Subtle Things That Could Be Hurting Your Brand Perception

When people go into business, there is usually a business plan in place to ensure that it grows and gives an attractive return on investment.

A business brand is how potential customers and the business community identifies you. It can be the services offered or the team.

Companies spend time and finances ensuring that their brands are on top.

There are, however, a few things that businesses are not aware may be hurting their overall brand.

Luckily, these are issues that can be smoothed out.

Bad Customer Service Kills Your Brand

This is an issue that restaurants and other companies have to work on in order to keep the business going. When visiting a company, first impressions count to customers. How the front desk receives customers to how service is handled is key.

One of the things that could be hurting your brand perception is having staff who are not well trained in customer service. Staff must be trained on effective customer service practices to keep your brand perception positive to customers.

To begin with, the staff must offer service with a smile. Customers must also be quickly and effectively served so they consider returning to the business and telling others about it.

The staff need to be presentable and memorable to customers. For example, their uniforms must be clean and impressive. Reach out to a managed uniform rental service which will make sure your staff uniforms are always clean and will take care of any dirty uniforms.

Alsco offers such services and gives your staff that crisp, hygienic look at all times. Contact Alsco to get a free quote and learn more about the service.

An Outdated Website Drags Your Brand Down

It is important to note that customers will trust a business more when it has an updated website as well as accurate information online. But there are many instances where, regardless of how successful a business is, it overlooks and neglects the company website.

In order to keep a positive brand perception of your company, make sure there is a member of the team that is tasked with keeping the website up to date. Information like the company physical address, Google Maps directions and contacts must be updated as often as required.

You should also keep customers up to date with information about the company as well as respond to any chat program messages or emails received.

Forgetting to List on Google Find My Business or TripAdvisor Hurts

For a business in the hospitality industry, it is important to be aware that there are many competing restaurants, bars and hotels in any given area. Businesses tend to lose out on valuable clients because they don’t bother to get listed on online directories such as Google Find My Business or review sites such as TripAdvisor or Booking.com, which means they are not readily visible when searched.

According to a Reputation Benchmark 2019 report, Google, Tripadvisor and Booking.com have the highest review volume online with over 50 million views posted among them.

To build positive brand perception, make sure you connect with online directories. In addition, upload your business information on review sites so that visitors can share their experiences while helping with business ratings.

It’s no secret that managing reviews online, even on Facebook, can be hectic. But you don’t have to respond to all reviews, but instead, simply note that the feedback has been received. Have a team whose responsibility is to check out such reviews and get back to relevant queries.

Ignore Social Media at Your Peril

There are companies that are used to old-school business practices and social media is one of the more contemporary, but often vitally important, ways to stay connected to clients- regardless of age or demographic.

While it may often seem trivial, social media is very much one of the easiest ways to instantly connect with customers.

To build positive brand perception, start by opening social media accounts for your business. The most popular ones are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, with more always springing up every year.

Use your social media channels to announce new changes to the business, celebrate loyal clients and as a useful customer service channel. Ensure that complaints and queries are responded to as quickly as possible. Customers appreciate a company that responds to their questions and are likely to return for more services.

Never Close Your Ears to What Customers Are Saying

The business world is constantly changing and it is important for companies to be flexible to retain customers. Taking the time to do market and competitor research will help you adapt your business strategy and stay relevant while others fail.

And importantly, listen to your customers. For example, when customers constantly complain about a specific staff member or menu item, it is time to make the necessary changes.

Looking Into Loyalty Programs and Discounts

Businesses must have a loyalty program in place not just to attract new customers but to also show gratitude to loyal ones.

Make sure that the program in place is unique and long-term enough that it will keep customers coming. Loyalty programs do not have to be expensive and can simply message to customers wishing them a happy birthday or thanking them for being loyal customers.

Discounts are a sure way to keep customers, but this is a double-edged sword. If a business constantly has discounts, it can be seen as selling inferior products. It gives rise to excess criticism of your products and this can chase away customers. Make sure they are offered during special days or holidays to keep scepticism to a minimum.

Tips for Building a Positive Brand Perception

• Hire competent management and staff. It goes without saying that your staff are the face of the company, and so they must be well trained and able to boost your brand.
• Have marketing and crisis communication plans in place. Have a long-term marketing plan which will help ensure that your business is visible. At the same time, have a crisis communication plan ready. This is important especially when your business is painted in a negative light in the media. You must be ready to respond and fix the problem in the quickest possible time.
• Build a customer database for your business. This is important because it helps you know who your customers are. You can use this database to send out updates about the business, acknowledge loyal customers and generally connect with them on a deeper level than advertising typically allows.
• Stand out from the competition with a unique selling point. As a restaurant, bar, bakery or coffee shop, identify what product is going to be your must-have for customers. This is the product that will create excitement and get people talking. Be aware that a unique selling point can change over time, so you must be ready to go with the flow and… adapt to change.

Can You Use a Defibrillator on a Patient with a Pacemaker?

A first response device like a defibrillator can be used on a person with a pacemaker as long as the pads are positioned correctly.

Most likely, if the person with the pacemaker has suffered a cardiac arrest, their pacemaker is already not working.

The concerns are that the Automatic External Defibrillator will interfere with the pacemaker and that the heart will not be able to resume its normal function.

However, that doesn’t happen if you are careful.

AED is still the most effective resource in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Once the Sudden Cardiac Arrest – SCA happens, the affected person has around 10% chance of survival if they are only given CPR.

However, if the defibrillator is used in combination with CPR, the chances of survival rise dramatically. Some sources suggest up to 75%.

Therefore, every workplace in New Zealand should have an AED. There is no excuse for not stocking it, given that you don’t even have to pay a large investment upfront. Rent them from Alsco New Zealand for a monthly fee.

What Is a Pacemaker?

