During the early stages of this evolution, businesses came to the realization that the classic office designs were no longer fit for the new and independent-minded employee. Everything from flexible coworking space in Dublin, California, to international business hubs is being conceptualized with new ecosystems in mind, as opposed to traditional office settings that include workstations and cubicles. 

The Rise of Modern Workspaces

Today’s work environments are built around the theme of adaptability. This is because the truth about the modern workforce is that they don’t work the same way. Some need an isolated area where they can work in peace, while others need an area where they can interact with each other. 

Typical characteristics of a contemporary working environment include: 

• Flexible layouts that can be reconfigured easily 
• Technology-driven infrastructure for seamless connectivity 
• A balance between collaborative workspaces and private areas 

Such spaces are no longer just work venues; they have been transformed into creative, efficient, and satisfying work environments.  

Read: Why Mobile App Performance Matters More Than Feature Count

Embracing Flexible Office Spaces 

One of the key characteristics associated with modern work environments is flexibility. Flexible workspaces help businesses expand and contract quickly and easily, and thus work best for new businesses, growing businesses, and established businesses. 

The benefits of flexible office space include: 

• Lowered overheads and operating expenses 
• Freedom in adapting space according to team size 
• Shorter lease tenures and better amenities 

Through flexibility, an organization can quickly adapt to market changes and still be able to create a professional and productive environment. 

Supporting Hybrid Work Environments 

The demand for hybrid work has altered the use of offices today. People share their time between home and office, and their workspace must enable collaboration both in person and virtually. 

Modern offices are adapting to this by: 

• It includes video conferencing and smart conference rooms 
• Provisions in cloud-based collaborative tools 
• Ensuring consistent digital access across locations 

It keeps employees connected and productive, no matter where they work. 

Employee-Centric Workspace Design 

One of the biggest changes in office design has been the emergence of employee-focused office design. Instead of just optimizing office space, companies today prioritize comfort, health, and engagement. 

Characteristics of employee-centric design include the following: 

• Ergonomic furniture and convertible workstations 
• Natural lighting and biophilic design elements 
• Relaxation/breakout areas for collaborative working 

When employees feel comfortable and valued, productivity and employee retention will increase. 

The Role of Collaborative Workspaces 

Although flexibility and concentration are imperative elements in this context, the most imperative thing is teamwork. This is achieved through collaborative environments that are intended to stimulate the pool of innovative thoughts and the need to work together without interfering with each other’s work. 

Such environments may have the following: 

• Open lounges & brainstorming spaces 
• Casual seating arrangements 
• Writeable walls and interactive displays 

By creating a culture of teamwork and shared learning, businesses can solve problems and be more creative faster. 

Remote Work Support as a Standard 

The expectation now is that remote work is not a temporary trend, but rather a permanent feature of modern work culture. In fact, effective support of remote work has become a critical component of future-ready offices. 

Modern workspace improves the functionality of a remote team by: 

• Safe and secure IT infrastructure. 
• Integrated communication platforms 
• Flexible scheduling and hot-desking options 

This ensures that remote and in-office employees experience the same level of support and inclusion. 

How Workplace Flexibility Shapes the Future 

Workplace flexibility is not just about where people work, but how they work. Offices that offer choice and autonomy empower employees to perform at their best. 

The table below highlights how flexible features impact modern workspaces: 

This alignment between employee needs and business goals defines truly future-ready offices. 

Technology as the Backbone of Modern Offices 

Technology plays an integral role in facilitating modern workspaces. From smart access systems to artificial intelligence scheduling systems, offices are slowly getting smarter and smarter. 

Examples of common integrations in tech include: 

• Smart lighting and climate control 
• Digital room booking systems 
• High-speed, secure connectivity 

All these innovations work to ensure that a conducive environment is created at work for productivity and not friction. 

Preparing for the Future of Work 

Because work continues to transform, the office must adapt too. A future-proof office can scale up along with the organization, keeping up with new kinds of work, innovations, and the people who are involved. 

Firms that spend on the modern work environment will enjoy the following: 

• Better talent attraction & retention 
• Having a stronger company culture 
• Increased operational resiliency 

By adopting a proactive strategy, organizations are poised for success in the long run. 

Concluding Thoughts 

Contemporary workplaces are no longer luxuries but necessities for companies that wish to keep pace in the competitive environment. Through embracing flexible workplaces, hybrid work environments, and employee-centered design, companies can design environments that foster both productivity and well-being. 

Indeed, for any organization seeking to elevate its workspace solution, Dublin Technology Center’s luxurious office spaces and team rooms for lease are an ideal place to be. With well-structured and future-capable office spaces, an organization is able to satisfy its employees while developing a strong foundation for success.

