office coffee services

5 Signs It’s Time to Use an Office Coffee Service

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Coffee is a must-have in any workplace. Not only does it get employees going in the morning, but it also helps get them through the workday slog, especially in those hours after lunch. Maintaining equipment and managing products, however, can take its toll. What initially began as a perk for employees soon feels like a chore for those responsible for the coffee. If your office is in this predicament, it might be time to search for a quality office coffee service. Here are the signs to watch for.

1. Your office keeps running out of coffee

It takes time for someone to go to the store to buy coffee and other break room supplies. If your office keeps running out of coffee, it’s time to look into an office coffee service that will deliver right to your location.

2. The coffee tastes bad

Nobody likes bad coffee. A good office coffee service is able to provide a variety of fresh and delicious coffee suitable for the tastes of everyone on your team.

3. Productivity is down

From increasing energy to improving focus and attention, coffee is known to help make workplaces more productive. If your office seems to be in a slump and productivity is lagging, it could be time to hire a quality office coffee service.

4. Employees aren’t happy

If your employees aren’t happy, it’s a sure sign it’s time to take the necessary measures to boost morale. Office coffee services, while not the only way to increase happiness, shows employees they’re valued and promotes a more open office culture.

5. You see employees with Starbucks in hand

Don’t get us wrong–Starbucks is great. But if all your employees are spending time getting coffee elsewhere, it’s time to really consider using an office coffee service. Not only are they spending their own money every day on something most offices provide for free, but they’re also spending time away from the office to purchase it!

remote worker

3 Alternatives to the 4 Day Work Week

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The four day work week has become a popular discussion among both employees and employers lately. With record-low unemployment rates, many companies are searching for ways to retain top talent by offering a variety of perks. A shorter workweek is one such benefit that’s attractive to employees. Who doesn’t want to have a longer weekend to spend more time with friends and family?

It’s not just employees who like the idea, either. Research has been conducted on the impact of a four day work week and shows that productivity can increase, so some employers are all ears to the idea.

But not all companies are created equal. Some, because of the industry or customer demand or a variety of factors, can’t just close the doors a day earlier. If that’s your company, what else can you do? Here are three options to consider in lieu of a four day work week.

3 Alternatives to the 4 Day Work Week

1. Offer More Flexibility

For a long time, salary was the most important factor when searching for a job. It almost always came down to money when a candidate was deciding on a job offer. When someone wanted to switch jobs, a better salary was often the reason. While salary is still important, other factors are now at play.

In today’s workplace, a good work-life balance is highly attractive, and it keeps both current employees happy and candidates engaged. Not only does making room for family, friends, and hobbies increase your overall happiness, it can improve your mental and physical health, and help prevent burnout.

If your company can’t provide a four day work week, consider giving employees more flexibility in their schedules. Allowing your employees to come and go as needed empowers them to be fully responsible for their own time and productivity. This can actually motivate them more.

Being flexible goes beyond employee happiness because when employees are happy, they tell everyone. Friends, family, and other potential candidates searching for a job will get their fill of stories about how awesome your company is, thereby attracting more talent.

2. Let Employees Work From Home

One of the core benefits of a four day work week is to reduce stress. But for companies that aren’t able to offer a shorter week, the next best thing is to allow employees to work from home.

A lot of managers are skeptical of work from home policies, as they envision employees lying around their house in their PJ’s and focusing more on laundry than important work matters. It can be scary implementing such a policy, for sure. But at the end of the day if you can’t trust your employees to do the work–whether they’re in the office, at home, or anywhere in the world–why hire them in the first place? The keyword here is trust.

In lieu of a shorter workweek, working from home can have a similar impact on employees. Some benefits include:

  • Reduced stress
  • Positive health impact
  • Better work-life balance

The real benefit of establishing a work from home policy, however, is productivity. Common office distractions like last-minute meetings and coworkers randomly dropping by to chat are a non-issue. Employees can work distraction-free to reach a level of productivity they’re unable to achieve while in the office.

  Source: Remote.co

Tips for Implementing a Work From Home Policy

Ground rules are important for implementing a work from home policy. But for a manager who’s never done so, it can be a bit nerve wracking and lead you to setting some guidelines that only frustrate employees, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish. Some tips for creating a work from home policy include:

  1. Trust your employees to do the work.
  2. Schedule weekly meetings.
  3. Give them the right tools.

Working from home has so many positive implications that it’s almost crazy not to have some form of policy. There are also plenty of digital tools available to help manage remote workers.

3. Encourage Breaks

Another way to add flexibility and improve your employees’ work-life balance is by encouraging them to take a break. Stepping away from work throughout the day for a little bit helps them regroup and connect with their fellow colleagues. However, even though it’s the law to provide breaks, many don’t take one. One study found that 33% of people don’t take a break at work.

Breaks go beyond a few minutes to shovel food in their mouths. You can extend your lunch break time and even provide a relaxing break room where employees actually want to spend time. Offering free office snacks is also a great way to show employees they’re valued and will encourage them to get away from their desks every now and then.

4 Ways to Buy Wholesale Snacks for Your Hotel Pantry

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Hotel guests demand variety. Whether it’s with room preferences or amenities, they want as many options as possible so they can choose the one that best suits their personal taste. Their snacking habits are no different, which is why hotel pantries have become so popular.

Compared to vending machines–which can be prone to service problems–a pantry provides far more options, is aesthetically pleasing, and has more potential to add value to your hotel. But where do you find all those products to stock your pantry? Here are four ways to get the items you need.

1. Costco

The obvious first choice, Costco (or any wholesale club) is the go-to entity for purchasing snacks and drinks in bulk. You can find just about everything needed to keep your hotel pantry stocked. The only downside is that it requires staff to leave the hotel to spend time shopping when they should be on site helping guests. 

