even call it a “lunch n learn” day. It is really important that you build clear communication with your employees and clarify any questions they may have regarding the program. Your program needs to be framed around a purpose and if your aim is to help your employees work at a more productive level you should let them know exactly that!

Build positive attitudes

Another key component of implementing an effective healthy eating program is to help build positive attitudes towards healthy eating. Encouraging dieting and nutritional consumption is one thing; embracing such eating habits is a whole different ball game. There will definitely be some members of staff who will resist such change, which is understandable. Some people are less inclined to eat healthy, while others may view it as an unnecessary cost, or something that just wastes time and resources.

Either way, you need to help build positivity around healthy eating. One of the best ways of achieving this is to share stories of people whose lives changed for the better after dieting – it could be simply losing weight and getting back in shape, or something more significant, like new job opportunities after the weight was lost.

Incentivise the programs

Put simply, there will always be a select few that will not get involved in the program. However, there may be a larger number of individuals who choose to not get involved because of the viability and perceived benefits of scheme. In this situation, you need to incentivise and reward employees who get involved. How? Well, if your business is working in affiliation with a healthy food outlet, develop a loyalty points scheme, so employees are rewarded for their purchases. This will have the effect of stimulating demand and encouraging workers to participate, even if they were a little hesitant at first! Overall, incentivising your workers is a central part of enhancing employee management and performance.

Having said this, not all businesses have the financial capacity to provide in-house food options. If so, provide your workers with a list of restaurants in the local area that offer balanced meals. Be sure to stock the vending machines with healthier food options and reward workers who choose the healthier alternatives!

Plan the program

Some businesses don’t offer healthy eating programs throughout the entire year. For example, many businesses will often offer such programs after the holiday seasons, since many employees might be deflated from some weight gain over the festive season. The program should include lunch meals that contain several servings of vegetables or fruit – you want to minimise the consumption of products containing high levels of sugar and/or salt. A high sugar diet has been linked to weight gain and increased prevalence of Type II diabetes. Reduce the amount of processed grains and try to select lean meats with less fat and added salts. When choosing your meat options, be sure to stick with fresh meat over processed meats, since processed meat and foods are often full of chemicals that undermine the nutritional value.

Does it actually work?

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For those that may still be a little sceptical, it is important to understand that there is a relationship between healthy eating and job satisfaction. Indeed, adhering to a balanced diet of protein, vegetables, fruit and healthy fats has been linked to improved job performance. A lot of this stems from that fact that eating healthy promotes better body image, staves off illness and reduces the likelihood of fatigue. In fact, this could go a long way in boosting someone’s leadership skills, so if you’re a manager or in a leadership position at your work, be sure to try and eat as healthy as possible throughout the working week.

Likewise, eating healthy at work can also help you improve your overall time management. Being able to schedule your meetings and tasks in an efficient manner goes a long way in building your leadership portfolio. It also helps enhance your reputation within the company – you’ll find your workers have greater respect for you and your objectives for the business!