How a Keynote Speaker Can Benefit a Corporation

Portland News Staff on December 17, 2024

Your corporation is a healthy one, right? As a company, it’s a leader in its industry, providing valuable products and services to its customers and clients. So, what is it that’s causing you to feel that little bit of unease? Is there a palpable feeling of complacency amongst members of your team? Do productivity meetings lately hit roadblocks with conversations dissolving into gripes about low productivity and internal disagreements? Do you feel a growing disengagement between departments? An overall lack of pride in the work individuals do?

If any of the above sounds like your corporation, you’re not alone. Even strong, successful companies can occasionally experience periods of stagnation. But it shouldn’t be ignored. An engaged, productive workforce is important for the success of any company, including yours.

So, How Do You Turn Things Around?

How do you get your workforce–from the most entry-level members of your team to top-level executives–motivated, re-charged, and once again taking pride in their jobs? It might seem overwhelming, but thankfully, there are strategies to help turn things around and refocus a corporation.

To be sure, there are a lot of little ways to get a jumpstart on the situation. Establishing a recognition program for employees who go above and beyond, building camaraderie by holding a yearly company community service event, or simply encouraging members of your team to provide feedback to improve the workplace are all worthwhile ideas. However, one particularly impactful way to improve employee engagement and overall productivity may be to hire a keynote speaker.

Why Hire a Keynote Speaker?

Most companies that fall into the ruts described above share something in common. Even the most dedicated, enthusiastic employees, after a long time on the job, may find their work becoming routine and predictable. Some might even say boring. A good keynote speaker has the potential to shake things up. A good keynote speaker can relate to your employees, offering an outside perspective on how to re-energize and refocus. Simply, the fact that you bring in someone from outside the organization can send a message that you value your employees and care about their well-being and success.

A top-quality keynote speaker from a reputable firm in the motivational speaker industrycan be hired to address a range of topics, such as creativity and innovation, personal growth, team building, or even–if appropriate–politics and current events. Such speakers often use stories of inspiration, anecdotes, and humor to keep your team members engaged and attentive, helping them absorb lessons on teamwork and company pride.

And There’s More!

Hiring a keynote speaker for your next company event is as much about you as a leader as it is about your employees. Keynote speakers, if they are skilled and effective, can leave a lasting impression that helps motivate employees long after the event itself. Hiring a keynote speaker may be an investment that pays off with increased employee engagement, improved productivity, and a more positive work environment overall.

Published by Joshua F.

How Cleaning Air Ducts Helps a Building During the Winter

Portland News Staff on December 17, 2024

Each time your HVAC system runs, air blows through the ductwork to reach the interior via the vents. This air contains dust, pollen, and various other types of debris. While some debris enters the building, other particles are trapped inside the ducts. O. Over time, the buildup along the walls of the ducts can accumulate into thicker layers. Air duct cleaning helps remove much of the debris in the ducts as well as on the registers, fan motor, and other system components. What are the benefits of air duct cleaning this winter?

Optimized Energy Efficiency

As the grimy buildup in the ducts increases, airflow may become increasingly restricted. The furnace could have to work harder to propel air through the vents and keep the building at the desired temperature this winter and throughout the year. This can require more energy, meaning energy bills may gradually increase until the ducts are cleaned and airflow improves. In addition, excess wear and tear on the furnace might lead to increased repairs and reduced equipment longevity over time.

Less Filth

While some of the debris in the air will line and build up inside the air ducts, the airflow through While some of the debris in the air may line and build up inside the air ducts, the airflow through the ducts can knock some of that debris loose. This means that more dirt and dust could enter the building’s interior when the air ducts are dirty. As a result, more debris may land on the floor, furniture, and other surfaces. The rooms might look dirty even after being recently cleaned, requiring more frequent cleaning. Remember that layers of dust could affect the longevity of appliances, electronics, and other features. Premature replacements or preventable repairs might occur if the dust is not removed in a timely manner.