2. Amazon

Another way to buy your snacks and drinks is through Amazon. The leader in online shopping for virtually anything makes it simple to get the products you want delivered to your hotel. However, there’s a chance certain items won’t be available, forcing you to run out to the store.

3. Boxed

Boxed helps make shopping for bulk items easy. The company was founded in 2013 and has distribution centers across the United States. Shop for wholesale products in a variety of categories, including snacks, beverages, baby items, and more. 

4. Supply Wizards

The above companies are all great choices to use for purchasing your wholesale products in bulk. Supply Wizards, however, was designed with busy hotel managers in mind. It connects you with a local snack and beverage supplier. The platform allows you to order in bulk online and receive the products within 1-2 business days. Also, the technology behind it helps you keep track of sales and inventory in your pantry.

 

How to Convince Your Boss to Say Yes

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Getting buy-in from senior management on any idea is challenging. Even more difficult: convincing them to invest in something where the ROI cannot be easily calculated, like with employee perks.

You might understand how pool tables, tuition reimbursement, and office snacks can impact employee engagement, and how it fosters a happier workplace which, in turn, leads to happier customers. But how do you convince your boss of this? How can you persuade management to consider any of your ideas?

It requires more than simply presenting a series of facts. Thorough planning, the right timing, and understanding your audience are all key factors that go into successfully persuading your boss to say yes. 

How People Make Decisions – Start with Why

Decisions aren’t made based purely on rational thought. While it might seem that way, it’s the emotional side of our brains that creates an initial sense of desire for something, then rational thoughts help justify our decision. This is the concept behind Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why.

In the book, Sinek explains that people are motivated to take action by a sense of purpose, their “why”. This video aptly summarizes the concept. It explains that people don’t buy and make decisions based on what you do, rather it’s why you do it–because that’s where the emotional connection lies.

Persuade management by starting with Why

For example, if you’re buying a car and don’t get a good feeling about it, all the rational thought in the world won’t persuade you to purchase the vehicle. But if the car gives you a good feeling, rational thoughts such as “it’s safe” and “it gets good gas mileage” will help convince you to buy it.

You can use this same principle in any situation that requires persuasion, including getting buy-in from your boss. Other factors that impact decision-making include the circumstances, context, and timing. 

Convince Your Boss to Say Yes – 5 Tips from Expert Sources

1. Harvard Business Review – Get The Timing Right

In their article Get The Boss To Buy In, authors James Detert and Susan Ashford explain how the timing of your pitch can impact the final decision:

“It’s critical to find the right moment to raise your ideas. That moment might be when organizational priorities shift, when certain players leave or join the company, or when a boss’s preoccupations change […] The best sellers notice when more and more people are beginning to care about a larger topic or trend that’s related to their issue, and they position their idea to “catch the wave.”

2. Sharlyn Lauby – Find a Champion

Sharlyn Lauby is an experienced Human Resources professional and consultant who manages HR Bartender, a resource that covers any and all topics that relate to workplace management. As someone well-versed in tactics to help deal with management, she offers sound advice in this article, including:

“Identify who is the best champion for the project or initiative. Part of a project’s success is choosing the right champion or sponsor.”

3. Lolly Daskal – Know Your Audience

Understanding what makes the management team tick will help you tailor the delivery of your idea. Take it from Lolly Daskal, one of the top leadership coaches in the world, in this blog post of hers:

“Persuasive people make it a point to know the people they are speaking to. They learn who they are and study their preferences. They would never give a high-board vision to a person who likes details, and they wouldn’t speak in declarative statements to a person who values collaboration. The more you pay attention to the sweet spots of others, the more you can tailor your message to their preferences.”

4. Dan Rockwell – Plan Your Presentation

How well prepared you are when you present your idea to senior management will impact their perception of it. Dan Rockwell, also known as The Leadership Freak, emphasizes the need to plan your presentation:

1. Tell a brief story of how others are struggling, disappointed, or frustrated. Describe the problem or opportunity briefly, simply, clearly, and with compassion.

2. Describe a solution.

3. Define specific deliverables.

4. Explain timelines.

5. Request resources.

5. Deborah G. Reigel – Think of Unintended Consequences

In her article 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Pitching an Idea to Your Boss, Deborah G. Reigel, an expert in communication and leadership skills, emphasizes the need to think about all the ways it will impact the business. For example, if you want to implement a new employee perk, who will be responsible for managing it? How much time will that take away from their current responsibilities?

“Make sure you think about unintended impacts up, down and across the organization, as well as for key stakeholders outside the business, who may not experience your great idea as all that terrific.”

Your Boss Said No. Now What?

It’d be nice if your boss loved all of your ideas. But, as you know, the world doesn’t work that way. Sometimes, despite playing all your cards right, your boss will still say no to your idea.

It can be a hard pill to swallow. When someone tells us no, we often take it personally. So where do you go from there?

First, try not to feel defeated. Once defeat sets in, we tend to reduce our efforts. Second, ask your boss questions:

  • Is there any aspect of the idea you do like?
  • Can we revisit the idea in the future?
  • Can I improve the idea and make it better?

No doesn’t necessarily mean never. Use the decline as an opportunity to get creative. What other perks could you offer employees that aren’t as costly? What can you do with the resources you have to improve engagement in the office? You very well could surprise yourself.

employees playing with dog at work

Dogs in the Workplace: A Quick Guide to Office Pet Policies

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As companies look to offer employee perks that will attract and retain top talent, pet-friendly office policies have become popular. You don’t need to scroll too far in your social media news feed to see a picture of someone with their dog at work. But bringing your pet to the office is more than a marketing gimmick used to lure job candidates. There are some real advantages to be gained.