The pacemaker is an implanted, little device that takes care of the regular heart rate of a person. Its implantation requires surgery, during which it is positioned near the heart or in the abdomen. The surgery is not difficult and it can even be performed under local anaesthesia.

The pacemaker releases low electrical impulses to the heart, making sure that the heart is pumping the blood at a regular pace. It serves to regulate any kind of arrhythmia and allow people with heart conditions to live normal, active lives.

That is why there is a concern that the AED will do more damage than good for somebody with a pacemaker, since there is an electrical shock involved. However, if the pacemaker is operational, it is most likely that the person wouldn’t be in the state of SCA.

AED does not create the most ideal conditions for the pacemaker, but its use is the best chance a patient has for survival.

How to Use an AED on a Person with a Pacemaker?

When a person has a pacemaker, the AED pads should be positioned at least 3 cm away from it. Pacemakers can be slightly visible beneath the skin, right below the collar bone. They look like a small bulge beneath the skin. If the pacemaker itself is not visible, there is usually a scar from the implantation surgery.

However, modern devices are getting smaller and smaller, so you should not rely on the fact that you will see if a person has a pacemaker. Some patients wear a rubber band bracelet that says they have a pacemaker in case of a cardiac arrest.

In order to use the AED on somebody with a pacemaker, you need to do the following:

1. Call for help or ask somebody to call for help while you perform CPR.
2. Locate the AED, open it and connect the pads.
3. Open the shirt of the person who is suffering the SCA.
4. Make sure their skin is dry, shave off excessive hair and remove medicinal patches if any.
5. Locate the pacemaker.
6. Position AED pads at least 3 cm away from the pacemaker.
7. Keep everybody away from the patient.
8. Press the analyser button.
9. Wait until the AED administers the electric shock and gives you the signal that it is safe to touch the patient.
10. Continue with the CPR or wait until the AED administers another shock.
11. Continue administering help until the Ambulance arrives.

Can You Do CPR on a Person with a Pacemaker?

Another logical question arises – is it safe to conduct CPR on somebody with a pacemaker? The answer is – yes! You should definitely perform CPR on somebody with a pacemaker. If they are unconscious, it means that there is something very wrong with their heart, or their pacemaker, for that matter.

A pacemaker is made to control arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It does not control the systole of the heart. If the heart stops, which usually means that there is something wrong with the systolic functions, CPR is the only thing that can help it work.

The pacemaker releases mild current to the heart and it should not penetrate the skin, so you should not feel the current while performing the CPR. However, try not to put pressure on the pacemaker itself and try to avoid it in your efforts to restore the systole.

Can You Use an AED on a Patient with a Transdermal Medication Patch?

Yes. It is possible to use an AED on a patient with a transdermal medication patch, but you should not place the patch between the AED pads and the patient’s body. That will prevent the necessary amount of electricity to reach the heart and restart it.

Some transdermal medication patches should be removed entirely before performing the defibrillation, while for some of them it is enough that the AED pads should be positioned in a way that the patches are not covered by them. Some of those patches contain metal that can cause burns on the patient’s skin if the electricity is released directly onto them. Therefore, the safest course of action is to remove them prior to AED use.

Transdermal medication patches are patches that stick to the skin, similar to band-aids, but these patches administer different medications into the bloodstream. They are rarely something that will put the patient’s life into jeopardy if removed. Therefore, their application is not the highest priority in cases when defibrillation is necessary.

Portable AEDs for a workplace is an investment that can set you back at least $2,500. If the workplace is big, then one AED is not enough, as it should always be close and handy. Of course, life is priceless, but your company doesn’t have to make investments like this if there is a more reasonable alternative.

Alsco New Zealand offers easy-to-use portable defibrillators that even untrained personnel can use. The best part is – you can rent them. Alsco staff comes to your company installs the AEDs and regularly comes to checks, making sure they work properly. All that is included in a monthly flat rate.

Contact Alsco now and ensure the safest workplace in New Zealand.

Photo courtesy of Freepik
Image source: medtronic.com

5 Tips For Successful Customer Interaction

In this competitive business world, getting new customers and KEEPING them is important. We often hear of cases where customers will complain about an establishment they visited, either to other people or online, which can be bad for any business.

According to research done by Genesys, 71% of consumers terminated a relationship with a business because of poor customer service. The same research shows that younger people aged between 27-43 years are more willing to switch to a competitor.

Luckily, we’re here to help – here are some tips for successful customer interaction.

Be Friendly to Customers

Customers love to visit or deal with a business that makes them feel wanted and appreciated. It can never be emphasised enough the importance of ‘service with a smile’. From the support staff at the gate or door, they must be well trained to greet customers and usher them in.

The team at the front desk or, in the case of a restaurant, waiters need to address the customers in a polite manner and find out what they need. Regular customers love being addressed by name because it makes them feel appreciated at your establishment. In addition, it is easy for emotions to be felt through a phone call or an online message.

It is important to smile and be friendly when responding to customers over the phone or on social media.

Have Good Knowledge of Your Product or Service

As a business, it’s important to know the products and services offered in great detail. Customers prefer to deal with businesses that are confident in what they offer because being hesitant can imply to a customer that you may not be sure of what you sell.

Take staff through frequently asked questions that customers have as well as have frequent briefings on any changes or additions to stock or services the business offers.

Have a Loyalty Program in Place

When we hear the term ‘Loyalty Program’, we tend to think that it only means giving away freebies to customers. But there are many ways to acknowledge loyal customers.

To begin with, send ‘thank you’ messages or notes for any purchases or service they pick up with your business. You can also send out a special message and give a small discount or gift during customers’ birthdays or make great suggestions and offers for days such as anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and so on.

Businesses can have promos, discount vouchers and other goodies for regular customers to keep them coming. You can also offer discounts for any referrals they make to family and friends.

