business tips

Decreasing Energy Usage When Working From Home

MOMENTUM Business Support Business Support, Home Working
Laptop and Work From Home sign on a computer desk

It’s no surprise that in a post-pandemic world the number of people choosing to work from home maintains elevated. And while there are undoubted benefits, such as the decreasing of carbon emissions, travel expenses, and time – the rising costs of energy are becoming the number one downside to a home office.

In 2022 it was estimated that the average remote worker uses around 25% more electricity than a person working in a traditional office environment outside the home. While these statistics may sound discouraging, there are plenty of things that can be done to lessen the damage of your monthly energy bill. Check out our top tips for decreasing your energy consumption while working from home.

Turn appliances off at the plug

Leaving your electronics on stand-by is a common practice. However, turning your appliances off at the plug can make a noticeable difference to your yearly expenses. Don’t forget to unplug your mobile, laptop or other handheld devices once they reach full charge. Not only will doing so reduce your energy usage, but it will also extend your devices battery life. If you struggle to remember to turn your appliances off, consider purchasing smart plugs or other affordable smart home devices. Smart plugs allow you to automate your devices turning on and off using an app or voice commands.

 Switch to energy saving lightbulbs and turn off lights

Did you know that lighting up our homes is responsible for almost 15% of our total energy usage throughout the year? There are several things that can be to reduce this, starting with simply turning off the lights that aren’t being used. Form a good habit and always switch off the lights when you leave a room! Consider changing out your lightbulbs for LED’s which use over 75% less energy when compared to a standard bulb – they are both more energy efficient as well as longer lasting. Remember to make full use of natural lighting and when possible, set up your working space near a natural light source (e.g., a window, skylight, or glass door).

Insulate and eliminate draughts

Many remote workers don’t have the resources for professional draught-proofing, but there are other budget friendly solutions which can help to insulate your home. Popular choices include draught proofing strips for doors and windows, chimney balloons, keyhole covers and letterbox flaps and brushes. A good habit is drawing the curtains as soon as the sun sets, as it will help to create a further barrier between your home and the outdoor temperature. Thick and heavyweight curtains are often considered best for the job as they provide more insulation than those made from lighter fabrics.

Reevaluate your heating usage and opt for layers

While we know that completely turning off the heating is neither realistic nor pleasant, we’ve all been guilty of turning the thermostat to full instead of putting on a jumper. In fact, research shows that by turning down the thermostat by just one degree you can decrease your energy bill by over £100 per year! So, make the most of your winter wardrobe and layer up! If you’re especially prone to the cold, choose more insulating fabrics such as wool, which has been scientifically proven to keep you warmer than other readily available fabrics. Finally, don’t waste energy by heating rooms you don’t use – instead designate a working space and close doors to improve heat retention. Remember that heat rises, therefore an upstairs office may prove a more efficient working space in the colder months.

As a small, remote business we understand the importance of optimising your home office while not breaking the bank! If you have any queries you would like to discuss or require any additional business support, we’d love to help! Get in touch:

T: 01903 688789 E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com

4 Tips for Implementing Exceptional Customer Service

MOMENTUM Business Support Business Support
Open laptop on a desk filled with plants displaying words "Customer Service" on the screen

Customer service refers to the quality and overall standard of assistance and aid given to customers by a business. It can cover a wide range of experiences such as: answering queries, resolving issues, addressing concerns, and amending orders – all of which count towards the general prestige and reputation of a brand.

But why does customer service matter, can a business excel simply by offering good products? Broadly speaking, for a business to thrive it must retain a healthy number of loyal customers and to do so, it must ensure maximum satisfaction. After all, a happy customer is a returning customer.

Showcase active listening

Make your customers feel heard. Listen to and acknowledge their needs. While there may not always be a simple solution to their problem, a positive attitude, and a willingness to help will go a long way in achieving a positive outcome. Give them copious opportunity to voice their query or concern, address all raised topics and thank them for their time. When dealing with a product or service issue, remember that the goal isn’t just to solve the issue but also make up for any lost time or inconvenience caused. Finally, be sure to always follow up and ask for feedback. Not only does this show the customer that you value their opinion, it also provides insight into the good and bad aspects of your services, while promoting positive changes and growth.

Respond in a timely manner

Time is of the essence, and so it is imperative that all customer enquiries and requests are dealt with in an appropriate time frame. While it doesn’t get much busier than running a business, there are things you can do to help you take care of your customers. First and foremost, if your team is small make the most of automation. Whether it is via Facebook, email or other medium, an automated response system can provide a little extra leeway when it comes to a fast response. A simple, polite response ensuring the recipient that there message has been received and will be dealt with as soon as possible can be enough. Consider attaching additional ways of contacting, such as your business telephone number/email address, as well as your business opening hours.

Know your services/products

In order to offer your customers the best possible customer service, you should know the ins and outs of what you’re offering. Know your product/ service like the back of your hand; the more you know the more you can discuss and help with and the better you can showcase the benefits. Emphasise your knowledge and present all the advantages of your services, think outside of the box and cover all areas. Product knowledge shows passion, which in turn helps to build credibility and confidence in the eyes of your customers. Boost your efficiency and consider creating an FAQ sheet to help with answering some frequently asked questions. It will help you and your team deal with enquires in a more informed and quick manner.

