How to efficiently protect your surroundings?

A mum working from home with a child

This pandemic has shown us that hygiene and safety are two significant prospects to be taken in mind to live a healthy life. When the widespread pandemic came into the display, we realized that we had been doing various activities to increase the chances of viruses and other bacteria infiltrating our hygienic homes.

So in this article, let us discuss various methods we can use to keep your home safe from virus infiltration and how to prevent some common bacteria and infections.

 

Prevention against COVID-19

This virus has traumatic effects worldwide, and this has led to catastrophic changes and loss of income. Countless people have lost their lives, and countries are seeing the verge of recession, but we have overcome this pandemic with global support and humanitarian attitude. 

 

So we must bring together our learnings and make sure that we prevent any further spread.

 

1. Vaccination

Vaccination is the crucial need of the hour; the governments are trying to vaccinate as many as possible because this will reduce the chances of virus spread and prepare your body and immune system for any foreign particle invasion.

The government has provided two vaccine doses, so you must ensure that you get your family vaccinated and put them through a quarantine period after the vaccination of around two days.

2. Mask

Vaccine prepares your immune system to fight against the virus, but this does not mean that you are allowed to move freely without precautions. Masks are the most helpful way to prevent the spread of various sorts of this disease, so it is best that you must continue wearing a mask in public or crowded places. 

There are various types of masks as listed below.

  • Medical masks

These are just like the use and throw types of masks that we can quickly dispose of once used. These are mainly used when you are visiting any public place; you can buy a new one and dispose of it when you reach the destination.

  • N95 masks

These masks have a filter at the edge along with the easy placing of the show. These are the ones that can be reused, and they are worn at the corporate places where you mostly visit. They come in handy for around 5-6 uses.

There are also third types of masks known as cloth masks but they aren’t completely safe for the users to move out in crowds or public places.

3. Social distancing

Social distancing is not just a pandemic activity, but we should practise it more frequently. It avoids the spread of any other form of the virus. So when you are in a public place or a queue, make sure that the spacing between two people should be around 6 feet.

4. Don’t let your guard down.

If conditions are improving and many people infected are falling, you should not let your guard down because we need to remember that it started with a single person. So you must make sure to keep your surroundings clean and avoid touching public places like an escalator on the metro station and taxis.

5. Wash Hands / sanitize

Hands are the carrier of all sorts of viruses and bacteria in your body, so you must make sure that you should keep your hands clean. So you must always wash your hands when you come home from somewhere and also you must sanitize your laptop, computer and mobile phone before giving it to your kid.

6. Cover coughs and sneezes

Though most people cover their sneezes or coughs, some people avoid such points, so one must make sure that they protect their nose when they sneeze as it releases the infected bacteria in the surrounding region.

When a person sneezes, he can spread infected bacteria in the range up to 3 metres radius.

7. Disinfectant and cleaning

Around twice a week, have a complete cleaning session of your house with a sanitizing machine at the entry. So you must clean your home with disinfectants as they will erase traces of any form of dirt or infection.

So cleaning is not just an emergency activity, but it has to be taught in your routine.

8. Health log and regular checks

Many people think that they look fine then have no form of health issues, but this isn’t true; sometimes, a simple cough may be a sign of tuberculosis, and some irregular breathing may signify lung infection.

So make sure to have your body checked and keep a log of all the same.

Some tips to keep your home safe from Indoors

Though we do not realize various factors can harm your home, including Fire, Power Outage, and building flaws.

Fire can be controlled using fire extinguishers, but electrical fire is the real issue to be dealt with because it can lead to electric leakages in your home. So the only way to avoid this is by using top-quality insulation material, which prevents any power surges.

Electrical fire surges remain one of the major issues as it causes a significant loss to the property and life. It is crucial to insulate wires in your house electrically, and you must make sure that there are no power leakages because a small power leakage might be a short circuit.

These short circuits burn the appliance circuits and generate a need for replacement, so make sure to use fuse boxes to avoid power short circuits.

Also, it would help if you made sure that the fuse box in your home could counter-power outage and save appliances. You can also use breaker design fuse circuits which ensure your safety.

Conclusion

Pandemic will leave its mark in people’s minds because it has affected us most disastrously. But one needs to keep his home safe from all forms of hazards which include electrical fires, infrastructure issues and many more . 

Even records show electric fires rise and tragedies in the past decade, so use the best products to safeguard your house.

So we must make sure we avoid any such future casualties, so in this article, we discussed various ways to stop the spread of the virus and keep our surroundings safe.