Author’s Bio:

Mateo Gonzalez is a workspace solutions specialist at Dublin Technology Centre Workspaces, where he helps startups and growing businesses find the right flexible office solutions, including coworking spaces, private offices, and dedicated workspaces.

The post How Workspaces Are Adapting to the Needs of Modern Workers appeared first on Highlight Story.

Let us look into some of the most common asked questions around inline water filters to know them better!

What is an inline water filter, and how does it enhance your drinking water?

The inline water filters are made to eliminate impurities, providing safe and clean drinking water for you & your family. They usually employ a mixture of physical filtration, chemical adsorption, and sometimes even ion exchange to eliminate impurities like sediment, chlorine, lead, and other harmful substances.  An inline water filter is essential for a waterfront home in South Florida to address common issues like chlorine taste and sediment, ensuring a cleaner and healthier water supply throughout the entire residence. This improves the taste and smell of your water, making it safer and more delightful to drink. 

Do Inline Water Filters work well against the usual contaminants?

Yes, inline water filters are efficient against the majority of the contaminants found in tap water. They can eliminate sediment, chlorine, lead, bacteria, and other impurities, depending on the filter model and its efficiency. Besides, some filters are also made to eliminate the particular pollutants like fluoride or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which gives another layer of protection. The effects of air and water pollution necessitate the use of an inline water filter to mitigate contaminants and ensure safer drinking water.

What are the advantages of the installation of an inline water filter?

Inline water filter installation provides numerous advantages. These water filters remove harmful substances from your drinking water, making it safe to fulfill your hydration needs. Besides, a filter can also prolong the life of your appliances like refrigerators and ice makers by decreasing the amount of sediment and scale that accumulates on them. 

Is it possible for an Inline Water Filter to get rid of Chlorine from your water? 

Certainly, many inline water filters are designed to eliminate chlorine from your water. Chlorine, which is commonly used as a disinfectant in tap water, can leave a strong odour and taste. By the use of an inline filter with activated carbon, chlorine can be effectively removed. 

What are the maintenance activities that are necessary for an inline water filter?

The inline water filters need regular maintenance in order to guarantee the best performance. This usually implies that the filter cartridge should be changed as per the manufacturer’s instructions, which may differ depending on the filter type and usage. Besides, it is also necessary to flush the filter from time to time to get rid of any accumulated sediment or debris. 

What is the working of an inline water filter with refrigerators? 

The inline water filters can be installed in line with the water supply to your refrigerator, which will provide filtered water for your ice maker and water dispenser. The filter is usually put behind the refrigerator, either under the sink or in the basement. It is connected to the existing water line and filters the water as it flows to the refrigerator. Thus, you have clean, filtered water at your disposal anytime. 

Do Inline Water Filters have a positive environmental impact? 

Certainly, inline water filters are regarded as eco-friendly. Whereas bottled water creates plastic waste, inline filters can be used for a long time before they need to be replaced. Besides, they also cut down on the use of plastic water bottles. This in turn contributes to minimizing the environmental impact.  

What is the duration of the installation of an inline water filter? 

The process of installing an inline water filter is simple and requires a few steps to complete. Initially, you will have to turn off the water supply to the place where you are going to put the filter. After that, you will have to cut the water line and set up the filter as directed by the manufacturer. The inline water filter system, enhanced by a digital water flow meter, provides precise real-time data on water consumption and filter longevity. Last but not least, you’ll have to flush the filter to eliminate the air bubbles or the loose particles. The whole thing usually takes less than an hour. 

Is it possible for an Inline Water Filter to diminish the scale formation?

Indeed, inline water filters can be of great assistance in the reduction of scale build-up in your appliances, such as coffee makers, kettles, and dishwashers. Inline filters clear the sediment and other impurities from water, preventing the formation of scale, which, in turn, prolongs the life of your appliances and enhances their performance. 

Final Words! 

In a nutshell, an inline water filter is a worthwhile expenditure for enhancing the quality of your drinking water. By eliminating contaminants, improving taste and odour, and preventing scale build-up, an inline filter can give you clean, safe water for drinking and cooking. Think about getting a water filter today to enjoy the advantages of filtered water in your home.

Author’s Bio:

I am Henrii Joy, a professional guest blogger and content writer at Pure Water Freedom. From product descriptions to technical articles and SEO content, I have honed my skills in delivering engaging and optimized written materials.

The post Are you wondering if an Inline Water Filter is the perfect fit for you? Find Out Now! appeared first on Highlight Story.

