Increasingly people are choosing to work from home. With most work being done online, it’s now easier than ever to work remotely from a computer or laptop and you can virtually do this from anywhere with an internet connection. This opens up many new possibilities for the way businesses organise and structure themselves but also creates new responsibilities for both employer and employee. Here we take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.

The benefits for business and employees are:

• Productivity gains – with no commute and less chance of colleague interruption, many people report getting a lot more done when they are working from home.
• For a business, working from home can open up a much wider pool of potential applicants which can include people who are geographically distant and also disabled people who may find it easier to work from home.
• Better work/life balance – employees based at home for all of the week or even part of it feel it leads to greater health and well-being.
• Convenience – a business can recruit sales staff much closer to clients rather than have them based at the office.
• Financial savings are also made with no need for large office spaces and other associated facilities.
• Employee retention is improved as workers with children, for example, find it easier to cope with home working hours around their parental responsibilities.

The disadvantages can include:

• Difficulty in monitoring performance – it is much harder for employers to keep tabs on performance and manage their home based staff.
• Information security will be more at risk as you are not in complete control of what networks people are using to connect to.
• Telecommunications cost may rise as there will a greater amount of time spent on telephone calls and a business mobile might be needed for every home based worker.
• Staff development becomes much harder and it’s difficult to upgrade skills if you don’t have a physical presence.
• Isolation can become an issue for some home workers who may feel disconnected from the organisation after long periods of working from home.
• Being at home all the time can lead to a loss of morale and boredom setting in. Often we need a change of scenery to stay fresh and focused. If you will be working from home for long periods, it might be worth investing in a special area set aside just for work so your home can remain your home. For Summer Houses Northern Ireland, visit http://www.morrowsectionalbuildings.com/summer_houses.
• Team spirit is harder to foster when members of a team rarely see each other and not all jobs suit home working.

Some jobs are better suited for home working than others. Ideal jobs for home working include customer service, telesales and marketing, accountancy, writing, editing and translation work. To be successful when working from home, you will need to be able to manage your time effectively, be self-disciplined, motivated, self-sufficient, be confident with technology and good at communicating.

Developing a new drug can be a time consuming and costly process, with many drug tests and development processes lasting years and costing millions or even billions of pounds. This long and drawn out process can delay important drugs making it to market and to the consumer, so anything that can speed up the process will be welcome to most people This is where cloud computing comes in.

Image Credit

Data analysis

The cloud has the potential to speed up the development of drugs and get them to market more quickly. Using the cloud, we can access real-time data and collect important information in order to analyse results more quickly. All areas of the drug development process can work together more easily using cloud computing, to enable better communication and faster results.

Clinical trials are always a necessary part of developing a new drug. This is where the drugs are tested on people to make sure they work and are safe to go into production. There are three stages to a clinical trial starting from a small group and then widening to test on larger groups. Pharmaceutical companies can spend many millions getting their drugs to trial and running them through the whole testing process.

Patient recruitment

One problem of clinical trials has been recruiting the patients to take part in them. Cloud computing can help companies run the data through software to find the right type of people to invite to trial. The improvement in data collection and analysis means more effective and efficient patient selection. The data can also be analysed more quickly after the trials, for example, with thorough QT (TQT) studies, more reliable results can be determined. In fact, clinical trials with innovative new techniques can even save lives.

Finding the right company to conduct certain studies is also part of the problem of clinical trials. With more pharmaceutical companies developing new drugs, more specialist services are required to conduct thorough QT studies and other important studies. Companies such as http://www.richmondpharmacology.com/specialist-services/tqt.php can provide those services. By involving the most up-to-date studies, data will be more accurate.

The cloud is certainly paving the way to faster drug development and with specialist companies able to provide services to speed up innovative new studies, the pharmacology world is set to enter an exciting new phase.

If you work in business or marketing, you have no doubt heard much about video marketing and the fact it is the next big channel. Already, all social media platforms have embraced it as a key form of content delivery, and users will know themselves that when they scroll through their own news feed they will see a series of videos.

Image Credit

Brand Benefits of Video Storytelling

Video is powerful because it enables storytelling in a way that other mediums don’t – offering a visual, powerful and emotive means of reaching audiences. This is why it is being vaunted as the next big thing for content marketing and a priority channel for brands to develop.

Already, nearly 50pc of mobile traffic is coming via video content, and viewers spend 88pc longer on websites with video content.

