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The Complete Guide to Emotional Support Dogs
If you own an emotional support animal, you have plenty of rights protected by federal laws. These laws protect owners throughout every state across the country. For current residents within California, you have even more protection. California offers additional regulations that accommodate owners of emotional support animals and other assistance animals.
Recent developments include California’s animal law for emotional support. Signed on September 16, 2021, the law seeks to address ongoing issues with the selling and misrepresentation of emotional support animals. These issues include individuals selling or misrepresenting emotional support animals as service animals.
The new ESA Law AB 468 seeks preventative measures against businesses selling special ESA certificates, vests, harnesses, and ID cards that may misrepresent an animal’s purpose or intent.
Emotional support animals always hold a vital distinction from service animals, with lesser rights and privileges. Emotional support animals don’t have the specific training for an owner’s disability. Several owners will pass off an emotional support animal as a service animal, unaware that it’s a misdemeanor offense of wrongfully representing an animal, which is punishable by fines. The new law tries to seek further clarification on this distinction.
Sales Notice Requirements According to New California ESA Law
Under the new law, any business providing emotional support to animals is also required to provide a written statement. This documentation must clarify the limitations of an ESA, particularly the differences between a service animal.
A severe change in the new California ESA law impacts all licensed mental health professionals who write or support ESA letters. Landlords and other professionals require an official ESA letter to keep the animal’s role. These letters will now hold additional stipulations:
- All mental health professionals must hold a legitimate and active license to write a supportive ESA letter. These letters must include the type of professional license, effective date, and jurisdiction.
- All professionals must remain licensed to provide professional services within the scope of their license. All letters must report within the jurisdiction where the documentation is provided.
- All professionals must have a relationship with the client for at least thirty days before providing a supporting ESA letter.
- The letter must finalize a clinical evaluation of the client for an emotional support pet.
- All verbal or written notice to the individual similar to the sales notice should be provided to explain the differences between a service animal and an emotional support animal.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
While every pet owner understands the emotional benefits of having a dog, those with specific mental or emotional conditions can critically influence their ability to function daily. The particular pet assists with challenges that could otherwise affect the owner’s quality of life.
An emotional support animal is prescribed by a licensed medical professional, most often a mental health professional. These services are typically recommended for individuals suffering from disabling mental illness. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist must determine an animal’s influence on an individual’s mental health before prescribing such services. For instance, an emotional support dog might alleviate an individual’s anxiety or help them focus on basic life skills. An emotional support dog can be of any breed or age as a service dog.
Understanding the differences between an emotional support dog and a service dog
An emotional support dog offers support through companionship and can often help with depression, phobias, and anxiety. These animals are helpful medically in their own right but significantly different from service dogs. As such, ESA users do not receive the same level of accommodation as service dog users.
A service dog (like a psychiatric service animal or guide dog) is allowed virtually anywhere the general public is allowed. This includes locations with outside restrictions on animals within the facility. For instance, an ESA is generally not allowed to accompany an owner within a restaurant, while a service dog is welcome under all circumstances. An emotional support animal is not afforded the same opportunity.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines any service animal as “a dog that is specifically trained to perform work or tasks for people with disabilities.” The act holds clear definitions of what constitutes help, stating that animals solely providing emotional comfort do not qualify for the same status. A few local and state laws will have a broader definition of an emotional service animal, so always check with local government agencies for specific qualifications within your area.
The most significant difference between an emotional support dog and a service dog is whether an animal received specific training for a job or task specific to the owner’s disability. For instance, a service dog trained to alert a deaf or hard-of-hearing person to an alarm or aid a visually impaired person around obstacles is considered a service animal.
Solely comforting behaviors, such as cuddling on cue, do not qualify under these definitions. The tasks must be specific to a particular disability or ailment that is not instinctive enough for a person to perform regularly.
Understanding the differences between an emotional support dog and a psychiatric service dog
Service animals must perform specific tasks and services relating to the conditions the owner requires. These conditions include various ailments, including PTSD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), phobias, autism, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These might include cancer, deafness, mobility issues, visual impairment, and epilepsy. It also outlines specific requirements relating to emotional and mental illnesses.
With strict guidelines on service animals, only dogs (and in extremely rare circumstances, horses) qualify under the definition. The psychiatric service dog (PSD) must be trained to perform specific tasks, including retrieving medications, reacting and alerting the owner to sounds, reorienting those with panic or anxiety attacks, or locating people. No one can ask the owner to demonstrate the tasks trained to perform. Outsiders may ask if an individual has a condition requiring the assistance or aid of a PSD, but not the specific situation or severity. Thankfully, a PSD holds the same right to stay in places that serve the public. This right includes public transit, airplanes, offices, housing, hotels, restaurants, stores, and bars.
The Difference Between a PSD and an ESA
An emotional support animal may be a wide variety of species, including cats, rabbits, or birds. The critical difference between the two types of animals is the tasks performed and the type of animal. If a dog isn’t trained to perform a specific job, it cannot be a PSD. The ADA outlines that no other species outside a canine or horse may qualify for PSD status.
How to Identify if an Individual Requires a PSD or ESA
Not everyone requiring an emotional support animal will require a PSD. The best way to determine which animal best suits your needs is through an evaluation by a licensed medical professional. Simply describe your symptoms and complete an assessment of the situation to assess your need for a PSD or ESA. Should the doctor conclude you could benefit from a psychiatric support dog, your medical professional will instruct you on the next steps.
Can a Pet Become an ESA or PSD?
Regardless of training or history, any dog or cat can become an official ESA. A doctor can confirm the need for emotional support and help with documentation for emotional support. Turning a pet into a qualified service animal isn’t always straightforward. Only dogs qualify for service animal status, but many pets can undergo training to transition from a pet to a certified service animal.
How Can a Pet Become an ESA?
An individual must receive a prescription for the emotional support animal from a qualified medical professional. The prescription must indicate that the animal will help or improve a mental or emotional illness. After the investigation, many ESAs will start with a basic questionnaire that offers validation and certification status.
Frequently Asked Questions for Emotional Support Animals
Any housing benefits and conditions are within the Fair Housing Act. All animals qualifying as Emotional Support Dogs must have an ESA letter from a mental health professional. To better understand the different qualifications and requirements of an emotional support animal, here are the most commonly asked questions:
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
Although Emotional Support Animals are frequently used as an imperative component for medical treatment plans, they are not considered Service Animals under the ADA. ESAs work to provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and occasionally help with anxiety, depression, and occasionally phobias. Unfortunately, they don’t offer the same training qualifications as service animals, preventing the same protections through the ADA.
What is the Fair Housing Act?
Emotional support animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act. This act prevents landlords from discriminating against individuals with disabilities and the service or emotional support animals they may require.
What is the Air Carrier Access Act?
The Air Carrier Access Act works to prohibit commercial airlines from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ACAA currently protects Service Animals against discrimination, specifically, those trained to perform specific acts to assist people. An emotional support animal is not recognized as a service animal under federal law, barring them from protection.
As of January 11, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations have shifted the allowance of Emotional Support Animals onboard flights. Before booking, contact the airline for a list of current policies for boarding with an Emotional Support Animal. These conditions will vary from airline to airline and state to state.
Can I have more than one ESA?
It is rare for a therapist to approve more than one emotional support animal. This condition is primarily because of the difficulty in justifying more than one animal as clinically necessary for support. Additionally, housing authorities frequently push back hard when prescribed more than one ESA.
Submitting a Letter to the Landlord
Once you receive the Emotional Support Animal Letter from your medical professional, photocopy the document for your records. Always present the letter to your landlord immediately in person, when possible. Most landlords are extremely accommodating with these requests.
What rights do I have with an ESA letter?
As HUD states that Emotional Support Animals require reasonable accommodation, your letter entitles you to live with the ESA despite ‘no pets’ policies. Landlords cannot charge tenants a pet deposit or fee for having an ESA.
Do I require additional accessories for my dog?
The ESA letter is the only thing that legally recognizes your pet as an emotional support animal. ID cards and vests are not necessary, although they can make your experiences in public easier. This recognition will help the public identify your pet as a “working animal” instead of a pet trying to break the rules.
Do I have to tell my landlord about an emotional support animal?
As a renter, those requiring a service animal or emotional support animal can keep the animal in a no-pets policy building. The Fair Housing Act forbids a landlord from discriminating based on age, race, sex, nationality, or disability. Legally, a landlord can’t stop you from having an animal that officially assists your mental or physical health.
What does an Emotional Support Dog Do?
An emotional support animal can help owners manage stress and worry, reduce loneliness, provide a positive distraction from anxiety, offer a sense of purpose, or offer companionship and physical contact for the owner. They can also help improve feelings of belonging and increase self-esteem. Most of these behaviors relate to standard pet traits and are not exclusive to service dogs.
Can someone ask me about my Emotional Support Animal?
By law, people may inquire about the need for an emotional support animal but may not ask for specifics relating to the illness or aid of the pet. An owner must show the ESA letter, signed by a mental health professional, to confirm the status but doesn’t have to justify the requirement to anyone. If you’re unsure, consider your local or state guidelines about protections and rights.
Tips for Dealing with a Disgruntled Employee
Anyone employing other individuals will potentially have to deal with a disgruntled employee at some point. The reason for their upset may vary significantly, but learning how to handle these situations before they escalate can make all the difference for companies. Additionally, de-escalation methods and proper communication channels can avoid future problems by regularly engaging with staff at work. To handle a disgruntled employee, approach the conversation immediately and try to resolve any issues early on. The resolution doesn’t have to give in to employee demands; it simply must listen to the individual and offer feedback overall.
What is a Disgruntled Employee?
A disgruntled employee is any team member with concerns, problems, or grievances with their employer, team, coworkers, or responsibilities. The issue may start with a policy or incident, although the reason is often personal to the staff member. The individual’s behavior may vary, according to the person, but usually includes sharing disapproval with coworkers instead of resolving the concerns with management. The negative feedback may create a hostile working environment.
How to Handle a Disgruntled Employee
Handling a hostile situation with an employee sooner is always better for the company atmosphere. To deal with this individual, here are a few tips:
Address the Situation in a Timely Fashion
The best time to address a potential grievance is when you first see it happening. By avoiding the conversation with the employee, the negativity and attitude can worsen and fester. While discussing these problems is complex, handling them immediately prevents them from spiraling into a bigger problem.
Once management addresses the situation, maintain damage control within the company. Talk to the team and confirm all issues are handled, resolved, and finalized. Do not disclose personal information, but reaffirm that the team member heard and resolved the complaint.
Always Remain Professional
It doesn’t matter how the employee behaves; it’s critical to remain professional, calm, and focused when talking to the individual. Avoid swearing, yelling, or approaching the situation with aggression. The employee’s behavior isn’t a personal attack; it’s a professional issue. As such, always handle the situation professionally to maintain the company image.
Talk to the Employee Privately
When an employee is visibly upset, discussing the situation privately is essential. Take the conversation to a private setting, like an office, conference room, or corridor without others. An employee who perceives the conversation as an attack (especially in front of others) is likely to react badly. By having the discussion privately, the company resolves the core issue without an audience.
Always Document and Keep Thorough Records
When dealing with disciplinary conversations, always document everything occurring during the meeting. If the employee is acting inappropriately, keep logs of the behavior and any disciplinary actions. By documenting everything, you’ll have a finite timeline of events, from warnings to discussions. Although no one wants to terminate a team member, these records can protect the company from any accusations from the disgruntled employee.
Offer Tangible Solutions
Occasionally, a disgruntled employee feels unsupported and struggles with the position or policy. Identify any immediate resolution to their grievance with actionable steps whenever possible. Consider asking the employee if they have any ideas on helping them resolve the concern (as long as possible). Including the disgruntled staff member in the resolution process can help them feel heard while actively supported.
Set clear limitations on the assistance available. If the individual is struggling with scheduling, for example, consider adjusting hours that better work for them, if feasible. For specific policies, listen to the concern without reservation. Approach the conversation with empathy and try to understand core issues better. Solutions may include additional coaching, training, or internal support. If uncertain, talk to the human resource team for further assistance.
Continue Offering Follow-Up
One of the biggest mistakes an employer makes when addressing a disgruntled employee is forgetting to follow up with them. Try to arrange a follow-up after the initial discussion to monitor progress. Consider resolutions or changes and determine how they impact the employee’s mental well-being. The follow-up should remain critical, even when the individual appears calm and collected.
Understand When to End the Relationship
Sometimes, some employees will never feel satisfied with the resolutions offered by a company. Occasionally, learning when to cut ties with the individual is best for the entire on-site staff. When an appropriate resolution isn’t possible, getting outside assistance is recommended. When a grievance becomes disruptive or dangerous, it can quickly become hazardous for everyone within the company. In these scenarios, contact local authorities to assist further.
How to Identify a Disgruntled Employee
A disgruntled employee may appear differently, depending on the situation. There may be a few early warning signs, especially when the company maintains a close team. Look for any employee who shares their opinions and emotions throughout the workplace. This may include anyone who makes critical remarks about the company, management, or position. While employees aren’t going to agree with every change within the business, look for staff members who seem to take things personally. By closely monitoring this behavior, management will likely spot potential problems long before they become significant.
Additionally, evaluate work performance regularly. Disgruntled employees are more likely to skip work, show up late, leave early, or slow their performance on the job. A team member who consistently misses work may suggest problems within the team. Always talk to team members about absences to understand why they miss work. Take external influences like illness, childcare, or traffic into consideration. Try to find ways to help these staff members integrate into the team.
Additional Considerations with Unhappy Staff
While absence and performance are solid starting points, there are other less obvious ways to spot an unhappy staff member. Pay attention to anyone underperforming on the job in subtle ways. Look for decreased motivation or missed deadlines when evaluating staff. Disgruntled employees are less likely to collaborate or participate in team meetings, mainly when management is present. Monitor individual interactions for unprofessional demeanor, short fuse, or less patience. Although these don’t guarantee the employee is unhappy, they may suggest something underlying exists.
Conclusion
Disgruntled employees are more than just unhappy individuals; they can prove problematic for everyone’s work environment. Close monitoring is crucial in resolving many issues before they become significantly worse. Approach the disgruntled employee in private and openly discuss any concerns they have candidly. Actively listen to what they say and try to find solutions whenever possible. Although some individuals can’t be helped, most unhappy employees want a resolution to an ongoing issue within the workplace. After talking to them directly, closely monitor and follow up regularly to ensure the situation improves.
How Customisable Online Registration Forms are Changing Childcare
With the pandemic persisting for over a year, the world has changed. We’ve started into a startling new reality of health and safety standards that never existed before. We once welcomed children into centres with open arms, encouraged sharing, and thrived for continuous interaction; we now have social distancing and mandated regulations.