Learn to assess and diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. These AGACNP online programs will prepare you to take the national certification exam and pursue an advanced nursing career.

Bachelor’s to MSN

The Bachelor’s to MSN program offers registered nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree the opportunity to earn an MSN with concentrations in acute care nursing. While there aren’t many BSN programs online directly tied to AGACNP specialties, some schools offer BSN to DNP programs with an AGACNP concentration. Typically, this bridge pathway requires students to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology before advancing to master’s-level coursework in their chosen specialization.

Depending on the specific online AGACNP program at Arkansas State University, RNs who opt for a full-time option may be able to complete the required 48 to 55 academic credits and clinical hours in three or four years. However, part-time options are often available to accommodate varying professional and personal commitments.

Across online AGACNP programs, the curriculum focuses on the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis. It provides graduates with the expertise to treat geriatric patients with complex and critical health conditions. While AGACNP online programs focus on clinical skills, consider supplementing your education with a sales coaching course to effectively market your expertise to potential employers. Many online RN to MSN programs also include intensive on-campus sessions that give students hands-on experience in various medical settings and teach essential skills such as central line insertion.

Read: 5 Ways to Solve Educational Problems with a Tech Virtual Assistant

RN to MSN

If you’re an RN who loves caring for patients in acute situations, you may want to consider enrolling in an online AGACNP program. These degree programs empower nurses to manage adult and elderly patients in ICUs, emergency rooms, and other hospital settings.

Depending on the program you choose, you’ll learn to evaluate and treat acute health conditions in adult patients through various coursework that includes core nursing courses such as advanced human anatomy and physiology and specialized acute care nurse practitioner coursework. You’ll also attend on-campus intensives to practice clinical techniques such as central line insertion.

Online RN to MSN programs allow registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or diploma in nursing to complete their BSN and MSN through a single, concentrated program. Typically, full-time students can finish these programs in about two years. Part-time programs will take longer to complete but offer more flexibility for RNs juggling work and family commitments while in school.

Post-MSN

Online post-master acute care nurse practitioner certificate programs offer RNs with a graduate-level degree in nursing a pathway to APRN certification and licensure. These programs typically include a comprehensive review of previously completed degree coursework and may also require the completion of certain additional courses and clinical rotations in acute care settings.

The online AGACNP program provides a flexible learning environment with the support of an expert faculty mentor through phone or email. Completed part-time in as few as 28 months, this accredited AGACNP online program empowers RNs to manage adult and gerontology acute care patients.

Many AGACNP graduate-level certificate programs are offered completely online, but others combine a mix of asynchronous course content with synchronous classroom lectures and in-person Objective Clinical Intensives. Regardless of format, these programs generally require a minimum of 60 credits and can take 24 to 36 months to complete. The cost for this type of degree is generally calculated per credit.

Post-Graduate

RNs with advanced degrees who want to expand their scope of practice are often offered the option of completing a graduate certificate program. While AGACNP online programs focus on clinical training, a background in psychology through post-secondary psychology degrees can provide valuable insight into patient behavior and mental health. These programs typically feature an accelerated path to nurse practitioner certification that includes a combination of online coursework and in-person clinical intensives at locations approved by the program.

Acute care is an area of healthcare that requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. It involves working with hospitalized patients with severe illness or injury and focuses on providing care in ICUs, emergency departments, and urgent care.

This AGACNP graduate certificate is designed for RNs with a master’s degree in nursing and allows them to gain expertise in acute care theory and its practice with adults. The accelerated course of study can be completed in three semesters, and tuition is less than $10,000. *Note: Licensing requirements vary by state, and the student must ensure that an AGACNP graduate certificate meets their state’s licensure requirements.

The post AGACNP Online Programs – Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Highlight Story.

In this comprehensive blog, we will delve into the world of recurring payments, uncovering their workings and benefits. Let’s start with what recurring payments are.

Recurring Payments

Recurring payments, also popularly known as subscription payments, are the payments that are automatically charged to your account at regular intervals, typically monthly or annually. They are, consequently, used commonly for services that require ongoing payments, such as subscriptions to get live video streaming website services, recurring donations to nonprofit organizations, or membership fees for online marketplaces. 

How do Recurring Payments Work?

Recurring payments are usually set up through a bank account or credit card. Once you sign up for a service that requires recurring payments, you enter your payment information and authorize the service to charge your bank account on a regular basis. The service will then automatically charge your account at the agreed-upon intervals until you cancel the service or update your payment information. 