Odor Elimination

In addition to the grime that builds up in the air ducts, odors can accumulate and circulate through the rooms. These odors may come from mold, tobacco smoke, pets, cooking, and more. When the ducts are dirty and need attention, the air may smell musty, stale, or unpleasant. By thoroughly cleaning the air ducts on a routine basis, the building could smell fresher. This can help create a more inviting environment and improve indoor comfort.

Improved Respiratory Health

When the air ducts are dirty, many of the particles that circulate indoors in increasing quantities may include allergens. In addition to dust and dirt, these particles could include mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens. Those with chronic respiratory conditions or allergies might experience greater difficulty breathing or more symptoms. Even those without allergies or an underlying condition may benefit from improved indoor air quality. You might not even realize how hard you are breathing until you have the air ducts cleaned and notice easier breathing.

Generally, air ducts are recommended to be cleaned every three to five years. However, more frequent cleaning may be needed if your HVAC system is older, you have several pets, or in other specific situations. Doing so can help improve ambiance and health, while also reducing the likelihood of repairs and premature replacements throughout the building. If it has been a while since your air ducts were last cleaned, now could be the perfect time to schedule duct cleaning.

Published by Joshua F.

Just Because Employees Leave Doesn’t Mean They Are Gone for Good

Portland News Staff on December 17, 2024

Turnover is a natural part of any industry. Yes, you might have employees who have been loyal for 20 plus years, but most times you have employees who stick around for a few years before trying something new. Just because an employee leaves does not mean it’s always a reflection on the organization, and this is especially true for the healthcare system. You know the saying, “If you love something, set it free.” Well, when it comes to physicians, sometimes they need to leave, learn something new, and come back to their full potential. That means healthcare leaders need to foster a healthy work environment that welcomes employees back instead of punishing them for leaving. Turnover is natural, but it’s how you react to it that matters.

Recent studies show that around 20% of healthcare providers have left their jobs since 2020, and some projections suggest that up to 47% may consider leaving by 2025, though this depends on various factors such as job satisfaction, burnout, and industry changes.

“Just because a clinician leaves does not mean this will last forever. The healthcare industry can be a lot of stress for people, so it’s okay if employees need to take a break, and organizations should support this,” says DoorSpace CEO Sarah M. Worthy.

A lot of times, when a physician leaves one organization and jumps to another or moves towards a different career, it is because they want to test their skills and try something new. Every employee deserves an opportunity for growth, whether it’s internal or external.

The key to getting those employees back is to make sure that the work environment is a place where they feel welcomed. It can be hard for employees to quit a job and then come back because they might feel guilty or that they are being punished for leaving. Employees don’t want to feel like they are walking on eggshells, so it’s important to have open arms when they come back. This means giving them opportunities to learn and grow and fostering open lines of communication. Having a healthy work environment where clinicians feel heard and valued goes a long way.

“The key to getting people to come back is offering support if they decide to make this change and offering an environment that will accept them if they want to come back. It’s inevitable that healthcare workers will switch jobs or careers at some point in their lives, but it’s also likely they will come back to do what they love, which is taking care of people. This is just how the cycle works, and healthcare leaders need to adapt to it in a positive way,” Worthy says.

Everyone deserves a little break every now and then. Sometimes, it’s for personal reasons, such as mental health or physical illness, while other times, it’s to grow their skills as a professional in the healthcare space. These are all acceptable reasons to leave an organization, but they should not be grounds for them to never come back. Each and every job is a learning experience, and healthcare leaders should prioritize growth no matter how it occurs.

Think on the positive side. There is a reason employees are choosing to come back, no matter why they left in the first place. Providing a healthy work environment where they can continue to grow and use the skills they learned elsewhere is invaluable and can really make a difference in the healthcare industry. Turnover is not always such a bad thing, and letting employees go freely can help them feel comfortable to come back in the future.

Published by: Gracia M.

