Enterprises TV Heats Up Productivity

We all have times during the work day when we have more energy than other times. Perhaps it is the morning or afternoon. But there is one time of days when we feel better, are more awake and can master every project on our plates.

Do More after Waking Up

Most of us arrive to work on time, or early, grab some coffee, and take about half an hour to peruse different news websites and social accounts. In fact, our productivity would increase every day if we spent that time on tasks that help complete projects or tasks. Set aside time at work in the morning to shuffle through email and prioritize it. Use the email application’s prioritizing system, if it has one. Answer important emails first and then work through the other ones as the morning rolls out. Be prepared for staff meetings the night before and avoid rushing to get documents or other items needed.

Cut It Short

To do lists can grow longer by the hour. We tend to add everything we can think of on them so we don’t forget. Prioritize that list too in whatever way works best. Use a highlighter, add a star next to hot tasks, a circle next to tasks that are not a top priority. Check them off when done and move on.

Tackle One Project at a Time

People who believe they are expert multi-taskers bounce from one project to another. Not only does this lead to missed details, but it also leads to sloppy work. Why not tackle one project for an hour or two before moving on. No missed steps, no typos, no missed details. Enterprises TV believes that this leads to improved productivity. Give it a try and see if it works.

Procrastination

As hard as it is, jump on the most challenging task or project first. Once that obstacle is out of the way, everything else will seem easy.

Get back to work. 

Enterprises TV Reminds Readers of Storm-Related Insurance Matters

Any storm that produces high wind speed or funnel clouds will inevitably produce a windstorm of insurance claims for homes, vehicles and personal property. Enterprises TV reminds readers of what to know about failing a claim, and how to avoid any shortfalls of it.

The Consumer Federation of America notes what to expect from filing a wind-related claim:

Read the insurance policy and know what it explicitly covers. Some policies do not cover roof damage or broken windows –two common types of damage from strong wind.

File claims as soon as possible, since most insurance companies work on them on a first-come-first-served basis. Write the claim number down and keep it in a safe place. This is the easiest way for the insurance company to find your claim after it is filed.

Take photos from all angles of the damage. Store photos in two places: computer hard drive and on a thumb drive.

Save any and all receipts related to the damage. Make photocopies of them, label them with what the items covered and keep in a safe place. This includes expenses for hotels if the home is not livable until repaired. Some policies have a reimbursable clause under the “Additional Living Expense” part of a homeowner policy.

If the insurance company wants to send an adjuster, ask if the adjustor is employed by the insurance company, is a contractor or is an independent adjuster. Ask if the adjuster they want to send is authorized to make claim decisions and payments on behalf of the insurance company. Ask for the name of the adjuster, the company he or she works for and a contact number for the adjustor before they send he or she to the home. There are many phony adjusters just waiting to take advantage of storm victims.

Enterprises TV sincerely hopes damage from Hurricane Matthew is not extensive for anyone.

Enterprises TV Relays Environmental News

Commercial buildings are rarely built using Eco-friendly materials or designs. Yet, there are some that meet LEED-related guidelines, and some which go even further. Enterprises TV relays some good environmental news.

National Environmental News

The U.S. is four months away from the presidential campaign, and two months before the soon to be elected president takes office. No matter which candidate one votes for, President Barack Obama has implemented environmentally-friendly official guidelines which will be added permanently to the Federal Register shortly. The guidelines are categorized under climate change and its impact, and are noted to help federal agencies guide and propose action for affected communities. It is clear to almost everyone that the Earth is hotter, there is more drought, wildfires, and other catastrophic events stemming from climate change.

Northeast City and Regional News

The city of Pittsburgh, PA has always been one leading the way in commercial innovation. The new Frick Environment Center is a stunning example of how one city can sustainably build a center for the public to enjoy using materials that preserve and conserve the natural resources around it. Below are the stunning facts about the construction, materials and water use for the site that achieved net zero energy and water:

• Building materials were used from no further than 1,200 miles away to reduce the carbon footprint of the site. 
• Ground-source heat pumps, radiant floors, photovoltaic array, and a reclaimed water system that captures and filters storm water for reuse in irrigation and non-potable uses. 
• Contractors and sub-contractors and trades people were hired from the county and region only.