Ask for Feedback – And Act on It

A business will thrive as long as it keeps its client base happy and content. This is possible by allowing customers to offer feedback on products and services.

A business can have a physical feedback form, an online option like social media or even have a one-on-one chat with customers. Feedback can be positive or negative. If negative, be open to criticism and find out what suggestions the customer may have. If positive, be sure to give a hearty ‘Thank you’ and encourage them to visit again.

Make sure that all feedback is responded to quickly and effectively. There is nothing worse than a customer or client who feels that they have not been heard.

Once all this feedback is collected, business owners and their staff can check and see which suggestions can be implemented. A way to show a customer their feedback was taken up is to send them a message or even call them to inform them.

Train Your Staff and Make them Presentable

When hiring new staff, it’s important to take them through an orientation or probation period. It’s the time when they can learn about the company policies and how to interact with customers, whether live or on the phone and online. The business world changes constantly so this also means taking existing staff through frequent refresher training to learn of new technologies or changes to the business over time.

One of the ways that you can make your staff more appealing to customers is to give them presentable and eye-catching uniforms. This not only makes them look professional and approachable, but it also helps hygiene standards to be met.

Many businesses worry that buying uniforms is a costly affair, but that is now a thing of the past. You can contact Alsco for well-managed uniform rental services. Alsco offers quality uniforms for your staff and collects them for cleaning while delivering a new batch. Visit the Alsco website for an obligation-free quote.

Ensure Your Reputation is Intact

There are many ways that a business can keep its reputation intact. To begin with, ensure that the products or services offered are always available. Make sure that customers are aware of any products out of stock. You can provide a solution like contacting another company or store to make an order.

When customers order or buy something from your business, make sure that the correct amount, size or product has been packaged. In addition, make sure that it is well-packaged to minimise the damage – nobody wants to receive spilt food or a broken gift.

Finally, make sure that the feedback given to customers is quick and accurate. Falsified information or non-response to customers can hit your business once the word gets out there.

How Else Can A Business offer Great Customer Service?

There are a few other quick tips you can take advantage of to ensure you offer quality customer service to customers.

• Make sure that you deal with the customer in-store and don’t sideline them for a call-in customer. This may sound risky, but chances are that the customer in front of you is more ready to buy than the one on the phone.
• Be visible at your business when possible. Customers are sometimes more comfortable knowing that the owner or manager is accessible in-house. Be present when possible to interact with customers on a product, complaint or general inquiry.
• Always remember that the customer is always right – mostly. This means that you or the team shouldn’t argue or disagree with the customer when aggrieved. Try and deal with the situation in a calm, diplomatic manner.
• Always keep your customer care avenues open. Make sure your social media pages are up to date and that a representative is available to respond to customers. You can also make sure phone or text message lines are working, and inform customers via social media or email when these systems are down.
• In summary, communication is key.

5 Ways to Ensure You Keep Valuable Employees

Employees are the heartbeat of any company. This means that they must be well taken care of to stay loyal.

A new employee will join a company full of life and promise, but a company that takes care of its employees will ensure that they maintain that spirit.

One of the main reasons that employees tend to lose morale at work is disengagement by the management.

If employees feel that their supervisors do not engage them, they will over time start being absent, under-perform or leave the company.

This is a common problem everywhere and all that a company needs is to identify ways to keep the team intact.

Hire Team Leaders and Not Managers

It is important to note that a manager does exactly that – manage. It means that he or she is there to give directives and focus only on the bottom line. A team leader will take their team members by the hand and guide them. To keep valuable employees, have competent team leaders who will value and appreciate their team in the work environment.

People that only manage, shout orders and keep away from their team members can cause employees to either neglect their duties or resign. A company should consider looking for well-trained team leaders who will keep the team spirit up.

Offer Competitive Pay and Attractive Benefits

When new employees join a company, one of the main things that attract them is a good pay package and extra benefits. It is prudent for a company to have a favourable formula that gives staff a steady pay rise. This will ensure that you keep valuable employees. Aside from the basic pay, a good company will offer its team members suitable benefits. These include retirement benefits, access to loans or emergency funds among others.

Make sure that benefits are discussed from time to time to keep employees abreast of any changes to their terms of employment. Allow employees to connect with the management team often to discuss the remuneration framework.

Offer the Right Tools

To keep valuable employees, a company must provide the necessary tools and equipment. While it is obvious that new employees will receive the right tools and equipment to get started, many companies fail their teams when they do not upgrade systems or replace equipment as needed.

For example, slow and dated payment systems can be frustrating to not only employees but also to customers. A company must keep updating working systems to ensure a seamless working experience. Another example is employee uniforms, where applicable. Time and fashion will overtake a company if it keeps using old uniforms which can give the company a less impressive appearance and hygiene record. Companies like Alsco offer a Managed Uniform Rental Service. Alsco picks up the dirty uniforms from your company and replaces them with crisp, clean ones. Contact Alsco’s New Zealand office and get a free quote. Check out more about their services online.

Invest in Regular Training

When it comes to employee training, it goes beyond getting a trainer to come in and take them through presentations. The company can have regular team sessions to discuss their projects over a period of time, with their peers offering alternative or complementary solutions and pointers. This is an inexpensive and effective form of training.

Another type of training usually available is done off-site (like a retreat or out-of-town trip). Companies should consider taking valuable employees on such training sessions or forums because it can also be an excuse to give employees a mini-vacation. Companies should not shy away from these types of training as employees will return rejuvenated and set for work.

Companies can connect with organisations like the Restaurant Association of New Zealand. They have a 24/7 Helpline staffed by legally-trained experts who help members with issues like employment relations and licensing regulations among others. Companies can encourage employees to join such platforms to get some mentoring as well as get information and resources such as relevant research.