With the changing childcare landscape, businesses must make transactions as contactless as possible. Limiting and reducing paperwork needs to remain a vital objective for centres, especially paperwork going home and returning to the facility daily. Previously, parents were required to sign their child in at drop off and sign their child out at pick up. This daily contact needs to occur for the children’s health, well-being, and safety, but should ultimately transition to a contactless method. Online registration forms reduce these contact points by limiting direct contact between parents and staff in facilities.
How Digital Solutions are Improving Childcare Centres and Addressing New Challenges
Digital solutions often run as an information-gathering tool; however, some companies like Cheqdin extend beyond the standard reach of standard information collection. These companies work to automate the entire sales pipeline into an actionable funnel process.
Users can accept, enrol, monitor, and promote vacancies with a button. This automation improves the ease of use for both parent and provider, providing a contactless connection from the very first inquiry.
A few notable benefits:
- Simple, easy-to-use registration. Cheqdin is ready to use within 30 minutes.
- Capture real-time updates in a safe and contactless manner.
- Customisable registration forms can be configured to your specific needs.
- Virtually send forms to parents for review as needed (or annually, as mandated by regulatory authorities).
- Online synced registrations through the website, social media, or the Cheqdin app.
- All confidential information is locked and protected from unauthorised viewing.
- Access to enquiries and waitlists to the centre, complete with the ability to market vacant spaces.
- Collect online registration fees through the platform.
- User-friendly dashboard allows complete management of profiles.
- Interactive portal provides direct two-way communication with parents and caregivers
What do Childcare Centres and Schools Need to do in 2021 and Beyond?
Online registration solutions work to connect caregivers and parents virtually, without direct face-to-face contact. They also leverage the power of social media and other marketing mediums (such as a customer’s business website) to capitalise on their marketing effort. Accessing potential clients using social media brings a more cost-effective marketing budget with a broader audience. Sharing vacancies directly with social media platforms connects childcare centres with hundreds of potential clients without having to push their marketing budget further.
Customers will also enjoy increased local exposure thanks to indexable pages (Google uses indexes to search for relevant results online). Businesses won’t have to manage online ads, targeted SEO, or submit their websites to Google independently, saving time and energy.
How Childcare Centres Can Upsell Vacant Spaces and Get Their Occupance to Pre-Covid Levels
Cloud-based digital platforms such as Cheqdin provide a simple, easy-to-setup program designed to facilitate online registration between parent and caregiver without the hassle of printing, distributing, submitting, and filing. It’s completely customisable with personalised form creation, custom link development, and brand management through their design settings.
Companies using other childcare software can easily integrate Cheqdin to function alongside other software. This simplified integration allows the incorporation of customisable online registrations and bookings without disruption of daily workflow.
Facilitating Virtual Connection Absolutely Free
Regardless of how big or small your centre is, Cheqdin connects you to services that matter. That’s why it’s offered free for 15 children for as long as you’d like to use the service. It’s not a trial. It’s not a locked version.
You’ll have access to all features with your subscription –online bookings, daily registers, online payments, invoicing, messenger, parent portal, and free apps! There are no hidden costs. No unexpected bills. Just high-quality service, connecting your centre to what matters most – your clients.
12 Ways to Encourage Healthy Eating in the Early Years
Most adults know that healthy eating is essential for optimal health. We understand that drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious food, and watching what we put into our bodies are crucial for staying healthy.
Passing this information on to children isn’t always at the front of our minds, but it’s a valuable lesson. After all, this isn’t just about the food we eat; it’s the lifestyle it offers. After all, children can’t prepare their food, understand what they’re eating, or make conscious health choices based on previous education.
For early years providers, this role is essential. Your job isn’t only providing nutritious food; it’s also important to teach young children why it’s good for the body in a way they can understand.
Understanding Obesity in Children
According to Public Health England, nearly 25% of children in reception are considered overweight. There are several risk factors for obese children, including parental health (when at least one parent is obese) and maternal health (if a woman is overweight or obese throughout pregnancy). One significant causal factor to the excess weight is poor diets: highly processed food, sugary drinks, and high-fat meals.
For children facing obesity status, pre-diabetes, breathing difficulties, and high cholesterol can develop quite rapidly as the body’s physical health declines. The impact of obesity in children isn’t just physical. There’s a strong association with poor emotional and psychological health; many children become bullied or face low self-esteem as a result.
How Early is Too Early to Adopt Healthy Eating?
Facing these statistics, the notion of too early doesn’t exist. The goal for all children should be education, information, and opportunity. Children should be encouraged to make healthy choices as soon as possible and effortlessly.
Healthy eating habits aren’t just within the home; as early care providers, the onus falls within the centre to deliver healthy, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. If you’re looking for a few ways to implement healthy eating strategies for your children, consider the following ideas:
Always be a role model. Children will often imitate what they see, especially if it’s someone they trust. Getting involved with snack time doesn’t have to be a big production. Just set a good example in what you eat and watch your children do the same.
Let the Children Create Their Masterpieces. When children are given the option of eating or starving, they will most often choose the latter. New foods are intimidating, and picky palettes can make textures or flavours challenging to handle. Consider giving your children a few different snack options and let them choose what they’d like to add to their plate.
Make Food Fun. Rather than serving ordinary fruits and vegetables, purchase a few small cookie cutters and go wild. Cucumbers can transform into hearts, cheese can become stars, or fruits can become a rainbow.
Let the Children Help. While children may not have the skill to chop and prepare their snacks, they can get involved with “meal planning”. Find photos of different fruits and vegetables and post them on a class wall. Ask each child what food they’d like to try (either individually or as a group). This suggestion may not work in every setting, but it can be a fun exploration game for younger children.
Offer Choices. Every child will prefer specific foods, but that doesn’t mean they can’t try new ones. When setting out a snack, give the children an option between two vegetables or fruits. For example, “would you like carrots or cauliflower?”
Always offer dip. Whether you’re serving fruits, vegetables, crackers, or salad, having different dips or dressings can always encourage children to try new foods. Consider a low-fat salad dressing, hummus, guacamole, or low-fat ranch dip.
Offer different types of protein. A centre needs to branch out from animal-based protein. Protein comes from various sources, including fish, beans, legumes, dairy, tofu, and whey protein. Plenty of vegetarian meals can be high in protein, too.
Teach children about balance. Trying to understand diet and nutrition isn’t a linear progression for most children. There will always be setbacks when it comes to healthy eating, and that’s okay. You don’t want an impressionable child to be afraid of processed food! Educate children on the importance of healthy eating while still allowing the occasional treat.
Remember proper portion sizes. As adults, we have become accustomed to eating platefuls of food without a second thought. For young children, you’ll want to lower your expectations considerably. Offer children one tablespoon of food for every year of age (for example, if a child is 4, serve four tablespoons of food).
Open communication during snack time. Children are adept at multitasking, making it the perfect opportunity to talk about nutrition during snacks or mealtimes. Ask the children what they enjoy about the meal and how the specific food helps their body (in age-appropriate language).
Switch out refined grains for whole-grain substitutes. One of the most manageable changes to make at your facility is the substitution of refined grains. According to Harvard, the quality of the grain is just as important as the quantity. Serving whole grains gives children maximum health benefits while still being tasty.
Allow the child to end the meal. While eating nutritious food is important, recognizing when they feel full is equally beneficial. By allowing your children to stop eating when they no longer feel hungry, they’ll learn to regulate their bodies. Refrain from asking the child to clear their plate at meals and snack time unless they have a medical reason on file.
Coding for Children in Early Years
Computer programming for kids is rapidly growing in popularity. As society continues to push into a technologically dependent society, it’s no surprise that more people are looking into this industry, wondering how to learn the increasingly demanding skills. Parents seem to be particularly enamoured with the thought of their children learning to code too. A recent study suggests nearly 90% of all U.S. parents want coding for children in their early years to become part of the school curriculum.
Learning to code at a young age can set a child up for a lifetime of success. With the normalisation of online learning, more and more children are comfortable with the idea of additional classes through online programs or academies.
What is Coding?
Coding, commonly called programming, is the creative process of individuals wherein they tell a machine or computer how to perform a specific task. The programmer outlines particular instructions, and the computer carries them out. The user writes executable scripts using programming languages like Python or Java. Essentially, coding is a method of communicating with computers. Those who know how to code can develop games, software, apps, digital content, and websites.
Is Coding Beneficial for Kids?
Children can quickly learn, absorb, and retain knowledge as the young mind is adaptable and malleable. Children exposed to coding languages and opportunities at a young age have the benefit of learning critical assessment, exploring different perspectives, constructing creative solutions, and executing the trial-and-error learning process. Generally, the earlier a child learns how to code, the easier mastering the skill becomes (and all the subsequent skills coding encourages.)
Why is Coding Important for Your Child’s Future?
Recent studies have found a positive correlation between computer programming and cognitive skill development. A study by MIT highlights the direct influence coding holds on cognitive development—students who knew how to code scored higher on cognitive ability tests than children with no programming experience.
When children learn to code, they learn how to break complex problems into smaller, more manageable pieces to write a functional script. The process is formally called decomposition, a valuable skill in programming and real-world situations.
Additionally, coding follows a similar approach to problem-solving. In coding, the programmer needs to identify the problem, analyse the situation, create a potential solution, test the resolution, and repeat the process should the issue not be resolved. Children learning how to code have a strong advantage in developing this skill. The longer children become familiar with coding, the more comfortable they become with problem-solving. They form the needed skills for writing, rewriting, troubleshooting, and debugging lines upon lines. Eventually, cycling through the troubleshooting steps to execute them properly becomes second nature.
Understanding the Creating Thinking Process
Due to the technical nature of computer programming, many people don’t associate it with creative thinking (especially when factoring in the systematic and procedural act of coding). Programmers know first-hand that coding can promote creativity. Significant levels of creative thinking are required when programming from scratch.
Kids who know how to code can develop games, animations, websites, and applications. They create interactive content by writing specific code (or snapping together a few blocks), but the blueprint for the design comes from their imagination.
As kids learn how to code, the way they consume technology and digital media shifts. When they play a new game, try a new app, or visit a new website, they can draw inspiration for their creation. For example, looking at an online fighting game may translate into an adventure story. Hypothetically, their coding experience could make this query a reality.
Coding Encourages Confidence and Resilience
If you’ve ever watched someone code (or tried coding yourself), you probably understand the precision required. While block coding is more forgivable, text-based coding requires perfect syntax. One semicolon or comma out of place is enough to render entire batches of the script completely useless.
As scripts become more complicated, children will become aware of the painstaking process of writing, running, debugging, rewriting, and re-running their code. The process promotes patience and resilience like no other hobby. Children who learn to code become more specific and confident in decisions (compared to children who don’t code). A child coder becomes comfortable and sure of their choices. They bounce back from repeated failures and build confidence in many different areas of their life.
Why is Coding Considered Essential For Your Child’s Future?
While our society becomes more dependent on technology and the internet, the demand for qualified and experienced developers and coders will continue to rise. Programming is no longer a skill for the tech sector. All industries, from finance, health, retail, and education, will hold careers requiring certain levels of programming knowledge. The children experienced in coding will have definite advantages over their peers who don’t possess these same technological skills.
Interesting Career Facts to Consider:
- Jobs that require coding skills will pay $22,000 per year more than jobs that don’t hold the same skills
- The job market stated general programming jobs grew 12% faster than the entire market average
- Marketing professionals highlighted that individuals with general programming experience held a substantial advantage over those without those skills
- MIT unveiled pilot schemes to promote coding into the curriculum at New Hampshire
- The programming skills in high demand include HTML, JavaScript, R and SAS and AutoCAD
When Can a Child Start Coding?
Experts seem to agree that children can learn coding and programming languages at the earliest age possible. As children develop various skills at different rates, it’s hard to pinpoint a specific age. Generally, you can teach a child the basics of skill around the age of five or six. Introduce kids to various logical games, mainly if they simulate the coding skill. Children can move on to more demanding exercises as they become more comfortable.
Studies suggest that children who code from the beginning of primary school will achieve better academic performance throughout their schooling. Compared to children who don’t engage in coding-related learning, a higher percentage of kids who start will gain interest in STEM through college and professionally.
How Can You Make it Enjoyable For a Child to do?
Fun and exciting activities will hold different meanings to different people. While one child might love to play the guitar, another may enjoy football. Developing a love of problem-solving, number sense, logic, and digital literacy is the key to making coding enjoyable for a child.
Consider a child’s interest when working out how to make the activity fun. Find an interest and then use that to your advantage. A few coding ideas include toys that focus on coding basics, games and activities, cause-and-effect activities, and STEM activities.
Participating in Coding With Children
Exposure is one of the easiest ways to participate in coding with children. Parents and teachers can show children coding basics outside of screen time using a muffin tray, small toys, paper, and markers. The idea is to mimic algorithm development. Engaging in make-believe play, building pretend robots or advanced conditional programming concepts will also build coding skills.
Working with modified outdoor games like treasure hunts, follow the leader, and hopscotch can also get kids excited about coding. These activities can demonstrate the diverse and interesting uses of computer programming.
Many in-person and online classes can inspire children to learn about coding. Try looking for local classes and talking with school administrators or librarians to learn about coding clubs.
Top 10 Free Coding Tools
Look no further if you’re looking for tools, programs, and platforms that support children in programming and coding. These links are helpful websites, resources, or templates to help your child on their coding journey.
Coder Kids
This company offers online, on-demand, and in-person coding classes and camps. The free on-demand course is the perfect way to begin the coding journey. This website provides a free on-demand portal called “Introduction to Scratch Coding”.
Code.org – Learn to Code
This website is arguably the most popular website for coding, offering free classes, courses, and tutorials worldwide. With interactive maze games, kids engage with the material at hand. The average course length is 15 to 20 hours long.
ScratchJr.org and Scratch
Children mainly use these widely popular platforms. Developed by MIT students, the websites are geared toward 6 to 16-year-olds. This platform integrates visual code blocks that are simple to follow instead of requiring code.
Codecombat.com
The perfect combination of text-based coding and RPG gaming, Code Combat is an immersive experience with fun games accessible through browsers. The free version of Code Combat offers in-depth introductions to computer coding science.
LightBot
When you’re looking for a fun and simple approach to coding, LightBot is what you need. The app-based experience works well for all ages and is designed by actual coders. The puzzle game requires advanced coding knowledge, promoting problem-solving skills.
Khanacademy.com
Khan Academy is one of the highest-praised free websites for kids. It offers an extensive library of subjects, allowing users to search and learn almost anything for free. This platform is ideal for kids 12 and older with the semi-complicated menu option. There’s something for everyone, with topics covering coding, biology, and math.
Codemonkey.com
This free platform offers coding lessons for kids. The web-based service teaches coding to children through interactive online gaming. Users help a monkey gather bananas, working through a series of tasks and challenges to code the monkey.
Crunchzilla.com
Crunchzilla is the most straightforward teaching platform, helping your kids develop a solid understanding of coding. It engagingly delivers the details. This platform is ideal for preteens, adults, and 12+.