 

 

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Planning a trip to Singapore? Be sure to keep the average cost of things in Singapore in mind, such as food, accommodation, transportation, and more.

younger Singapore residents

How Much Should You Budget For a Trip to Singapore?

With its amazing futuristic architecture, exotic and unspoiled nature, and hundreds of unique stores and shopping malls, it’s no wonder why Singapore is one of the top places to visit in Asia.

However, many travelers (especially those who are visiting Singapore for the first time!) will often wonder how much it costs to travel to the country, and if Singapore is budget-friendly at all.

If you already have the Singapore arrival card for US citizens and are ready to see the Little Red Dot, here is how much you can expect to spend:

Airline Tickets 

Depending on your location, Singapore is either fairly close or on the other side of the world.

Unless you live in Asia or the Middle East, airline tickets will usually be the biggest expense for your trip to Singapore. For quick reference, here is how much a one-way ticket to Singapore will cost from major cities (in USD):

  • New York to Singapore – $500
  • Paris to Singapore – $600
  • Istanbul to Singapore – $1000
  • Dubai to Singapore – $300

Keep in mind that in most cases, buying a round-trip ticket to Singapore may be significantly cheaper and could reduce the price by 20 to 40 percent!

Another trick to save money is to compare neighboring airline hubs around Singapore, such as Bangkok, Thailand or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

If you find a cheaper flight to one of these places, you can use a budget airline (like Scoot or AirAsia) to fly to Singapore and see two countries in one trip!

Accommodations

Although Singapore is popular with tourists all year round, it is especially busy during the dry season, which runs from December to April. Since this is considered the peak tourist season, it is advised to book your hotel in advance.

When it comes to accommodation, travelers have plenty of options at different price points, including hostels, hotels, resorts, luxury hotels, and guesthouses. As with most touristic cities, the price will depend on many factors, such as location, comfort, amenities, and additional services like breakfast or airport transfers.

Travelers can expect to pay around $50 per night for a double room in an average, 3-star hotel. Those who are looking for prestige and luxury can expect to spend between $100 to $200+ for a 4- or 5-star hotel.

Of course, there is also the world famous Marina Bay Sands, which normally costs from $200 and up to $4,500 per night, depending on the room and season!

To get the best rooms, availability, and price, it is highly recommended to book accommodations as soon as you know when you plan to travel to Singapore.

Food and Drinks

While traveling in Singapore, be sure to try the delicious local food. There are so many excellent cafes and restaurants that are sure to delight your taste buds!

Similar to other Southeast Asian countries, it is customary to eat street food or fast homemade dishes in places like hawker centres, which there are plenty in Chinatown and Little India. Dishes in hawker centres will typically set you back only a few dollars (under $5 per dish).

Breakfast for two in a budget-friendly cafe will cost $10, lunch around $15, and a meal set from McDonald’s — around $9. Dinner at an inexpensive restaurant, without alcohol, will cost $30.

Transportation

Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that includes busses, rail (MRT), and even ferry services.

The city is served by more than four thousand buses that easily reach any part of Singapore. A ticket for a regular city bus is calculated by distance, and typically costs around $1 or $2, while longer distances have a price tag between $3 to $8. There are free busses and shuttles around Sentosa Island.

The MRT in Singapore (which is both underground and overground) is considered one of the best in the world. As with buses, prices depend on distance. One trip around the city can cost from 50 cents to 3 dollars.

There is also the monorail, which connects Singapore and Sentosa Island. The journey takes 8 minutes and costs $3. Taxis are more expensive and slower than the metro, but a great choice for families and groups. On average, a trip in the city will cost $8 to 15, and a trip to the airport from the city center will cost $18 to 25.

Due to high taxes, additional fees, and parking costs, renting a car in Singapore will not be cheap. The cost of renting a standard car starts around $70 to $100 per day and will go up depending on the model (SUV, sports car, etc). Likewise, travelers can expect to pay around $1.80 for a liter of gas.

Sightseeing, Excursions, and Souvenirs 

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to leave a little room in your budget for fun!

Although the price for tickets and attractions differ based on the place, you can expect to spend between $5 to $15 for a ticket to a museum or exhibitions.

If you’re planning to visit Universal Studios Singapore, be prepared to pay around $60 for a non-resident ticket.

Finally, the entrance fee to the most popular attraction in Singapore (the Gardens by the Bay) starts at $10 and goes up based on extras, like a guided tour or special event.