Benefits of Recurring Payments for Customers

1. Convenience

Recurring payments make it easy to pay for services without having to remember to make a payment every month. Once you set up a recurring payment, you can forget about it, and the service will automatically charge your account at an agreed-upon interval.

• Predictability

Subscription payments also provide predictability in terms of budgeting. Since you know exactly how much you will be paying each month or year, you can plan your finances accordingly. 

• Cost Savings

Many services offer discounts for customers who sign up for recurring payments. For instance, some streaming services offer a lower monthly rate for consumers who sign up for an annual subscription. 

Benefits of Recurring Payments for Retailers

1. Improved Cash Flow Management

Recurring payments provide a consistent source of revenue for businesses. You can predict your cash flow and revenue with a higher degree of accuracy. This will allow you to better plan and budget for expenses, invest in growth opportunities, and manage your finances more effectively.

• Increased Customer Retention

They can help you build customer loyalty and retention. By offering subscription-based services or products, you can create a recurring revenue stream that ensures ongoing customer engagement. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty, which can help you retain customers and reduce churn rates.

• Reduced Administrative Burden

Recurring payments can also help reduce the administrative burden on businesses. By automating payments, you can save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual billing and collection processes. This can free up staff time to focus on more critical business activities and improve overall efficiency.

• Improved Forecasting

Your business can also improve its forecasting capabilities. By analyzing payment data over time, you can identify trends, patterns, and customer behaviors that can significantly contribute to your strategic decisions. This will consequently help you make more informed decisions about pricing, product development, and video marketing strategies.

• Increased Revenue

Finally, recurring payments can help you increase your revenue. By offering subscription-based services or products, you can seamlessly create a recurring revenue stream that can provide a predictable source of income. This can further help you grow and expand, as you have a reliable source of revenue to invest in new products, services, or marketing efforts by doing activities of marketing automation.

Conclusion

By now, it must be clear what a remarkable wonder recurring payments are. These elegant transactions work as a destination of mutual benefit for both consumers and businesses. While the former can enjoy the simplicity of automated payments, the latter predict their financial future. Recurring payments are genuinely a wondrous gift to the ever-evolving world of ecommerce. 

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses are constantly looking for a reliable and efficient solution to manage their recurring payments. This is where, the leading payment gateway, comes in as a total game-changer. They offers a user-friendly interface, multiple payment options, and the ability to customize payment plans to meet the needs of its customers. 

Moreover, with real-time monitoring and reporting features, your business can identify issues promptly and take corrective measures immediately. They offer robust and secure infrastructure ensures that transactions are safe, making it the best platform for businesses looking for a comprehensive recurring payment solution.

The post What are Recurring Payments: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Highlight Story.

The End of Passive Learning

The early 1970s saw a new system of education arrive on the scene; namely active learning, or learning by doing, which began to replace the rote learning system of education. But now teachers are updated with the latest learning technologies because online classes for teachers are provided. The old system involved the teacher standing at the front of the class disseminating knowledge to the students; a typical exercise would be the teacher writing a paragraph on the whiteboard, which the students duly copy into their exercise books. 

British International Schools

Rote learning is learning by memorisation and this is not the best way for students to learn; fast forward to today, with top-rated schools such as Bangkok Patana International School where the students enjoy project-based learning. Active learning is globally accepted as being the best way for young people to learn, as it develops critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills.

The Rise of Information Technology

As digital technology developed, it needed to be integrated into the curriculum and the UK National Curriculum is regarded as being very IT focused. Schools have started to adopt standardized testing in schools to improve study goal structure. Children are taught how to use computers at a very young age and by the time they enter primary school, the students can send and receive emails, plus they have a good basic understanding of IT.

Distance Learning

One of the biggest developments in the past 20 years is definitely online learning; the teacher is remotely located and they communicate with students via an Internet video call. New e-learning technologies change the way to study and help in improving students academic performance. Of course, this has many benefits; students who live in remote regions no longer have to trek for hours to get to school, they simply login to their online account and join the virtual class. Click here for more information about distance learning.

Project-Based Learning

Most top schools of today use project-based learning; a system that involves students getting into small groups, each group chooses a project topic and they plan their project from start to finish. This allows the students to develop organisation and management skills; there are many ways to present a project, it could be a PowerPoint slideshow, it could be presented on boards, a written report, or even as a piece of drama or a song. The students have to decide who does what and working together develops a lot of social skills, while leadership qualities are encouraged.

Improving the Learning Outcome

This should be the goal of every school, with regular teacher workshops looking for ways to improve the student learning outcome. Indeed, educators add things to the curriculum all the time, with the aim of boosting the learning outcome, which is the best way to maintain constant development.