Have Friendly Competitions and Rewards

Depending on company resources, it is a great idea to have friendly competition in-house and perks or rewards. It is untrue that rewards are usually costly and there are low-cost rewards that a company can look into.

One of the most appreciated perks in any company is a bonus. This can come in regular intervals across the year, as a reward to top-performing staff or at the end of the year. Companies must ensure that the bonus system is fair across the board as hefty bonuses for management while the rest of the staff receive minimal bonuses is rather demoralising.

Another type of perk is flexible working hours. Companies offering flexible shifts for employees perform better because the staff is able to work around their life obligations. Also, flexible hours means giving staff a chance to make up for lost hours in the case of an emergency or unavoidable circumstances.

Friendly competition on factors like perfect attendance record, hitting or exceeding targets in record time and teamwork can get the employees giving their best in the workplace. Ensure that the competition is fair and transparent to keep them interested in a great performance. Make sure that the rewards are given in good time.

Finally, acknowledge special occasions in the office. Birthdays, anniversaries and completion of a training course are some of the special days companies can celebrate. It is also a good gesture to stand with a bereaved colleague or support them during memorials. These can be done in the office with some cake and drinks or during an off-site retreat.

What Other Perks Can a Company Offer Valuable Employees?

There are many perks, according to research by Seek, that can go a long way in keeping valuable employees.

• Have a relaxation zone in the office. This can be a lounge, a games corner or a play area where employees can unwind after a long day or during a hectic project.
• Give employees time to work from home; some companies do not see the importance of giving employees the opportunity to work out of the office for projects that can be done remotely. This can increase productivity and also gives employees a chance to relax between hectic periods at work.
• Give some freebies once in a while. A company can offer movie tickets to a much-anticipated blockbuster, lunch or dinner vouchers and special event passes. Small perks like these will motivate the team and ensure valuable employees are retained.

Photo courtesy of Freepik by @pressfoto

How to Successfully Onboard New Employees

Any company will be proud to onboard new employees because it means that the business is growing.

The same dedication put into hiring new employees should be put into helping them gel with the existing team.

Research by Glassdoor shows that a company with a good onboarding process will experience new employee retention by 82% and productivity by 70% on average.

There are a number of ways to successfully onboard new employees.

Have an Orientation Period

Orientation is when the company will take the time to train and integrate a new employee into the business. It can take anything from a few days to a few weeks. This is the time when a company will conduct training, induction sessions and the necessary procedures to ensure the new employee is ready to join the team. New staff should make sure they leave the HR office satisfied with all the information and tools provided to hit the ground running.

Allow New Employees to Shadow Team Members

A way that new employees can effectively enter into a new team is through shadowing. This means that the new employee will follow and interact closely with a team member or an immediate supervisor. Shadowing makes sure that the new employee has a grasp of their daily expectations and tasks.

Issue the Right Tools and Equipment

When a new employee joins a company, he or she will be issued with tools for the job. The first thing is to get access or credentials, which includes biometric details, staff ID and so on. Another thing that a new employee may be issued is a company uniform. Companies can make use of Managed Uniform Rental Services. Alsco New Zealand has such services where they will collect any dirty uniforms and replace them promptly with fresh, clean ones. Contact Alsco for a free quote and you can learn more about the services.

Communicate the Company Policies in Detail

Companies have different policies in place and it is important that these are clearly communicated to all new staff. To begin with, create a detailed employee handbook that highlights all that is required of staff members while at work. The handbook also needs to highlight issues such as working hours, vacation time, rules and also the health and wellness policy.

A health and wellness policy can differ for various companies but it mostly highlights how the company will take care of the wellness of employees. This can include meals, a gym or free time to exercise, offering counselling to staff and also the hygiene systems in place in areas such as the bathrooms. There must be a system in place to effectively take care of washroom hygiene. Companies such as Alsco will offer washroom hygiene, odour control, hand washing & drying as well as deep cleaning. Contact the New Zealand office for an obligation-free quote. Visit the Alsco NZ site for more details.

Engage New Employees in Regular One-On-One Sessions

For the first few months after a new employee joins a company, it is important to stay in close communication with him or her. Set aside a few minutes a day or week to connect with new employees and find out their experience so far. Ensure that the session is as open as possible so they can share suggestions and feedback.

These sessions are also important because they will allow team leaders to share any challenges or errors noticed while on duty. It should not be treated as a dress-down session but more like a mentoring meeting. This will give new employees the confidence to perform their designated duties and become a part of the team.

Make Sure New Staff Meet the Company Owner or CEO

A new employee should not be made to feel like the company owner or boss is out of reach. It is important for a company to ensure that the person in charge meets all new employees as they join. This can be done either through a staff meeting or during a more relaxed session like lunch. The employee will be able to ask questions and also hear from the horse’s mouth what the company expects from its staff members. This is also the time new staff can find out about the company’s strategy and goals in order to see where they fit in.

Celebrate the New Staff

This can be through a special breakfast, cake, dinner or party. This is a more relaxed environment for new staff to network and introduce themselves to the other employees. They can be gifted with an introductory goodie bag containing a branded coffee mug or stationery. It’s almost guaranteed that the new staff will report to work the next day ready to gel with the rest of the team.

What to Remember When Onboarding New Employees

When onboarding new employees, it is important to remember a few things.

