Everybody knows the rules, we see them popping up on the news all the time: Stay at home. Stay inside. Stay 6 feet away from everyone. Keep gloves, a mask, and maybe even hand sanitizer on you at all times. This guidance is looking more and more like the new norm for society.

COVID-19 GUIDANCE IS TAKING A TOLL

You can ask people if they think the actions being taken are necessary, and most will say yes. (After all, we have to admit it’s been slowing the virus down. Not to mention mother nature seeing tremendous improvements for the first time in a long while.) However, we all know the saying: Every action has a consequence. These mostly-beneficial actions have their own share of consequences, too. In a recent Forbes issue, the author, Tracy Brower, states some extreme post-coronavirus statistics.

“67% of people report higher levels of stress since the outbreak of COVID-19,” writes Brower. “57% say they have greater anxiety since the outbreak. 54% say they are more emotionally exhausted. 53% say they feel sadness day-to-day…” Her stats only continue.

Tracy Brower, Forbes

As human beings, we require certain things to maintain healthy operational levels – and many of the actions being taken are weighing heavily on peoples’ overall well-being. Many people working from home are losing their motivation. Individuals everywhere are feeling overwhelmed and burdened by the COVID-19 circumstances. Even those who aren’t stressed by the outbreak itself are still affected through their interactions with the world. There’s no question that everyone altered their lifestyles, some drastically, to meet the new regulations: from work, to school, to home, to leisure. No wonder people haven’t balanced their sense of well-being. Many aren’t even sure if their company will still be in good standing once everything is said and done.

OFFICENSE UNDERSTANDS

At Officense, we know how much of a challenge everything is right now. With everyone required to stay at home constantly, it’s easy to lose the drive to do anything – even things you used to really care about. We want you know that you don’t have to be entirely alone in this struggle. While it’s still true that you can’t go out to dinner or a movie or have big family celebrations anymore, you can still try to make the best of a bad situation, just as the rest of the world’s been trying. It’s important to take time during this world-wide crisis to recalibrate your mental state, and grow your well-being. Let your company’s operations be the least of your worries right now, that’s what Officense is here for.

HELPFUL SERVICES

We can help you on the business and financial aspect of things. Officense offers virtual administrative assistance, with a fully trained team of executive assistants handling anything from your phone calls, mail receiving and forwarding, scans and faxes, and even private meeting rooms, which are also in compliance with the social distancing order. Our plans are very flexible, with both long-term and short-term options, such as our 30-day services for those affected by COVID-19 and only need space for a temporary period.

Officense is also offering free assistance in applying for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which is a forgivable loan for businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis designed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. While you let Officense take some worries off your plate with your business’ administrative operations, and the loan application assistance, you can have more time to focus on what is starting to really matter during these times – you and your families mental state.

FOR MORE INFO OR TO CONTACT OFFICENSE

To find out more information on the COVID-19 relief program, please visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

To download the PPP application PDF, please visit: https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form–paycheck-protection-program-borrower-application-form

You can reach us at 410-814-7500, or send an email with any assistance or inquiries to info@officense.com. Our office hours are currently 10 AM to 4 PM, Monday thru Friday. We are still available to meet in person, if you’d like to tour the space and get a chance to see all we have to offer on site. Our office is located at 300 E. Lombard St., Suite 840, Baltimore, MD 21202. We, over at Officense, hope things haven’t been too straining on you or your loved ones through this time of need, and we are sending our warm wishes to you all. Hope to help you and your company soon!

Coronavirus. Covid-19. Pandemic. Social distancing. Stay – at – Home. These are the terms that have become everyday common place for us and our lives. When faced with all of those terms, the fears of contracting the Coronavirus, as well as all of the official rules and regulations, what is there for the everyday man or woman to do? You stay at home but begin to go stir crazy. You try working from home but every time you turn around it seems that your spouse, kids, or even pets want something. You attempt to focus, even with the distractions, but realize that work is not your priority because you are not ‘at work’. You start skimping and only doing the minimum. You decide you do not like the way your work ethic is changing – but what is there to do about it?