Well done, Frick Environment Center and the City of Pittsburgh. That's what you are known for -- creativity, strategy, innovation.m

Enterprises TV Reviews the Best Cities for Entrepreneurs

Some U.S. cities are better than others for people who want to start their own business or new venture. What makes some cities better than others? Enterprises TV reviews the criteria.

Local Factors for Successful Entrepreneurial Success

• The city or town has strong, continuing population growth. More consumers mean more consumer demands which makes the location a good place to set up shop.
• Low state taxes are a good benefit for entrepreneurs and businesses. Low taxes offers businesses a better opportunity for profitability.
• An educated population base generally means that the area has a good amount of skilled workers. It also means that the consumers will have more money to spend.

Best Cities for Young Entrepreneurs

MoneyRates.com recently conducted a report on the best cities for young entrepreneurs. Enterprises TV feels that these cities are also good for any entrepreneur.

Austin, Texas – This city continues to be placed on every “best” list there is. It is a friendly, energetic city with a lot of great communities where entrepreneurial growth is ripe. Its population growth is strong.

Raleigh, North Carolina – A growing, educated population accounts for strong consumer spending in an area which is affordable to live.

Houston, Texas – Houston and vicinity has a lot of young, influential residents which indicates a strong, growing consumer base of educated and innovative residents. And Texas is a business tax-friendly state.

Destin/Fort Walton Beach, FL – Florida is business tax-friendly state. This part of north Florida has a high number of young adults who are affluent. It’s located near some major highways, and provides affordable living.

Odessa, Florida – A growing city with lots of young adults who can afford the kind of creative, unique opportunities available that entrepreneurs provide.

No matter which part of the country, which state or city one chooses to start a new venture, entrepreneurship offers freedom, innovation, and a way to carve individual paths.

Enterprises TV--When to Not Jump Into the Fire

The Internet is a place where anything and everything lives forever. From the good to the bad, there is no denying the number of consumers that have something to say about anything. Social media posts alone can take down dictators, wildlife trophy hunters, and just about anyone else. Before posting a reply to a negative comment on review sites or on social media posts, know when to not jump into the fire.

image:pixabay

Positive versus Negative Posts or Reviews

Which posts or online reviews do you give more credit to: positive or negative ones? Past research has shown that negative posts and reviews are given more credit than positive ones. If you think about it, you can read 20 positive reviews and three negative reviews, and the negative ones hold more truth than the positive ones. Enterprises TV relays that there is often more detail given in a negative reply than a positive reply. However, it should also be noted that not all negative posts or reviews are accurate. Some are just gripes which hold no merit.  

How to Respond to Online Posts and Reviews

It’s tough to know if, how or when to respond to something written about a business, service or product online. Responding should be handled strategically by upper management.  Generally speaking, positive reviews are best left alone. Replying can appear to be bragging. When replying to negative reviews, it’s best to address the facts in the post or review with objective neutrality.  Avoid commenting on inflammatory comments. Also, avoid going into lengthy explanations because they make the business seem less credible.

Small Fires versus Bonfires

Research from the University of Denver Daniels College of Business, posted by Business News Daily, found that a business’ financial performance can be hurt if they reply to a few negative online posts or reviews. It’s best to gauge the size of the “fire” before jumping into it. Enterprises TV has seen positive and negative online reviews for hotels and financial institutions. When reading the replies from management, we found that we were less likely to give credit to the positive management replies than the negative ones. In theory, it is best for management to craft the best reply, if one is needed. A conversational tone is better than a perfectly worded post. 

Enterprises TV Shares News from America’s Green Cities

Cities throughout the United States are utilizing alternative energy in a myriad of ways.  From city busses running on clean energy to post office processing centers installing solar panels to generate clean power, America is slowly but surely getting on the “green” train.