Blockly Games
This fun and interactive website will help your child learn to code while integrating coding into gaming. Blocky offers many games that teach children how to code using interactive challenges. Games include mazes, puzzles, music, birds, and movies. With drag-and-drop options to solve the puzzle, hit targets, or create a story.
Stencyl.com
Finally, Stencyl is a beautiful gateway platform for beginners wanting to get into coding. Inspired by Scratch, kids will learn to code through games, which can be published on iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Flash, and iPhone.
15 Ways to Increase Your Childcare Settings Occupancy Rate
Our previous blog covered effective ways to market your childcare business. But marketing your business is only one component of your childcare success. Occupancy rates need to remain a high priority for nurseries of all sizes. These percentages help keep a business running smoothly, especially after dealing with the stress and chaos of the pandemic. To help get you started, here are a few essential tips to improve your occupancy rates.
Understanding the Importance of Occupancy Rates in a Post-Covid World
The pandemic shifted how we interacted with individuals, children, and businesses. Unfortunately, the lockdowns and restrictions weren’t kind to the childcare realm; nearly 35% of all nurseries closed their door permanently in England alone.
As the world continues to fight the COVID-19 virus, many parents’ and caregivers’ anxiety over ongoing closures increases. According to The Sun, the end of 2021 was challenging, with nearly 2,707 positive cases causing closures throughout the country. Concerned parents scrambled to find adequate care for their children while nurseries continued to try and keep children and staff safe. Improving long-term occupancy rates can protect your childcare setting while offering long-term security to parents and caregivers.
How can your existing customers help you grow your childcare business?
Current customers can help facilities improve their occupancy rates, particularly if you implement bonuses for parents. Setting up a referral bonus builds a qualified connection between interested caregivers and your facility, often for a reduced fee (compared with traditional marketing methods, for example). These methods should also incorporate local businesses and estate agencies.
Having the right tools for your centre
Higher occupancy rates signify a healthy and viable childcare business, but occasional dips in your rate are common too. Drops in occupancy can be from outside factors like higher levels of competition or changes to the 3-5 age group provisions. Implementing the right tools and programs in your facility can improve client retention while reaching new audiences. For example, social media is a mainstream method for businesses to build and develop online connections with consumers. Over 3.5 billion users actively use at least one network regularly. Consider integrating at least two or three popular social media channels into your active marketing efforts.
Cheqdin can help with online registrations, connectivity to social media channels, virtual booking, and direct parent communication. Building a network of services to support your current and potential clients, improving client satisfaction simultaneously.
Finally, email marketing is valuable for businesses wanting to stay in touch with current and previous clients. Sending out a regular newsletter with updates, policy changes, and vacancies can improve your chances of filling the slots. Regular contact with current clients can help promote ongoing relationships. It also builds trust and encourages an approachable dynamic that promotes referrals by offering high-quality, shareable content.
15 Additional Ways to Increase Occupancy Rates
- Make a fantastic first impression. People are more receptive than you believe, noticing small details like hoovering or smells. Have a friend come through the nursery with fresh eyes to see what you’re missing. Always communicate with staff about parent visits to keep everyone on the same page.
- Develop a professional website. With over 1.7 billion websites online, remaining visible to potential customers is essential for success. Use a template website or hire a professional to create a beautiful online presence.
- Befriend an estate agency. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, making estate agencies invaluable. Many new residents are looking for childcare shortly after moving, making it a fantastic opportunity for both businesses.
- Talk to local businesses. Ask local businesses if you can leave leaflets or business cards in their establishment. If your budget allows discounted rates, consider offering a promotional price for any staff needing childcare.
- Hang a sign out front. Although it seems like a no-brainer, having a visible, professionally designed banner catches the eye of people walking past and can help parents find your location.
- Have something to say. Open communications with local reporters, whether as a source or simply giving them a new story to write on. The more PR you do, the more valuable your insight and brand become.
- Fill the Void. If you’re unsure how to integrate a new marketing piece, talk to a full-service company or freelancer looking for extra contracts.
- Get talking online. Answer questions, chat with locals and offer recommendations. Look for local parent groups or pages on social media, building your company as a reliable, informative source.
- Build a Google My Business page. Local web search is a crucial component of any nursery. Spend a few moments registering your company through Google to appear in the local search results.
- Host an Event. Local events are one of the easiest ways to get new people into your location. These include charity events, educational seminars, or meet and greets.
- Hit the pavement. Flyers are still around because they’re a highly effective way to connect with new parents. Consider visiting estate agents, schools, play centres, and doctor’s surgeries.
- Consider radio adverts. You don’t need a long advertisement to become memorable. Consider advertising the facility, age ranges, and a phone number on the clip – preferably as a jingle.
- Offer an incentive. Offer all clients sending referrals a small gift card or promotional price for their service. Your loyal clients are likely connected with other new parents, making them the perfect advocate for your nursery.
- Target Facebook ads. Facebook is home to 2.8 billion monthly users, making it the perfect location to increase occupancy rates. Create a simple, elegant advertisement and target the post to your geographical location.
- Build a waitlist. Don’t stop taking information when your occupancy levels are full. Always collect a handful of clients willing to wait for availability.
Importance of Leadership in Childcare and Early Years Education
Leadership is a strong word that gets thrown around, but many fail to incorporate key aspects into their centre. There’s more to being a leader than simply adopting a new title. Leadership is essential in management positions, especially relating to success and growth. Development, motivation, support, and encouragement are needed to integrate into the position. Likewise, there’s a direct correlation between leadership opportunities and their influence within a childcare setting.
Our previous blog covered effective ways to increase your setting’s childcare occupancy rate. Next in our series, we will cover what leadership means in childcare and early years education and why it is essential. Before we get into leadership, let’s look at:
Childcare vs Early Years Education – How is it Any Different?
Although the two terms are often synonymous, there are a few differences. According to Britannica.com, a childcare centre is an institution that offers supervision and care of young children and infants during the daytime, mainly when the child’s caregivers are at work. Alternatively, the website defines an Early Years Centre as a branch of education theory that relates to teaching children.
Early childhood education will often focus on daily needs and meeting developmental milestones overall. The providers often push students educationally to prepare for grade school entrance. Staff will often hold high secondary education levels, training, and certifications to work within these facilities, including the occasional licensed teacher by the state.
The most significant difference between childcare and Early Years Education is the critical focus of care versus education. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with a facility focusing on care above all, nor is there anything wrong with a centre dedicated to ensuring educational focus.
The Role of a Leader
A leader is someone who develops and provides an organisation or facility with a clear vision and continues to motivate everyone involved to help encompass those beliefs. These aren’t simply directors or managers within the centre. A boss is a dictator and authority figure. On the other hand, leadership in childcare works to inspire an organisation. They work to develop a system that people want to participate in.
Instead of instructing staff and subordinates to follow a mandate, they encourage and involve members freely. When individuals participate in activities they want to do instead of those they are supposed to do, they’re increasingly motivated to do their best, remain happier, and hold higher retention. This shift in mindset can catalyse a strong leadership initiative in a challenging industry.
What Does Leadership Mean in Early Childhood?
Leadership roles within childcare facilities differ remarkably from those of other professions, primarily because no qualifying criteria exist to identify an effective strategy. Still, specific traits, qualities, and characteristics within effective leadership stand out.
A successful leader will influence and connect individuals to achieve a common goal or purpose, even when faced with difficulty. A leader is anyone willing to stand up and act on their own and followers’ motivations or values. They aren’t selfish or absorbed. A leader focuses on the social change at hand. They also focus on how those influences transfer to the children within their care.
A leader is willing to chart the course for an organisation, improving the educational quality and recommended practices. Unfortunately, it’s not enough for a director to continue in a dictatorship role. They must be willing to shift their mindset to encouraging and trailblazing. For example, moving to a leadership mindset must incorporate working knowledge of child development, personal traits, and moral purpose.
Why is Leadership Important in Childcare?
Taking on a leadership role is exceptionally challenging regardless of where you’re leading, but it isn’t straightforward when immersed in early childhood education. Ages zero through five are essential for childhood growth and development, making the best experience possible critical for developing minds.
Unfortunately, early learning is often an undervalued area of society. Many centres struggle with staffing issues, overworking, and undervaluing staff salaries. Turnover and burnout are typical within the industry, leaving parents struggling with adequate care. Depending on the location, minimal guidance or funding is available to develop suitable learning environments. As the odds stack against childcare providers, remaining a solid leader is more important. Never lose sight of improving learning outcomes for the children, and rally those within your community to share the same belief.
Currently, there are excellent centres worldwide striving to offer exceptional learning experiences. Each of these centres integrates the same component for their success – successful leadership. According to Leithwood et al., distributed leadership directly improves student outcomes in terms of staff motivation and performance. It also directly linked staff retention with solid leadership. Those managers with energy and passion within the centre are seen as inspirational, recognising the staff’s strengths and using them to an advantage.
How Can I be a Good Leader in Early Childhood?
Becoming a good leader within the early childhood industry takes time, energy, and dedication, especially when considering a facility or centre. Most leaders enter the profession out of a profound love of children, making them ideal candidates for leadership opportunities. Leadership requires organisation, patience, and flexibility. Effective communication with staff and children is essential for the generalised vision and implementation of company focus. To help get you started, here are X techniques to improve your leadership potential and opportunity overall:
Always Mentor Rising Leaders
For leaders within Early Childhood Education, an effective administrator and director is always looking for potential leaders. Teachers within the classroom regularly work with parents and students, with a direct opportunity for observation within the centre. Several classroom educators or assistants could hold valuable skills that could qualify them for substantial leadership opportunities with proper encouragement and training.
After identifying potential leaders, mentorship becomes essential. Recognising a promising candidate is not enough; a good director will ensure adequate training, education, and decision-making. These opportunities offer first-hand experience under a leadership role for the individual while cultivating opportunities within the system, simultaneously building retention.
Optimise Individual Strengths
A leader isn’t afraid to take the reins and encourage the organisation to continue pushing forward. A strong leader will always know their strengths and capitalise on them. These candidates will always stand tall when faced with controversy but appreciate the benefit of staff involvement. Staff members feel empowered to make suggestions on how they might increase their skills, offering a direct connection with knowledge, creativity, and ideas.
Suggest Reflective Practices
When integrating leadership opportunities, constantly challenge the norm within your industry. Look at things from a new perspective and see if there’s an area for improvement. Maybe you’ve noticed teachers scrambling to get supplies or items—consider optimising the space to improve function and organisation. Not all fixes are seemingly obvious, but significant change can result from small changes. It’s always better to go through all aspects of the facility to see if you can improve things.
Develop Time Management Skills
There are only 24 hours in a day, meaning you must prioritise your hours accordingly. A strong leader prioritises tasks and focuses on pressing issues first. Working around the clock isn’t healthy for you, your family, or the team. Factor downtime into your time management approach and keep your target in mind.
Always Provide Time and Opportunities
One drawback to childcare is the loneliness that often occurs. While many workers are surrounded by people all day, offering social and educational support is crucial. These opportunities provide leadership potential that drives home passion and purpose. Options also connect the systems and processes that focus on actual intent.
Conclusion
While leadership is essential for growth and development overall, it’s not a quick process. Leadership in childcare is built through a clear focus, strong vision, and encouragement. Flexibility is essential while continuing to support staff and students. Choosing opportunity and education is paramount, especially when integrating new components into a centre. Unfortunately, not everyone within management is destined for leadership opportunities, but those who excel at leading have the chance to improve the impact it has on the facility.
10 Signs of Emotional and Mental Abuse: What I Learned by Living Through It
I always thought abuse was something you could easily see and recognize. But when I finally realized I was living in an emotionally abusive relationship, I saw just how subtle, confusing, and painful it could be.
Abuse doesn’t always leave visible scars; sometimes, it leaves you feeling lost, doubting yourself, and wondering where the person you used to be has gone.
These are ten signs of mental and emotional abuse that I learned from my own experience. If you’re wondering if something feels wrong in your relationship, trust your instincts.
These signs aren’t always easy to spot, but they’re real, and recognizing them can be the first step toward healing.
Constant Criticism That Chips Away at Your Confidence
One of the first things I noticed was how his words could make me feel small without him raising his voice. He’d find ways to criticize me over little things: how I dressed, spoke, my children, even my hobbies and opinions. He’d disguise it as “constructive feedback” or “trying to help me improve.” But instead of feeling supported, I felt like I was shrinking. I stopped doing things I enjoyed and doubted my abilities, questioning whether he was right.
Constant criticism isn’t love, and it isn’t constructive. It’s a way of chipping away at your self-worth, leaving you feeling like you’re always falling short, no matter how hard you try.
Gaslighting: Making You Doubt Your Own Reality
One of the hardest things to endure was the gaslighting. I’d bring up something that bothered me, and he’d say I was “too sensitive,” “imagining things,” or “overreacting.”
Sometimes, he’d deny saying things entirely, twisting my memory and making me question my own sanity. I started to doubt myself, wondering if I was being too sensitive or misunderstanding him.
Gaslighting leaves you feeling lost and uncertain, even questioning your own mind. Abusers use it to keep control, making you dependent on them for what is “real.” It took me a long time to trust my memory and feelings again.
Isolation Disguised as “Love” and “Protection”
At first, he made it seem like he just wanted me all to himself because he loved me so much. He’d tell me my friends didn’t care about me, that they were a bad influence, or that I didn’t need anyone else as long as I had him. There were little digs at the people I cared for in a way that made me believe it was true.
Over time, I stopped seeing my friends and family. Some because I believed his words. Some because I doubted mine. But mostly because it was easier.
Isolation isn’t love. It’s a way for abusers to cut off your support system and make you feel like they’re the only person you can rely on. Without anyone else to turn to, I became more and more trapped in his world, with fewer people to help me see things clearly.
Mood Swings That Keep You Walking on Eggshells
One minute, he’d be sweet and affectionate; the next, he’d be cold, sarcastic, or angry without warning. I never knew what would set him off, and I constantly tried to avoid his “bad moods.” I thought if I was careful enough, I could keep things calm. But no matter how hard I tried, I was always waiting for his next outburst.
This pattern kept me in a constant state of anxiety, constantly guessing and always worrying. Abusers use unpredictable mood swings to make you feel responsible for keeping the peace, even when it’s impossible to please them.
Making Everything About Them and Minimizing Your Feelings
Whenever I tried to express my feelings, he’d quickly turn the conversation back to himself. If I was sad or stressed, he’d find a way to make me feel guilty for “being too negative” or “constantly trying to cause problems.” My emotions became inconvenient for him, and I learned to keep them to myself over time.
Minimizing your feelings isn’t just inconsiderate; it’s abusive. By making me feel guilty for expressing my needs, he kept me from asking for any support, making me feel like my emotions didn’t matter.
Jealousy and Possessiveness Disguised as “Concern”
He’d get jealous whenever I talked to friends, even old ones or coworkers. He’d say he “just didn’t trust other people” and wanted to keep me safe. It sounded caring at first, but soon, I realized he wanted to know where I was, who I was with, and what I was doing all the time. He’d accuse me of hiding things if I didn’t tell him.