No Privacy

You need a place you can go without distractions, where you still are going ‘to work’, and where you have the focus you need to accomplish great things. A place that you can work at, while still being socially distant from people and where you do not have to be in contact with people. You need a private office. Not one at home where people are banging on the door wanting you to … unclog the toilet or take out the trash. Maybe they just want you to make dinner or help them with their e-homework. Either way, you are not accomplishing your task at home. So where do you go to find an office where you have privacy, can accomplish your work, and can still stay socially distant from people?

Solutions!

Why, Officense, of course. We provide private offices for use on a regular basis (dedicated offices), an as-needed basis, and also by the hour (both are day member offices). Along with a private office, you gain superbly well trained executive assistants, knowledge that the ‘public areas’ (reception, kitchen, bathrooms and the like) are cleaned and sanitized regularly to help prevent the spread of germs, and the ability to have a conversation or to sequester yourself away as you choose. You also gain the freedom to enter day or night (with dedicated offices),

Our executive assistants can also help you by answering the phone and screening calls (no one wants to have their work interrupted by those annoying auto dialers who call every few hours). They will greet anyone that you feel a need to see and seat them in the reception area. If you need a print out or copy, you can either do it yourself or have one of the executive assistants do it for you. You also gain the advantage of no longer needing to deal with all that junk mail everyone gets – the executive assistants will sort that and deliver it to either your private mail box (just like a P. O. Box but with access at all hours of the day and night) or your office as per your choice. We’ll even forward it to your home if you’d like.

Paycheck Protection

At the moment we are also offering 30 – day services for those affected by covid-19 and only need space on a temporary basis. We now provide free application assistance for anyone interested in taking advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), designed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Paycheck Protection Program has $350 billion for loans to help alleviate the economic downturn by keeping those employed through the COVID-19 crisis by independent contractors, sole proprietorships, or small businesses with employees. All loans may be forgiven if the borrowers maintain their payrolls during the pandemic, or restore their payrolls immediately afterward.

To find out more information on the COVID-19 relief program, please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp. 

To download the application PDF, please visit: https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form–paycheck-protection-program-borrower-application-form, or reach out to our sales coordinators for application assistance.

Please feel free to give us a call at 410-814-7500, email us at info@officense.com , or if you are really feeling plucky come on in and visit us to scope out the scene at 300 E Lombard St. Suite 840, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. We look forward to hearing from you – and maybe seeing you some day!

GROWING BUSINESS

Has your business grown bigger than you expected it to? Do you need more workspace for yourself now that your company is beginning to grow? If so then its time to plan and search for next office. At Officense, we can offer several options that might  be the perfect fit for you. Officense can provide you with the virtual office for your business along with administrative support if required. Today a lot of businesses and services are in high demand. With higher demand for businesses, there is a high demand for employees and working space as well.

RENT VIRTUAL OFFICE SPACE

You can rent an office just for the day or rent on a more permanent basis where you will have a dedicated office all of your own. If you’ve previously worked from home but your business is starting to expand, as a day member our offices are the perfect place to meet with your clients. If you are looking for a more permanent office, we can provide you with additional services such as receptionist services.

FURNISHED CONFERENCE ROOMS

Maybe you need a space for conferences or other large meetings for your business. We offer both a small and large conference room for these types of events that will satisfy your business needs. To give you an example, many of our clients that are involved in the legal field, hold depositions and arbitration’s in our conference rooms. Our team will work with you to make arrangements for your meeting, and in addition, a full catering service can be provided upon request.

With officense by your side, your needs are our priority and we strive to fulfill any service you may need. At Officense, we offer affordable Class A conference rooms and office space for any sized business. We have fully furnished spaces in a professional environment for meetings, depositions, training sessions, or mediations. You can rent the meeting spaces, offices, and conference rooms hourly, daily or weekly.

Our amenities include Wi-Fi Internet access, audio/visual equipment, conference calling speakerphone, food and beverage service, and administrative support to assist you with the success of your meeting. We have professional and college-educated Virtual Assistants who will make your clients feel valued and appreciated.

Please give us a call at 410-814-7500 to schedule your meeting now!

Okay, that statement might be a bit dramatic.