While you might want to jump on the bandwagon and adopt an office pet policy, it’s important you do so discreetly. A flippant approach will only result in problems. It’s important to stay informed of the benefits and procedures for allowing dogs at work to avoid any issues. The following blog post serves as a resource to help you make the best decision for your office. 

Dogs in the Workplace are Nothing New

Dogs have always had a place at work:

  • Fire Department Dogs
  • Dogs in garages/auto-shops
  • Search & rescue dogs

The circumstances and reasons for having dogs in these professions are obviously different. They help rescue people and save lives in ways humans simply can’t. That doesn’t mean bringing dogs into an office setting doesn’t have advantages. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Benefits of Dogs in the workplace

1. Make you take necessary breaks

Sometimes we get so busy at work and don’t even realize how much time has passed. That’s not good for your mind or body. The risk of heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and other health concerns increase as a result of sitting too much. If you bring a dog to work, you’re forced to get up and take them outside for a quick walk.

2. Reduces stress

Workplace stress is a real and constant issue for many people. Dogs offer comfort and companionship which, according to studies, can help reduce stress at work.

3. Brings People Together

Dogs in the workplace help foster healthy working relationships among employees. They present a common ground for people to connect, one that is positive and can help boost morale in the office.

Additionally, bringing dogs to work help increase productivity and employee retention. Not to mention it keeps dogs from being alone at home all day. Sounds great, right? Before you implement a new policy, however, consider these helpful tips for establishing one that fits your office.

5 Tips to Establish a Successful Pet-Friendly Office Policy

As mentioned above, you can’t just suddenly declare pets are allowed at work. It’s a surefire way to cause confusion and chaos among employees, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. Do your research and plan well enough so that when you do implement the policy it’s successful. Here are five tips to help:

1. Make sure everyone is on board.

Most people in your office might love pets. But it’s important to speak with everyone regarding their feelings about bringing dogs to work. Someone might be petrified of dogs. If that’s the case, moving forward with a policy would not serve in your best interests.

2. Know the risks.

What happens if someone gets bitten? Although it’s unlikely, it is a real possibility and one that should be considered seriously. Check your insurance plan.

3. Is your office pet proof?

Once you determine employees are onboard with bringing pets to work, you must make sure the office is pet proof.  Some things to consider include:

  • Space for introducing new dogs to each other
  • An outdoor space for dogs to relieve themselves
  • How can pets be contained if their owners need to step out?

4. Set up rules.

It’s important to establish a set of rules for how employees will manage their pets in the office. For example, pet owners should come prepared with their own food and bowls for water. Determine protocol for when a dog starts barking too much. Establishing these guidelines will keep everyone on the same page and make it easier to manage situations if they arise.

5. Have everyone sign the policy.

Once you’ve finalized the new pet policy for your office, print it up for everyone to sign and keep it on file.

Bringing dogs into work is a fantastic employee perk. The benefits are numerous and it can have a lasting positive impact on your office culture. But the execution of the policy must be acceptable for everyone to create a happier workplace.

working with hotel renovation contractor

5 Tips for Working with Hotel Renovation Contractors

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Nothing can seem more daunting than managing a hotel remodeling project. The challenges are sometimes many and often unforeseen. Overcoming them is a matter of planning, preparation, and a strong partnership with a quality hotel renovation contractor.

Keyword: partnership.

The success of the project results from both parties working together. It’s this teamwork that helps managers maintain the same level of service for guests and meet their expectations throughout construction. 

But this partnership doesn’t happen over night; working with a hotel renovation contractor has its challenges. Meet them head-on with these five tips for a more successful hotel renovation project.

5 Tips for Working with Hotel Renovation Contractors

1. Clear Communication

The impact of poor communication is immense and often leads to a myriad of problems. During the renovation process, miscommunication with your contractor will only lead to major headaches.

That’s why it’s so important to remain in constant communication with key members of the construction team throughout the project. Clearly communicate your goals and expectations from the start. Here are some ways to ensure clear communication with your hotel renovation contractor:

  • Explain the objective for the room/area being remodeled
  • Provide as many details as possible
  • Keep a journal to track conversations

2. Proper Etiquette

As a hotel manager, how many times have you dealt with guests with unreasonable requests? Probably more than you’d like to acknowledge. It’s a similar situation when working with your hotel renovation company. A partnership is built on a solid foundation of mutual respect. 

Sure, you are the customer in this situation. But that doesn’t give you room to make demands that can’t be met. Every industry has established procedures for how the work gets done; construction is no different. Develop a sense of trust with your contractor and be respectful of their time. 

In other words, it all boils down to being a good customer.

3. Verify Their License & Insurance

The last thing you want is for something to go wrong only to find out the hotel renovation contractor you chose didn’t have proper insurance. It’s a big, messy legal battle that you don’t want any part of. When searching for contractors, ask them for an insurance certificate and proof of a license. An inability to provide this documentation quickly and in full is a surefire sign to move on to another company.

4. Make Sure Contract is Clear

The contract between your hotel and the renovation contractor is by far the most important element to the project. It’s what protects both parties and should be as clear and detailed as possible. A good, experienced contractor should be able to put together an adequate contract that sets clear guidelines for:

  • The timeline for the project
  • A payment schedule
  • Procedures for changes made

5. Prepare for Problems

No renovation project goes exactly as planned. Unforeseen problems, whether large or small, occur. Despite detailed planning, a contractor could discover an issue with the electrical work or plumbing that can completely change the scope of the project. Hotel managers must plan as best as they can, both mentally and financially. 

Whether your renovation is as simple as installing a hotel pantry or as large as remodeling the entire hotel, working with a hotel renovation contractor should feel more like a partnership.  

office coffee services

10 Facebook Pages Every Coffee Lover Should Follow

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Coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s a way of life. A culture. Connoisseurs of one of the world’s most popular beverages sometimes even center their lives around it.