The post How Education has Changed in the Past Century appeared first on Highlight Story.

The latest event in this war was initiated by Apple adding a full-screen notification asking its users whether they consent to being followed by companies as they use different apps on their iPhones.

This hit is directly aiming at Facebook behavior as it registers and tracks users different usage of apps on their mobile phones and how long a user spends on each app. While Apple’s move to notify its users of Facebook tracking their moves across apps may seem in the best interest of the users themselves. It would be naive to believe that this is the only reason that a huge company such as Apple take this step. If you are facing an issue with how to hack a Facebook account, so read about it. The reality behind Apple’s new notification for iPhone users lies in the long feud between Zuckerberg and Cook.

In this Post, we’re letting you in on all the details of this long fight, how it started, and what its latest results turned out to be.

How Did It All Start?

This feud started as a difference of opinions over how the digital future should look like and how the two men’s companies make money in the first place.

On one hand, we have Tim Cook, the CEO of the most expensive and the most premium brand in the tech market. Cook rose through the ranks of Apple the traditional way by building a reliable supply chains for his company. Great news for Apple iOS 11 users related to its features and development. One the other hand, we have Mark Zuckerberg representing the youth of this market, a 36 year-old billionaire who build his fortune from his social media empire that depends on freedom of speech with no limits and no financial cost on the users’ part.

However, with the Facebook “free” philosophy comes another cost for the customer/user which is the compromise of their data.

According to experts, when a customer is getting something online for free, then the user is the product as data that is being sold.

So, we can say that Apple and Facebook CEOs were already having their fundamental difference of opinions to begin with before there was an actual war between the two men.

The Zuckerberg-Cook Crisis escalation

As mentioned earlier, the relationship between Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook was not the best from the beginning, especially compared to the friendly relationship Zuckerberg had with the late Apple CEO, Steve Jobs.

When Facebook was facing its own crisis regarding its users’ data privacy a few years back, the situation between Cook and Zuckerberg also blew up when the latter asked Cook advice regarding how to handle the problems that occurred due to Facebook’s privacy issues. Here you can read about what is GDPR and its impacts on business. Cook said that Facebook should delete any user information that the company had collected outside its apps. The reply of Apple CEO stunned Zuckerberg as it meant for Facebook to throw away its main source of income and revenue.

This event marked the beginning of the official war between the two men and, therefore, two of the leading companies in the tech world & market.

Latest results of the Apple Vs Facebook war

In a recent post, Mark Zuckerberg shared a screenshot from his phone that was meant to be endearing, but showed clearly that he’s using an Android phone. This post was directly interrupted as a blow at Apple.

Zuckerberg captioned this: “Happens to the best of us.”

Putting the “shade” aside, a war between two business giants such as those two can only be measured through numbers. According to the latest reports, it appears that Facebook is losing this war, or at least this fight!

Due to Apple’s notifications warning users that Facebook is tracking their activities across apps, reports are expecting a 7% drop in Facebook’s revenue in the second quarter of 2021as most Apple iPhone users are expected to deny Facebook the access to track their activities.

How Can This War Affect You?

Well, if you’re an iPhone user, you might have already received the famous notification from your iPhone warning you about Facebook. Android phone users are probably unaffected by this war so far. However, it is expected that Zuckerberg would take new measures to secure his company’s revenue either by creating new paid services on Facebook or by retaliating.

From an objective point of view, you can still enjoy the best of the two worlds and two points of view. Users can enjoy the exclusivity of Apple iPhones, for example, without paying the over-the-top expensive price. The refurbished phone market is representing the middle ground as it gives the user the opportunity to get a premium iPhone 8 refurbished at a fraction of the price with all guarantees included.

So, if you, as a consumer, are looking for a middle ground in this war were you can benefit from the best ends of both opinions, get the affordable product and service from companies without losing the access to the premium life!

The post The Feud Between Facebook and Apple: Reasons & Results appeared first on Highlight Story.

There are changes that are coming to the manufacturing industry, however, especially when considering automotive manufacturing and the changes that are coming there. You can read more about some of the expected changes to come in the information that is provided to you in the list below.

1. Telematic Changes

As technology continues to update, so does the need to have the latest and the best technology that is available in any car that you own, no matter the type. Many vehicles may want to, in the next five years, rely more on receiving every piece of information that they need to know right away and right on their dashboard.

This information can include information on if there is an emergency vehicle closeby, the parking situation at a new parking lot, the traffic that is coming up ahead, and more. This technology can be offered in the form of V2X, or vehicle-to-everything technology, and V2G technology so you will always give customers what they need to know.

