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Office Vacancy and the Fall of the Traditional Office

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Even four years out, we’re still talking about how the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has shaped the workplace. It changed our lifestyles. It changed the way we work. Most of all, it changed the future of work and posed a new problem – office vacancy. For a while, employees who were required to return to work early on, worked behind protective barriers, divided workstations, and staggered attendance policies to limit the amount of people in a space at one time. For those who were a part of the workforce during that time, it was a different experience. It was a time of many unknowns. There was a moment in time when we didn’t know if we would ever return to what we remembered as “normal”. However, even with the progress we’ve made returning to that norm, there’s a lot that the pandemic left its mark on. There’s a lot of talk about the hybrid model and how companies across many industries are adopting it. Automation, technology, and practices implemented out of necessity, have made working remot...

Top 5 Materials Used in Office Design

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Like with most things, trends come and trends go. Office design is no different. Whether it’s new aesthetics, new designs, or new materials, there’s always something evolving and getting better. When it comes to office design, business models, employee needs, and company culture play a major part in the trends we see and what actually makes it into the office. When you think about trends, your mind might go to pieces of furniture or office layouts. However, trends extend much further than that, such as the materials used in office design. The materials used in the office can reflect much more the preferred aesthetics. Materials such as sustainably sourced wood or PVC-free vinyl flooring can reflect the company culture, and commitment to social responsibility, and even set the tone or mood for the workday. The choices of materials are virtually endless. From color, to feel, to appearance, to sustainability, there really is something for every company and its employees. But do materials...

How to Create Employee Loyalty to Your Brand

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Your brand is one of your most powerful assets. Your brand tells existing and potential customers what your business is about. It makes your company instantly recognizable in the marketplace. It creates associations between what customers require and your ability to fulfill those requirements. You spend countless hours and dollars investing in your brand—establishing it, defining it, shaping it, and advertising it. But many companies overlook some of the most effective brand management possible: branding your business to your employees to create  employee loyalty advocates within your ranks. It takes one customer interaction with a less-than-engaged employee to sour the brand loyalty you’ve worked so hard to build.  Rewards and outreach to your employees do work, but they must be just as strategic as your customer-facing programs. Beginning with recruitment should be the first step. Build an office that reflects your brand Employee Loyalty with a Clearly Defined Brand ...

Why Does the Hospitality Industry Continue to Grow?

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The hospitality industry took a major hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and many more subsets of the hospitality industry suffered from restrictions and full-blown shutdowns. On top of that, for a short period of time, travel was nearly impossible. However, despite the impact the pandemic had, the hospitality industry is bouncing back. Although the hospitality industry faces its fair share of challenges, it has proven itself resilient time and time again. Rapid growth and the return to “normal” over the last couple of years have helped the industry right itself. But what is driving the bounce back and how does the industry look today? Is the Hospitality Industry Growing? Find solutions for creating a welcoming space for visitors Yes, the hospitality industry is growing, but that’s not hard to do after hitting record lows. So what does the industry look like now compared to pre-pandemic numbers? EHL Insights put together a comprehensive report ab...

Do You Need Soft Seating in the Office?

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Regardless of whether or not an office uses sit-stand or adjustable-height desks, a portion of an employee’s day involves sitting. From breakrooms to collaborative seating to wellness spaces, choosing the right seating can make or break an area. The modern office accommodates and supports its employees. Comfort, functionality, and usability should all remain a deciding factor in any seating solution. Soft seating is here to check those boxes. Over the years, the modern office design has changed, and the utilitarian design has focused on completing tasks. However, the office has evolved into a more employee-centric environment. The evolution of recreation areas and collaborative spaces has given companies the ability to introduce creative and aesthetically pleasing solutions – enter soft seating to the office. What is Soft Seating? Explore different soft seating options   The term soft seating sounds pretty self-explanatory. However, it’s an entire category of seating . This ...

10 Affordable West Coast Self-Catering Accommodations

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  10 Affordable West Coast Self-Catering Accommodations If you’re looking for budget-friendly self-catering accommodation on the West Coast of South Africa , here are ten options that offer great value: Kusuka kwimithombo ekuwebhu yonkana Affordable self-catering units designed for intimate vacations or family getaways. Greystones Beach House, Langebaan Ideally situated beachfront house offering stunning views and direct beach access. Britannia Beach Self-Catering Affordable  accommodation with easy access to Britannia Bay’s beautiful beaches. Langebaan Holiday Home Comfortable holiday homes perfect for family vacations, with a variety of amenities. Thali Thali Game Lodge Unique self-catering option offering a mix of wildlife and coastal experiences. Sea Cottage Cozy self-catering cottages providing a serene escape by the sea. St Helena Bay Hotel Affordable self-catering west coast accommodation with beautiful views and nearby attractions . Thornbay Accommodat...