• Remember to assign a ‘work buddy’ to the new employee. This is someone, especially from the same department or role, who can show the new employee around. This takes the pressure off of learning office rules and regulations.
• Introduce new employees to the office culture. This means showing them how the office works, aside from the HR policies. Things like lunch breaks, welcome coffee or drinks, respect for team members’ space and general rules that are adhered to are part of what makes up office culture.
• Remember to run the new staff through the set safety rules. It’s not just earthquakes and fires that pose a danger to employees. In recent years, there have been several terrorist attacks around the world, even in New Zealand. Now more than ever, show new employees the safety guidelines. One way to train them is to run a drill shortly after joining the company.
• Refrain from office gossip. Existing staff in some companies may be tempted to whisper in new employees’ ears about that difficult colleague or strict manager. This can give way to a new employee being biased against the discussed team member. Ensure that new staff are given a chance to study the rest of the team for themselves.
• Help new team members to set up. This can be from office email, registration to work portals, organisation of their workspace and so on. This is a subtle way of making new team members feel welcome in the office.
• Onboarding new staff is not an overnight affair. Team leaders and other employees must be accommodating to the new member and remember that it takes time to fully grasp a new environment. Give new staff a chance to ask questions and offer feedback as they go along.

Photo courtesy of Freepik by @yanalya

How 10 Great Companies Picked Their Unique Names

Company names are so much more than just letters and a logo. A good name captures the very spirit of a brand and makes it memorable.

We are accustomed to famous brand names like Google, Starbucks and Apple. We rarely put much thought into their history or how they became the giants they are today, let alone how they came to be known by those names.

There’s little doubt many that there are many ways that companies choose their names. But, there are some extraordinary stories of how some famous brands ended up with theirs.

Google – From Typo to Tech Giant

Thanks to an error during a domain search, Google was born. There is more to the story – it was first called BackRub by the founders who then thought of calling it GoogolPlex. Googol is 10 to the power of 100, while GoogolPlex is 10 to the power of Googol. The founders’ friend, Sean, was tasked with searching for the domain googol.com and instead typed google.com. Now you know how Google came about, and we have Sean to thank.

Apple – Because Fruit Isn’t Scary

Steve Jobs hadn’t talked for a long time about how the name Apple came about. In his biography by Walter Isaacson, he revealed that Apple was named after one of the fruitarian diets that he was on at the time. He had just returned from an apple farm visit and felt that the name Apple was ‘fun, spirited and not intimidating’.

Lego – A Play On Words

The world’s top game maker’s name came from an interesting background. The founder of LEGO, Kirk Christiansen, took the first two letters from the Danish words ‘ LEG GODT’ which means ‘I Play Well’ and LEGO was born. But Kirk wasn’t aware at the time that LEGO is also Latin for ‘I Put Together’, making it the perfect name for this toy.

Nike – So Much Cooler Than Dimension Six

One of the world’s top sports brand was named after Nike, the goddess of Victory. It nearly got another name, Nike was almost called Dimension Six, allegedly because the CEO, Phil Knight, was a fan of the band The 5th Dimension. When the name Nike was floated, Knight did not like it and said they would test it out for a little while. We’re glad the name stuck.

Amazon – Because There’s No Confusing it With a Dead Body

Jeff Bezos initially wanted to call Amazon Cadabra.com, from the magical chant ‘Abracadabra’. He then got worried that people would mispronounce this to Cadaver.com. He then wanted to name the company with a brand name starting with the letter A, such as Aard.com so as to be at the top of website listings. He then settled on Amazon.com – but he still has Cadabra.com registered.

Spotify – That’s Not What I Heard

One of the world’s top music streaming sites has its origins in Stockholm, Sweden. The founders were sitting around discussing suggestions when one of the suggestions was misheard as ‘Spotify’. They took the name and quickly registered. As the brand grew, the new narrative changed to the fact that Spotify is derived from the words ‘Spot’ and ‘Identify’.

Virgin – Because It’s All New To Us

Sir Richard Branson believes that a great name is a difference between success and failure when it comes to business. Sir Branson and his friends were sitting around thinking up names for their music company, and names like Slipped Disk record came up. They finally settled on Virgin because they were all new to the world of business. The name Virgin has its tentacles in various businesses, including the airline industry.

Coca-Cola – Because War Is Hell

Former army doctor and father of the most famous soft drink in the world, John Pemberton wanted to make his life better after a war injury had him addicted to Morphine. He came up with a carbonated drink made of coca leaves and kola nuts and sold it for 5 cents. His partner, Frank Robinson suggested the name Coca Kola after the 2 main ingredients, but Pemberton changed the K in Kola to a C, because he felt it had a nicer ring to it.

Volkswagen – Because Hitler Said So

Adolf Hitler asked Porsche founder, Ferdinand Porsche, to create a budget family vehicle that could be used by the German people. The Volkswagen Beetle was then manufactured and used during World War II until its original factory was destroyed in the war. Volkswagen basically means ‘the people’s car’ and mass production only started after the war.

Starbucks – Just Call Me Ishmael

This is a company whose name was inspired by a literary classic, Moby Dick. In the book, the whale-ship Pequod’s first mate was called Starbuck. The company was started by three men, one of them being a writer. He looked at an old mining map and saw Starbo, a town in the map. Reminding him of Starbuck from Moby Dick, he felt the name suited their coffee shop. They added the ‘s’ at the end and the rest is caffeinated history.

How to Come Up with A Business Name

These top companies went through different journeys to come to the brand name they are known by today. There are a few tips to try out when coming up with the next potential big company name.