Even though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not have established criteria to rank the environmentally-friendliness of a city, some cities are taking the initiative anyway. Some of the ways in which they measure their “greenness” include:

• Improving air and water quality
• Efficient recycling and waste management policies
• Allotting more land for parks and nature areas
• Utilizing renewable energy sources in buildings and public transportation

Chicago, IL City Hall with roof gardens

A few of America’s big cities have already taken giant strides toward these goals:

• Austin, Texas – The city is well on its way to being run by 100 percent renewable energy by 2020 with strong programs by its energy company.
• Chicago, Illinois – The city initiated a “green roof” plan and now some of its tallest buildings sport gardens on the top.
• Seattle, Washington – The city currently has 20 public buildings which are LEED-certified or are under certification.
• Berkeley, California – The city of Earth-loving residents has a growing industry for wind, solar, hydro and biofuel powers.
• Eugene, Oregon – The city has always been green, but is more so with a hybrid public transportation system, and more than 30 miles of off-street bike paths.
• Oakland, California – The city has the cleanest tap water, hydrogen-powered public transportation, and the 17 percent of its energy is from renewable sources.

While these great American cities are forging toward a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future, there are more places in the U.S. doing the same. Enterprises TV reminds readers that city power companies have plans, some of which are being implemented , to move toward using renewable energy. Go online and find out what your city and your local power company are doing to become more environmentally-friendly. It may surprise you.

Enterprises TV Slips Into Small Business Workplace Safety Guidelines

Small Business Workplace Safety

Small business owners have much on their minds. One of the recurring concerns is that of workplace safety. It is the main issue that owners have, and it ranks above cyber-security or natural disasters. In a recent survey conducted by Employers, an insurance specialist, workplace safety risks are the source of greatest concern. Employers want to ensure their staff has a safe and healthy place to come and work every day.

Common Workplace Safety Causes

The most common workplace safety accidents are: strains and sprains, cuts or punctures, contusions, inflammation, and fractures. The most cited types of injuries, slips and falls, is a common cause of workplace safety problems. One small ice cube dropped on the floor can cause one person step on it and slip badly. This can possibly sideline the employee for the entire day, for weeks, and in worst cases, months. The business then loses the employee’s productivity for that time, pays for the worker’s compensation medical costs, and must find someone to fill the injured employee’s position.

Positive Employee Workplace Safety Steps

Enterprises TV suggests holding a workplace safety staff meeting. Basic preventative steps for everyone are:

• Close file cabinet drawers the entire way when done.
• Pick up or wipe up any food, beverages or ice.
• Secure all loose electrical cords and any wires under and around desks, in hallways and work floors.
• Businesses needing drivers should have the driver record of the employee before hiring.
• Review workplace driving safety measures every 6 months with motor-vehicle staff.

For more information about small business workplace safety, click here.

Enterprises TV Scrutinizes the Image of Ideal Employees

What is the image of an ideal employee? Is it someone who works 50 to 60 hours per week, answers work phone calls and emails over the weekend, during family vacations and on holidays? Who is the ideal employee? A man or a woman? Enterprises TV scrutinizes the image of ideal employees.

During the 20th Century, men were thought of the ideal employee because they were able to devote a significant portion of their lives to their jobs or careers. It was assumed that they would do whatever it took to climb the corporate ladders. In fact, they often did. Looking back, the higher the position in a company the man held, the harder and longer he worked to go higher. Mid-level managers were most often the employee types to do this.  It was also assumed that the women in their lives would be the primary caretakers, which they were.

Women, during that time, who worked long hours, traveled when needed, missed family milestone events, and other important moments in life, were not so respectfully viewed. They were seen as not caring, not loving, and not capable. Yet, there she was doing everything a man in an equal position was doing.

Flash forward to today where the real career struggle for work-life balance is taking place. Traditional beliefs are still strong where women are more likely to take advantage of work place policies regarding family needs than men. Whereas men are more likely to go about taking time off for children’s games, recitals, illnesses more quietly than women. They may ask a colleague to cover for them rather than take time off.

If we are to define the ideal employee in today’s workplace, we would consider someone who is loyal to the company, gets their work done every day, and still knows the value of family time. Business leaders who show by example that life is not just about the job or company can carve a good work culture for their staff.