Jealousy isn’t a sign of love; it’s a sign of control. By making me feel guilty for seeing people or having a life outside of him, he isolated me further and made me feel like I owed him my loyalty.
Blaming You for Their Emotions and Actions
He’d have bad days, just like anyone, but instead of dealing with his feelings, he’d take them out on me. If he was upset, it was my fault for “not being supportive enough.” If he was angry, I “must have done something to provoke him.” It didn’t matter if I had nothing to do with it—I always felt responsible for his emotions.
An abuser will make you feel like their emotional well-being depends on you, that you’re somehow to blame for their unhappiness. I was apologizing for things I hadn’t done to keep the peace.
“Jokes” That Are Actually Insults
He’d make little comments about my appearance, intelligence, or personality and pass them off as jokes. “You’re so dramatic,” he’d say, or, “You’re hopeless with directions.” When I looked hurt, he’d say, “Come on, it’s just a joke. Lighten up.” I started feeling like I couldn’t take a joke, even though his words were often hurtful and demeaning.
These “jokes” were a subtle way to make me feel small, to keep me doubting myself. Abusers will hide behind humor, using it as a weapon to cut you down without taking responsibility for their cruelty.
Threats, Even If They’re Just Hints
When I realized something was wrong, I tried to stand up for myself a few times. But every time, he’d remind me of what I “stood to lose” if I left him. He’d say things like, “Good luck finding someone else who’ll put up with you,” or, “You don’t want to know what life would be like without me.” He never directly threatened me, but he kept me fearful enough to stay.
These threats were his way of keeping me in line, keeping me too afraid to think about leaving. Abuse doesn’t have to be loud; it can be subtle, leaving you feeling trapped and fearful of what might happen if you stand up for yourself.
Feeling Like You’ve Lost Your Sense of Self
In the beginning, I was strong and confident. But by the end, I didn’t recognize myself. I was constantly apologizing, anxious, and trying to be someone who wouldn’t upset him. I had given up my friends, hobbies, and voice until I felt like I was fading away. I became so used to his criticism and manipulation that I started to believe I was the problem.
Emotional abuse isn’t just about what someone says or does; it’s about how it changes you. I lost myself trying to keep him happy, thinking things would improve if I tried harder. But I learned that abuse is never something you can fix by changing who you are.
Getting out of that relationship took time, courage, and support from friends who saw what I couldn’t. Healing from emotional and mental abuse isn’t easy, but reclaiming my life and rediscovering who I was made every step worth it.
Abuse often starts quietly, but that doesn’t make it any less real or painful. If you see yourself in any of these signs, know that you’re not alone and that there’s help and support out there.
You deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. Don’t ignore these signs as I did—trust your instincts, reach out, and remember that real love builds you up, not breaks you down.
The Importance of Cyber Security for Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting is one of the fastest-growing industries and with good reason. According to Statistica, approximately 50% of adults in the United States have placed bets on sporting events at least once. That’s a lot of betting. It’s expected to grow into a 93-billion-dollar global industry by 2023. So just how much are people betting online?
It’s estimated that gross gambling yield (the amount gambling establishments receive after payouts) is more than $400 billion annually. More than $117 million in wagers for the Super Bowl LV came in on NFL betting apps, a substantial increase of 116% from the previous year. And while it seems the sports betting industry has skyrocketed into mainstream culture, it didn’t start out that way.
Before the legalization of betting, the sports betting industry was pushed underground into dingy bars, basements, and back alleys. Sports betting was known for its hand in criminal activity and was closely connected with organized crime. However, the legalization of online sports betting hasn’t stopped the attempts to make off with serious money. Online hacking, attacks, and malware have become a continuous fight for mainstream betting platforms. What was once known for localized, targeted attacks by criminals has become an international concern for betting platforms.
What are the security threats when betting online?
As technology continues to evolve, gambling platforms need to ensure online safety and security for their users. After all, a multi-billion dollar industry can’t afford compromised platforms. There are multiple ways an individual can attack a website, with the severity of the attack depending on the online security of the platform. To understand the significance of each threat, it’s critical to understand what each does, how it breaches security, and how you might lose money.
DDoS and Ransomware Attacks
A DDoS is formally called a distributed denial-of-service. In simple terms, this attack tries to extort money from a company (or individual) by threatening to block out access to the service. Usually, the attacker will send the company a ransom letter demanding money or the loss of the website.
How does it work?
Assuming the threat is accurate, the hacker will spend excessive traffic to the website of the target. The substantial increase in website traffic is identical to traffic on a highway. Eventually, the route stops moving; you can’t go anywhere, become angry, and sit for hours. As the website becomes overwhelmed with traffic, it crashes. Alternatively, a sports betting website may become so oversaturated the speed slows to a crawl, making it impossible to access for time-sensitive betting.
SQL Injection
SQL injection is a standard attack with hackers that gives access to customer details (including your financial information and account status). Chances are, if you’ve heard of a company breach on the news, it was the same style of attack. A successful attack reveals personal information; credit cards, addresses, IP addresses, account balances, and sports betting details. A breach of this magnitude would be fatal for any online gambling platform.
How does it work?
For the attack to be successful, the hacker must find a vulnerable spot within the user inputs on the website. The content of the SQL commands is sent through these areas, with malicious commands executed in the database. This attack works by manipulating the backend database to reveal information that was never intended for display.
Identity Theft and Account Compromise
Identity theft occurs when an individual uses your information in an unauthorized way. This theft can include fabricated accounts (using your information to create a sports betting account), accessing your account after an SQL Injection, altering your bankroll online, or closing the account.
How does it work?
Account information is harvested through SQL Injections or other breaches in security. Once collected, hackers will offer this information (including your personal details, credit cards, account log-in and saved passwords, balances, and ongoing wagers) on the dark web. With usernames and passwords, purchased accounts are easily accessed through the website.
What can users do to protect themselves when betting online?
While a website can be safe and secure against outside threats, a level of onus is put on the account holder. Ensuring the online betting site is licensed can reduce your risk online. A licensed platform must follow strict rules, regulations, and standards, keeping you as safe as possible online. You’ll also want to ensure your passwords are encrypted and stored in a closed, secure database. Many casinos store passwords in their raw form, leaving your account vulnerable to hackers.
Account verification is crucial to your security, especially when performing financial transactions. Look for a website that requires verification online, whether driver’s license, passport, or other photo ID. Always take advantage of the setting if the platform offers two-step verification (it will require a cellphone or email confirmation to access the account).
How do the best betting sites protect themselves from threats?
Depending on the threat to the online gaming website, there are a few different methods of preventing such attacks. A ransom or DDoS attack will use IP blocking (preventing access to the IP address), rate-limiting (which controls the site’s traffic), and blackhole routing. Finally, the DDoS protection service is the most successful, especially against highly distributed attacks.
Thanks to the commonality of these SQL Injections, protection has become simplified online. The first is ensuring input validation. This process checks that all accounts are being completed according to rules (for instance, five digits for zip codes). Companies will also have web applications or server-based firewalls that work to encrypt all information online.
An essential security feature offered by sports betting platforms is SSL encryption. SSL encryption garbles any data shared between you and a website, making it unreadable to anyone accessing the information. This security includes credit card details or other private account details. Random sequences of letters, numbers, and symbols are shown in place of the actual information.
Pushing Past Industry Standards
Although it’s difficult to determine the exact value of online sports betting, it’s estimated that it makes up nearly 40% of the global gaming market. The continuous development of legalized gaming platforms supports the predicted explosion of the market over the next two years. Similar standards to financial institutions serve as a benchmark for online security for online gambling. As the market continues to flourish, so do the online safety protocols needed to keep both platform and user safe online.
Why Content Marketing Isn’t Optional (And Why That’s Actually Great News)
Let me tell you about my neighbor Bob. Every morning, he stands in his driveway with a megaphone, shouting about his accounting services to anyone within earshot. Okay, I made Bob up – but you get the point. Nobody wants to be that person, and nobody wants to hear from that person.
That’s why I’m here to talk about content marketing — the art of attracting customers without chasing them down with a megaphone. And trust me, it’s a lot more fun (and practical) than Bob’s approach.
The Hard Truth About Modern Business
I’ll be direct: if you’re not doing content marketing in 2024, you might as well be using a typewriter and sending your proposals via carrier pigeon. Harsh? Maybe. But here’s why I’m saying this:
Your potential clients are already looking for solutions to their problems. Right now. This very second. They’re typing questions into Google, scrolling through LinkedIn, and asking their networks for recommendations. The question is: are you showing up in those moments, or is your competitor?
Content Marketing: The New Business Currency
Think about the last time you researched a product or service. You probably:
- Started with a Google search
- Read some blog posts and articles
- Watched explainer videos
- Checked out comparison guides
- Read customer reviews and case studies
- Finally considered making contact with a company
That’s content marketing in action. Every single step of that journey was shaped by the content someone created. If your business isn’t part of that journey, you’re invisible to potential customers until the end of their decision-making process – when everyone else’s content has already influenced them.
Why Traditional Marketing Just Doesn’t Cut It Anymore
Remember the good old days when you could buy some ads and wait for customers to roll in? Yeah, those days are gone. Here’s why:
- 70% of people would rather learn about a company through articles than advertisements
- 84% of people expect brands to create content that entertains, tells stories, and provides solutions
- 96% of B2B buyers want content with more input from industry thought leaders
- The average person consumes 11.4 pieces of content before making a purchase decision
The Secret Sauce: It’s Not About Selling (Mostly)
Here’s where most businesses get it wrong – they treat content marketing like a billboard. “Buy our stuff! We’re the best! Limited time offer!”
Yawn.
The real magic happens when you focus on being genuinely helpful. I know this sounds counterintuitive but stay with me. When you consistently create content that helps people solve their problems:
- They start to trust you
- They see you as an expert
- They come back for more
- They share your content with others
- And yes, eventually, they buy from you
The Content Marketing Pyramid (I Just Made That Up)
Picture a pyramid. At the bottom, you’ve got your foundational content – blog posts, articles, and essential videos that answer common questions. You’ve got your meaty stuff in the middle – detailed guides, case studies, and in-depth analysis. At the top, you’ve got your premium content – webinars, workshops, and exclusive resources.
The beauty of this approach? Each level builds on the one below it, creating a natural progression that takes people from “just browsing” to “shut up and take my money.”
The Five Pillars of Modern Content Marketing
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Every piece of content is an opportunity to rank
- Your content answers questions your customers are asking
- You build authority in your industry
- Your website becomes a resource, not just a brochure
Social Proof
- Case studies showcase real results
- Customer stories build trust
- User-generated content provides authenticity
- Reviews and testimonials validate your expertise
Thought Leadership
- Industry insights demonstrate expertise
- Original research sets you apart
- Unique perspectives attract attention
- Expert positioning commands premium prices
Education
- How-to guides solve real problems
- Tutorials build user confidence
- FAQs address common concerns
- Resource libraries create value
Community Building
- Regular content builds loyal followers
- Engagement creates relationships
- Newsletters maintain connections
- Forums foster discussions
“But I Don’t Have Time for Content Marketing!”
I hear you. Really, I do. But here’s the thing: you don’t have time NOT to do content marketing. While you’re busy “not having time,” your competitors are:
- Building relationships with your potential customers
- Establishing themselves as industry experts
- Creating content that ranks in search engines
- Developing trust with your target market
- Growing their email lists
- And yes, making sales
The good news? You don’t have to do everything at once. Start small. One blog post a month. One video every quarter. One newsletter every few weeks. The key is consistency, not volume.
The ROI Nobody Talks About
Sure, we all know content marketing can drive sales. But let’s talk about the hidden benefits:
- Your sales team spends less time explaining basic concepts.
- Your customer service team gets fewer repetitive questions.
- Your expertise gets documented and can be shared easily.
- Your hiring becomes easier because candidates can understand your company better.
- Your business becomes more valuable because you’re building intellectual property.
How to Get Started (Without Losing Your Mind)
- Start with what you know. Don’t overthink it. What questions do your customers ask you all the time? Answer them. There’s your first month of content right there.
- Pick your platform. You don’t need to be everywhere. Choose one platform where your customers hang out and master it before expanding.
- Create a simple calendar. Map out your content topics for the next three months. Keep it realistic. It is better to do less consistently than to burn out trying to do too much.
- Repurpose everything. That blog post? Turn it into a video. That video? Turn it into social media posts. That presentation you gave? Turn it into an article. Work smarter, not harder.
The Most Important Thing: Just Start
Look, I could give you a hundred more reasons why content marketing is crucial. I could share more statistics about how companies that blog get 67% more leads than those that don’t. I could tell you about the client who tripled their business using nothing but strategic content.
But here’s what matters: Your potential customers are out there right now, looking for help. They’re trying to solve problems that you know how to solve. They’re asking questions that you know how to answer.
The only question is: will they find you, or will they find someone else?
A Quick Note About Sales (Because We’re All Here to Grow Our Businesses)
Yes, content marketing will help you make sales. But it does something even more valuable: it helps you make the right sales to the right people who understand what they’re buying and why they need it.
Think about it: would you rather spend an hour convincing someone they need your service or have them come to you already convinced because they’ve read your content and understand your value?
The Future of Content Marketing
The landscape is evolving rapidly:
- AI is changing how content is created and distributed.
- Video content is becoming increasingly important.
- Voice search is changing SEO strategies.
- Interactive content is on the rise.
- Personalization is becoming the norm.
However, the fundamental principle remains the same: provide value first, sell second.
The Bottom Line
Content marketing isn’t just another business buzzword or a nice-to-have marketing tactic. It’s the difference between being part of the conversation and being left out of it entirely.
Remember my fictional neighbor Bob with his megaphone? Don’t be Bob. Be the helpful expert who shows up exactly when people need you, with exactly the information they’re looking for.
Start small, but start now. Your future clients are already searching. Make sure they find you.
PS If you’re thinking, “this is all great, but I need help getting started,” – well, that’s why businesses like mine exist. But start with the free stuff first. Implement what you learn. Then, if you need help scaling up, you know where to find me. (See what I did there? Subtle, right?)
P.P.S. Want to know how much all this costs? Check out my detailed breakdown of content marketing costs. Because yes, good content marketing requires investment – but not having a content marketing strategy? That’s the most expensive option of all.
Background Check 101: Everything You Should Know
A background check is a comprehensive method of collecting an individual’s records and compiling the details into an easy-to-read report. The details within a background check may vary according to the type of screening requested; however, several elements are consistent across the various types of reports. A background report will most commonly include copies of an individual’s personal information, employment history, credit report, criminal records, and civil documents.
A few reports may include employment references, education verification, social media records, motor vehicle records checks, and drug testing. Before running a background check, always confirm the contents included in the screening, as these elements will vary according to the issuing company.
Personal Identification Background Check
The personal identification background screening will review all personal information on the file. All referencing will include name verification, maiden or previous names, alias verification, address history, SSN confirmation, and contact information on file.