• Abbreviations: It can be abbreviations of the company founder’s names or of the core of the company’s business, or pretty much anything that you feel would sound great when abbreviated. Make sure that the abbreviations are within the type of business you’re going into.
• Your Name: There are many companies globally that have made it named after the founders. There are those that are named after a parent, a child or a sibling. Using a personal name gives the company a more personal feel.
• Foreign Languages: Based off this list, it’s clear that many people used foreign languages to inspire their business names. When taking this route, make sure that you do thorough research and see if the translation will be in line with your field of work.
• Mythology and Culture: Like Nike and Starbucks, you can be inspired by art, literature, history and mythology. This will give your company an exotic and historical name.
• Name Mash-up: Companies like Lego, Groupon and Compaq are some of the big brand names that were inspired by a mash-up of names, or Portmanteau. It can be a mix of the founder’s name or a combination of words relevant to your business.
• Company Description or Logo: 7-Eleven is a global brand whose name was inspired by the logo and by the main description of the company. Just by looking at the logo, you immediately know the name and brand of the business, which opens from 7 am to 11 pm. Think about getting inspiration from your company logo or what the business is all about, and you may be the next big company name.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons by Sebastian Bergmann

9 Gigantic Companies That Provide The Most Amazing Perks

For the most of us, happiness that our workplace provides can be summed up to a few things.

Those are pleasant workplace with proper lightning, soothing atmosphere, clean and fresh restrooms, and some basic appliances.

Other than this, we usually don’t expect too much from companies where we work as long as we’re well paid. Many of us are satisfied with sick leaves and a yearly vacation.

But what you probably didn’t know is that there are companies that are glad to give new parents a year off.

It’s a whole year and fully paid, too. If that didn’t get you thinking, we’ve found 9 companies that provide the world’s best perks (based on Glassdoor surveys).

1. Netflix

Netflix is already quite loved among people who like to burn their whole weekend off. They also received a pretty high rating on Glassdoor. The TV-streaming company earned that by offering one year paid leaves to all new mums and dads. People still have the option to work full-time or part time during that time. Even so, they can always go back to their time out if they need it.

2. Spotify

One of the most popular streaming services, this time for music, and also another company that’s kind towards new parents. Their offer is half of Netflix’s – six months of paid parental leave. But, parents are also given lots of flexibility when it comes to their work options when they come back. On top of that, Spotify cover the costs for fertility assistance in case it’s needed.

3. The World Wildlife Fund

If you’re working for a non-profit organisation, you probably don’t expect too many perks since they mostly rely on external funding. The WWF is not an exception. However, in order to compensate, they give every other Friday off. So-called “Panda Fridays” may not seem like much. But, anyone who endures a week full of stress can definitely tell you that those extended weekends twice a month are very well appreciated.

4. Salesforce

Despite not being a non-profit, this software giant will melt your heart. Their employees get six days out of a year, the time they can spend volunteering for the charity of their choice – and all the expenses are covered by the company. This helps spread the spirit of giving among Salesforce’s employees. On top of that, Salesforce also grants their employees more than USD 1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.

5. Airbnb

It’s said that you have to understand how a company works in order to work more efficiently. Employees of Airbnb have this unique opportunity to experience the way their company operates. Airbnb gives USD 2,000 annually to their workers to let them travel anywhere in the world. The only condition for their immense generosity is that employees use Airbnb to find accommodation. A negligible price to pay for such a great opportunity.

6. PWC

PWC is an assurance, audit, consulting, and tax service company. They are well known for providing efficient support for one of the US’s biggest economic problems – student debt. Their employees get a USD 1,200 as a part of their student loan debt reimbursement program. This proved to be very effective in relieving most employees from this heavy burden.

7. Twitter

This social media giant doesn’t slack on perks, despite all the perceived problems it has. For one, their employees have three meals per day for free. This definitely helps with expense management. Besides that, the employees get on-site acupuncture to help them fight off stress. On top of everything, they offer improv classes, if this happens to be your thing.

8. The Walt Disney Company

No wonder that the happiest place in the world would also be the happiest place for its employees! Discounts on Disney merchandise and discounts on hotel accommodations are not everything this company offers. Their employees also get free entrance for the park they work in. This may not seem as much, but they got high ratings on Glassdoor (at 4.0)!

9. Facebook

Without any doubt, Facebook is one of the biggest tech companies today. This dominant social media company is very kind to their employees who are moms and dads. Aside from the obvious leave time, they offer their employees “Baby Cash” up to an amount of USD 4,000. Indubitably, this is a lot of money which goes a long way when it comes to the costs that come with a baby.

If you’re a company that pushes towards some employee perks, but is not able to go as far as these 9, then Alsco is here to help you.

We provide many different packages and products that offer added benefits of comfort and better health. We can help you decide which ones are the most suitable for your employees and their needs.

For one, Alsco can make your workplace safer, healthier and greener. People won’t take these perks so lightly, especially if they spend most of their time inside the office.

Photo courtesy of Flickr Images by Jeramey Jannene

4 Ways To Keep Your Washroom Clean And Safe

The importance of washroom hygiene is often neglected although it is one of the most used places in almost every office.

There are numerous benefits of a hygienically clean washroom. It prevents harmful germs and bacteria from spreading to other areas of the workplace, but it also boosts staff morale and saves the fabric of the building. It also affects attendance numbers and reduces ongoing running costs.

Some reports show that if employers invest money in hygienic workplace facilities, they will have the advantage of a reduction in absenteeism and an increase in productivity.

Employees should not be forced to tolerate poor hygienic conditions in their office washroom. That gives a whole lot of bacteria a chance to spread and thrive.

Here are 4 ideas of how you can keep that washroom safe and clean.

1. Hand Sanitation Is Top Priority

The most common means of bacterial transmittance is through unwashed, dirty hands. A bar of soap on the sink is usually enough, but it can easily slip and end up on the floor.

Also, it can never remain completely sanitary because it passes through too many hands. This is why dispensers are a better option as they ensure controlled releases and better hygiene since the product itself isn’t in direct contact with all the users.

At Alsco, we offer manual and automatic dispensers depending on the need for convenience. We also offer hand sanitizers that kill 99.99% of bacteria and ensure your workspaces are kept safe and hygienic.

All of these are customizable to the specific needs of your company. These can also be complemented by dryers and paper towel dispensers to your full satisfaction.