Like sports fanatics, there’s apparel and accessories and communities devoted to all things coffee. That includes Facebook pages, each with its own perspective and regular output of content that ranges from funny memes to inspirational quotes to helpful information. What are they?

Here are ten of the most popular Facebook pages every coffee lover should follow.

1. Love Coffee

Followers: 211K +

A page dedicated to promoting everything that is “good, delicious, and possible” with coffee.

2. Coffee Funnies

Followers: 238K +

This page is perfect for coffee lovers with a sense of humor, as it shares funny and light-hearted memes that go great with your morning cup of joe.

3. Sweatpants & Coffee

Followers: 498K +

Sit back, relax, and just be comfortable. Sweatpants & Coffee aims to inspire people to be “the most comfortable versions of themselves.”

4. Starbucks

Followers: 36 million

Ah, the world’s most popular coffee brand. There’s more to their Facebook page than product promotions. You can learn more about their sustainability practices or stories about “coffee, community, humanity, and a better world” through their Starbucks Stories.

5. Funny Coffee Memes

Followers: 25K +

The name really says it all.

6. Coffee Detective

Followers: 5K +

More than just a Facebook page, Coffee Detective is a blog dedicated help coffee connoisseurs make the perfect cup of coffee.

7. Folgers

Followers: 1.4 million

Another household name, the Folgers Facebook page offers promotions, news, and entertainment for coffee drinkers.

8. The Coffee Compass

Followers: 3K +

For the craft coffee drinker, The Coffee Compass provides content about brewing methods as well as reviews and interviews.

9. Make Good Coffee

Followers: 1.2K +

Interested in learning how to make a better cup of coffee? Make Good Coffee is your ticket.

10. Keurig

Followers: 2.7 million

The revolutionary company that brought you a truly convenient way to make a single cup of coffee.

5 Ways To Maintain Healthy Eating Habits While At Work

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There’s no doubt about it—maintaining healthy eating habits is a challenge. The temptations to devour sweet and savory snacks are there every day. If you’re not careful, your health goals can quickly be thrown off track. Perhaps nothing makes it more difficult than the 8-10 hours you spend at work each day. Office break rooms are often filled with snacks that are packed with sugar and fat. It takes an incredible amount of restraint to resist them.

But there’s good news for those trying to maintain healthier eating habits.

The growth of snack delivery services makes it easier for workplaces to provide employees with access to more nutritional foods. Having fresh fruit and low-fat snacks lying around the office is much better than traditional candy and chips. Nevertheless, maintaining proper eating habits is not easy. Here are five ways to keep you on track while in the office.

1. Eat a Good Breakfast

By now it’s common knowledge that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gives your body the energy needed to get going and stay productive throughout the day. Skipping breakfast can throw your body’s rhythm of fasting and eating off-kilter, leading to overeating during the day. Probably not the best eating habit to develop. A good breakfast will also help regulate your metabolism.

2. Pack Your Lunch

Time is a commodity these days. There’s always a deadline to be met, which inevitably leads to a shortened lunch break. For many people that means fast food for lunch. And why not? It’s quick and relatively cheap. But talk about a bad idea if you’re trying to establish healthy eating habits. The solution is to pack your own lunch. Not will you be more inclined to prepare healthier meals for yourself, it’s also cheaper.

3. Eat Healthy Office Snacks

Healthy eating habits go beyond breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most people snack throughout the day, and it does no good to munch on sugary, fatty foods. To ensure you don’t, you can bring your own snacks from home or have them delivered to your workplace through a snack delivery service.

4. Drink Healthier Beverages

Healthy eating habits include the beverages you drink as well. Consuming too many sugary drinks is perhaps even worse than unhealthy snacks because your brain doesn’t register the calories in the same manner. The fullness you get from food isn’t the same as the calories you get from beverages, so you end up consuming more calories overall.

This isn’t to say a refreshing can of Coca-Cola or Pepsi every now and then is terrible. It’s really a matter of moderation. Incorporating healthy beverages into your diet should not be overlooked. Some options include:

• Water
• Green Tea
• Coffee
• Sugar-Free Drinks

5. Keep a Food Journal

There are many benefits to keeping track of what you eat. A food journal not only can assist in your effort to lose weight, but it can provide insight into what foods agitate your digestive system or disrupt your sleep. For those trying to maintain healthy eating habits, a food journal keeps you focused and disciplined enough to help you reach your goals.

Your Hotel Lobby: To Redesign, Or Not To Redesign?

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In hotel management, the burden of making a great first impression falls on the shoulders of your lobby. The responsibility of instantly making guests feel like they’re in the right place is no easy task. These days, the lobby is no longer simply a place where guests just check in or out. Design trends in recent years have completely changed the hotel lobby and its function. It’s now an opportunity to make a real impact on guests’ perceptions as soon as you walk through the door.

For managers who find themselves considering a lobby redesign, just the thought of it can be overwhelming. But with the right approach and planning, understanding the challenges of a hotel lobby redesign and how to overcome them can help reduce the stress involved with the project.

First things first: Do you even need to redesign your lobby?

It’s easy to go chasing current trends simply because everyone else is doing it. But redesigning the lobby is a big project, so it’s important to really consider the reasons for doing it. Does it need a complete makeover? Or will a few small changes suffice? Some questions to get you thinking include:

  1. Is there enough room for guests to gather comfortably?
  2. What kind of food and beverage options are currently available?
  3. Are there enough electrical outlets and wifi?

Before taking any real action, you should first evaluate your current lobby. Evaluating your current lobby design before taking any real action can help prevent any wasted time and money. If your evaluation leads you to deciding to redesign the whole lobby, there are challenges you need to be prepared for.