Criminal History Background Check
The criminal history background check will compile all records and charges attached to an individual’s name. This screening will search national, state, federal, and county criminal databases to report any felony and misdemeanor criminal convictions or pending charges. Each screening will only include a small portion of the results, depending on the agency reviewed. For example, state databases will only have the selected state’s criminal court system.
The recorded history of criminal activity will vary according to the state requesting records. As federal laws don’t exist on reporting mandates, it is individual discretion for the reporting period. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) holds limitations on adverse information, although this doesn’t include criminal history. On average, most criminal background checks will consist of seven years within the report.
Will Dismissed Cases Show on the Background Check?
Dismissed cases will often appear under the background check, as they are classified as criminal records. Cases ending in dismissal or not-guilty verdicts will still appear under the screening report.
Will Sealed or Expunged Records Appear on the Background Check?
Any candidate who successfully petitions the court to expunge a record will no longer have the documents appear on the background check report. Any records relating to this offense will disappear, wiping the account.
Will Arrests Appear on the Background Check?
Arrests don’t classify as an admission of guilt, meaning the records hold minimal weight in any screening process. Reported information will vary according to the state, as several areas have specific reporting mandates. To determine whether your state allows the reporting of arrest records, look through individual conditions.
Will Traffic Records Appear on the Background Check?
Criminal background checks don’t typically include traffic tickets within the criminal section of the screening. A few driving charges fall under the criminal classification, including DUI or reckless driving charges. These charges land under the criminal history check and motor vehicle screening on the report.
Credit Report Background Check
A credit report will include a complete profile of an individual’s financial health. This background screening portion will include all identifying information like full name and mailing address, current credit accounts, and available credit. Additionally, this report will note the file’s previous payment history and any bankruptcies or liens.
Civil History Background Check
A civil history background check will scan through databases for any previous or current court cases. These documents include any wrongdoing of another individual, case records from civil court proceedings, and all upper and lower-level courts.
Motor Vehicle History Background Check
Anyone with a driver’s license will hold a recorded driving record. These records will vary according to the individual but will include identifying details of the driver, copy of license number, license classifications and tiers, and current status. The motor vehicle history will include any violations attached to the individual’s record.
Education History Background Check
The education history background screening will compile a comprehensive list of an individual’s qualifications, credentials, and educational history. Education verification will look for the highest level of employment completed, including any degrees finished, school attended, and graduation date.
Employment Verification Background Check
This portion of the background check will assess the validity of someone’s work history against the details within their resume. The employment verification process will review an individual’s employment history, including the title, duration of employment, and position within the company.
What is an Employment Reference Check?
During the background screening, the employment reference check will use professional and personal contacts to verify someone’s work ethic. This process will confirm an individual’s skills, experiences, education, and background. Most reference questions relate to work ethic or generalized skills within the workplace.
Social Media Background Check
The social media screening will use all personal information in the background report to verify any online account information. These details will include social media accounts (common and less popular domains), dating profiles, or other account creation through personal details. If an individual holds an online account, any relevant information (pictures, status updates, and group discussions) is included in the report.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing Checks
Occasionally, an employer will require all prospective employees to submit a drug screening before employment commences. Drug testing options vary but may include urine or blood testing. Drug screening options include 4-panel, 5-panel, 8-panel + MQL, and 10-panel testing.
Fingerprint Background Checks
A fingerprint background check is reserved for individuals working within the federal government or companies that work for them. The background check will include FBI-level screening, uncovering all interactions with law enforcement that house criminal data. The screening will include arrests, convictions, parking tickets, or traffic violations attached to the prints on file.
Any fingerprint background screening will run through the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) or the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Anyone Order a Background Check?
Yes. Anyone may request a background check, although the intended purpose is the most critical component. Users should never use a background report for ill intent, including stalking or harassing another person. If people require a background screening for employment, there are specific terms they must follow before requesting.
Will an Employer See My Financial Account Numbers?
The credit history will include a complete list of an individual’s financial accounts. For security reasons, this report will not have complete account or card numbers. Details will include the financial institution, balance, limits, and delinquencies.
Can Someone See How Much I Make?
No. A background check will not include payment or salary information in the report. These details are confidential between an employee and the employer. Likewise, the employment verification will not have any salary or hourly wages in the screening process.
Will Misdemeanors Appear on a Background Check?
Yes. A criminal background check will include all misdemeanor convictions, charges, and pending cases. A misdemeanor is often a less severe offense, including charges without jail time. Instead, these charges hold fines, community service, or probation.
Conclusion
The background check offers a comprehensive report on an individual, including various aspects of their life. Several areas remain common for all reporting companies, which include criminal history, credit report, personal verification, and civil documents. Before ordering, always confirm the included content with the background check company.
Is There a Science to Beating Online Casinos
We all know someone who seems to have a system to beat the house in brick-and-mortar casinos. They have a specific machine, a superstitious ritual at the table, or can seemingly count cards faster than a dealer can lay them out. However, with the influx of technology, more casinos are bringing interactive gaming into the hands of players virtually. While online casinos can bring fun and excitement into our living rooms, it begs the question of whether there’s a science behind beating the most popular games.
Understanding How Slots Work Online
Arguably one of the most popular online games, the slots are engaging, fun, and effortless to use. There are no rules involved; most users can start playing almost immediately. Developers need to deliver true randomness to the game, using a random number generator (RNG) to ensure fair gaming.
What is RNG?
The RNG creates a sequence of random numbers that link to a specific symbol on the reel. It, unfortunately, can’t be worked or reproduced. The RNG weighs symbols differently, with lower symbols having higher weights. This weighted value means that players are more likely to have smaller wins overall.
How Do Slot Machines Attract Players?
Several components attract people to the game; low wagers (including pennies) can lure in unsuspecting people. With a low buy-in, more individuals are likely to keep hitting the button and spinning the reel. Near misses of substantial wins push players to keep going, hoping the next hit will be the big winner. Finally, sounds and music can play with a person’s senses. It’s uplifting and cheerful, which encourages players to continue.
Figuring Out the Odds with Online Blackjack
While every online game will have a level of true randomness (otherwise, it wouldn’t be considered a fair game), the basic principles of blackjack are the same, whether online or in-person. When it comes to your hand, always hit it if your hand totals between 12 and 16 and if the house holds a seven to ace. If you’re given double 8s or aces, always split the hand. Hit an ace to six. Finally, hold the hand if you hold between 12 and sixteen and the house has between two and six. If you’re ever offered insurance, it rarely makes sense to place the bet. The house will gain a 6% advantage almost every time you do.
Does Roulette Have an Online Strategy?
One of the more popular tabletop games, roulette, is popular because there are virtually no rules to understand. It’s a game of luck, based on what number comes up. This game of chance is based on choosing colors, numbers, and the likelihood of winning combinations. There is a variety of betting options, including the probability of each bet paying out. Similar to online slot machines, these table games function on random number generation attached to bets on the board.
Generally speaking, the higher the payout, the lower the chance of hitting that bet. If you’re playing roulette online, understand that the game is entirely one of chance; there’s no technique, method, or skill to beat the table. You simply have to understand the odds of the bet and try your luck.
Understanding How Poker Works Online
Like the slot machines, RNG ensures the game plays like a deck has been shuffled and dealt randomly. Aside from this influence, the majority of the game follows in-person psychology. It’s critical that players remain focused and concentrate on the game. Frustration or outside influence can impact gameplay, especially for novice players. Try to remember the cards that have been dealt, how the hands have played, and understand true odds when playing. Avoid the tilt that often comes with poker; losing a significant hand, having a streak of terrible cards, or simply getting frustrated by an opponent.
What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?
Regarding remaining safe in intimate relationships with our partners, having open communication about sexual health is imperative. Potential exposure to infections and learning about HIV status are essential. Unfortunately, these conversations don’t always occur before intimate relations, leaving a few people guessing about the critical details of their sexual health.
PrEP and PEP are two different anti-HIV medications currently available on the market. They are prophylaxis medications, working as preventative medication. PrEP and PEP medications work differently within the body, but both can reduce your risk of becoming HIV-positive.
Understanding PrEP Medications
PrEP is pre-exposure prophylaxis, a medication you take before potential exposure to HIV. This medication works by preventing HIV from entering the body, prohibiting replication. These medications contain two different medicines in a single tablet. Anti-HIV concentrations are at their maximum when taken exactly as prescribed. PrEP is available by prescription only, taken daily. If individuals want to start this drug, they’ll need to find a PrEP clinic in Alberta to get the medication.
The longer and more regularly an individual takes PrEP, the better the protection offered against HIV. All patients must take medicine for a minimum of seven consecutive days to protect the body during anal sex and 21 days for optimal protection through needle-sharing and vaginal intercourse.
These medications are only available through prescription, with a mandatory HIV test before writing the script. Your medical professional will order an STI, hep B and C, HIV, and kidney function test. The provider will go through a comprehensive sexual history (including partners, risky behavior, and drug use).
Most individuals take PrEP once a day, every single day. Occasionally, this medication may be prescribed as event-based dosing, taking one dose before intercourse and two days’ worth of drugs after exposure. When taken correctly, PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV transmission. It uses anti-HIV drugs to safeguard HIV-negative people from contracting the virus. All genders may take these medications, regardless of sexual orientation.
Understanding PEP
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis, meaning the individual takes the medication after potential exposure. These medications are meant for emergencies only, with a four-week course of the drug required. PEP should be taken within 24 hours of exposure when possible, although 72 hours is the maximum time frame. These drugs are not intended for long-term use. Although PEP may prevent HIV from entering the body, it isn’t 100% effective. Strict adherence to dosage and no further exposure to HIV will reduce the transmission probability.
PEP contains three medicines, typically the same two drugs within PrEP, plus an additional medication. Most PEP prescriptions are two tablets. Always start your prescription as soon as possible. PEP interferes with the pathways HIV uses to cause a permanent infection within the body. It gets into the bloodstream, genital area, and rectal tissues. Should HIV be within the body, PEP prevents the virus from replicating within the immune cells. All drug levels must remain constant throughout treatment, making the timing critical to the preventative effect.
Individuals using PEP frequently should consider taking PrEP to prevent HIV. Anyone at risk can obtain PEP from a healthcare professional. Emergency clinics, sexual health clinics, doctor’s offices, and urgent care facilities will all have access to PEP medications. Patients should always follow extra precautions when taking PEP. Condom use is a must during treatment to prevent any subsequent infections. Talk to your family doctor about the best preventative measure for your lifestyle. While workplace insurance often covers occupational PEP in situations of potential exposure, non-occupational PEP coverage will depend on the individual insurance plan.
What is Sales Territory Mapping used for?
Sales territory mapping is the comprehensive process of organizing sales territories to maximize sales productivity. A sales team can use a well-designed map to identify new opportunities, better understand customers, and track performance overall. This mapping type is essential for any sales team hoping to optimize their overall performance. It can be complex and time-consuming, making it challenging to keep up with the changing economic circumstances.
A specific boundary for each territory is often based on multiple factors, including population density, transportation routes, or customer concentration. Creating an accurate and up-to-date map is critical for any business that uses geographic territories to drive sales.
Different Types of Sales Territories
Customer Territories: These territories are based on the organization’s customers. For instance, a company may hold specific regions for small and large businesses.
Product Territories: These areas are based on services or products that a company sells. For example, an organization may have specific territories for varying product lines.
Sales Channel Territories: These territories use the sales channels that a business operates. This sectioning may include separate regions for indirect and direct sales.
Industry Territories: These areas will focus territories on the company industries. A company may have differing territories for its pharmaceutical and homewares industries.
Why Does a Company Need Sales Territory Mapping?
As sales territory mapping is complex, keeping up with the varying economic conditions is often difficult. Technology may help the sales teams, improving efficiency and organization. The software offers a platform to analyze sales data, create territories, and monitor customer data.
Investing in mapping software also enables several advantages over traditional techniques
More Flexibility
The mapping software allows the sales team greater flexibility in managing their territories. The traditional territory management methods constrict the team to pre-determined geographic boundaries, making optimizing it challenging. With mapping software, sales teams can create custom territories based on several factors, including purchasing habits, competitor activity, and customer demographics.
Better Consumer Analysis
A business that relies on sales territories to generate revenue understands that territory must be well-defined. This type of software provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of consumer data, allowing organizations to identify key trends and optimize the territories accordingly. Sales territory mapping also helps businesses track results over time, allowing fine-tuning of territories.
Improved Productivity Overall
As sales territory mapping software directly benefits sales organizations, it becomes crucial for increasing productivity. By automating the process of sales territories, salespeople can spend more time selling products and less time working through administrative tasks. Additionally, this software makes it easier to identify new customers and continue to track the progress of existing ones. The sales team can effectively target efforts and close more deals.
The First Steps in Developing a Sales Territory Plan
Knowing how to develop a plan efficiently is essential for driving sales. While creating a sales territory plan is complex, there are a few basic steps you can follow:
Define all goals
Defining your goals is the first step in building an efficient plan. Understand what you’re trying to achieve with your sales territories and how to increase the market share within a particular region.
Begin designing territories aligned with those goals. For example, to increase market share, create territories focusing on specific customer groups.
Understand Your Customers
Build the ideal customer for your product or service. Who are they? What motivates them? Answer questions about demographics and tailor your territories to match that customer base. Whatever your customer base may be, understanding their motivations and needs before you can sell to them has to be the first step. Once you’ve built the profile, targeting the right individual is easier.
How can Business Owners Leverage Location Intelligence?
Small businesses continue to remain the backbone of the country. In the United States, 32.5 million small businesses are operating, accounting for 46.8 percent of the private workforce. Unfortunately, the increasing popularity of online retailers and big-box stores still plagues small companies, especially as interests continue to shift and evolve. As rapidly changing interests continue to plague companies further, small businesses are forced to put themselves in a better position to meet market demands.
Location intelligence is a trusted methodology among large retailers, offering insight into how individuals, products, services, and materials move worldwide. This process can help economic development, including a deeper understanding of market trends, foot traffic patterns, logistics, and consumer behaviors.
What is Location Intelligence?
Location intelligence is the visualization and analysis of geospatial data. This analysis enhances insight, understanding, decision-making, and further prediction. Many organizations rely on geographic information systems to create comprehensive location intelligence. Adding layers of geographic data (like traffic, demographics, or weather) to the information can help organizations identify where an event occurred, why it’s happening, and gain insight into the primary cause.
What are geographic information systems?
A geographic information system is a spatial system that develops, manages, interprets, and maps all data. GIS will connect data to a physical map, incorporating location data with descriptive content. This information offers a foundation for mapping and analyzing information. GIS allows business owners to develop and understand patterns, including relationships and geographic context. Most companies see improved communication and efficiency overall.