Angela Fowler Champions Accessibility and Inclusion in the Disability Market

Portland News Staff on December 17, 2024

In an era where diversity and inclusion dominate business strategies, one significant demographic often goes overlooked despite its substantial economic influence—the Disability Market. Encompassing not only individuals with disabilities but also seniors, this market wields a remarkable buying power exceeding $2 trillion. Angela Fowler, CEO of Real Life Access, is at the forefront of addressing this oversight. Through her advocacy for user experience (UX)-guided design and her personal insights, Fowler illuminates the untapped potential of this demographic and provides actionable strategies for businesses to effectively engage with it.

The challenge of recognizing the Disability Market stems largely from a narrow perspective shaped by personal experience. “People look at things through the lens of their own experience until and unless someone comes along and broadens that lens,” Fowler explains. This limited viewpoint often results in businesses failing to acknowledge or address the needs of individuals with disabilities. The oversight is not merely a missed ethical opportunity but a significant financial one, leaving billions of dollars in potential revenue untouched.

Fowler’s argument for prioritizing accessibility goes beyond compliance with disability laws. She views it as a strategic business opportunity. “The buying power of people with disabilities is much larger than most realize,” she states, underscoring the necessity for businesses to rethink their approach. Companies that neglect accessibility are not only excluding a vital customer segment but also forgoing substantial financial gains.

Organizations that have embraced accessibility demonstrate its far-reaching benefits. For instance, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) exemplifies success through its commitment to inclusivity. By employing accessibility professionals with disabilities and integrating user research, the VA has significantly enhanced its digital platforms. This inclusive approach has led to user-friendly interfaces and underscores the value of prioritizing accessibility expertise and feedback. Such success stories serve as powerful reminders that investing in accessibility can yield both ethical and financial rewards.

In today’s digital-first economy, accessibility is more crucial than ever. Online shopping and digital services dominate the marketplace, yet a significant portion of websites remain inaccessible to users with disabilities. Fowler highlights common barriers, such as poor keyboard navigation and inadequate labeling, which prevent companies from reaching this lucrative market. She stresses the importance of going beyond minimal compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While these laws provide a necessary framework, true inclusion requires businesses to adopt accessibility as a core value.

Unfortunately, misconceptions about disability law and fear of litigation have hindered progress. Instead of fostering productive dialogue, these fears often lead to resistance against accessibility initiatives. Fowler urges businesses to move past these fears and recognize the broader benefits of embracing accessibility. Beyond mitigating legal risks, prioritizing accessibility can enhance brand reputation, foster customer loyalty, and unlock new revenue streams.

Demographic shifts add another layer of urgency to this issue. With an aging population, the demand for accessible products and services is set to grow exponentially. Companies that adapt proactively will gain a competitive edge, capturing a larger share of this expanding market. By investing in accessibility now, businesses can position themselves as leaders in a landscape increasingly defined by inclusivity.

Fowler’s advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Having navigated societal misunderstandings about disability throughout her life, she brings a unique perspective to her work with Real Life Access. Her mission is clear: to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to engage effectively with the Disability Market. By sharing her expertise, she aims to bridge the gap between businesses and this underserved demographic.

Angela Fowler’s insights underscore why accessibility should be viewed not just as a legal or ethical obligation but as a strategic imperative. The Disability Market represents over $2 trillion in purchasing power, offering immense potential for growth and innovation. Businesses that embrace accessible design principles stand to gain a competitive advantage, while those slow to adapt risk being left behind.

The path forward is clear. By prioritizing expert guidance, valuing user feedback, and committing to genuine inclusion, businesses can create environments where everyone has access to essential products and services. This approach not only drives profitability but also fosters a society that celebrates diversity in ability. Angela Fowler’s work serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for businesses ready to embrace the opportunities that come with true inclusivity.

Learn More About Real Life Access Today!

Linked In: Angela Fowler

Published by Jeremy S.