BLOG – Andrea Arena

Be the Best Version of Yourself by Changing These 3 Habits

When things aren’t going your way, even for a few days, it can feel like a lifetime. Suddenly, feeling low becomes second nature, negative thoughts fill your mind, and you struggle to find the motivation to do anything. Even though you may feel that nothing can be done and this is how your life will be from now on, it’s important to recognize that it’s just a phase. And how long the phase will last is completely in your hands. Yes, it will take effort and time to turn things around, but, in the long run, you will achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself. In this article by TimeSquared, we lay down various good habits you can adopt starting today to make a positive change to your lifestyle and wellbeing. Stop Craving Instant Gratification How many times have you planned to watch just one more video on Instagram before starting work, and before you know it, an hour has passed? As reported by Positive Psychology, this is a classic example of chasing instant gratification i.e. choosing to sacrifice important long-term goals to gain short-term pleasure. While browsing Instagram for an hour would have given you a few laughs, in the end, you will feel stressed and less motivated to work. An effective way to overcome this habit is to recognize your urges and take steps to overcome them. For instance, delete social media apps from your phone and block these websites on your work devices. Additionally, if you live with roommates and are easily distracted into socializing rather than working, create a workplace inside your room and request to not be disturbed during work hours. Adapting these changes does not

Tags: developing good habits, goals, habits, mindfulness, priorities, responsibility, stop craving instant gratification, stop fearing change|

How do you retrieve company equipment from terminated remote workers?

According to the SHRM.org article, A terminated employee has not returned company equipment. Can the employer hold the paycheck until the equipment is returned, or deduct the cost from the final pay? “An employer cannot withhold a terminated employee's paycheck until equipment is returned.” So, what is the best solution? Not retrieving company issued computers and other assets is not only a significant cost, but also a security concern. Protecting the company’s intellectual property and company assets is paramount. But what is the best method of retrieval? Many companies are making no attempt to retrieve their assets while others are sending, pre-paid, self-addressed boxes to the terminated employees with a request for them to mail back the company assets. However, many companies are reporting less than 40% of the equipment successfully returned through this method. TimeSquared Concierge has launched an equipment retrieval division to recover company assets from terminated employees and deliver to remote working new hires. TimeSquared serves the entire United States. There is no set up fee and no monthly minimum. Companies are charged monthly for time spent at an hourly rate. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/hr-qa/pages/returnequipment.aspx

Tags: Company Assets, Company Computers, Computer Equipment, Equipment Retrieval, Remote workers, Remote Working, Terminated Employees|

Nothing Says, “You are Appreciated” Like Snacks!

TimeSquared Concierge is sending out Employee Appreciation Snack Boxes at HALF THE PRICE of the larger gift box providers. We are customizing these yummy gifts with the corporate client's logo and personalized notes inside. We recently sent gifts to the 2,200 home addresses of a corporate client's remote workers. Let us recognize your valued employees! If you would like a customized gift for your valued employees... and who doesn't... pls. contact Andrea@TimeSquaredConcierge.com 888-839-1662. #EmployeeEngagement #RemoteWorker #EmployeeRecognition

Tags: Employee Appreciation, Employee Engagement, employee retention, Snack Box|

Remote Working Is Here To Stay

Remote Working is here to stay. McKinsey's article, "Fostering employee productivity and morale during COVID-19" speaks to the ways and importance of maintaining employee productivity and employee engagement with a remote workforce. The article suggests, "Leaders might take into account the challenges people are encountering in balancing their work lives with their personal lives. This is particularly true for working parents and other caregivers." What assistance are you providing your people to help them stay focused while working from home - with or without kids attending virtual school in the next room and safeguarding elderly family members with a compromised immune system? The national errand running capabilities of Timesquared Concierge have transitioned from a "nice to have" to a "must have" for many employers. We complete all of the personal errands (weekly grocery shopping, Target and Costco runs, driving vehicles for service, taking pets to the vet and so much more) allowing the employees to focus on the job at hand. Providing TimeSquared Concierge as an employee benefit send a clear message that their employer understands their personal challenges. https://www.mckinsey.com/about-us/covid-response-center/leadership-mindsets/podcasts/fostering-employee-productivity-and-morale-through-covid-19#