Understanding the Benefits of Location Intelligence
Integrating Sales and Marketing
Business owners can use location intelligence to understand consumers better, whether prospective or current, achieving brand awareness, increases in sales, and improved customer experience. Using these insights can optimize a company’s approach to customers. For example, a small business trying to attract a specific niche consumer base can harvest the demographics to strengthen the current connection. Locations consumers visit will demonstrate what matters most to them, particularly where interests remain.
Building Supply Chain and Logistics
Companies need to develop a strong connection with supply chain risk management. With location intelligence, a business can identify and monitor critical locations within the supply chain for irregularities in workforce activity. This heightened visibility also makes reliable predictions of disruptions to the supply chain, helping owners mitigate these obstructions at the source.
A business owner previously held minimal visibility within the supply chain can access identifying information that pinpoints any bottleneck. These details are essential to correct before getting worse.
Encompassing Business Operations
Using location intelligence to offer guidance on strategy positively impacts business operations, explicitly reducing costs. This data encourages increasingly accurate targets and helps personalize the delivery of the messaging and consumer experience. With less trial-and-error for the business, prices are significantly reduced overall.
This intelligence offers a potential window where prospective and interested consumers with similar profiles currently exist. These details can also guide local owners into additional store locations, particularly when a business is considering expansion. For instance, a local furniture store uncovers an over-index of home improvers within 50 miles of the site. These statistics suggest a secondary location within that proximity could be a wise growth tactic worth exploring.
Developing Competitive Intelligence
A business can also utilize location demographics to understand how the company is performing against local competitors. For instance, businesses can analyze and interpret how foot traffic compares to competitors to establish how many consumers are shopping the competitor is attracting versus their location. These statistics offer strong indications of where the company stands within the market.
Likewise, a business could explore where a competitor’s customer visits before or after the store location. These details can integrate into various campaigns to persuade customers out of the current sales cycle.
Conclusion
As small businesses are the pillar of our economy, any insight into their industry is essential for success. Location intelligence connects businesses of all sizes with the information around them. By detailing critical aspects of the buying process, companies can help mitigate any foreseeable problems before they become long-standing or compromising issues. Location intelligence benefits virtually every industry, from small businesses to large enterprises. Knowing how to harvest and leverage that information sets a company apart.
The Secondary Benefits of Using PrEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infections has been nothing short of revolutionary. This medication has virtually changed the entire landscape of HIV prevention. While the immediate benefit of this pharmaceutical is instantly recognized (drastically reducing the probability of HIV transmission), the secondary benefits have been grossly looked over.
Who Should Take PrEP Medications?
PrEP can help protect individuals that don’t have HIV but have had any of the following risk factors:
– Engaged in anal or vaginal sex in the past six months and have had a sexual partner with HIV or unknown status
– Have not consistently used a condom during intimate relations
– Have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease in the last six months
– Participate in any needle-sharing or injection drug use
– Have been prescribed post-exposure prophylaxis and continue to engage in risky behavior
– Have used multiple courses of PEP in the last few years
– Would like to become pregnant with an HIV-positive partner
Here are a few secondary benefits to PrEP that aren’t usually discussed:
Frank and honest conversations about sex and the associated risk
For decades previous, conversations about HIV or other common sexually transmitted diseases were something taboo and dirty. It seemed that the human immunodeficiency virus was considered fatal, holding a drastic stigma. Recently, the development of antivirals has lessened the probability of contracting HIV from HIV-positive individuals, opening the conversation in a manner that hasn’t existed. Doctors now widely prescribe PrEP in Ontario to at-risk individuals, encouraging safety in otherwise dangerous interactions.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) reduces your chance of getting HIV from injection drug use or sex. When taken as prescribed, this medicine is highly effective for preventing HIV. Additionally, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) aids individuals with potential exposure after the fact. This medication is used in emergencies, requiring the individual to take antiviral therapies for four consecutive weeks.
Ongoing STD Monitoring
Taking PrEP medications requires ongoing and continuous STD monitoring every three months. The monitoring associated with PrEP treatment allows early detection and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, which may have otherwise gone untreated. At-risk behaviors like injection-drug use and unprotected sex increase the probability of STDs, which may or may not present symptoms. Improved health may occur with many prescription medications available to treat (or cure) these conditions.
Encouraging Young Individuals to Seek Primary Care
Long gone are the days of hiding sexuality, with younger generations taking a more active role in their sexual health. With the development and availability of antiviral medications, younger generations are more likely to seek medical care when engaging in risky behavior. Many PrEP prescriptions are available to individuals over 18, although care providers may prescribe these medications earlier if the risk warrants intervention. With local prescription coverage available to youth under 25 without private insurance, PrEP medications may be available at no cost.
Removed Stigma of Sexually Transmitted Infections
With studies revealing that nearly 20% of the population have a sexually transmitted infection and almost 75% of all adults having at least one type of human papillomavirus in their lifetime, early detection is crucial. Removing the stigma of STDs, particularly HIV, will encourage more people to seek testing.Encouraging safe sex practices can reduce the probability of disease while still allowing intimate relationships between partners. Removing the stigma of sexually transmitted infections will also increase dialogue between partners, providing informed consent before contact. These conversations may also include family planning goals with mixed status partners (one HIV-positive and one HIV-negative partner) to ensure both the partner and child remain negative status during the pregnancy.
How to Use Your Map Data Visualization for Your Business
When running a business, you’re relying on the data to help make educated and informed decisions. Unfortunately, there often comes the point when the information becomes so considerably overwhelming it’s hard to interpret. It becomes stale and stationary.
Third-party mapping programs can bring everything you need to make sense of your data without having to devote considerable amounts of time to do it. The visualization tools allow users to:
Uncover New Insights Into Your Business
All data is valuable, especially if it holds any geographic significance. Seeing the data mapped out allows you to promptly identify any critical trends that may not have been visible before.
Help Others Understand the Data
When you’re plotting the data across a geographic map, it makes things easier to understand for everyone. Streamline the information by making it an easy-to-understand visual.
Improve the Format with Visual Aids
While spreadsheets are occasionally helpful in keeping all information, it isn’t easy to get a large-scale understanding without committing considerable amounts of time to interpretation. A map allows instant knowledge of all consumer details through a heat map, radius drive map, or other functionality that highlights key pieces of information.
Using Your Data with Mapping Software
Data visualization tools allow the user to get a location-specific display of information, often within an interactive map. When the information is plotted on the map, users can quickly customize how it appears, identifying significant trends and patterns.
Opt for Mapping Software Integrated with Google Maps
Not all mapping programs are equal, making your decision much more important. Always look for mapping software that integrates with Google, the original company that connected users with data visualization software. Google maps revolutionized the way people navigate around the globe, connecting users to real-time information with the click of a button.
Integration with Google Maps allows all the navigational features of the platform without sacrificing functionality or data upload. Once you’ve uploaded the data, you can efficiently complete most tasks in a similar manner to Google Maps.
How to Use the Data Visualization Options
You’ll want to enter the data into your mapping software to get started. Click the data option on the dashboard of your software and either copy and paste the contents of your spreadsheet or upload it directly to the server.
After all, entries upload to the server, select the “Map” button on the dashboard. The map will generate an interactive visual representation of all details you’ve held in the spreadsheet. Most mapping programs will allow zooming in and out to find the specific view you’re looking for. From there, you’ll want to customize the map according to your needs. Customization requests might include aesthetic components (like the map type or color indicated within a route), map viewing options, and geographic features like street names or landmarks.
When you’re finished customizing the map, export or share it with other team members; sharing maps can integrate different privacy settings, enabling specific views of the map without giving complete access to the backend data. Likewise, users can control specifics relating to the data without sharing all aspects.
Understanding Different Data Visualization Tools
The interactive functionality offers different tools to present the data precisely and uniformly. These tools include the following options with most mapping software:
Heat Map tools
The heat map identifies specific density points within a map according to the location data you’ve input. The map generates hot spots, giving you immediate insight into the regions where your data sits most heavily weighted. A heat map may hold a few adjustments, with differing radius, intentional threshold, or gradient colors available within the map. By customizing the different colors or gradients, you’ll have a personalized heat map that’s easy for all team members to understand.
Boundary Tools
A boundary tool allows a business owner or sales manager to mark and establish specific boundaries within a map to aggregate the numerical data according to area type. This information is helpful when trying to develop regional or geographic boundaries. Some examples of regional boundaries include cities, congressional districts, countries, and states. After the boundaries have been marked, users can observe the data within those regions, using specific consumer details from the spreadsheet.
NJ Diet Review: How DNA Testing Can Help Lose Weight
You’ve likely heard of different diet programs that promise to help users lose weight, but few people have heard of DNA-based diet plans. Unfortunately, society seems to promote the latest programs, workouts, or fad diets. It seems every program promises to be the last plan you’ll ever need. For most scenarios, these claims don’t account for individual differences like allergies, deficiencies, and intolerances influencing the body’s health.
What is a DNA-based Diet?
Genetic evaluation helps medical professionals to make informed decisions about a patient’s health and lifestyle. As genetic analysis continues to influence areas of nutrition, researchers are seeing an increase in nutrigenomics to establish personalized meal planning. The DNA-based diet looks at individual genetic makeup and subsequently builds a diet or weight loss plan according to the results.
What is the Study of Nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is a relatively new scientific development focusing on the relationship between an individual’s health, genes, and nutrition. The discipline explains how a body responds to various things we eat and drink, using this information to make educated decisions about our health. Essentially, all medical professionals promote biological activity within the beneficial genes and work to suppress any genes within the harmful category.
Nutrigenomics can help individuals understand different genetic makeups in dietary needs. For instance, a doctor can determine whether a patient is intolerant to specific foods, has a predisposition to chronic disease, or has other medical conditions that could influence weight loss.
After the analysis of a patient is finalized, doctors can use this information to develop a custom diet plan to facilitate weight loss. This planning also works to improve the quality of life overall. If considering a DNA-based plan, the NJ Diet promises high weight loss levels while benefiting the patient altogether.
Starting a DNA-based Diet Program
With virtually every DNA-based diet, testing starts the process of getting a better understanding of someone’s health. The type of testing will depend on the program, with some programs only performing a primary health screening and others completing a comprehensive analysis. The NJ Diet uses multiple testing methods, establishing a solid connection between genes and nutrition within the body. For instance, the NJ Diet uses saliva, blood, hair, and biometric screening to determine a baseline for every patient in the program.
Once finished, all patients receive a custom meal plan, exercise program, and supplement package. All these components are tailored to a person’s unique health profile. These plans work to heal the gut and digestive tract while dropping the pounds. As the NJ Diet is medically supervised, all patients will undergo constant monitoring with the doctor. Each patient will meet the medical team every 10-15 days while on the program, continuously reviewing the program’s success and keeping all patients accountable.
With the program’s custom nature, every individual will receive a blueprint for continuing their weight loss success after finishing the 40-day plan. The blueprint will include detailed components influencing the overall health and well-being of the individual (for example, holding an intolerance to dairy can prevent calcium absorption). The blueprint also includes details for managing your diet outside the program to keep weight off permanently.
Who Should Use the DNA-based Diet?
One NJ diet review indicates this diet is ideal for anyone struggling to lose weight on a generic weight loss program. Many participants stated they’d tried countless programs to lose the pounds or the weight returns as soon as they stopped following the diet. Many of these individuals have lots of weight to lose and need help to navigate a plan that incorporates their overall health and well-being.
Many participants indicate they’ve lost considerable weight while following the NJ diet. Most testimonials show more than 20 pounds lost over 40 days. DNA-based diet programs are ideal for anyone needing to lose a lot of weight while getting better support after the program. The strict medical supervision ensures accountability and monitoring while following the weight loss program.
DNA-based Programs are Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Take Control
People struggling to make healthy and nutritious food choices may enjoy the strict approach of the DNA-based program, especially while adjusting to the new lifestyle choices. The NJ diet has a customized meal plan and complete supplement list to follow while on the program. Participants must follow the regimen closely for optimal success. While the NJ Diet may seem strict for a diet program, it eliminates the guesswork that often comes with nutrition.
Finally, the NJ Diet is ideal for anyone wanting to better understand their body and how it functions. Registered participants will receive everything they need to keep the weight loss off permanently, including the ideal calorie intake based on specific biological makeup. Knowing this information can help individuals make permanent, healthy lifestyle changes that better their health overall.
10 Signs You’re Dating a Sociopath
Most people will likely connect the word “sociopath” with a negative connotation that holds exploitative and self-absorbed actions. It’s probably never someone you’d willingly date. Unfortunately, a sociopath can also hold extremely charismatic and persuasive traits that appear attractive in many situations, particularly early on in relationships.
Individuals who don’t follow the rules, appear arrogant, lie, don’t care, manipulate situations, and struggle to hold a job are all warning signs you’re dating a sociopath. Having a few of these traits individually isn’t an automatic diagnosis, as only medical professionals can do that, but it can highlight warning signs for those in the relationship.
Rules Don’t Apply to Them
A rule-breaker can seem appealing at first, but it can pose significant problems down the road. This is particularly true when the sociopath’s actions involve criminal behavior. Breaking the rules can also put you in harm’s way. These individuals don’t care about giving or taking in any relationship, society included.
They Don’t Have Many Friends
A sociopath will always have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, including friends, family, or relationships. An individual with antisocial personality disorder creates extreme isolation, which regularly pushes people out. If you’re in a relationship with someone who lacks relationships with other people, look closely at why that might be.
Nothing is Wrong with Them
When most people make a mistake that hurts others, there’s remorse and an ability to recognize any behaviors that need to change or shift in the relationship. A sociopath can’t identify this pattern, as they don’t admit any wrongdoing. The dynamic will always be challenging and toxic, as the standards and consequences are entirely irrelevant to the sociopath. When someone doesn’t care about the consequences, the actions will never change, and they’ll continue violating boundaries and rules.
They Seldom Think About Consequences
Sociopaths are self-fulfilling, which means putting personal enjoyment above all other things. The individuals are highly impulsive, acting in risky behavior. It seems these people will act first and consider the consequences later. Unfortunately, these actions can negatively impact friends and family as well. Decision-making in a relationship may be hurtful or financially taxing, as a sociopath won’t actively consider others before making a choice.
They Frequently Con Others
As a sociopath is exploitative by nature, they regularly push the limits of others. These individuals often persuade and convince others to act outside of the norm. If a sociopath wants to take a pricey trip and can’t afford it, they’ll manipulate the situation until someone offers to pay. When planning a date, expect to visit their preferred restaurants every time.
They’re Regularly in a Bad Mood
Although everyone has the occasional mood swings, a sociopath is known for irritability and agitation. These traits can quickly escalate into verbal or mental abuse as they attempt to feel better about themselves. Partners are regularly a punching bag for the sociopath, as the bad mood seems to appear out of nowhere. You’ll often feel nervous and anxious about upsetting them, setting them off, or feeling like you’re walking on eggshells when having a conversation.