If you’ve already hired a Devon web design agency such as http://vuonline.co.uk/web-design/ to create your website and other digital assets, you’ll want to know how to drive traffic to them. Video content is a powerful means of doing this. Estimates suggest that 80pc of online traffic will be driven through video content by 2019.

What Does This Mean for Business?

Businesses and brands need to get on board with video in order to compete in an increasingly digitised landscape. This means sharing industry-relevant content, offering added value and innovative content to customers and leads, starting debates and conversations through video and helping customers to use your products and services with guides.

Retention Benefits

Video content has a stronger rate of retention, which lowers the bounce rate for landing pages that feature a video. Users are far more likely to watch the majority of a video – and certainly more so than for equivalent text-based content.

Video captures attention, increases read time and retention and offers a rich visual medium in which you can share your brand messages, values and USP. Videos also allow you to be more engaging and compelling with your calls to action.

Use video content on your landing pages and you will grow content views and increase conversions. Yes, video can be more costly to develop than text content, but the return on investment will pay off. You can create video in-house or commission a digital agency to take this on for you as part of a digital content delivery plan.

Changes in the web design industry and the proliferation of free design resources have led some people to question whether web design is a profession facing extinction; however, there are many reasons to conclude that web design is still alive and kicking.

Image Credit

Maintaining security

Web design is not just about creating a site that looks pretty; in addition, it is about ensuring the site is safe and secure from potential hackers. This requires specialised knowledge and skills that constantly need updating as web security evolves. Equally, according to the Huffington Post, complex websites require an experienced web designer who is always updated.

Specialised functions

Rather than fading into extinction, the role of web designer is constantly evolving; therefore, those who want to stay at the top of their profession need to react to trends and changes and diversify their skill set. One of the biggest shifts in this industry is how web design is increasingly demanding specialised skills and functions, such as learning Android coding or customised blogging.

Marketing integration

Web design is increasingly becoming integrated with marketing, with the boundaries between these two functions disintegrating. In the past, web design may have been lumped in with IT; now, we are seeing web designers merging with marketing functions and using their skills to create specialised online branding and other digital marketing activities.

Quality still matters

The explosion of online templates and frameworks for creating websites, such as Drupal and WordPress, has made it easier for businesses to build their own sites. Although this may bring into question whether the web designer is still needed, the reality is that expert help from a Drupal agency such as https://www.website-express.co.uk/service/drupal-development-agency is still vital. Having expert know-how is particularly required for implementing intricate details, ironing out any complex problems and, crucially, creating a quality, professional image.

Evolving look and feel

Websites are increasingly viewed as a work of art, with the look and feel of a site given more consideration to influence the overall user experience. It demands expert skills and an evolving knowledge to add elements to a site that continue to excite and innovate in an already saturated marketplace. The use of video, infographics, layouts and fonts is continually changing to reflect trends; therefore, having web design experience and being able to implement these changes will always be high in demand.

Architects can make striking, eye-catching features using tensile structures to design aesthetic free-form canopies. Basically, these structures are formed of components acting in tension, not compression, such as tents, suspended roofs and suspension bridges. There are three main designs of fabric tensile structures.

Image Credit

Mast-supported Structures

These look like a tent and use the least amount of material to build. These structures are membranes with one or more peaks either supported by masts or adjacent buildings. These peaks can be different shapes or sizes depending on how they are designed and attached. The openings tend to be round, oval or elliptical, which are covered or left open. Most of these types of structures can rely solely on the fabric’s structural characteristic without needing extra support, although larger ones will need radial cables. Safety cables are put in above the membrane to the ground, so that if the membrane should fail, the mast will stay up.

Arch-supported Structures

These are barrel-like and do not need interior supports as they have curved compression members to act as the main support. These can look very dramatic, with arches parallel to each other or fan vaults where the arches radiate from a central point. Frame-supported structures are just like large awnings and are often used when high-lateral loads cannot be constructed, such as on land with poor soil or as part of an existing building.

Point-supported Structures

These are dramatic-looking structures with at least four points of attachment which can have curved or straight edges. These provide a clear span without a central mast. The fabric is supported either by an exterior frame, adjacent building or perimeter masts. Several point-supported structures can be combined with a common mast to create larger spaces.

Ways to Use Fabric Tensile Structures

Any of these types of fabric tensile structures can be used in schools to provide additional space for a variety of uses. School canopies, like those at http://signaturestructures.com/school-canopies/, can create a classroom or create an outdoor space which can be used when the weather is not so good or as shade when sunny.