Enterprises TV Relays Advice before Starting a Business

America is chock full of innovative, enterprising entrepreneurs who possess the drive to start their own business. Without doubt, small businesses are the backbone of the American economy.  But before quitting a steady, well-paid job and venturing out alone, take heed of these thoughts from Enterprises TV about what to know and do first.

Research the Industry and Competitors

Know thy competitors. How many other businesses are there in the immediate area that offers the same service or product? How successful is their business? Any new product or service should be better and/or cheaper than what is already out there.

Write a Mission Statement for the Business

Everyone needs goals to reach for and a reason to do what they do. Mission statements are great for this purpose. Entrepreneurs continually grow as business owners. Keep track of the main purpose about why the business was started with a mission statement.

Assemble an Advisory Team

It is essential to know who to count on before and during the launch and running of a new business. Assemble a team an advisory team comprised of legal, accounting, and marketing reps. If no one comes to mind, ask a trusted and respected mentor. These people can help prevent problems before any occur.

Hope for the Best and Prepare for the Worst

Be prepared for the financial down times with a strong cash flow.  Every business has its ebbs and flows of activity and revenue. A lull in business is a good time to get re-organized. Clean up paperwork, network with other business owners, and refresh marketing plans.  Enterprises TV suggests preparing a back-up plan for the just-in-case situation. It never fails to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Enterprises TV – How America Can Honor Its Veterans and Military

Memorial Day in the United States is the day set aside to honor and remember her fallen military and veteran heroes and heroines. It is a day when most people enjoy picnics, family gatherings, and maybe attend a memorial service at a local military cemetery. Some have the heartache of marking this day at home remembering their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Enterprises TV honors Memorial Day with thoughts about how American businesses can help military veterans every day.

Hire a US Veteran or Spouse

American military veterans face longer unemployment than any other type of citizen. Businesses that hire veterans know that these determined and loyal citizens are focused, disciplined and are great assets to any company that hires them. They are easy to get along with, understand the chain of command, respectful and diligent in getting the job done. In other words, you can count on them to be at work every day, on time, and know they will complete their workday mission with less drama than the civilian employee.

Hire the active duty member’s spouse. These employees need the job, want the job, and know that some employers are reluctant to hire them. Business owners might fret that the spouse might have to leave his or her position if their military spouse is transferred. In reality, any employee can resign from their job and leave the position vacant.

Working with a Citizen Soldier

Employers are required by law to re-employ the citizen soldier. These are employees who are active in the reserves or Guard units. When the citizen soldier returns to work from training or deployment, the employer is required to hold their job or re-employ them in a similar position.

Need to Know Info

Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA), employers cannot take discriminatory action against any military reservist by requiring them to use vacation or paid leave time when in training or deployed. When the employee returns, they are entitled to all seniority-based benefits held before deployment or training. In addition, these benefits must be retroactive as of the date they would have been made if the employee was a civilian.

Enterprises TV has several US military veterans on staff from different branches of the service. These colleagues, co-workers, and supervisors are dedicated and possess leadership qualities that can be counted on. They are even-keeled, impart their knowledge, skills and experience to their teams, and are good friends. The best thing you can do for your business, no matter its size, is hire a military veteran, civilian soldier or their spouse. For more info on what employers need to know about the employment of these fine Americans, click here.

Enterprises TV Examines What Investors Look for in Start-Ups

Nearly all start-up business owners hope to find an investor for their new venture. There is plenty of potential out there. Know what investors look for in funding a start-up.

Good leadership and management.  The number one aspect of any new business investment is an exceptional management team. Teams should have integrity, clarity, a clear focus on strategy, professionalism and determination. Management should be committed to be in it for the long haul and not for short-term success.

Return on investment, or ROI, is another major factor investors look at before funding a start-up. Some angel investors may be expecting a financial return, and others may hope the return is for a more altruistic factor.  The major social and environmental issues of the times are on the minds of everyone, including those wish to help a new business get off the ground and make a difference.

No matter what kind of new business one launches, Enterprises TV reminds readers that it impact matters. The start-up owner should know how their new venture will make an impact, what solution it provides the immediate community and world community, and how they will manage to accomplish it. Investors want and need more than just a great new idea before funding a new enterprise.  They look for strong and ethical leadership, business acumen, and real world solutions.