Holding a Job is Exceptionally Difficult
Many sociopaths will struggle to stay employed, especially when interpersonal relationships get in the way of a paycheck. The sociopath will always have an excuse or reason for being let go or fired from a job, with none of the outcomes being their fault. Sociopaths struggle with rules, self-regulation, and accepting authority, making it a difficult standard for gainful employment. Partners, family members, and friends may all suffer when the sociopath is unemployed, as they’ll expect you to pick up the slack or help them out financially.
They’re Always Lying
While lying isn’t a great trait overall, a sociopath will often use this tactic to get their way. These individuals will use lying to manipulate or distort a situation at any cost to the other party. A sociopath will try to bend the truth to change the story, whether a small white lie or a catastrophic lie that is visible to anyone but them. When a relationship is built on a foundation of trust, this trait constantly undermines the core of the dynamic.
They’re Arrogant
Confidence is an important life skill, but hearing how much better an individual is than anyone else is exhausting. A sociopath will always believe they are better than everyone else in virtually every aspect. These traits are toxic, invalidating, or generally uncomfortable in a relationship. You’ll never have it better or worse than a sociopath has it.
They Never Seem to Care
Although everyone has their off day, a sociopath will have consistent difficulty caring for anyone. A healthy relationship will hold mutual consideration and empathy for the partner. Being in a dynamic relationship with a sociopath will have a one-sided approach to interactions. When the central feature of care and consideration is absent, relationship longevity is exhausting for the other partner.
What is a Sociopath?
While these traits may seem exclusive to antisocial personality disorders, an individual may have several of these traits without being a sociopath. Knowing the difference between a selfish partner and a sociopath isn’t always straightforward, but these signs can help identify potential red flags to consider.
A sociopath is an individual with antisocial personality disorder. This condition stunts the emotional capabilities of the person, with indifference to the needs of others, exploitative tendencies, strong entitlement, and a lack of remorse for the harmful actions they perform. A sociopath will only focus on the wants and needs of a partner when and if it’s convenient for them.
Can a Sociopath Love Others?
Love is a complex and deep emotional attachment to others, including bonding and connection. By the general definition of love, a sociopath can’t love another individual in the empathetic and selfless way healthy relationships require. These individuals may show many loving acts, but it’s often a manipulative tactic to further themselves in one way or another. To a sociopath, true love is only within themselves, their power, and winning their version of life.
Can a Sociopath Change?
Currently, there isn’t an absolute cure for mental or behavioral issues. People diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder are seldom motivated to change their behavior as they can’t recognize the need to change. Many sociopaths are highly resistant to the concept of treatment or change and may only attend psychotherapy treatments when forced to do so (through a court order, for example).
Conclusion
Every relationship will have ups and downs throughout the years, but focusing strongly on connection, communication, and empathy can keep the interactions balanced and healthy. If your partner struggles to show compassion, regularly twists or manipulates the truth, and holds themselves above all other things, it suggests a serious problem. While these traits are commonly connected with antisocial personality disorder, they’re problematic traits regardless of a mental health condition. Evaluate your relationship honestly and candidly if you find these ten traits within your partner to determine the health of your relationship overall.
Why Loss Benefits Deserve Equal Attention as Fertility Benefits
Introduction
Employee benefits play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent. Companies are constantly evolving their benefit packages to meet the changing needs of their workforce. Recently, fertility benefits have gained significant attention, with many organizations supporting employees pursuing family planning goals. However, another equally important aspect of employee support often goes overlooked: loss benefits.
Loss benefits encompass a range of support mechanisms for employees experiencing grief, bereavement, or trauma. These benefits are just as vital as fertility benefits in creating a supportive work environment. By providing comprehensive support for both life’s joys and sorrows, employers demonstrate a commitment to holistic employee well-being.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Loss
Loss comes in many forms, each carrying its profound emotional impact. Employees may face the death of a loved one, experience a miscarriage, or endure other significant life events that result in grief. The psychological effects of these losses can be as profound and long-lasting as the challenges faced by those struggling with fertility issues.
Employees who lose a family member grapple with intense emotions and a sense of upheaval in their personal lives. Similarly, those who experience a miscarriage often face a unique form of grief that can be difficult to navigate. The emotional toll of these experiences can significantly impact an employee’s mental health, productivity, and overall well-being.
Comparing the emotional needs of employees seeking fertility benefits with those experiencing loss reveals striking similarities. Both groups require understanding, support, and time to process their experiences. By recognizing these parallel needs, employers can create a more inclusive and compassionate workplace, supporting employees through life’s challenges.
The Role of Loss Benefits in a Supportive Workplace
Comprehensive loss benefits should include several key components. Bereavement leave allows employees time to grieve and handle practical matters following a loss. Miscarriage leave acknowledges the specific needs of those who have experienced pregnancy loss. Counseling services provide crucial emotional support during the grieving process. Flexible work arrangements help employees transition back to work at a pace that suits their needs.
Despite their importance, workplace policies often emphasize loss benefits less than fertility benefits. This oversight may stem from societal discomfort with grief and loss. Many cultures struggle to openly discuss death and bereavement, leading to a lack of focus on these issues in professional settings. However, employers can challenge these norms by prioritizing loss benefits and creating a more supportive work environment.
The Case for Equally Valuing Loss and Fertility Benefits
An inclusive workplace recognizes and supports employees through all life stages and challenges. Employers demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive employee support by offering fertility and loss benefits. This balanced approach acknowledges that employees may need different assistance at various times.
Companies providing robust loss benefits alongside fertility support set themselves apart as compassionate employers. This comprehensive approach to employee satisfaction can significantly impact employee retention. When workers feel supported through joyful and challenging times, they’re more likely to remain loyal to their organization.
Several forward-thinking companies have successfully integrated both benefits into their employee support systems. These organizations report higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction and improved company culture. By valuing both fertility and loss benefits equally, employers create a work environment that genuinely cares for its employees as whole individuals.
Implementing Loss Benefits in the Workplace
To introduce or enhance loss benefits, employers should start by assessing their current offerings and identifying gaps. Gathering employee input through surveys or focus groups can provide valuable insights into the types of support workers need most. Based on this feedback, organizations can develop comprehensive policies addressing various loss forms.
Key steps in implementing loss benefits include:
Defining specific types of leave for bereavement and miscarriage
- Establish clear guidelines for bereavement leave, specifying the number of days allowed and which family members are covered.
- Create a separate miscarriage leave policy, acknowledging the unique nature of this loss.
- Consider extending leave policies to cover other significant losses, such as the death of a close friend or the loss of a pet.
Establishing partnerships with counseling services, Elayne, or employee assistance programs
- Research and partner with reputable counseling services that specialize in grief and loss
- Ensure the employee assistance program (EAP) includes robust mental health support.
- Enroll in a comprehensive bereavement and legacy planning platform. Elayne helps employees navigate estate planning and settlement after losing a family member.
- Negotiate favorable rates or free sessions for employees accessing these services.
Creating flexible work options for employees returning after a loss
- Develop a gradual return-to-work program that allows employees to ease back into their roles.
- Offer flexible scheduling options, such as reduced hours or shifted work times.
- Provide the option for remote work when possible to accommodate employees’ needs.
Developing clear communication channels for employees to request support
- Create a dedicated point of contact in HR for loss-related inquiries and requests.
- Implement a confidential online portal where employees can access information and submit requests easily.
- Establish a straightforward process for managers to follow when an employee experiences a loss.
Implementing a peer support program
- Train volunteer employees to act as peer supporters for colleagues experiencing loss
- Create a network of employees who have experienced similar losses and are willing to offer support.
Offering financial support and resources
- Provide financial counseling services to help employees manage expenses related to loss.
- Consider offering a bereavement stipend to help cover funeral or travel expenses.
Creating a company-wide education program on grief and loss
- Develop workshops or seminars to increase awareness and understanding of grief in the workplace.
- Provide resources and information to all employees on how to support grieving colleagues.
Establishing a remembrance program
- Create a way for the company to acknowledge and remember deceased loved ones of employees.
- This program could include a memorial wall, an annual remembrance event, or charitable donations in memory of the deceased.
Regularly review and update policies
- Set up an annual review process for loss benefit policies.
- Gather feedback from employees who have used these benefits to identify areas for improvement.
- Stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in loss benefits.
Integrating loss benefits into the overall company culture
- Ensure that loss benefits are prominently featured in employee handbooks and onboarding materials
- Regularly communicate these benefits to all employees, not just those experiencing loss
- Encourage open discussions about grief and loss to reduce stigma in the workplace
By implementing these expanded steps, organizations can create a comprehensive and effective loss benefits program that genuinely supports employees through difficult times.
Equally important are manager training and HR education in supporting grieving employees. This training should cover topics such as empathy, effective communication with grieving team members, and understanding the long-term nature of the grieving process. By equipping leaders with these skills, organizations ensure that loss benefits are not just policies on paper but are effectively implemented in day-to-day operations.
Conclusion
The case for giving loss benefits equal attention to fertility benefits is clear. Both types of support address crucial aspects of employees’ lives and well-being. By recognizing the profound impact of loss and providing comprehensive support, employers create a compassionate workplace that values employees as whole individuals.
Balanced benefits increase employee satisfaction and organizational culture and improve retention rates. They demonstrate an employer’s commitment to supporting workers through life’s challenges, not just the positive ones.
By prioritizing fertility and loss benefits, organizations can create a work environment that supports employees through life’s journeys. This holistic approach not only benefits individual workers but also contributes to a more empathetic, loyal, and productive workforce overall.
In today’s competitive job market, companies that demonstrate genuine care for their employees’ well-being will stand out as employers of choice. By giving loss benefits the attention they deserve, organizations can create a workplace culture that truly values and supports its most important asset: its people.
Creating Inclusive Bereavement Policies to Foster DEI in the Workplace
In today’s diverse work environment, incorporating DEI is imperative. DEI includes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles, supporting and valuing your employees at a core level. One area where DEI initiatives can profoundly impact employee well-being is the development of bereavement policies.
Bereavement policies directly impact how an employee copes with the loss of a loved one, both privately and professionally. Companies with strong DEI initiatives often rank higher for employee satisfaction and staff retention while acknowledging diverse cultural and personal needs.
How DEI Works Directly with Bereavement Policies
Explanation of DEI Principles
Company DEI principles should create an equitable and respectful work environment that values all individuals. As every individual will experience grief and loss independently, incorporating bereavement policies into your DEI considerations is critical. Policies should directly influence how employees navigate loss and grief, shaped by cultural, social, and personal factors.
Utilizing a platform like Elayne can help companies bridge these gaps in policies, by integrating estate planning, bereavement, and estate settlement categories with current DEI policies.
Challenges with Traditional Bereavement Policies
Limitations of One-Size-Fits-All Approaches
Traditional bereavement policies often fall short of addressing the diverse needs of a modern workforce. Many companies adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, offering standardized leave periods for narrowly defined “immediate family” members. Although practical on paper, this method approach fails to account for varied family structures, cultural practices, and individual circumstances that shape today’s diverse workforce.
Additionally, limitations of traditional bereavement policies include:
- Lack of Flexibility: Most rigid policies fail to accommodate the varied grieving processes and cultural mourning practices at a core level.
- Narrow Definitions of Family: Traditional policies typically recognize outdated family structures, marginalizing employees with non-traditional families.
- Inequitable Impact: Inflexible policies can disproportionately affect employees from marginalized groups. Unfortunately, this can push feelings of exclusion and separation within the workplace.
- Insufficient Support: Bereavement leave is only a small component of loss and grief. Conventional bereavement policies often exclude other crucial aspects of bereavement support. Customizing policies can address these disparities adequately, closing the gaps conventional policies lack.
Integrating DEI Principles into Bereavement Policies
Understanding Diverse Cultural Practices
To create genuinely inclusive bereavement policies, organizations must:
- Recognize Diverse Cultural Practices: Acknowledge cultural and religious mourning rituals and timeframes. Developing and maintaining cultural sensitivity is imperative for adequate bereavement support.
- Expand Family Definitions: Adopt inclusive definitions of family that encompass diverse structures and relationships. Recognizing diverse grief and bereavement practices can promote respectful policies while maintaining an inclusive work environment. These policies can encourage a sense of respect and belonging.
- Offer Flexible Leave Options: Provide adaptable leave arrangements tailored to individual circumstances.
- Ensure Equitable Leave: Implement policies equally accessible to all employees, regardless of position or status.
- Provide Comprehensive Support: Offer culturally sensitive support services, including counseling, peer support groups, and employee assistance programs.
Creating Effective Bereavement Policies
Engaging with Employees to Identify Needs
Developing effective bereavement policies starts with a deeper understanding of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. Other critical factors include:
- Employee Feedback: Consult with employees, leveraging resource groups and diversity councils for insights. Employee engagement can tailor policies to actual needs within the workplace.
- Data-Driven Approach: Use workforce demographics and employee feedback to develop and integrate policy development.
- Flexible Leave: Implement leave banks or flexible options allowing employees to manage time off according to individual needs.
- Incorporate Cultural Competency: Provide comprehensive training for HR personnel and management teams on diverse grieving practices and support needs.
- Ongoing Policy Review: Establish a review process for managing and updating policies to ensure ongoing relevance.
Positive Outcomes of Inclusive Bereavement Policies
Boosting Employee Satisfaction and Retention
Inclusive bereavement policies yield significant benefits to businesses and organizations. These benefits may include:
- Enhanced Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Supportive policies foster loyalty and improve retention rates.
- Improved Organizational Reputation: Companies known for inclusive policies attract top talent and enhance their employer brand.
- Increased Productivity: Supported employees will likely return to work more focused and productive.
- Strengthened DEI Culture: Inclusive policies reinforce an organization’s commitment to DEI principles.
- Risk Mitigation: Comprehensive policies can help mitigate legal risks associated with discrimination claims.
Steps to Implement Inclusive Bereavement Policies
Developing Comprehensive Training Programs
Effective implementation of bereavement policies and training programs will require a multi-faceted approach. These methods may include:
- Leadership Commitment: Secure buy-in from top management, including management and HR professionals, for organization-wide support.
- Comprehensive Communication: Develop clear strategies to inform employees about new policies and available support.
- Manager Training: Implement training programs on policy application, cultural sensitivity, and supporting grieving employees.
- Ongoing Evaluation: Establish metrics to assess policy impact and effectiveness, making data-driven adjustments as necessary.
- Integration with DEI Initiatives: Align bereavement policies with other DEI efforts to ensure consistency and reinforce organizational values.
- Employee-focused Communication: Supportive work environments encourage openness and empathy. Employee feedback can further inform policy updates.
Overcoming and Addressing Potential Challenges
Working Through Potential Obstacles
Developing an inclusive bereavement policy isn’t without potential challenges. Although some of these challenges are quickly offset, always consider these issues before implementing new policies within the workplace.
- Resistance to Change: Try to anticipate and address any concerns with the new policies through education and clear communication of benefits.
- Budget or Financial Constraints: Emphasize the long-term financial benefits of improved retention and productivity.