Tags: COVID Solution, COVID-19, Employee Benefit, Employee Engagement, Employee Productivity, Remote workers, Remote Working|

Ready, Set Write

At TimeSquared Concierge, we realize that many are struggling with how to redirect their energy due to the COVID-19 restrictions. For that reason, we will be posting suggestions regularly in hopes that it encourages our clients and friends to make the very best of these challenging times. Our first recommendation is is to start Journaling. Whether you choose to record video or audio, type or handwrite, the object is to be consistent to get the best results. For some, journaling is an effective way to purge your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Getting everything on paper can lighten the mental load and provide clarity. Knowing that you can revisit it, gives you the freedom to release it from your thoughts. “One of the most effective ways to reduce stress with journaling is to write in detail about feelings and thoughts related to stressful events, as one would discuss topics in therapy, and brainstorm solutions, but there are several different ways to practice journaling. The method you choose can depend on your needs at the time, and your personality; just do what feels right.” according to VeryWellMind.com’s September 5, 2019 article, “The Benefits of Journaling for Stress Management”, by Elizabeth Scott. So, our first recommendation during this period of “social distancing” is to start Journaling. Remember, this is just for you. No one else will read it unless you choose to share it. Who knows, it might the beginning of the next great American novel! #Journaling #StressManagement #Covid19 #SocialDistancing #TimeSquaredConcierge #YourTimeSquared

Tags: COVID-19, journaling, socialdistancing, Stress Management|

The holiday season is our time to shine!

Concierges are the season’s magical elves committed to making every customer’s dream a reality and this season was no exception. From collecting enough pine cones for a client to write a marriage proposal in the snow to making custom gift baskets for a someone described as, “strongly self identifies as a Jewish, Chilean Vegan”. We are the ones convincing the salesperson at a discount retailer to hide the designer handbags when they arrive and call us immediately as a matter of national importance. We include notes in our contacts with the names of our clients’ relatives and what we bought for Aunt Edna last Christmas. Please don’t get offended when we remind you of your spouse’s birthday or email you a simple, make ahead recipe for your neighborhood potluck. We just might keep you out of the “dog house” or save you a couple of frantic hours in the kitchen! We are the ones who drive across town for a friend who is under the weather, because we know that nothing has more healing power than receiving your favorite soup and a thoughtful note. Of course, we always include a small box of chocolate …. for medicinal purposes. We are driven to make the magic happen. I use the word “driven” because it is a calling. It is something deep within a true concierge. There is a delight that we feel when we make even the smallest dream come true. So, hug your concierge. This time of year, they are easy to spot. They are exhausted but have that satisfied look of a job well done plastered across their merry little face! We look forward to making your life better in 2019! http://TimeSquaredConcierge.com

Tags: concierge, corporate concierge, customer service, errand running, family, frantic, holiday season, magical concierge, TimeSquared Concierge, work/life balance, working parent|

My answer to “This is How Real Working Mothers Are Managing (It’s Not as Complicated as You Think)”

Laura Vanderkam’s article “This Is How Real Working Mothers Are Managing (It’s Not as Complicated as You Think)” states, “The math is straightforward. There are 168 hours in a week. If you work fifty and sleep eight per night (fifty-six hours per week in total), that leaves sixty-two hours for other things.” Of course, my first thought is that she was remiss in not mentioning the imperative that you outsource your personal errands to TimeSquared Concierge. My second that was the realization that my opinion on this matter changes with the day and, if I am truly honest, the difference is the lens through which I am viewing my life. If I allow myself to be hyper critical, I see the inside of the refrigerator that could benefit from a thorough cleaning. However, most of the time, I see the smile on my daughter’s face or hear her utter a clever statement that is decades beyond her years or catch the reflection of the two of us attempting to imitate dance moves that clearly should be left to the professionals. Sure, I could benefit from some “me” time and I have my share of “first world” challenges, but I am tremendously grateful for the life I have and the people I share it with! https://verilymag.com/2015/09/working-mothers-i-know-how-she-does-it-laura-vanderkam?utm_source=Verily%20Newsletter&utm_campaign=8bb79406ca-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_27&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e08a3e62a0-8bb79406ca-88944549