Hotel Lobby Redesign Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Redesigning your lobby has its challenges, no doubt, but if you prepare yourself and your staff for the undertaking the project should run as smoothly as it possibly can. That’s not to say there won’t be issues sprung upon you at that last minute. That’s a given with any construction project. But understanding the challenges will help you get over those hurdles.

Challenge #1: Budget

Redesigning the lobby can be expensive, so it’s important to establish a budget and stick to it. To help you determine the cost, write down all of the ideas you have for the project. Your wants and needs and expectations. Next, get some rough estimates for the project. What you should strive for is an equal balance between price, quality, and schedule. Just be sure to steer clear of anything done too fast at a cheap price.

Challenge #2: Planning & Strategy

Once you’ve established a budget, you’ll need to layout a plan for how you’re going to manage the project. That means organizing the right group of people and making sure everyone is on the same page, from the hotel owner to management to front-desk staff, and (if you’re part of a hotel management group) your brand and design team.

Challenge #3: Choosing Firm

For hotels not part of a management group that might already have its own design resources, the assistance of an interior design firm is invaluable. Here are some tips to help you choose the right firm for your hotel lobby redesign:

  1. Research a list of firms that specialize in commercial design.
  2. Create a design brief or a request for proposal (RFP).
  3. Discuss the project in detail and decide.

Not using a design firm will save you money, but the quality of the project will be much better having had a professional design your lobby.

Challenge #4: Managing Construction

During the construction phase of your hotel lobby redesign, it’s essential to stay on top of progress and keep in regular communication with the construction team. This is especially true if your hotel will remain open during the project. If necessary, you can have the work done in phases to minimize the disruption it will cause guests.

Key Trends in Hotel Lobby Design

The days of pragmatic hotel lobbies are over. Guests expect the lobby to be an space where they can gather and socialize. This means designing your lobby to be a social hub where dining and recreation take precedence over a business-like atmosphere. Features like plush furniture for comfort and unique food and beverage options, such as a hotel pantry, are in demand.

greek yogurt with granola for protein snack

12 High-Protein Snacks to Keep You Going At Work

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Some days at work are so busy you barely have time to glance at the clock, let alone have a decent meal. High-protein snacks are perfect for keeping you fueled. Not only are they filling, but protein also helps suppress hunger and helps stabilize blood sugar. Here are 12 high-protein snacks that are convenient to bring to the office, or are often available through a snack delivery service.

 

1. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a high-protein snack that’s sure to give you a boost of energy. In addition to protein, Greek yogurt provides other nutrients including probiotics, calcium, and vitamin B-12.

 

2. Jerky

Jerky is another great snack that’s simple and convenient and is easily available through most snack delivery services. Jerky is made of dried meat that has had the fat stripped out of it, and comes in choices of beef, chicken, turkey, or salmon.

 

3. Hard-Boiled Eggs

hard boiled eggs for protein snack

Hard-boiled eggs are virtually the perfect snack. They’re high in many essential nutrients, and pack about 6 grams of protein. They’re also portable, making them convenient for bringing to the office.

 

4. Trail Mix

Dried fruit, nuts, and (sometimes) chocolate combine to make this excellent snack great to munch on at work. The nuts have protein, while the dried fruit and chocolate provide some carbohydrates to give you a burst of energy. Just be aware of how much you eat. Trail mix can be high in calories, so you don’t want to go overboard.

 

5. Tunafish

In addition to protein, tunafish is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and low in calories, making it a perfect choice for a quick snack at work.

 

6. Apple with Peanut Butter

apples with peanut butter

Apples are full of great nutrients. Add a dollop of peanut butter, and you’ve got a great healthy snack that’s packed with protein.

 

7. Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter

Another great tasting snack to pair with peanut butter is celery. Get a dose of protein from the peanut butter as well as essential vitamins and minerals from the celery.

 

8. Cheese

Cheese is a healthy and filling snack that you can easily bring to work or, with the right snack delivery service, have some delivered right to your office. Cheese offers a good amount of calcium and protein, as well as some essential vitamins. Moreover, there are plenty of different types to choose from, including string cheese, squares and sticks.

 

9. Protein Bar

protein bar

Filling, portable, and tasty, protein bars are a great snack that will tide you over until your next real meal.

 

10. Almonds

With six grams of protein for every ounce, almonds are another solid choice for a quick and easy snack.

 

11. Veggies with Hummus

humus with vegetables is a good high protein snack

Hummus is made from chickpeas, which pack a solid protein punch with 6.5 grams in just 1/3 cup. Add some veggies to the mix and you’ve got yourself a healthy snack that will keep you going.

 

12. Protein Shake

Sometimes getting some protein from a whole food source isn’t an option. Protein shakes can be a great alternative. Many beverage brands have high-protein products available.

different hands holding coffee mugs

Funny Coffee Mugs For The Office

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Any coffee drinker worth their beans knows that the mug from which they drink is just as important as the coffee itself. If you’re searching for a good coffee mug to bring to the office, below are seven choices.

1. 

At least there’s coffee in those meetings, right?

2. 

coffee mug for the office

Weeeeee! Okay, now get back to work.

3.

coffee mug from etsy

*Sniffle*

4.

funny coffee mug from Amazon

Good job! (Sort of.)

5.

coffee mug

Yeah, you’re gonna have to build up that tolerance.

6.

You can only go so far with your BS. (Or can you?)

7.

crazy to work here coffee mug

At least you have coffee?

Perks of free snacks in the workplace

10 Guilt-Free Snacks You Can Enjoy At Work

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Getting through the workday sometimes requires a little extra energy, and a quick snack can do just the trick. But if you want to munch on something without feeling guilty, what are your options? To help you power through those lulls you need real substance and not just a quick sugar rush. Below are ten snacks you can feel less guilty about eating while at work.

1. Greek Yogurt with Fruit

yogurt is a healthy snack to eat in the office

Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium, has probiotics, and is high in protein.