As for tours, there are plenty of options, including group walking tours to fully private tours. A private tour will cost about $100, while group walking tours start around $20 per person.

No trip to Singapore is complete without souvenirs — thankfully, there are plenty of places to buy gifts, such as Lucky Plaza, Bugis Street, and Chinatown. Prices range from $2 for a simple magnet to $10 for a shirt and onward.

 

 

 

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8 Reasons Why Your Employees Are Leaving You

The reasons why an employee desires to leave may be obvious, such as wanting to pursue better opportunities or feeling underpaid. These reasons provide a better understanding of how you can improve your organization’s processes and recruitment strategies.

So, why do employees leave and what can you do to prevent a good employee from quitting?

#1: LACK OF APPRECIATION

Recognizing the efforts of employees can increase their motivation. When a company and its management ignore the employees’ accomplishments, they may seek value elsewhere. Implement a system that rewards quality output and efficient workers. Most employees are willing to go the extra mile when they feel valued by the company that they work for.

#2: FEELING UNDERPAID

With the uncertainties of the current situation, many Singaporeans seek stability. Salary is among the top reasons why employees depart from their previous employer. Offering competitive salaries and other benefits can prevent the employee from leaving a post. However, not every resignation is financial in nature. Uncovering other underlying factors can be necessary to retain an employee.

#3: LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Professionals have a potent desire to grow at a company. Who wants to remain stagnant, anyway? Recognizing the efforts and setting a clear career path can make the employees feel like they have a bright future in the organization.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#4: MISMATCH BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND THE EMPLOYEE

When you first arrived onboard, you were a perfect fit for the organization. As time passes, your goals and values no longer align with the organizational culture. This is a difficult situation to be in as the change needs to be addressed by several employees. Promoting open and honest communication in the workplace can bolster retention rates. Moreover, providing opportunities to interact outside of the office fosters a sense of camaraderie.

#5: LACK OF RESPECT

You are at risk of losing a good employee if he or she does not feel respected or trusted at work. Whether the employee feels disrespected by their boss or co-workers, the negative feelings can pile up. Employees can experience lack of respect in many ways ranging from written instances to sexual harassment. Prevent these issues by providing open channels for communication and exercising regular feedback.

#6: HAVING A HORRIBLE BOSS

A horrible boss can create a toxic environment for the employees. Many high performing workers quit their jobs because of their managers and not because of the job itself. Whether the manager is incompetent or is behaving badly towards the rest of the team, his presence can make or break an employee’s experience. Thus, training is essential. Ensure that the manager is given the tools to properly support their employees.

#7: DISCONNECT WITH THE COMPANY’S VALUES

If an employee no longer sees a connection between him and the company’s values, the employee can leave the organization. Do not sacrifice the company’s values for a result.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#8: NO WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Last but not least, having no work-life balance can contribute to an employee’s burnout and eventual departure. At the end of the day, you must respect that your employees have lives outside of work. Providing an ample amount for rest and recovery can help improve the quality of one’s work.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Coolest Co-Working Spaces In Singapore

Fast-paced developments in technology and connectivity paved the way for the rise in online jobs and tasks, especially with our current flexible working conditions. If the distractions at home are too much to handle, try fulfilling your tasks in a co-working space.

You can access Singapore’s co-working spaces whether you are a freelancer, a startup, or a well-established company. Read the article to find a space that suits your budget and your needs.

#1: THE HIVE SINGAPORE

Operating at twenty fantastic co-working spaces across seven countries in Asia Pacific, the Hive is recognized as a boutique co-working network. Since its inception in 2012, it has expanded to other locations such as Thailand, Japan, and Singapore. Frequent jetsetters can reap the benefits of accessing all the locations through the Hive Passports. Prices start at S$30 for a Hot Desk Day Pass.

Image Credits: thehive.sg

Location: Various locations including the Hive Carpenter at 36 Carpenter St., Singapore 059915
Website: thehive.sg

#2: JUSTCO

As one of the largest co-working networks in Asia with multiple locations in Singapore, JustCo blends functional spaces to the community. It raises the platform by offering the entertainment factor. The breezy spaces include a gaming room, a well-stocked pantry, a snooze lounge, and a meditation corner. Feel free to relax after a long day of work!

Image Credits: justcoglobal.com/sg

JustDesk Basic Plan starts at S$98 per month. Sign-up for a free trial to experience its services.