However, with recent light of COVID-19, there are plenty of industries that should be appreciated – now more than ever. Such as the hard-working doctors and hospital employees, postal service/delivery employees, and of course our grocery stores. And now, virtual offices and virtual assistants are also becoming a blessing as well.

THE CURRENT PANDEMIC

The entire world has seemingly come to a complete halt in terms of keeping daily life operating. While the advice WHO is urging people towards, such as social distancing, is necessary to help prevent the virus from further spreading, it doesn’t stop business-owners from worrying about keeping their company above water. In these hard times, questions start rolling in – each one in a panic – about how to keep things functioning.

How long will we need to be closed for?

How will I pay my employees still?

Will I have to lay some people off?

I know my bills don’t stop just because of the shut-down; will I be able to afford my business expenses?

Or even my personal expenses?

VIRTUAL OFFICES

Virtual offices are on the up and coming when it comes down to go-to business decisions. And with today’s circumstance of COVID-19, space from people and the office is not at all a bad thing. In fact, it’s a really great alternative to the work-from-home solution some companies have been positioning to their employees. With virtual offices, you don’t have to train your entire staff on working from home and all that it can entail – with protocols, set-ups, remote connections and access to the office desktops, etc. Instead, let the executive assistant team at Officense take care of it for you.

Officense is a virtual office space with services from fully-trained executive assistants. We can handle things for your business operations such as answering phone calls or maintaining scans, faxes and mail. While we do have plenty of individual, private office spaces – in compliance with the social distancing order – we also can complete your tasks for your company without you having to step foot in the building.

CONTACT US

Give us a call today, at 410-814-7500. Or, if you’re feeling healthy/adventurous enough, stop by in person for a tour and take a look at what we offer. We are located at 300 E. Lombard St. Suite 840. Baltimore, MD 21202. Officense will be here, ready to help you keep your company in business during these trying times.

Concern over the Corona-virus has forced more and more companies to have their employees work from home. Based on the announcement made by World Health Organization, Corona-virus has officially reached the ‘pandemic’ status. Many companies including major companies like Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Apple, Amazon, Sales-force etc. are enforcing mandatory work from home policies to control the spread of Covid-19.

According to the Corona-virus: How to work from home, the right way article, “Some employees will be working from home for the first time, which means figuring out how to stay on task in a new environment that may not lend itself to productivity. But there are ways to deliver results and avoid going stir-crazy, from setting up a good work space to the way you talk to your team.”

With the latest technology and ways to connect virtually, there has been a rise in working remotely. There are several benefits of working from home in these situations. Employees tend to be more productive, take fewer sick days, face less stress, work more hours and spend less time to commute to work. People prefer not having to spend extra time getting ready in the morning, skipping commuter traffic, and the ability to run an errand or travel. Being able to customize your work day is appealing to everyone.

Tips to work from home

Communicate more often

Having a clear communication with your boss and your team is the key to working from home. Use communicating tools such as chat apps or video conferencing apps to stay connected with one another on a regular/daily basis. Managers need to make an effort to stay connected, check in with the employees, especially to those who live alone and might feel left out or isolated.

Create a real job environment

Try to create a dedicated work space, create boundaries within your home and let your family members understand that you are working. Take shower, get dressed and work like you would work at your office desk.

Do not panic and stay positive

Try not to focus on negative headlines. Instead take few breaks and catch up with your colleagues and chat. Its easy to panic and stressed out on theses days so, the Managers and the team need to acknowledge one another’s stress and cheer for the team and stay focused.

Virtual office assistant could be a great help

You are sick or you might be working from home but you also have to keep up with your work and the incoming calls. At Officense you will have a team of executive assistants, both in office and virtually, who tailor phone answering services to your needs. You will gain a fully trained and professional staff that will make working from home work for you with Covid-19 or without. You have the ability to grow your business from the comfort of your home.

Our executive assistants answer your calls, handle your mail, greet your clients, follow up with leads and schedule appointments, providing a corporate feel and impressive business address. We provide high-end business facilities with fully furnished dedicated and a la carte office space, as well as conference rooms by the hour. An instant office when you need it, professional phone service to give your home office a corporate feel, and an impressive staff to help you with all of your administrative work.

Give Officense a call at (410) 814-7500 to meet your new staff and tour your new business location, today!