2. KIND Bar

KIND bars are a healthy snack to eat at work

Made with whole nuts, fruits, and grains, KIND granola bars make for the perfect healthy snack on the go.

3. Almonds

Almonds contain a lot of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. They’re sure to help fight hunger to get you through the day.

4. SkinnyPop Popcorn

Non-GMO. Gluten Free. No artificial flavors. Skinnypop Popcorn is a great healthy snack alternative to traditional options that won’t make your insides regret eating it.

5. Apples with Peanut Butter

apples with peanut butter

You know what they say: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. This tasty snack is as healthy as you can get. It has fiber from fresh fruit, and healthy fats/oils and protein from the peanut butter.

6. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad provides plenty of fiber and complex carbs to give you a healthy jolt of energy.

7. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has great health benefits

Dark chocolate is one of the best sources of antioxidants, so you can snack on some to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling too bad.

8. Smoothie

While some smoothies can be packed with non-healthy ingredients, there are plenty of options for ones that are good for you.

9. Fruit with Cottage Cheese

This convenient, high-protein choice of snacks is sure to give you momentum to finish out your day.

10. Animal Crackers

Most people think animal crackers are just for kids. While they do make for a good snack to give little Johnny, they’re also low in calories, fat, and sugar, so you can snack on some in the office without feeling too guilty.

technology for hotel managers

The Digital Tools Every Hotel Manager Needs

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While the key to success in the hotel industry will always be good, old-fashioned hospitality, leveraging the right hotel technology makes it easier to meet and exceed guest expectations. From pre-booking to checkout, using digital tools will help your hotel run smoothly, offering guests an experience they will come to enjoy and trust. So what are these tools? Here’s the hotel technology you need to attract guests and manage hotel operations better.

Digital Tools for Hotel Managers

1. Property Management Systems

A hotel property management system (PMS) is the lifeblood of operations. It’s where all front-office capabilities come together on a single platform. A good PMS combines tasks such as guest check-in/check-out, managing room rates, billing, booking reservations, and room assignments. This hotel technology is an absolute must-have; you really can’t operate a hotel these days without a good PMS.

Popular PMS platforms include:

2. Revenue Management

Success in any industry in today’s business environment is all about data. To collect the right information so you can provide the right price to the right customer at the right time, you need a revenue management system. This software helps you make the right decisions by automating the process of collecting and analyzing data.

3. Pantry Management Software

Food and beverage trends in hospitality require a keen understanding of your guests, which means vending machines are no longer the go-to option for providing them with snacks and beverages. They want more items with easier access and a hotel pantry is just the ticket.

But managing a pantry can be challenging. After all, it’s a retail operation and you’re a hospitality professional. Hotel technology like Supply Wizards makes it simple. Order all your items–snacks, beverages, sundries–from an easy-to-use online platform and get delivery within 1-2 days.

4. Marketing Tools

If your hotel doesn’t have a strong online presence, how will guests find it? Digital marketing is an absolute must. Here’s what you need to effectively market your hotel.

  • A well-designed website
  • Google Analytics
  • Social Media Management Tool
team members high five each other for motivation

10 Ways to Keep Your Team Motivated

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Whether you manage a small office with a handful of people or a large team in a corporate setting, keeping your team motivated is essential to success and overall happiness. Motivated employees have a better outlook, are more productive, and are generally happier.

But even the biggest go-getters come across the occasional lull. As a manager, part of your responsibility is to keep your team motivated and eager to do their best all the time. That’s no easy task, so we’ve compiled a list of ten areas to focus on to help give your team a little extra drive.

10 Ways to Motivate Your Team to be More Productive & Happier

1. Pay Them What They’re Worth

You don’t want to lose a great employee because they’re not paid enough. Make sure their salaries are consistent with their productivity. You also want to keep their pay in line with what other companies in your industry are paying to prevent them from jumping ship for higher pay.

2. Improve the Company Culture

In a study published in the Harvard Business Review, a company’s culture plays an important role in how motivated employees are. The research focused on three areas:

  • How culture affects performance
  • The worth of culture to an organization
  • The processes that influence culture

The key findings? Performance is largely tied to why we work. There are better customer outcomes when a culture fosters certain characteristics such as more play, potential, and purpose. As for certain processes that impact a company’s culture, it varies and how the role is designed can have a big affect.

A company’s culture directly impacts employees perspective on work. Make sure your organization is actively pursuing a culture that inherently motivates employees.

3. Recognize Success (For the Whole Team)

As a manager, taking time to celebrate achievements should be a priority. Recognizing success can be a powerful motivator as it fosters a sense of fulfillment for employees in their careers. It adds to their sense of purpose. Do this both on an individual level and for the whole team. Encourage team members to recognize achievements among each other.

4. Keep Them Fueled

The infamous mid-afternoon slump can wipe out all the motivation in even the most determined employees. Help them maintain momentum to power through the day with the right snacks and beverages. A quality snack delivery service will do the trick without impacting your overall productivity.

5. Help Them Reach Their Full Potential

Leading a team is about more than just balancing workloads among each member. A good manager helps employees develop themselves professionally. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses becomes critical. Challenge them to go further in areas in which you know they struggle.

6. Provide the Right Tools

One major frustration that can deteriorate any team’s motivation at work is being asked to complete tasks without the proper tools available. It can wear employees down. For example, in today’s workplace, there are endless digital tools available to help manage and complete work. Make them available so your team can be more productive.

7. Ask Questions, Don’t Just Give Answers

One of the main factors of having a sense of purpose is finding solutions on your own. Instead of laying out the path to solving problems for them, ask questions that will energize them to figure out the solution by themselves. Nobody likes to be told exactly how to do their job.