All that said, entrepreneurs also hope to find angel investors with integrity, vision, business expertise and professionalism. The new business owner will do their own due diligence on the investor and the companies that person operates or has run.  The business of investing in a start-up and accepting the funding is a two-way street. Successful angel investing starts and ends with a good, working business relationship based on transparency, integrity and professionalism.  It’s out there. 

(image:turningideas.com)

Enterprises TV Examines Industries with the Best Benefits

The average American employee knows the value of a good paycheck. Some know the value of good benefits also. Benefits can include a variety of options in which the monthly payments are deducted from weekly, bi-weekly or monthly checks.  Some industries offer better benefits than others. Enterprises TV examines the best.

(image:picserver)

It is obvious that employees in higher paying fields will enjoy, appreciate and value benefits which can include health and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, discount prescription drug programs, onsite medical clinics with free visits, commuter sharing services, and more. At a very basic level, health insurance is a benefit that most workers value. 

The below industries often provide the best benefits for employees:

• Finance
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing
• Education
• Business Services

It is important to note that these industries often include larger corporations, which have stronger bargaining power to secure the best benefits package for their entire workforce. Smaller businesses have less power to get better deals for their staff. The Enterprises TV show believes every worker deserves to have benefits package that will not deplete their regular paycheck. While we understand that employees are entitled to receive a paycheck, most employers do not have to offer benefits of any kind. That said, if businesses want to hire and retain the best workforce, they should be well-taken of with a comprehensive, affordable benefits package.

Enterprises TV Highlights Small Business Week

Small businesses are the back bone of the United States economy. Without them, consumers would be forced to spend their money in brand name and mega stores. Original items to purchase would be hard to find. There would be no mom and pop stores, no local restaurants, and no local auto repair shops. Small businesses are what make America great. Enterprises TV highlights small business week with a few ideas about how everyone – consumers and small business owners – can do to give back to each other.

According to the Small Business Administration, two-thirds of all new jobs created are by small businesses. The next time a new business opens in the area where you live, stop in and welcome them.

Small businesses can make a difference in the community. By sponsoring a local sports team, providing snacks for intermission of a local theatrical production, and supporting charitable organizations in the area, entrepreneurs can become involved in and reap the benefits of community support.

The back bone of a small business is the local customer. Who are they? How often do they frequent the business? A recent survey found that 90 percent of consumers frequent small businesses at least once a week. They like the convenience, the friendly local staff, and they get better customer service than larger stores. Most importantly though, they like supporting the local community. Consumers can make it a weekly routine to visit local businesses. Small business owners can reach out the locals and thank them for their support.

The Enterprises TV show believes that it is necessary for both entrepreneurs and consumers to appreciate and support each other. Instead of buying books, DVDs, food, wine and other items from mega online stores, why not head over to the small, independent bookstore, the wine and cheese shop, the boutiques, and then have a snack or lunch at that new café on the corner? We support and appreciate America’s small businesses.

Enterprises TV Reviews Work Place Hazard Prevention Tips

The work place should always be a safe place to spend the day.  From the minute we walk in the door to when we walk out at the end of a shift or work day, we should be confident that no harm will come to  us. However, this is not the case with some professions and work places.

A recent report states that, on average, there are 13 workers fatally injured and more than 10,000 hurt or made ill every day in 2014. The same report notes that 50,000 workers die from chronic occupational diseases each year. Yet, most of these are preventable, Enterprises TV believes.

Employers are responsible for the safety and welfare of their employees, no matter the job. If workers are exposed to noxious fumes during the work day, the employer must provide a mask and other protective gear to prevent the employee from becoming ill.  The same is expected from offices.  Employees working in rooms where noise is constant need protective ear gear to prevent hearing loss, migraines and other ill effects.  Leaking sinks and toilets should be repaired as soon as possible as the puddles on the floor can cause slips, falls and injuries.  Broken chairs, wobbly desks, poor lighting, open file cabinet drawers –these can also cause work place injuries.  Fix or throw out broken office furniture. Replace burnt out light bulbs. Close all file cabinet drawers when done.