Tags: productivity, work/life balance, working mom, working parent|

Quality vs Quantity Time

Recently, I attended a speech on the topic of parenting. The speaker was great. I agreed with the majority of what he said, but his suggestion that parents increase the amount of time we spend with our children rubbed me the wrong way. I mean, it all sounds good on paper, but the reality is that most of us are trying to cram 30+ hours into a 24 hour day. If we plan to spend more time with our children and then fail to do so, it creates guilt or anxiety which is no good for anyone. With all the expectations put on us in our professional and private lives, we don’t need any more reasons to feel inadequate. I thought long and hard and, after much deliberation decided that it’s just not possible. I do my very best and give all the attention that I can to my family. In my opinion, what’s most important is the quality of time spent, not the quantity. Being extremely present in the limited time you do have with your family can go a long way. And if they could be doing something better with their time, who am I to prevent them? For example, I love spending time with my daughter Charlie, but I can't teach her how to do a pirouette. She must spend time with her ballet instructor to learn that. Its best to use your limited time together giving what only you can - unconditional love. The most memorable moments with my daughter happen when I am present enough to recognize and seize the opportunity. For example, one morning while driving my daughter Charlie to school, we saw a red fox dart across the road. I

Tags: connecting with kids, family, parenting, quality time, work/life balance, working parent|

Is Your Life Being Squeezed?

The answer to “Sandwich Generation” retention How do you retain your valuable employees who find themselves in the “Sandwich Generation” - a generation of people who care for their aging parents while supporting their own children? Imagine an employee who leaves work 30 mins early to pick up mom’s prescription, then fights traffic for another 45 minutes to get to the daycare on time and avoid the exorbitant late fee. Once they are home, they whirl around the kitchen, trying to whip together a healthy meal for their family while struggling with the guilt from missed time at the office. I’m sure this is all too familiar for most of you. After all, the Pew Research Center, reported just over one of every eight Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent, in addition to between seven and ten million adults caring for their aging parents from a long distance. These individuals are at war with themselves - struggling with demands from so many with so few hours in the day. They know the importance of putting family first, but they also know what is expected of them at the office. For the ones I know, their professional life is a safe haven. It is the place where they can give 100% and reap tremendous rewards with often quantifiable measures of success. It feeds their sense of accomplishment, pays their bills and hopefully allows them to financially prepare for their own “golden years”. That is unless it is totally derailed by the competing factors previously mentioned. Do you doubt for a minute that it happens? You know it does. The question isn’t IF it happens, but rather how frequently.

Tags: busy, work/life balance, working mom|

What Millennials told us they value in the workplace

Because they confound the leadership so much, leaders will say “what do you want?” And millennials will say “we want to work in a place with purpose, we want to make an impact, we want free food and bean bag chairs.” And yet when provided all these things they are still not happy. ~ Simon Sinek’s interview on Millennials Millennials get a pretty bad rap. This generation—defined as the group born between 1982 and 2004—have been labeled as lazy, entitled and overly obsessed with their smart phones. Simon Sinek added insecure and monumentally depressed to the list. Even so, Millennials are the leaders of the future. What these future leaders want most is change. I know what you are going to say. They just want everything handed to them. Participation trophy syndrome! Well, a recent study conducted by Gallup.com shows evidence that Millennials may be more like you than you think. As a matter a fact, the scores for employee engagement and workplace satisfaction were pretty even across the board. Based on the 200,000 Americans surveyed only about 1/3 of people are engaged at work. This number includes all generations currently in the workforce. So the real question is, if everyone feels that they are waiting for employers to provide what they need to keep them engaged, how do Millennials differ from the previous generations? The difference is, Millennials aren’t willing to wait. This dissatisfaction results in the job hopping that Millennials are so famous for. At TimeSquared Concierge it is our job to make sure your employees are well taken care of so they can stay focused at work. That is why we created a survey to find out exactly what millennials really want in