8. Show Them How & Why Their Work Matters

When employees fail to see how their work impacts the big picture within an organization, engagement and productivity begin to decline. When leading a team, remember to always include them or their work in the company’s broader strategy.

9. Offer Opportunity for Growth

Not providing pathways to more opportunities leads to complacency, which will only breed unmotivated employees. Offer plenty of opportunities for your team members to grow where they can eventually take on new and bigger challenges.

10. Have Fun Together

People that get along well with one another also work well together. Help your team foster good relations among each other through team building exercises or something as simple as regular lunch meetings together.

How Your Office Break Room Can Be A Source Of Insipiration

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As the workplace continues to evolve in so many ways and so quickly it can seem difficult to keep up. Cultural and operational changes in recent years make the modern office hardly recognizable from its not-so-distant past. This includes the office break room. The days of boring wall art and clunky vending machines that might or might not steal your money are over. Your company break room can now be a source of inspiration. Here’s how:

Keep Employees Energized

Employees often use office break rooms to eat, whether it’s for lunch or a quick snack. (Shocking, we know.) But in all seriousness, the foundation of the modern break room rests on the ability to provide employees with a broader range of food and beverage products, which includes healthy snacks. Food that truly gives them energy versus a quick sugar rush only to be followed by a hard faceplant into the keyboard. Snack delivery services make this easily attainable.

Maintain Positive Levels of Morale

There are many elements that factor into improving morale in the workplace, but chief among them is sharing a sense of higher purpose with fellow colleagues. A welcoming and engaging office break room is the perfect place for employees to mix and mingle and share their enthusiasm for working towards a common goal.

Bold Design & Artwork

Have you ever been inspired by dull, neutral colors? What about those framed posters of mountains with the word “Inspiration” printed on the bottom? A bold approach to your break room design can have a positive impact on employees. Unique artwork often conjures up a sense of curiosity, while the right colors generate a feeling of enthusiasm.

Fosters Collaboration

Your office break room has a seemingly uncanny ability to bring people together. A common place where all employees are welcome–and actually like to be–can foster inter-departmental relationships, which may lead to stronger collaborative efforts among your employees.

As about one-third of our time is spent at work, we owe it to ourselves to have offices with comfortable spaces such as break rooms that not only provide a place to relax but offer a sense of inspiration.

email inbox overload interruption concept

3 Biggest Interruptions for Office Managers and How to Manage Them

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You got a minute?

As an office manager, you’re probably interrupted at work by that question more than you can count. Whether it’s an executive or employee you manage, there’s always someone who needs help.

Add to that the barrage of emails and messages from team collaboration tools and it’s a wonder how you’re able to get any work done.

Your workday becomes a constant battle of fighting interruptions and distractions to accomplish tasks.

Aside from staying late or getting to the office early, there’s got a be a way to minimize interruptions so you can focus. Rescue Time, a time management software product, has a great blog post about just that. You can read the whole post here, but here are the main points:

  1. Awareness
  2. Schedule interruptions
  3. Rethink how you communicate

Here are the most common workplace distractions for office managers and how to deal with them.

1. In-Person Interruptions

By far the most common, in-person interruptions are especially challenging to manage because, well, they’re right there in your face. You can’t just walk away. To deal with these distractions, schedule ‘available’ and ‘unavailable’ time. Just be mindful that, as a manager, it’s your job to help employees when needed.

2. Emails

How many emails do you receive in a day? Dozens? Hundreds? Whatever the amount, emails account for another big portion of workplace interruptions and your productivity takes a hit with each message. Here’s how to manage email interruptions:

  • Schedule times throughout the day to review emails
  • Turn off notifications
  • Only respond immediately if absolutely necessary
  • Get rid of irrelevant messages

3. Collaboration Tools

There are so many digital tools for managers out there designed to improve productivity. But sometimes they can become quite an interruption themselves. Be sure to set guidelines with your team about how and when to contact you through your collaboration program.

products organized in hotel pantry

3 Small Changes To Your Hotel Pantry That’ll Make A Big Difference

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As grab-n-go concepts for snacks and beverages are highly preferred among guests, more hotel managers are choosing to install a pantry to meet this growing need. But managing a pantry can be quite a challenge. If you find that your hotel pantry is lagging in performance, here are three simple changes you can implement to improve sales and guest performance.

1. Sell What Guests Like

Stocking your hotel pantry with items that you or your staff prefer isn’t serving your guests well. Fill the shelves with items your guests want. This might take some time, especially if you’ve only recently set up a pantry. But talk to your guests. Find out what they like. If you’re using a pantry management platform like Supply Wizards, you can view sales data to help you decide which items sell best.

2. Group Similar Items Together

Ever walked into a retail store and couldn’t easily find something? It’s a rare experience. That’s because everything is organized in a particular way. You won’t find sporting good items mixed in with medicine. When it comes to your pantry, you want guests to easily find what it is they’re in the mood for. Keep sweets with the sweets, savory with savory, and so on.

3. Place New Items Among Top-Sellers

Once you do decide to try selling new products in your hotel pantry, be sure to place them between items that are already selling well. The last thing you want to do is place them in a corner where guests won’t be able to easily find them.

balance your snack variety between healthy and junk food

Balancing Healthy Snacks & Junk Food in The Office

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Healthy snacks are all the rage these days and for good reason. With about 93 million Americans affected by obesity, one of the most common causes of Type 2 diabetes, poor eating habits are at the core of these and other health issues.

Many people seemed to have taken note.

Awareness of the positive impact a healthy lifestyle provides can be seen all around us. You can’t go anywhere without passing by a fitness club or yoga studio or seeing an advertisement for products or services meant to improve your health. 

But can eating healthy all the time be bad?