Enterprises TV encourages employers and employees to work together to make the workplace safe. Be aware of the hazards and find effective ways to prevent them.  Don’t cut corners when it comes to workplace safety. Every person is valuable to the business. Every person is entitled to a safe workplace.

(image:wikipedia)

Enterprises TV Celebrates Earth Day

Happy #EarthDay.  The world celebrates Earth Day by pledging to take better care of it. Enterprises TV joins the celebration with some helpful suggestions.

We honestly didn’t even think about this first one:

Recycle or Donate Textiles No Longer Wanted

The fibers that made our clothes can also pollute the planet.  Textile production is massive around the world, and the waste that it generates is estimated to grow 34.4 billion pounds in 2019, according to the Council for Textile Recycling.  Of the 82 pounds of textiles that each US resident produces per year, only 15 percent is donated to recycled. Instead of throwing old socks, underwear, torn T-shirts, and etcetera in the trash, repurpose them as dust clothes, scrub clothes, and use them to protect fragile items such as china or fragile home decorations.

Donate no longer wanted clothes, in relatively good shape, to community centers, women’s help centers, non-profits, or to a name brand store collecting them, such as H&M.

Ditch Plastic Grocery Bags for Cloth Bags

We are all in a collective effort of sustainability and to that extent, isn’t it about time to start using cloth grocery bags? Many of these are sold in the grocery store for a couple of dollars. If buying them doesn’t fit your sensible frame of mind, find and use cloth and reusable tote bags in the home.  These bags hold more and are sturdier than store plastic bags.

If this Earth-friendly concept doesn’t fit your lifestyle, at least take the plastic bags to the nearest recycle box at the store where you received them. Look outside where the garbage and recycling cans are.

Pitch Non-Eco-Friendly Detergents

There are so many great Earth-healthy detergents being sold today that Enterprises TV finds it hard to know why people still buy the old chemical-laden ones.  The additives and chemicals in traditional detergents pollutes soil and water.  Seek and find the affordable Eco-friendly cleaners and detergents.  Mother Earth will be most grateful as will her non-human inhabitants.

And One More Thing, Please

As an aside, please always flush the toilet when done in a public building. No water is saved because the next person to use it will flush the toilet anyway. Be polite. Please flush the john. Happy #EarthDay 

Enterprises TV Reports on Cloud Computing for Small Businesses

Small businesses are not immune to data breaches.  Every company, no matter the size, is bound to experience a network break at any time. This is where cloud computing comes in.

Network services hosted on cloud systems are secure, and give small businesses easier accessibility to files and data. Data that is stored off-premise frees up valuable on-site space on company servers.  Certified data centers have tighter security than those in buildings where the business is based. Enterprises TV also reminds that it is even better to use an out of the state data center for data storage if the business is located in a region where catastrophic weather can wreak havoc.

Good rules to follow for any business, but especially small ones, are strong password policies. Task Information Technology staff to institute randomly assigned passwords for all sites. Allow only those who should and need access to the sites log in credentials.  Apply 2 factor authentication for all sites.  This sends a code to the user trying to gain access a text message with a code in which to log in and enter the site.  Annoying as it can be when in a rush, safety and security are more important than time. It takes considerably longer to regain control of a site that has been hacked.

Enterprises TV also notes that it is imperative to have a backup administrator for all network services whether on-site of off. If one person leaves the company, or is out of the office for an extended amount of time, the backup admin can step in and keep things running smoothly. Cloud service providers give small business owners a better sense of security, the convenience of accessing files on the go, and save companies money by not having to buy additional servers, or hire more staff to maintain networks. 

Enterprises TV Covers Tips for Digital Marketing Success

Almost every business in America is online and proactively marketing products or services. Enterprises TV covers tips for digital marketing success.

Digital marketing success encompasses more than just promoting a brand, product or service on Facebook and having a website. It means utilizing the tools and resources available to learn where the customers are, what they like, and how they shop.

Email marketing is one of the must useful tools used for online marketing success. Consumers who have email use it to register on favorite brand sites in hope of getting discounts and coupons sent to them. Personalized email notes are not hard to set up using resources such as MailChimp and SalesForce. Everyone wants to be remembered. Consumers want brands to know who they are and what they like. Email marketing is great for this.

