Daily Archives: June 29, 2017

Propelled by an ever-changing job market and the advent of new technologies, the coworking trend continues to grow worldwide, with some experts predicting that half of the US workforce will be self-employed by 2020. To stave off the isolation from working alone at home, many of these intrepid professionals will probably work out of a coffee shop or coworking space at one time or another.

Not surprisingly, in this brave new world where one's roster of officemates can change daily, the rules for good neighbourly behaviour aren't necessarily that clear, especially if one prefers to hop around and work out of more than one coworking space. You might think these would be obvious, but as Henry Alford over at the New York Times points out:

One theory of etiquette holds that manners are best in communities with fixed populations: If you know that youll see Tina again tomorrow (and Tuesday and Wednesday), youre less likely to surreptitiously scarf down the rest of the half-eaten boysenberry yogurt she left in the office fridge, because daily exposure to her yogurt-based wistfulness will start to gnaw at you, and ultimately turn you into a Munch painting.

It's a pretty good point, since not all coworking spaces are going to operate like small-scale intentional communities where everyone knows each other. The cardinal rule is to be considerate -- and if you don't know, then ask. All is takes is one or two careless individuals to spoil it for others, so it's useful to know some basic rules for etiquette in these kinds of situations where somewhat unfamiliar people end up sharing the same space.

SelgasCano

This is a big one, especially in places that are designed as open offices. Sound carries, and not everyone wants to hear your phone conversations with clients, or listen to backpacks and equipment banging around as newcomers settle in. Of course, each space will have its own attitudes of tolerance toward noise levels, so if you're new to a space, ask the host what the noise policy is, find out where in the office you can take calls, or take the time to get a feel for what your neighbours can abide.

Friends Work Here

One big perk of coworking spaces is having access to conference rooms where you can hold business meetings, brainstorm with your team, or just have a quiet space to cram in some work without any interruption. But it's a nuisance when when people overstay their allotted time in the conference room -- if you know that time's up, try your best to vacate the room in a timely manner so that the next people up don't spend ten minutes waiting.

Another big problem is that sometimes members will overbook conference rooms "just in case," or forget to cancel their reservation when a client cancels the meeting -- resulting in the room being empty, rather than being used by someone who actually needs it. Everyone is guilty of forgetting to do something as simple as cancelling a room reservation, but it may make the difference in someone else's day if one take a few minutes to do just that.

Imagen subliminal

Another perk of coworking spaces is having access to shared office equipment, such as printers, scanners, or maybe even more specialized things like power tools in a coworking space that doubles as a DIY makerspace, or exercise equipment in a shared office space that offers a gym in-house.

The point is, the keyword here is 'shared'. If you know you're going to print a truckload of pages, perhaps let people know beforehand, just in case someone else needs to print a small job, and let them go first out of courtesy. Considerate behaviour is like a meme: it lives and spreads if someone keeps it alive.

The kitchen is most likely the heart of any coworking space, a communal place that everyone can share meals or chat over a cup of tea or coffee. So it's easier if everyone tries to do their part in keeping it tidy as much as possible, perhaps by putting things back where they belong, and washing the cups and utensils you've used whenever possible. Some spaces may offer free snacks, but make sure you don't accidentally end up eating other people's personal food --especially stuff with someone else's name on it or what's stored in the fridge. Once again, if you don't know, ask. Refrain from microwaving fish for lunch -- it's an olfactory no-no.

SelgasCano

This may seem like a common-sense thing to do in a coworking space -- after all, if you want to be anti-social, you can do it alone, at home. While it's understandable that work can get really busy at certain times, during those slower periods it does make a difference to the overall atmosphere when one makes an effort to introduce oneself and interact with your coworkers, as well as attending events being hosted on-site.

Of course, one of the main advantages of being part of a collaborative office space is that facilitates networking; one might never know what opportunities, connections or mutual sharing of skills could crop up from a simple hello to your neighbour. On the other hand, don't interrupt if someone is clearly busy. It's this open attitude that makes coworking spaces vibrant, creative and welcoming.

Temps Libre

If you're having a good experience with a coworking space, make sure to spread the word. Many of these spaces rely on getting people in through the doors to help them stay in business, so letting others know what you think, or promoting the space through your social networks online will do much toward that end.

In the end, these are just general guidelines, as each coworking space will have their own set of unique ground rules established. It might not be possible to remember all the rules of a particular shared space, but you can't go wrong if you are mindful and considerate of your fellow coworkers, and treat them as you'd like to be treated yourself. When done consistently over time, it'll go far in creating something that feels quite like a supportive community.

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6 essential etiquette rules for great coworking spaces - Treehugger

Last year,more than 146,000 people in the U.S. died from preventable causes, such as car accidents, drug overdoses among several others.

And according to a new report from theNational Safety Council, states just arent doing enough to protect their residents or to improve safety on the roads, in the community and home or in the workplace.

Analysts determined state-by-state grades for road, home, community and workplace safety and found no state was deserving of an overallA grade.

Eleven states (Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, South Carolina, Mississippi, Missouri and Wyoming)received failing grades.

Using data from multiple sources, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census and more, of all the estimated preventable deaths in 2016, the council found 40,200 fatalities occurred on the roads; 121,904 in homes and communities and 4,836 in workplaces.