2. Clean The Loo

Everybody spends a whole lot of time on it and that’s why it is extremely important to regularly check its state.

Anyone sitting on it can easily transfer bacteria to the next person if it isn’t regularly and properly cleaned up. It is also crucial to take into account the safety of your employees as well so make sure to check those hinges on a regular basis.

Providing disposable seat covers is an excellent idea in ensuring that your employees are protected from possible bacteria transmittance. It’s surely no replacement for a thorough cleaning because there’s always more than meets the eye, but it adds to the overall safety.

Make sure to install a hand sanitizer dispenser at the most convenient spot in the washroom so your employees can easily and immediately clean their hands.

3. Control The Smells And Odours

Although odour control might not seem as important as keeping your washroom clean and safe, trust us that it can make a difference between a great experience and a bad one.

Odour control is definitely something you should consider as a clean and fresh-smelling washroom can have a positive impact on your employees, as well as your visitors.

With Also’s Odour Control products, you deal with odour problems efficiently. Our air fresheners are wall-mounted and use natural, biodegradable ingredients. They automatically release scent at intervals and are designed to last longer

Our auto sanitisers don’t just freshen your washroom. They are also highly effective at getting rid of harmful germs. Digital system ensures that germs and bacteria are wiped out 24/7.

4. Don’t Forget About The Safety

Slippages can be a very serious threat to safety. Spilt water, a freshly mopped floor, and just the wrong kind of shoes can endanger a non-careful employee. This can lead to serious injuries if proper precautions aren’t taken.

It is important to know that investing in safety precautions doesn’t have to be expensive. At Alsco we offer you our Managed Floor Mat Rental at affordable prices. Plus we include the cleaning and delivery in the cost.

Our mats are made from highly resistant materials. These have been proven to be able to absorb up to 80% of dirt and dust. They can either repel or absorb a decent quantity ensuring cleanliness and safety.

It is worthwhile investing in even little things when it comes to keeping your washroom clean and safe. This will not only ensure a comfortable employee experience, but it will also keep you far from harm.

For many years, Alsco has been a reliable provider of a wide range of high-end services and products to meet the needs of many businesses across a wide range of industries.

Our services and prices are fully customized so we can be sure that all your needs are met.

Call us today and we will help you choose the best plans and packages that most adequately satisfy your company’s needs.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Images by Hstoeffler

7 Great Tips For Providing Healthy Working Environment

Long working hours, tight deadlines, and ever-growing demands can lead to stress that can greatly affect your employees’ health.

Add to this strict procedures, demanding bosses, or commuting. It is easy to see how these can take a toll on your employees.

It’s also hardly surprising that all of these lead to health problems, such as back pains, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels.

Of course, there are a lot of benefits to office work as well.

Paycheck is stable, you get to work in teams of great colleagues, and many businesses have additional perks that make it worth the ride.

New Zealanders have the reputation for working hard, and comparing how long they work each week to people in other countries proves this. They are working more weekly full-time hours (43.3) than people in Australia (42.6) or in the UK (42.7).

With so many hours spent at work, it is understandable why you as an employer should keep your employees’ health and safety in the forefront. Here are 7 ideas how to make your workplace a healthier and happier place.

1. Encourage Bring-Your-Own Lunches

At work, we are usually too busy to think about what to eat. More often than not, that means we will turn to fast food as an easy and convenient option. But, unhealthy too.

Encouraging employees to prepare their own meals forces them to think about what they eat and choose healthier options.

Additionally, if they already have a ready meal at their desks, this will reduce the stress of having to go out to buy a meal in the middle of a busy day and leave more time for a rush-free meal.

2. Invest In Healthy Snacks

Many employees use snacking as a way to reduce stress at work. Others do it out of boredom because they cannot stand doing nothing, and chewing gives them a sense of taking action.

Unfortunately, this usually means reaching out for a bag of crisps or candy bars. Neither one is particularly good for the body.

Stock your pantry with a bag of almonds, fresh fruits, or maybe even some celery with a tasty dip.

Although some might not appreciate these healthy snacks, they will not be able to turn them down because they are totally free.

3. Light(en) Up Their Lives

Or, should we say, let the sunshine in! Forget about the old misguided idea that artificial light is better than natural light when it comes to illuminating offices. Forget about windowless offices that nobody wants to be stuck in for eight or more hours. Encourage greater use of natural lighting whether by installing full walls of windows or installing skylights, for example.

Of course, make sure you take into account possible glare and a change of indoor temperature. What you really need is a well-designed office that will best meet your employees’ health needs without hurting their comfort.

4. Make Room For Exercise

Nowadays, many companies offer free gym membership to their employees. After all, many are those who want to exercise, but few are those willing to invest time and money into it. But, since offered gym memberships are out of the office, people won’t always take advantage of it.

That’s why it’s a great idea to install a small gym or yoga room, or even host events. Regular exercise with occasional special events, such as Zumba or Salsa Nights will definitely contribute to your employees’ health, but also to the sense of community.

5. Take That Meeting Outside

It’s simple and it costs nothing. No fancy yoga pants, or expensive gym equipment. But it counts as exercise and encourages creative thinking.

Small walking meetings work best as bigger groups are more difficult to manage and might end up as a waste of time. They are perfect for brainstorming new ideas and processes, but not for going through your company’s sales figures.

Not only are these meetings a great change of pace and scenery for your employees, but they also allow them to stretch their legs.

The change of environment also encourages greater openness. It draws people away from the restrictive, entirely professional confines of office spaces.

6. Create Varied Work Areas

Sitting all day in your office is slowly but surely killing you. Think of it as a modern version of smoking. It affects your back, heart, blood flow, as well as the entire cardiovascular system.

That’s why it is important to provide varied work zones that give your employees different options.