Content sharing is another great way to get the word out on a brand.

Many brands have a blog page on their website where press releases and related brand content is posted. Related article about the product type is also online. Find and share this content on the different social sites, such as Pinterest and Google Plus. Share good and related content at least once a week.

The Enterprises TV show also notes that following up with email requests and questions, and also on social sites, can be beneficial. Bring back consumers who may have abandoned the brand with a special offer. Email a personal note addressing the consumer’s questions. Write naturally because there is nothing more off-putting than a note or reply to a comment than “corporate-speak”.

Digital marketing success is attainable with perseverance and a positive, consumer-first mindset. 

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The Enterprises TV Show Relays the Top Five Cities for Working Families

American families with one or two working parents are located in every state. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 90 percent have one working parent, and 60 percent have two working parents. The Enterprises TV show relays the top five cities for working families.

Many families struggle to get to and from school and work with children. If a child is sick, one parent must stay home to care for him or her. Four states have family leave laws that require employers to give workers paid time off for family emergencies or childbirth: California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Washington).  Some American cities are better places to live, work and raise a family than others. A recent report was conducted using criteria which included: cost of housing, average commute time, average childcare costs and graduation rate at local schools. Data was crunched and from it comes the top five states for American working families.

1. Orem, Utah
2. Wichita Falls, Texas
3. Irvine, California
4. Iowa City, Iowa
5. Jonesboro, Arkansas

What placed these cities on the top of the list: low child care costs, good schools, low crime rate, short commute times, low rate of unemployment, better than average income, family-friendly policies, and high quality of life. When these points are factored in to family-work life balances, Enterprises TV notes that employees are happier and generally more loyal. Nothing is as stressful as knowing a family member is ill and having to go to work. Family is valuable. Family usually comes first. These five cities are great role models for the rest of America.

Orem, Utah

Enterprises TV Relays the Happiest Cities for Employees

Where do the happiest employees live? Maybe in states where there are no income taxes? Maybe in cities where there is less traffic? Enterprises TV relays where the happiest cities are for employees.

Frankly, we were a bit surprised to learn that five of the top ten are in California, where there is a high income tax. Several of the cities have major traffic issues: Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, Boston, and Washington, D.C. But these cities also have excellent public transportation. There are plenty of things to do which are affordable from inside the cities to weekend excursions outside of the city. Housing can be expensive in most of the these cities, but employees tend to be generally happy all around.

Here are the top ten happiest cities for employees:

1. Los Angeles
2. Miami
3. San Diego
4. Providence, RI
5. San Francisco
6. New Orleans
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Boston
9. Riverside, CA
10. San Jose, CA

 Read more from the report here. 

Many reports focusing on employee satisfaction often produce results which point to careers where people are helping other people. Flexible schedules, work from home days, good compensation and benefits, as well as a healthy paid time off allowance all factor in how happy someone is to work with their employer. On the same level, if that employee has a hellish commute and is not satisfied in their job or career, then it really does not make any difference where they live. Enterprises TV asks: are you a happy employee in one of these metro areas? Why or why not?

Los Angeles, CA (image:flickr)

Enterprises TV and Community Involvement

Many American companies take part in some form of involvement in the community. It is good for business. Activities usually range from walk-a-thons to supplying disadvantaged school children with supplies. There are numerous ways in which any size business can give back to communities near and far.

Enterprises TV has long been a strong supporter of the local and global community. Employees have given back to local schools, resupplied food banks, provided children with back to school supplies, sent needed items to wounded troops, and much more. It takes nothing more than a little time and effort, and perhaps some money, to make a difference.

Enterprises TV staff giving back to the community

The world is connected in so many ways. Instantly, we know when something new is done, said or shared. Companies can enhance their corporate image by sharing the time management and staff spends volunteering and/or contributing to the communities with fans, followers and friends on social sites. These are moments which can be re-shared and spread throughout the online world. Good corporate citizenship goes a long way in reminding clients and customers that the business not only cares about profit, but about the world at large, even when that world is next door. Enterprises TV asks: what is your company doing to give back to the local or global community?