You can see examples of these structures around the world, including The O2 in London, Denver International Airport in the USA, Scandinavium in Gothenburg, the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, the London Soccerdome and Butlins Skyline Pavilion in Minehead.

DAB radio is the smart choice when you want portable sound that’s crystal clear and crackle free. However, you’ll almost certainly still need an aerial to pick up the huge range of available channels.

Image Credit

Will I need a new aerial?

Your DAB radio will usually ship with an interior aerial, either a telescopic one or built into headphones, but it’s wise to check before you buy. If you’re within a DAB coverage area and are satisfied with the sound quality, then you won’t need to invest in a different aerial.

Will I need an aerial for my car?

A car DAB radio will need a special aerial, either a combined DAB/FM or dedicated DB aerial, and this should be roof-mounted for best results.

What if I’m outside the coverage area?

If you already have poor FM and mobile coverage, then the chances are your DAB coverage is poor too, and you’ll need an exterior aerial to obtain a decent reception. A DAB checker can help you confirm coverage. To boost reception, plug in your existing exterior aerial to see if that improves things. If not, move your radio around the house and near windows to see if that helps. Steel framed or reinforced concrete buildings tend to need exterior aerials.

How do I choose an outside aerial?

An omnidirectional DAB dipole works well with moderate to strong signals, but needs to be vertically polarised. A directional, or yagi, aerial is ideal for improving reception in poor or out of coverage areas, as it has a much higher gain than a dipole aerial. Cheltenham TV aerial repair specialist, Steve Unett Aerials (http://steveunettaerials.co.uk/services/tv-aerials-repair-and-installation-cheltenham/) recommends that the aerial is mounted as high as possible, for the best possible reception.

What stations will I be able to pick up with an exterior aerial?

Even with a new aerial, you’ll only pick up the local stations in your transmitter range, so you won’t get Scottish radio in Wales, or vice versa. BBC coverage was expected to be 90+% of the UK by the end of 2016, with around 200 transmitters switched on.

Is reception the same all over the UK?

No, even with an exterior aerial, which is why a directional aerial is often a better choice than a dipole aerial.

There are a huge number of different cameras in the world today. The human race is obsessed with watching itself, capturing moments and developing technology to broaden the applications for cameras. We can now place tiny cameras inside people to diagnose illness and capture images of distant stars. Maybe because our time here on earth is so fleeting, we have a great desire to see and capture as many moments from our lives as possible. Here we take a look at just some of the vast array of cameras we might come across in our daily lives.

Camcorder – these cameras are popular for recording events such as family celebrations and weddings or holidays. It is a portable, self-contained device with a primary function for capturing and recording. We’ve probably all seen one of these at some point.

Digital Camera – also known as a digicam. It produces digital images that can be stored on a computer, displayed first on a screen and then printed. Most cameras these are digital and have been incorporated into mobile phones and PDAs.

High-speed camera – it’s unlikely many of us will have one of these but it’s a camera capable of image exposures in excess of 250 frames per second. They are used for capturing extremely fast moving objects and the images, after being stored on a computer, can be played back in slow motion. Such devices are essential in things like vehicle impact testing, scientific study and ballistics for example.

Body Worn Cameras – this is a video recording device that is most often employed by law enforcement to capture interactions with the public or gather evidence at crime scenes. For more information, visit http://www.pinnacleresponse.com/body-cameras-and-the-law/.

Movie Cameras – traditionally they used film but these days almost all movies are shot using digital movie cameras. Whilst there are lower cost consumer versions, most movies use a professional camera designed for high-end digital cinematography. They would have large sensors, selectable frame rates and high quality optics.

Point and Shoot Cameras – also called a compact camera and was designed for simple use by anyone. They are quick to operate with most using focus free lenses or an autofocus feature. They include automatic systems for setting the exposure and have a built-in flash.

Remote Camera – this is a type of camera that might be placed by a photographer to get shots that they wouldn’t normally be able to get. Areas with tight access, small spaces, where access is forbidden or just to get an unusual or unique angle on something. Sports and nature photography frequently make use of remote cameras.

Thermal Imaging Camera – this device is used in firefighting. The camera renders infrared radiation as visible so firefighters can see heat through smoke and darkness. They are often handheld devices but could also be helmet-mounted and are constructed to be heat and water resistant.

Traffic Enforcement Camera – we’ve all seen these and know that they are mounted beside, over a road or inside an enforcement vehicle to detect traffic violations such as speeding, ignoring a red light, driving in bus lanes and driving without paying a congestion charge in the capital.