Standing-room-only lofts let them ease the strain on their backs. A pod and couch area allows them to relax a little and take a breather. This will not promote laziness, as many think, but will actually encourage freedom of work movement.

7. Invest In A Clean Office

Last but not the least, investing in cleanliness and hygiene of your workplace is one of the best ways to keep it healthy. That especially holds true for your office washrooms. With Alsco’s Hygiene Systems, you have the perfect option for washroom sanitation.

Our Odour Control System is designed to dispense subtle fragrances on a regular schedule, that keep your washroom fresh. The Hand Care Programme includes high-end products that are effective in getting rid of dirt and potentially harmful microbes.

If you add to this safety and first aid options, you’re sure to keep your employees well and healthy.

At Alsco, it is our priority to help you meet your employees’ many needs. For many years, we have been providing businesses in New Zealand with quality products and services to help improve their workplaces and their employees’ lives.

We aim at ensuring a healthy and productive working environment. One of the ways to achieve this goal is by using sanitation products for the most sensitive areas of your office space. Contact us so we can work out the best plan and offer products specifically customised for your needs.

Call us today and we will do our best to help you get your workplace in shape.

Why Is First Aid Kit Important?

Appropriately stocked workplace first aid kit is important for the health and safety of your employees. Its importance is in the fact that it offers the suitable supplies needed to treat the injury that has been sustained or to offer initial treatment that buys the time until the patient can reach the nearest medical facility.

For this to happen, the first aid kits need to be properly stocked, placed in locations that increase their visibility and clearly marked by signs and posters. Also, your employees need to be informed about the location and the contents of the first aid kits.

Maintaining the first aid kit requires regular checks to see if the cabinet is working properly and can easily be opened. All the perishable supplies need to be checked and replaced before their expiry date.

Alsco New Zealand rented first aid kits don’t need your attention in this way. Once you rent them, all the stocking and restocking is done by us. Rent your workplace first aid kits from Alsco NZ.

There are other reasons why an appropriate workplace first aid kit is important. These include:

1. Enables self-help  – In some situations, a person that sustains an injury is alone. There is nobody around and they have no contact with the first aiders. In that situation, the first course of action is the self-help, so the patient can be well enough to seek proper treatment.The well-stocked first aid kits are essential in those situations. Something like this usually occurs when the person is driving or works in a remote workplace with difficult access.
2. Helps prevent excessive blood loss – Excessive bleeding is extremely dangerous. Significant blood loss can lead to unconsciousness, shock and eventually can be fatal. That is why it is important to dress the open wound as soon as possible.If the wound requires stitching, it should be done by professionals. However, the first aid kits have everything needed for the blood loss to be slowed down so that there is enough time for the professional medical personnel to administer advanced medical assistance.
3. Facilitates everyday work – There will always be small injuries at work. Restaurant workers, for example, will often cut or burn themselves. If there is no first aid kit to quickly solve that minor setback, the employee will not be able to continue working with food.That is why your first aid kit needs to have adhesive dressings available in different sizes and shapes, so they can help sanitise those cuts and other minor workplace injuries.
4. Prevents liability – According to the Health and Safety at Work Regulations it is employer’s duty to provide first aid facilities and the first aiders. The law says that there has to be first aid equipment in the workplace and that it has to be accessible for all employees.
5. Demonstrates care for the employees – By boosting the first aid efforts and going well above the minimum legal requirements for the first aid, you are sending the message to the employees that you genuinely care about their workplace being. Saving on security and workplace safety doesn’t yield a healthy workplace environment and doesn’t send a positive message to the employees. Therefore, show that you care and ensure the best possible first aid kits.
6. Boosts workplace morale – When employees know that their safety is the priority in the workplace, they feel more comfortable working in such an environment. That is the message that is being sent by positioning the first aid kits and AEDs in appropriate places. Additionally, first aid courses and training bring people closer to each other and boost the sense of team spirit and empathy. This can be introduced by offering your employees training about how to use the first aid kits.
7. Saves time and money – Yes, you should not save money when it comes to safety. However, there are situations that can be solved equally well in one way or another. Minor cuts and injuries are such situations. Going to the ER for a minor cut or scrape, just because there is no proper wound dressing in the facilities means waiting healthcare money and time. Having a first aid kit available and treating such minor wound quickly.
8. Buys the time in case of emergency –  Ideally, at the moment the injury occurs, there is medical personnel to provide assistance. However, that is rarely the case, especially in the workplace. Unfortunately, the injuries and the emergencies don’t wait for anybody. The first aid kits supplies make it possible to provide a “good enough” treatment instantly which allows the patient to wait until the ambulance arrives.
9. Prevents the escalation of the injury – Bleeding out means that the injury will only get worse. It can even have fatal results. Open wounds will get infected if not treated properly. The same goes for serious cuts and grazes. That is why first aid kits help you contain and minimise the negative effects of workplace injuries.

When First Aid Is Needed?

First aid is needed in a wide range of situations that go from minor cut and bruises to the serious instances of threatening open wounds and illnesses. Some of these situations include:

• Cuts, grazes and scrapes
• Joint dislocations, twists and injuries
• Hits and bumps
• Loss of consciousness and collapses
• Open wounds and blood loss
• Burns and cold injuries

There are other situations in which the first aid is appropriate. Whenever there is a situation that can be helped with an item from the first aid kit, it is the time to use it. However, this means that the first aid kits need to be restocked after every such situation.

Alsco New Zealand takes that weight off your shoulders, as our rental service includes regular stocking and restocking of the first aid supplies.

We install the first aid kits you rent from us, but that is not the end of our work. We will come to check if they are properly stocked and if the cabinets are operational. We will take care of the expired supplies and replace them with the fresh ones which makes your first aid kit usable.

Contact Alsco New Zealand and be prepared for all first aid emergencies.

Photo courtesy of Freepik