As it turns out, it can. Sort of. There is such a thing as eating too healthy. It’s called orthorexia. Though not an official diagnosis, some experts in the medical community recognize it as problematic and see similarities to other eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. 

Does this mean by offering just healthy snacks in your workplace will have an adverse effect on employees? No. Not at all. But is it terrible to induldge in the occasional candy bar or bag of chips? Nope.

Get 1-2 Day Office Snack Delivery from a Local Supplier

What is important to consider is the variety and balance of snack products you offer in the office.

Why Balance Healthy Snacks & Junk Food in The Office?

Eating habits are largely a personal choice. It’s one thing to stock your own home with nothing but healthy snacks, but in the office there are other factors at play.

The diversity of the workplace is perhaps the biggest reason you want a good balance between healthy items and junk food. Not everyone is a health fanatic, and one employee’s definition of eating healthy could be different from another’s.

For example, some employees might eat as healthy as possible for their main meals and exercise routinely, but they allow themselves to snack on sweet and savory items throughout the day.

Furthermore, even if encouraging healthier eating habits are part of your company’s approach to employee wellness, it’s okay to provide a little candy or some cookies. 

And what of the stress factor? Sometimes the pressure is on at work and while a healthy snack can help you power through the day, sometimes you just want a cookie or piece of chocolate to get through the stressful moments.

What is a Good Balance?

It depends. Because of the diversity among employees vary from company to company, a balance of healthy snacks and junk food will be just as different. 

The best way to find out what ratio will work for your office is to ask your employees. A simple email or a survey will do. Just try to refrain from assuming what everyone will like, as doing so can lead to signing up for the wrong type of snack delivery service for your office.

Finding out what types of snacks your employees want will help you choose a snack program that offers the variety and balances of products your workplace needs. 

man delivering snacks to office

5 Snack Delivery Options for Your Office

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Office snack delivery services help busy managers save the time and hassle from grocery shopping for their offices. Right from your desk are dozens (hundreds, really) of snack and beverage options from which to choose. No wonder so many businesses are opting for this approach to providing snacks for employees.

But as many choices there are for products, there are seemingly as many options for delivery services. Which one should you choose? Which is the best snack delivery service for your office? Here are five options to help you decide.

1. Snack Nation

One of the core elements of Snack Nation’s snack boxes is variety and their focus on healthy items. They offer something for every preference or dietary need. Prefer low sodium snacks or need gluten-free products? Snack Nation can deliver.

Their pricing starts at $299/month per box, and there’s no contract needed. This is a great option for those looking for variety. However, it’s not a local service, so if you run out of a few items you’ll need to wait until your next box is delivered. They also don’t offer beverage options.

2. Instacart

Instacart is like grocery shopping from your desk. As a grocery delivery service, Instacart connects you with a local grocery store. One of their employees gets your order, does the shopping for you, then delivers the items to your office.

Instacart is good for those wanting fresh items in the office, like fruits or vegetables. Like Snack Nation, there’s no contract. But there are added fees per item purchased.

3. Urthbox

Urthbox is another snack delivery option for your office. This service has a large focus on non-GMO and organic products, which includes beverages.

The boxes they send are always filled with different items, so employees will have new options to try with each delivery. The downside to this, though, is not having control over the products you order. A box of 25+ snacks starts at $49.

4. InstaCandy

Sometimes you just need a tasty treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. If that’s what you’re after, InstaCandy is a good option. This delivery service provides, as you might have guessed, candy. All kinds of it.

InstaCandy delivers a box at the same time every month full of candy from around the world. It’s the 21st century version of the ol’ office candy jar!

5. Supply Wizards

Many snack delivery services lack the local distribution of products. With Supply Wizards, your office can order all the items it wants (by individual piece) and get them delivered by a local vending operator.

And not only with they deliver, but they can help stock your break room for you. Get the items you need fast with 1-2 business day delivery. There’s no contract to sign. Just create an account and start ordering!

resolving workplace conflicts

Resolving Conflicts in the Workplace

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Workplace conflicts are inevitable. With so many different personalities crammed into one space day after day, there are bound to be issues–big and small–that arise. If you’re a manager, chances are you’ve spent some time solving problems between employees. In fact, most managers spend 10-26% of their time handling conflicts.

In most cases the issues are work-related, but sometimes it’s personal.

Regardless of the problem, there’s one thing that’s certain: if a conflict is ignored for too long, it can lead to larger issues and ultimately affect office morale.

So, what causes conflicts in the workplace and how do you resolve them?

Common Causes of Workplace Conflicts

Communication issues. Poor communication is perhaps the most common cause of conflicts in the workplace. Sometimes it’s a misunderstanding, other times it’s a failure to communicate at all.

Structural issues. Differences between two departments can lead to problems, particularly when either side is unwilling to compromise.

Personality differences. A clash in personalities can lead to conflict as well. This includes the way one person handles a situation or a difference in values.

Whatever the issue, it is essential for managers and supervisors to recognize the problem and work to resolve it as soon as possible.

How To Resolve Conflicts In The Workplace

According to clinical psychologist Susan Heitler Ph.D., a collaborative effort is the best approach to handling problems between two people. This process works in three steps:

1. Recognition of the problem

2. Exploration of underlying concerns

3. Create a mutually agreeable solution

“For this process to work,” Heitler explains, “participants need to stay collaborative, like they are sitting on the same side of the table facing the problem, never flipping into oppositional or hostile stances toward each other.”

3 Tips To Help Manage Conflicts

1. Wait until both parties are calm. Getting two people to try and resolve the problem while they’re still angry or upset is not effective. Let some time pass to keep tempers from flaring up.

2. Be an active listener. When you sit down with someone to solve a problem, listen to understand. Try and see it their way.

3. Stay focused on the problem, not the individuals involved. By focusing on the problem and not the individual, you will avoid a personality clash that might cause even more problems.