2. Hybrids

Hybrids are becoming more and more popular which is especially true when considering Ford earnings and the number of hybrids that they have created. Unfortunately, the 48-volt hybrid, which is the most popular and most powerful, is not as popular among consumers as manufacturers would have thought.

There is considerably a lot more technology available now to create a hybrid vehicle that does not rely on as many emissions and that does not have such a large battery pack. You might know there is a huge requirement found of locksmiths in Santa Rosa. There is a need to make real change in the climate, and this can come via a new type of hybrid vehicle.

3. Social Media Awareness

Social media is more important now than ever when considering even the manufacturing of automobiles. Even if you have made the best electric car that is available, no one will know about it unless you have an effective marketing plan.

Many companies are relying on social media more than ever right now in their marketing plan, and this will only continue in the next five years as more platforms are made. This is the best way to reach younger customers as well in order to make more sales.

4. Connectivity and Artificial Intelligence

There have been rumors in the past of a self-driving car when considering the latest in automotive manufacturing. This may become more of a reality in the next five years though as more uses of artificial intelligence become reality. It is important to ensure that there is IoT software in the vehicles in order to utilize these technologies though, which will come with 4G, 5G, and even Bluetooth capabilities. These will also allow you to connect more devices directly to your vehicle to give your customers a better driving experience.

5. Biometric Systems

As you can see, many of these changes that will come to the manufacturing industry have to do with technology. This last point is no different, and it considers an easier manner that you can help customers in monitoring the health of their new vehicle. This comes through a biometric system that can be implemented in almost any vehicle and should be within five years. This can be done through facial recognition technology in which customers could see something that is wrong with their vehicle, and they can receive information on if the car is detecting any health symptoms of the driver. This has the ability to save lives.

There are many changes to consider that will come to the automotive industry that you need to consider as a manufacturer. Be sure to take into account all that technology has to offer so that more customers can feel satisfied with your products. Technology has the ability to help anyone, and it can truly make a more powerful vehicle for customers to be able to drive. There are many other changes to come as well though, so be sure to always keep up-to-date.

The post Changes to Come to Automobiles in the Next Five Years appeared first on Highlight Story.

While concerted efforts continue to find a vaccine — with some promising advances made in some areas — the sad fact is the ‘new normal’ could be with us for some time to come.

However, the dangers of the virus aren’t limited just to our health. With such vast and wide-sweeping changes to our lives, the effects of Coronavirus are as much psychological as they are physical.

The challenges of working from home

Working from home has brought its stresses and pressures. While some people reveled in the greater freedom afforded by working remotely, others are crumbled under the strain of trying to juggle personal time management.

If you’ve found remote working difficult, try looking online for tips on staying productive and focused while working from home to help you learn new ways to regiment your day and keep your output high.

Looking after the kids at home

Most moms and dads love their kids beyond question, but having them around 24/7 has been a challenge for even the most dedicated parents. When you also factor in home-schooling, lunch breaks, playtime (and the rest), many parents are nearing breaking point.

There are numerous online resources for keeping kids busy and entertained during lockdown; however, one suggestion offered by parenting experts is to find ways to differentiate between playtime and study time.

Being a parent, teacher, and friend all at the same time is almost impossible, but establishing clear boundaries between each will help you lay down easy to understand rules for your child. Separating the day into chunks can serve to reinforce these rules, particularly for younger children.

Fear of contracting the virus

Perhaps the worst aspect of Coronavirus has been the way it’s transformed our habitual, social conventions and made them something to be feared. Social isolation has made many people scared even to go outside. Seeing panicked headlines and people in masks does little to allay these worries.

For most people, coming out of total lockdown and getting over COVID fears will be a case of slow acclimatization to our new normal. In some extreme cases though, individuals have developed acute agoraphobia which may warrant specialist counseling.

Fear of the economic implications of Coronavirus

The effects of Coronavirus go way beyond just health implications. The majority of the developed world is on the verge of a deep recession, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the Great Wars. There is little doubt we are in unchartered waters economically. With even established companies tumbling on the stock markets, many are worried whether they’ll have a job to return to once the virus has passed.

The next few months (and potentially years) are going to be tough for everyone and, unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to protect your job if your company ends up failing. Consider online study to diversify your skill-base and make yourself more employable should the worst happen.

Trying to maintain relationships despite physical distancing

The loss of our usual social patterns has, in many ways, felt like we’ve been stripped of our freedom. Going for a coffee, meeting friends for a drink, going to the cinema or theater — even just going shopping as a form of release — all have been virtually shut down by the virus, making relationships with friends and family incredibly tricky.