Strive to problem solve

Always show your willingness to help. Don’t be afraid to be creative with your problem solving. Not only will this help to showcase your desire to solve the issue, it might also grant you some new ideas and perspectives when searching for the solutions. Be transparent and honest about the process but always showcase your efforts. Honesty and willingness to help are crucial for building stronger customer relationships and a better brand image. If for any reason you are unable to help or deliver on a promise – make up for it. Things happen and no business is perfect, but your ability to handle imperfect situations says a lot about you and your brand. Sadly, customers are more likely to remember a bad experience than a good one, so make sure to smooth out any mishaps, offer consolations and rebuild trust where possible.

Customer service can make or break a brand – it’s importance should never be undervalued, and so we hope you’ve found this read insightful! Should you have any questions or require any additional business support, we’d love to help. Get in touch:

T: 01903 688789 E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com

12 Days Of Tipmas Day 10: Look After Your People

MOMENTUM Business Support 12 Days Of Tipmas 2021
Six colleagues people putting their hands together as a team

Your Employees are the engine of your business; they are the main driving force behind the productivity and output of your company. With this in mind, it is crucial to look after your employees and keep their health, and therefore the company health, in great shape.

Employees who are happier and healthier tend to be more productive and more likely to recommend their company. Unhealthy and unengaged employees have a negative impact on the productivity, innovation, and the bottom line of your company.

Employees now expect more from their employers in terms of happiness and support than ever before. Physical and mental health are rising in importance – a study from Glassdoor showed that half of all employees prioritise physical and mental wellbeing benefits over office-based perks, and 87% of employees expect their employer to support their work/life balance.

So, what can be done to benefit Employees’ health and happiness?

  • Give your staff a sense of purpose – it’s very hard to get motivated if you feel that your work is meaningless, so providing something to work towards is important
  • Don’t force formality – breaking down the boss/worker hierarchy makes the atmosphere more relaxed and open
  • Praise your employees – be open about business performance and employee’s individual performance when they’re doing well
  • Go the extra mile – personalise gifts or experiences for employees to show you’re putting the effort in and that you care on an individual basis
  • Keep small team spirit – personal interactions and a small, close-knit team are great for making employees feel indispensable

If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of a happy team or any other business support, get in touch!

E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com   T: 01903 688789

12 Days Of Tipmas Day 5: Don’t Burn Out-Look After Yourself

MOMENTUM Business Support 12 Days Of Tipmas 2021
Working space with a keyboard, tea cup, plant and snack bowl

It can be easy to get lost within the workloads, schedules and to do lists, but it’s important to remember that you and your wellbeing always comes first. Afterall, how can we expect to put in a hundred percent if we’re not feeling a hundred percent ourselves.

The quality of our work often reflects our personal lives, in fact studies have proven that happier people are more productive and work harder than those who are unhappy and low on morale, further highlighting the importance of looking after yourself and your employees. However, it is also equally important to look after your physical wellbeing, as healthy people frequently rank higher in happiness and mental health studies.

Here are our Top tips for looking after yourself:

  • Create a routine and plan ahead
  • Spend time with your loved ones
  • Develop a healthy sleeping pattern
  • Take short but regular breaks from work
  • Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Implement exercise into your day (make it fun e.g., sports)
  • Eat a balanced diet but don’t be afraid to treat yourself every now and then

If you’d like to find out more about looking after yourself and the benefits it holds in the workplace, check out our previous blogs or send us an email! We would love to answer any questions and provide you with additional support. Get in touch:

E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com T: 01903 688789.

12 Days Of Tipmas Day 2: Make Time For Personal Development

MOMENTUM Business Support 12 Days Of Tipmas 2021
Woman in orange top writting in a notebook at a desk

The world is constantly changing, adapting, and overcoming, and so should you! There is never a time or age limit for bettering yourself or learning new skills. Making time for personal development is an integral part of achieving a work-life balance, boosting confidence, and creating opportunities. It is a long-term process of self-improvement and an underestimated act of self-care, providing lasting benefits to various aspects of your life. But where do you start?

Personal development has many forms and can come from unexpected sources. From enrolling in courses, learning a new language to simply picking up a book before bed, there are countless ways both subtle and bold to work on your personal development. Whether you’re looking to invest money into it, or you have no budget at all, there are many sources that can help. Podcasts and audiobooks are a fantastic tool for auditory learners, while documentaries and video tutorials can be a useful tool if you are more visual. There are endless options, all you have to do is make time.

Benefits of personal development:

  • Acquiring new skills
  • Boosting your confidence
  • Creating new opportunities
  • Exercising your brain dexterity
  • Setting and achieving new goals
  • Meeting new people/making connections

If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of making time for personal development, we’d love to help! Please get in touch:

makeithappen.. E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com  T: 01903 688789.