We are in the midst of the deadliest spike in roadway fatalities in 50 years, report writers wrote. And according to 2015 data, road fatalities are also the leading cause of death in 16 states.

Accidents involving drunk driving account for about one-third of all roadway deaths, according to the report.

In 2015, the U.S. also saw the highest number of workplace fatalities since 2008.

Top fivecauses of preventable death

1. Poisonings: 44,970 fatalities in 2015

Themajor culprit behind the sharp increase in the nations drug poisonings is Americas opioid crisis, which takes approximately 60 lives every day.

Drug poisonings include deaths from drugs, medicines, other solid and liquid substances, gases and vapors.

NSC recommendations for states: prescriber education and guidelines, patient education, overdose prevention programs, access to treatment.

2. Firearms: 35,486 fatalities in 2015

Accidental gun deaths are relatively low, but firearms are involved in approximately 35,000 intentional deaths and 80,000 injuries.

In addition, half of all suicides involve guns -- and nearly two-thirds of all U.S. gun deaths are due to suicide.

NSC recommendations for states: gun safety laws and programs, background checks on gun buyers, training for gun retailers to better identify customers at risk.

3. Older adult falls: 28,400 fatalities in 2015

Adults 65 and older are experiencing falls now more than ever. In fact, older adult falls have increased 168 percent since 1999, according to the report.

These falls, often caused by medication side effects, muscle weakness or cluttered/poorly lit areas, largely contribute to traumatic brain injury and are the leading cause of death in 10 states.

NSC recommendations for states: fall prevention strategies in older adult communities, state coalitions to assist in prevention, pharmacist prescription modification.

4. Vulnerable road users: 11,324 fatalities in 2015

Pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists are at greater risk than vehicle drivers and passengers during car crashes.

In fact, between 2004-2013, motorcycle-related fatalities increased by 16 percent and bicycle-related deaths by 12 percent.

In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians died after being struck by vehicles.

NSC recommendations for states: motorcycle and bicycle helmet laws, laws requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians.

5. Alcohol impaired driving: 10,265 fatalities in 2015

Drunken driving (.08 BAC) accounts for about 10,000 traffic fatalities each year.

Impairment truly begins with the first drink, report authors wrote.

NSC recommendations for states: a state sobriety checkpoint program, ban on open containers in the car, 90-plus day license revocation for drivers above the .08 BAC or drivers who refuse the test.

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More than 146000 deaths could be avoided each year here are the 5 leading causes of preventable death - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Rachel Leslie has launched a new bi-partisan advocacy firm, and its located in the heart of downtown Terre Haute for a reason.

RJL Solutions LLC will be located in space once occupied by Modern Charm and Millie and Maude, just south of Wabash Avenue. The location was very intentional, said Leslie, the firms managing partner.

As she works to build stronger relationships with state and federal officials, she plans to invite them to Terre Haute to tell our story more effectively, she said. When they come here, I want to say, this is downtown, this is the front door to our community. I think downtown shows some of the best growth and possibilities weve had in this community for a very long time.

The official launch date for RJL Solutions is July 1, and Leslie hopes to move into her new downtown office once minor renovation work is complete within a few weeks. The grand opening is slated for Aug. 11, and the event will be open to the public.

What was formerly Modern Charm will be the office space, and the former Millie and Maude space will be a conference area. The address is 9 S. Seventh Street.

The upgrade includes fresh paint, new lighting, addition of a small kitchen and new technology.

Window dressings will show the Indiana Statehouse, U.S. Capitol and Vigo County Courthouse.

Leslie plans to staff the firm with a full-time office employee and a paid college intern. Terre Haute businessman Greg Gibson is a partner in the firm, she confirmed.

The new business will partner with communities, government entities, corporations and organizations, and she hopes to work with the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.

Services will include relationship-building, lobbying, advocating and educating on specific issues, promoting public/private partnerships and general external relations business services.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Leslies recent employer, will be one of her clients, she said. While working at the Woods as vice president for external relations, she was involved with some really unique projects at the state and federal levels, which she plans to continue.

Shed also be available to advocate for the communitys other higher education institutions, as long as it didnt conflict with her advocacy on behalf of the Woods.

Through her work at the college, shes seen the opportunities including grants that are available, not only to government, but also to business and industry. Her role will be to help better tell West Central Indianas story and help land some of those grants.

Working within the community development, higher education, and political framework for the last 13 years, my eyes have been opened to new opportunities for our area, Leslie said. This business concept doesnt exist in the region, yet its a vital tool for winning. I am confident the West Central Indiana region can benefit from such services.

She adds that competition is fierce ... You cant win the game if you dont play the game. She hopes the firm will provide the region with a new, competitive edge.

Currently, those locally who want such advocacy often must hire someone out of Indianapolis or Washington, D.C. to represent them. Through RJL Solutions, local clients now have an advocate who not only understands how to maneuver and be competitive in that market, but uniquely understands the community, loves the community and wants to live here, she said.

If she cant meet the needs of a particular client, shell connect them with those who have the necessary expertise. Im only going to take on what I know I can win and be good at, she said.

Leslie previously was employed at the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce in several capacities, including executive vice president, and more recently, she served as vice president for external relations at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com Follow Sue on Twitter @TribStarSue.

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Ready to showcase Terre Haute, Valley - Terre Haute Tribune Star