Thankfully, in 2020, we have a world of technology that can help. Using social networks and online video conferencing technologies have been great ways to keep up our social interaction at a distance. Platforms like WhatsApp, Zoom and Facebook Messenger have never been busier. It may take a little getting used to, but for now anyway, online chat and messaging is the best solution we have for staying close to the important people in our lives.

The post Five Primary Sources of Stress Caused by Coronavirus and How to Counter Them appeared first on Highlight Story.

The other directions been introduced through the act comprise fund collection for free Coronavirus testing, and capital raising for food stamps. The law is going to further add to the degree of workplace flexibility being practiced at hundreds and thousands of American firms.

What Exactly is Coronavirus Response Act?

March 18^th is when the action got implemented. It is introduced by the US government to help individuals, businesses, and families fight the adversities of COVID-19 pandemic… Under the federal act, the legislation demands from employers with less than 500 employees to provide paid medical leaves and sick leaves to individuals affected by the epidemic.

The potential scenarios that can emerge among the professionals and workers affected by the COVID-19 virus comprise:

Scenario 1

An employee falls sick and there are felt risks of virus catching him. The worker visits a doctor to get tested for the virus, and therefore, will not be able to report to work.

• In this case, as per the Act, a CHRO, or the chief of human resource officers at the concerned firm will have to extend the employee a two-week emergency paid sick leave. The rate at which the payment will be made remains the regular rate of pay if the worker awaits test results or showing symptoms of the disease.
• As proof of the payment made to the employee, the employer will need to use an Earning Code ESL in the records. The payroll team will input the code in the government records and will mention the date on which the employee first showed symptoms of the fatal disease.

Scenario 2

A worker’s spouse is asked to go into quarantine, and hence seeks care. The provisions of the Act under this situation suggest:

• An employee can avail two weeks of paid sick leave at 2/3^rd of the regular pay rate.
• Employer will need to enter earning code EFSL in the payroll documents.

Scenario 3

A worker employed for 30 days or more gets his child’s school canceled due to COVID-19 impact. In this unique scenario, an hr leader’s role at the firm is to ensure the following things to be implemented:

• The worker is allowed to take a 12-week FMLA leave. The first two weeks remain unpaid, or he can utilize his existing balance of leaves during this time frame, i.e. Sick/PTO leaves. The other 10 weeks will be paid at 2/3^rd of the rate of regular pay.
• If the worker wants to be paid for the first two weeks, employers and hr leaders must ensure that the employee is paid correctly basis his existing leave balance. Besides, the worker may request to consume the emergency sick leave at 2/3^rd of the rate of regular pay in the first two weeks. And if that’s the case, pay him utilizing the earning code EFSL.
• The other 10 weeks remaining must be paid by the employer using the Earning Code EFMLA.

Scenario 4

A worker employed for 30 days or more, has been directed by the medical authorities to put his entire household into quarantine as a result of suspicion for being infected with the virus. The worker’s children are enrolled in a daycare that has also been closed as a result of the government measures taken to help prevent the spread of the stress caused by Coronavirus.

In this scenario, as per the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the employee will be provided with the following governmental offerings:

• The worker is entitled to use two weeks of paid sick leave. The employer over here will be using the Earning Code ESL.
• For a 10-week period, an employee would also be entitled to 2/3^rd of his regular rate of pay while he applies for an FMLA leave for the mentioned duration.
• Employers can make use of the code EFMLA in the payroll documents to mark the employee as a beneficiary of the Act, and pay at 2/3^rd of the rate of regular pay.

Scenario 5

A worker employed for 30 days or more has a child whose school has been shut as a governmental response to prevent the spread of the pandemic. In the form of an employee wellness initiative, the HR leaders, in this case, will need to follow the below-provided guidelines as per the federal act:

• The employee is entitled to take a two-week sick leave at 2/3^rd of the rate of regular pay.
• Employers will use earning code EFSL to credit employees’ payments.
• The worker will receive additional leaves if he had been employed for 30 days or more. He will be provided with 12 weeks of FMLA leave.
• Employers are directed to allow employees a 2-week unpaid leave, or they can choose to pay the workers via other company-provided PTOs.
• Employers must pay for the 10 weeks at 2/3^rd of the worker’s regular payment rate while showcasing the code EFMLA in the payroll documents.

We hope by now you have got the gist of the entire Act recently been introduced by the US government.

Author Bio:

The post Families First Coronavirus Act by the US: What’s In for CHROs appeared first on Highlight Story.