Have you ever stayed in a high rise hotel or worked in a skyscraper and wondered how on earth they clean the windows up that high? Washing windows is a tiring and time consuming task at normal level but imagine how challenging it must be to clean them twenty storeys up? Surely this must be one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Part window cleaner, part mountaineer!

They have to have a bit more equipment than your run of the mill window cleaning gear. They will carry a rope protector, a safety rope, a rope-grabbing tool, a descent mechanism, lanyard and suction cups. Not only does this equipment ensure their maximum safety but also enables them to clean all that glass with speed and efficiency. Whilst working, the cleaner will be attached to an anchor which is situated on the roof. This means that the windows can be cleaned as the worker descends onto lower floors. They will almost appear as if they are dropping one floor at a time and cleaning as they go.

Initially, cleaners would only have the ledge to stand on and grip the frame with their free hand. Thankfully this practice came to an end when I guess there were just too many accidents! Leather belts were then introduced which would be attached to an anchor. Scaffolds were the next piece of safety equipment to be introduced and these were not only safer but also more convenient. The most common tools used today include a boom, carriage, portable davit and Bosun’s chair. For more information on all forms of cleaning, visit  Commercial cleaning Belfast.

A boom is the oldest equipment used historically and consists of a scaffold carrying multiple cleaners. It is a fixed piece of equipment up on a roof, to be used whenever it is required. A carriage was a better alternative as it’s mounted on top of a rail on the roof which can allow it to move both left and right. It holds multiple workers and is much more flexible than a boom. A portable davit is a cheaper mechanism and is more effective as it enables access to many areas while carrying multiple workers. A Bosun’s chair is a device used to suspend a person from a rope to perform work in the air. Often used on ships, it originally featured a plank or layer of heavy canvas. These days they incorporate safety devices similar to those found in rock climbing harnesses.

This is definitely not a job for anyone with a fear of heights. Wind flows at a much higher speed when you’re hundred floors up  and so cleaners must have appropriate equipment to guard against such harsh conditions. Insects are another pest at such altitudes. Therefore, it’s not an easy job and considered one of the toughest in the world. It is crucial to keep a cool head at all times in order to make those skyscrapers look fantastic and gleaming.

Whilst offering relocation opportunities to your workforce can help you attract, retain and develop staff, relocation comes at a cost in time and finance to the organisation, whilst to the employee, there can be a great psychological impact.

Image Credit

The psychological effects of relocation

Even if, alongside the relocation policy, a company has provided a comprehensive timeframe and processes for an employee’s relocation, there will inevitably be some ambivalence regarding the move from the employee. Moving house is a recognised stressful event in itself. Add to this commencing a new role or project, albeit it with the same company, plus the effects of the move on the employee’s family, as they too, struggle to settle into a new home, job or school.

As far back as 1967, psychologists Holmes and Rahe, listed ‘change of residence’ as a major life event in terms of stress, along with changes in working role and conditions. More recently, in 2013, The Telegraph found that two-thirds of poll respondents stated moving house as being at the very top of their list of stressors, see http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/online-estate-agent/reduce-stress-moving-home/.

It is, therefore, essential that the relocation process is managed carefully. It will also be beneficial to have a competitive relocation package set up, as this can relieve many worries of those relocating.

What to include in a competitive relocation package

There are many things to consider including in a relocation package and it may be prudent to engage a corporate relocation company to advise, for example http://www.dtmoving.com/relocation-services. Using such a service can minimise stress as the corporate relocation service will have extensive experience of all the factors that will need to be considered.

Key considerations include having in place equitable compensation adjustments, as the cost of living and local tax rates may be higher in the place that the employee is relocating to. Additionally, it will be beneficial to have an agreed amount of paid leave for the employee to house hunt, visit schools and for the actual move itself. Engaging a specialist relocation estate agent to support house hunting activities can be a welcome idea, as can setting an agreed amount towards the cost of professional moving services and travel expenses. Finally, it may also be worth having in place the opportunity for loss of sale reimbursement benefits linked to any sale of the employee’s home.

If you have a strong desire to help people and also to make sure everyone is adhering to the laws of the land then you should consider a career as a police officer. The police are quite literally, a lifeline in emergency situations and are an essential part of a safe and secure society. When things go wrong, they are one of the first people we want on the scene. Continue reading Be a Bobby on the Beat →