- Implementation Complexity: If necessary, develop a phased approach to bereavement policies, prioritizing fundamental policy changes first.
- Legal Considerations: Consult with legal experts to ensure policies comply with relevant laws and regulations.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Offer ongoing training to promote cultural competence and address unconscious bias.
Conclusion
Summary of Benefits
Workplace diversity drives innovation and success, meaning developing inclusive bereavement policies is both an ethical imperative and a strategic necessity. By acknowledging diverse experiences of loss, organizations can create more supportive, equitable, and productive work environments.
Implementing inclusive bereavement policies represents a significant step towards creating a truly inclusive workplace culture. It demonstrates a commitment to supporting employees through challenging moments, regardless of background or circumstances. These policies play a crucial role in fostering employee well-being, enhancing performance, and reinforcing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
By proactively addressing bereavement policies, organizations can create a truly supportive environment that embraces their diverse workforce and fosters a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient workplace culture.
Integrating Estate Planning into Employee Benefits: A Guide for Business Owners
Savvy business owners recognize the importance of offering comprehensive employee benefits packages. While traditional benefits like health insurance and retirement plans remain crucial, forward-thinking employers should now consider integrating estate planning services into their offerings.
This strategic move not only enhances employee satisfaction but also addresses a critical aspect of financial well-being that many individuals often overlook.
The Importance of Estate Planning for Employees
Estate planning goes beyond simply drafting a will. It encompasses a range of legal and financial strategies designed to protect an individual’s assets, provide for their loved ones, and ensure their wishes are carried out after death.
For employees, regardless of their age or financial status, estate planning offers several key benefits:
- Peace of mind: Knowing their affairs are in order allows employees to focus on their work without worrying about their family’s future.
- Asset protection: Proper estate planning helps shield assets from unnecessary taxes and potential legal challenges.
- Healthcare decisions: Advanced directives ensure an employee’s healthcare wishes are respected if incapacitated.
- Family harmony: A well-structured estate plan can prevent inheritance and asset distribution disputes.
- Business continuity: For employees who own businesses or have significant company shares, estate planning ensures a smooth transition and protects the business interests.
- Charitable giving: Estate plans can incorporate philanthropic goals, allowing employees to leave a lasting legacy.
Why Business Owners Should Consider Offering Estate Planning Benefits
As a business owner, you may wonder how offering estate planning services can benefit your company. Consider these compelling reasons when developing your company’s benefit package:
- Enhanced employee retention: Unique benefits like estate planning services set your company apart from competitors, making it more attractive for employees to stay long-term.
- Increased productivity: Employees who have their personal affairs in order experience less stress and can focus on their work more.
- Improved financial wellness: Estate planning complements other economic benefits, creating a more comprehensive approach to employee financial well-being.
- Demonstration of care: Offering estate planning services shows that you care about your employees’ long-term welfare, fostering loyalty and trust.
- Attraction of top talent: A comprehensive benefits package with estate planning can give you an edge in recruiting high-caliber employees.
- Tax advantages: In some cases, the costs associated with providing estate planning services may be tax-deductible as a business expense.
Implementing Estate Planning Services in Your Benefits Package
To successfully integrate estate planning into your employee benefits offerings, consider the following steps:
Partner with Legal Professionals
Collaborate with reputable estate planning attorneys or law firms. These partnerships can give your employees expert legal advice and services at discounted rates. Ensure the chosen professionals have experience working with businesses and can handle various estate planning needs.
When selecting legal partners, consider the following:
- Their expertise in various aspects of estate planning, including trusts, tax planning, and business succession
- Their ability to handle the volume of work your employee base might generate
- Their willingness to provide educational resources and support to your HR team
- Their technology infrastructure for secure document management and virtual consultations
Offer Educational Workshops
Organize regular workshops or seminars to educate your employees about the importance of estate planning. These sessions can cover topics such as:
- The basics of wills and trusts
- Power of attorney and healthcare proxies
- Asset protection strategies
- Estate tax considerations
- The importance of beneficiary designations
- Digital asset planning in the modern age
- Estate planning for blended families
- Special needs planning for dependents with disabilities
Invite legal experts to lead these workshops, providing employees with valuable insights and the opportunity to ask questions. Consider offering both in-person and virtual options to maximize participation.
Partner with Elayne for Automated Estate Planning and Settling Affairs Services
Elayne is the first employee benefits solution that helps your staff identify gaps in their estate plan, provides recommendations, automatically populates modules based on uploaded materials, and assists with emotional, financial, and administrative challenges.
Provide Access to Online Resources
Create a dedicated section for estate planning resources on your company’s intranet or employee portal. Include informational articles, FAQs, checklists, and links to reputable external resources. This allows employees to explore the topic at their own pace and convenience.
Enhance this resource center by:
- Creating short, informative videos explaining key estate planning concepts
- Offering interactive tools like estate planning questionnaires or asset inventory sheets
- Providing case studies that illustrate the impact of proper estate planning
- Regularly updating content to reflect changes in estate laws and best practices
Offer Tiered Services
Consider structuring your estate planning benefit as a tiered system. For example:
- Basic tier: Free consultation with an estate planning attorney and discounted rates for basic services.
- Mid-tier: Covered essential estate planning documents (e.g., simple will, power of attorney) for employees with a specific tenure or position.
- Premium tier: Comprehensive estate planning services for senior executives or long-term employees, including trust creation and more complex strategies.
This approach allows you to tailor the benefit to different employee needs and budget constraints.
Integrate with Existing Financial Benefits
Coordinate your estate planning offerings with other financial benefits such as life insurance and retirement plans. For instance, ensure that employees understand how their estate plan affects beneficiary designations on their 401(k) or company-provided life insurance policies.
Consider these integration strategies:
- Offer estate planning consultations as part of annual financial wellness check-ups.
- Include estate planning considerations in retirement planning seminars.
- Provide guidance on incorporating company stock options or equity compensation in estate plans.
- Coordinate with your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer support for emotional aspects of estate planning.
Provide Confidential Access
Estate planning often involves sensitive personal and financial information. Establish clear protocols to ensure employee confidentiality when accessing these services. This might include setting up private meeting spaces or using secure online platforms for document sharing.
Implement additional privacy measures such as:
- Partnering with legal firms that have robust data protection policies
- Offering virtual consultation options for employees who prefer enhanced privacy
- Providing clear guidelines to employees about what information the company can and cannot access regarding their estate planning activities
Regular Review and Updates
Encourage employees to review and update their estate plans regularly, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or childbirth. Consider offering annual estate plan check-ups as part of your benefits package.
Implement a system to:
- Send automated reminders for estate plan reviews
- Provide checklists of life events that should trigger an estate plan update
- Offer abbreviated consultations for quick updates to existing plans
Potential Challenges and Solutions
While integrating estate planning into your benefits package offers numerous advantages, you may encounter some challenges:
Cost Concerns
To manage expenses, consider negotiating group rates with legal providers or offering the service as a voluntary benefit where employees pay a portion of the cost. You might also explore partnerships with legal insurance providers to offset costs.
Employee Engagement
Some employees, especially younger ones, may not see the immediate value of estate planning. Address this through targeted education and highlighting real-life scenarios where estate planning is crucial. Use storytelling and relatable examples to make the topic more accessible and relevant.
Complexity of Services
Estate planning can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Work with your legal partners to develop streamlined processes and clear communication channels to handle diverse employee needs efficiently. Alternatively, services like Elayne offer streamlined automated estate planning to guide employees through the process. Consider offering a “concierge” service to guide employees through the process.
Legal Liability
Communicate that while you’re providing access to estate planning services, the company is not directly responsible for the legal advice given. Ensure your legal partners carry appropriate professional liability insurance. Draft clear disclaimers and have them reviewed by your company’s legal team.
Cultural Sensitivity
Estate planning practices and priorities can vary significantly across cultures. Ensure your program is inclusive and respectful of diverse cultural perspectives. Inclusive options might involve offering resources in multiple languages or partnering with attorneys who have experience with cross-cultural estate planning.
Ongoing Administration
Managing an estate planning benefit requires ongoing attention and resources. Consider designating a team member or working with a benefits administration firm to oversee the program, ensuring it remains up-to-date and valuable to employees.
Conclusion
Integrating estate planning into your employee benefits package represents a forward-thinking approach to comprehensive employee care. By offering this valuable service, you not only enhance your benefits package but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to your employees’ long-term well-being. This strategy can significantly boost employee satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity, ultimately contributing to your company’s success.
As you consider implementing estate planning benefits, remember that clear communication, careful partner selection, and a flexible approach will be crucial to success. By addressing this often-overlooked aspect of financial planning, you position your company as a leader in employee care, setting a new standard in employee benefits.
What is Fair Chance Hiring?
Fair Chance Hiring is an act that offers individuals equal opportunity to secure employment within the United States. Currently, between 70 and 100 million Americans hold some criminal record, varying from misdemeanors to arrests and felony convictions. Regardless of conviction status, these individuals face stigma when trying to find employment or re-enter the workforce after incarceration. Unfortunately, statistics show holding a criminal record reduces employer call-back rates to nearly 50 percent, suggesting a significant bias toward hiring practices.
Fair hiring laws or “ban the box” legislation delays any inquiry into a prospective employee’s criminal history until much later in the employment process. This method allows ex-offenders to present their skills and qualifications without allowing a criminal record to stand in the way of getting hired.
Who Follows Fair Chance Hiring in the United States?
Since introducing Fair Chance Hiring in the United States, 37 states have adopted a fair chance policy for public sector employment. Of these states, fifteen hold extended policies for private jobs too. Recently, support for these policies, laws, and regulations has increased in popularity at local, state, and federal levels. In 2019, the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prevented federal contractors and agencies from requesting arrest or conviction records from job applicants before offering conditional employment.
Employment Bias with Incarceration
Due to employment bias, previously incarcerated individuals will face the most difficulty finding employment. These people hold the same hopes as anyone else—building a better life for themselves and those they love. This goal becomes highly unattainable when facing employment hurdles, even when trying to re-establish themselves positively.
What is the Fair Chance Act and How Does It Work for Employees?
The Fair Chance Act is a law within the United States prohibiting employers from inquiring about previous convictions until employment qualifications are met and the employer makes a conditional offer of employment. This regulation allows a prospective employee an equal opportunity at the interview stage of hiring.
The Fair Chance Act doesn’t only apply to the interview stage. Companies can’t include any questions about criminal history in job advertisements, applications, or interview processes. The Fair Chance Act relates to the National Defense Authorization Act, passed on December 17, 2019. The primary objective is to help individuals secure employment regardless of history. Unfortunately, this act does not protect positions requiring a background check by law.
Understanding Fair Chance Hiring
Fair chance hiring holds that regardless of background, everyone should receive the same assessment for a role they’re otherwise qualified to fill. When incorporating the basic principles of inclusion, diversity, and equity, many organizations feel justified in discriminating against a large group: justice-impacted and previously incarcerated people.
Unfortunately, a strong correlation exists between previously incarcerated individuals and the impact on racial minority applicants. Statistically, racial minorities hold higher arrests and incarceration histories in the United States. Statistics show that African Americans are incarcerated at more than five times the rate of Caucasians, yet only makeup 32 percent of the general population. By discriminating against criminal history, employers are effectively applying racial bias in their hiring practices.
Impact of Criminal Bias within the Workforce
Applying a bias toward criminal history also impacts racial discrimination within the company. This bias undermines the DEI efforts and adds a compliance issue under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Although Title VII doesn’t outwardly protect those with a criminal past, it offers unequivocal guidelines.
What Does Title VII Outline for Hiring
· Barring companies from excluding individuals from a position solely because of an arrest record.
· Employers may not disqualify an applicant solely because of a crime conviction.
· Any disqualification from employment due to a criminal record must be job-related. The history must directly relate to the position and remain consistent with business necessity.
Why the EEOC Holds These Strict Guidelines
The rationale for these guidelines stems from an understanding of bias. The American justice system discriminates against national origin and race. It also recognizes that criminal record databases aren’t always current and frequently contain errors. Finally, the EEOC acknowledges the potential for further racial and ethnic discrimination that often occurs when using criminal records as a basis for hiring.
What are the Requirements for Fair Chance Hiring?
Conditions and requirements for fair chance hiring will depend mainly on what type of business you’re applying to and the jurisdiction. Some laws will only apply to hiring practices within the public sector. Other rules may apply to public and private companies, with exemptions for businesses with fewer than a set number of employees. Most laws will contain the following criteria:
Criminal Background Checks
All employers must consider applicants’ qualifications and skills before requesting a criminal background check. Depending on the jurisdiction, an employer may ask for a background check after establishing you’re in the running for a position. Once the employer determines eligibility, they may administer a background check with a conditional offer of employment. A conditional work offer means you’ll receive the position after completing your background screening.
Recognizing the Nature of the Offense
When your background check reveals previous arrests, convictions, or prior incarceration, an employer must consider the position in question before declining the employment. Any history must directly relate to the job in question, specifically as it relates to the job’s requirements. For example, an employer within the finance sector may reject an applicant with fraud or theft convictions.
Understanding Transparency Requirements
An employer may refuse to hire an individual under specific circumstances. The company must inform the applicant in writing, with particular details, of why the history prevents them from being hired. Many locations with established laws offer special forms to employers that must be followed when informing an applicant. All applicants should be able to address any concerns in writing, offering additional information, or correcting errors in the report.
Any employee facing discrimination for criminal history may apply for civil litigation against the company. The business may face hundreds or thousands of dollars per incident if guilty of violating the Fair Chance Hiring Act.
Conclusion
Every American should receive an equal opportunity to secure meaningful employment within the United States, regardless of their past. Fair Chance Hiring works to remove discrimination and bias from the hiring process to help citizens with past arrests, convictions, or incarceration within the workforce. Although these rules and regulations primarily apply to public sector positions, many states are incorporating this legislation within the private realm over time. Fair Chance hiring helps eliminate bias early on in the application process to confirm the applicants they’re considering are qualified for the position before running a background check.
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Testimonials
Experience speaks for itself—see what my clients have to say.
Deandra was great to work with. She needed very little direction to produce great content. She is thorough and did amazing research on the topic provided and took initiative to write in my brands voice. I look forward to hiring her again for future jobs.
Deandra was great to work with. She needed very little direction to produce great content. She is thorough and did amazing research on the topic provided and took initiative to write in my brands voice. I look forward to hiring her again for future jobs.
We worked with Dee on a number of different projects including Email series, website copy, and blogs. Deandra always went above and beyond in communication and patience with us. I would work with her again!
"Deandra did an outstanding job writing copy for my landing page. She took my amateurish copy and added a professional lens resulting in an amazing product. I am very happy with the result and the work she put into it. Thanks Deandra!
Deandra has been one of the best writers I've worked with so far!!!!! She is always responsive, asks questions, and is timely in her delivery of quality work. Dee's work ethic and diligence stands out from almost every other writer that I've worked with. I'd 100% recommend hiring her if you're in need of a high-quality content writer!
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