Here is a timeline of what has happened so far:

The first week of March’18: President Donald Trump announced that the US would impose tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. He said, “We’re going to build our steel industry back; we’re going to build our aluminum industry back.” He announced 25% tariffs for steel and 10% for all aluminum imports effective from the following week.

The tariffs were higher than 24% and 7% recommended by the commerce department. Trump insisted on 25% because it was a “round number.”

March 22, 2018: This did not stop here; President Trump announced tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese imports. This move was later deemed to have triggered the trade war between the two economic powers.

The Trump government imposed tariffs on $50 billion worth of goods. The list included imports from industries including robotics, rail equipment, and biopharmaceuticals. This move will also limit Chinese investments in the US.

Chinese officials condemned this step and announced tariff imposition on agricultural products like soybeans and hogs. Almost 50% of the US’s soybean exports go to China. This definitely was a sharp blow.

The first week of April 2018:  On 3^rd April’18, the Trump administration released a tentative list of imports from China. A 25% tariff was imposed on them. The list included products like raw materials, electronics, medical devices, agricultural equipment, construction machinery, and consumer bottled and jarred packaged goods.

China didn’t come slow this time. They announced retaliatory measures on the next day. The State TV in China reported that Beijing plans to impose 25% tariffs on over 100 US products with a trading value of $50 billion. President Trump responded in a tweet by saying that the US was not in a trade war with China.

This squabble was very costly for the global markets as stock markets were crashing.

May 21^st, 2018: The stock markets welcomed Trump’s announcement of touting a trade deal with China, positively. President Trump claimed to have struck a trade deal with the Chinese government to reduce trade tensions between the two most complex economies of the world.

The trade deal involved US putting a halt on the tariffs (it put on China as a penalty to possibly stealing the US intellectual property). These tariffs were suspended and can be imposed again. Whereas China agreed to purchase additional US agricultural products, until then. The markets reacted favorably by seeing an uprising of 360 points by mid-morning.

May 29^th, 2018: On the next Tuesday the White House almost wrecked the deal by announcing that they would go ahead with the tariffs and restrictions on China. The final list was published in mid-June. The trade tensions between the two countries worsened because of this announcement.

The White House confirmed restrictions such as those on Chinese investment into the US. They also announced filing a case with WTO against China, accusing it of stealing US’s intellectual property by forced partnerships. Moreover, they confirmed imposing tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods, mostly belonging to the importance of information technology and high-growth industries.

June of 2018: This time the US went into an all-out trade war with China by asking Trade Representative’s office to draw out a list of Chinese goods worth $200 billion to impose another 10% tariff on them. Trump justified that the new tariff will take effect if China didn’t remove sanctions on US goods. Trump threatened that this war will go on if China doesn’t address the theft of US intellectual property by their companies.

China retaliated with an equivalent set of tariffs and sanctions and still urged the US to not start the trade war. The Chinese government urged all the other countries to support them in avoiding this age-old regressive behavior.

August of 2018: The month began with the US threatening China of doubling the tariff rate imposed on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, from 10% to 25%. China later responded by saying that it will implement various tariff rates on another $60 billion worth of US goods if they proceed with this threat.

On August 23^rd the US imposed tariffs on $16 billion worth of Chinese goods and China responded with the same, imposing tariffs on $16 billion worth of US goods.

September 17, 2018: The US imposed tariffs on Chinese goods worth $200 billion, where the tariff rate was scheduled to increase from 10% to 25% in January. Trump said in a statement that they have given China every opportunity to treat the US more fairly but China has failed to show any willingness to comply.

December 2018: The two leaders sat at the G20 summit in Argentina and came to a trade truce, delaying the US tariff escalation until March. Whereas, a couple of days later, Trump tweeted that he is still into Tariffs and a truce will only take place if it is in the best interests of the US.

February 24’2019: A series of negotiations took place between the US and Chinese officials only to announce that the tariff escalation by the US will be delayed indefinitely.

May of 2019: May has been the most happening month in the entire timeline. The month began with the US accusing China of not abiding by the trade agreements and threatened it to place duties in another $300 billion worth of Chinese products. Negotiations stalled, US escalated tariffs from 10% to 25% on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods with a 3-4 week deadline to strike a deal. China retaliated by imposing tariffs on $60 billion worth of US products.

Author Bio:

Sean Williamson lives in New York City and calls himself the ‘tech-bro’, given his special interest in everything that’s digital. Besides writing for major technological sites in the spare time, he likes to stay on top of the latest developments, especially in the field of smartphone tech. He works as a writer in a company like Cox Communications

The post US-China Trade War: A Timeline of the Recent Events appeared first on Highlight Story.