Location: Various locations including Marina Square, Raffles Quay, Robinson Road, and MacDonald House
Website: justcoglobal.com/sg

#3: CLUBCO

Tucked away on Cross Street, ClubCo is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This modern co-working space fuses value-for-money membership plans with contemporary furniture. Anyone from consultants to occasional office workers can come inside to use their amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, private phone booth, photocopying machine, and complimentary beverages. Private meeting rooms of varied sizes are also available. What’s more? It’s conveniently located right beside the Raffles Place MRT, with a rooftop space where you can unwind.

Image Credits: clubco.sg

A Day Pass is worth S$40, which is available from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.

Location: #04-00, The Quadrant, 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704
Website: clubco.sg

#4: THE GREAT ROOM

The Great Room opened its doors at One George Street in 2015. It is strategically located in the heart of Singapore’s financial and business district. Since then, The Great Room has opened four more spaces around the country among vibrant neighborhoods that brim with restaurants, shops, hotels, and wellness facilities.

Image Credits: thegreatroom.co

You see, The Great Room draws inspiration from the best hotel lobbies with its hospitality-inspired layout and highly functional spaces. The flattering lighting, decor, and furnishings make it conducive for ideas to thrive. Its options vary from a dedicated office to a business club. Be treated to something special with a Day Pass costing about S$70!

Location: Various locations including One George Street, Centennial Tower, and Ngee Ann City
Website: thegreatroom.co

#5: SPACES

From lively spaces to prime locations, Spaces has it all. What sets it apart from the rest is its flexible plans that you can tailor to suit your needs. For some plans, you could work at your desk at any time of the day. This is perfect for people who work remotely with global businesses.

Image Credits: spacesworks.com

The Co-working Membership fees start at S$178 for 5 days in a month.

Location: Various locations including Clarke Quay, City Hall, and Robinson
Website: spacesworks.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Payday Loans: Advantages & Disadvantages

loan repayment plan

No one is protected from unplanned spending. Health problems, a broken smartphone, a child tore his only jacket…Situations may be different! But there is only one way out. We urgently need to get money somewhere. Not everyone has a relative or friend willing to shell out the required amount. We can only hope for the help of various financial organizations to get a payday loan. Here a choice arises: is it better to go to an MFI or a bank to get the long-awaited payday credit?

Often, potential borrowers do not see much difference between lenders offering payday loans. Let the principle of operation be the same but the conditions are very different. We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of a payday loan in microfinance organizations and understand when it is worth contacting them.

When Do You Need a Payday Loan?

Sometimes a difficult financial situation forces you to take risks and compromises. Despite the higher percentage compared to banks, MFOs are in demand among various segments of the population. There are microcredit organizations in every city with numerous corresponding online platforms, you can find one online using Moneyzap service. The secret of their popularity is simple: money is given immediately after applying if you want to deal with a payday loan online.

When there is no time to prepare documents and wait for approval from the bank, the decision to take a payday loan online looks quite justified. You will have to overpay for speed but a financial problem will be quickly resolved. Usually, online microfinance organizations take smaller amounts for payday loans than banks. This difference is due to different purposes of the appeal.

As a rule, bank credit is taken to improve the quality of life: the purchase of expensive equipment, repairs in an apartment, rest by purchasing a payday loan or a personal loan. A payday loan is needed to meet urgent needs in unforeseen situations. Delayed pay or an emergency like a broken tooth are the most common reasons for applying to an MFI for a payday loan online.

Payday Loan Online Advantages

There are many advantages when taking out a payday loan. The procedure of applying for a payday loan online is extremely simple and fast. It makes this type of lending the most attractive for a certain part of borrowers:

  • Contact at any time. Online services allow you to get a payday loan when you need it;
  • Money is issued around the clock;
  • The transfer will be sent to an electronic wallet or card. So, a personal visit to the office is not required;
  • No paperwork: the list of required documents is minimal. In most cases, a passport is enough to apply for a payday loan online;
  • You do not need to provide a certificate of income;
  • Instant registration of a payday loan online: the application is filled out and processed much faster than in banks. Money is transferred immediately after receiving approval. It often takes about 10 minutes to complete;
  • High approval rate. When it comes to small amounts, a positive answer comes up 98% of the time;
  • Banks impose more stringent requirements on their clients. Age restrictions and bad credit will become barriers to making money. Microcredit companies are more loyal to borrowers: the presence of minor delinquencies and a low score do not guarantee a failure.

Important to know: The timely repayment of the payday loan will improve the client’s profile. Repeated closure on time will allow you to get approval for a loan from the bank in the future.

Payday Loan Online Disadvantages

With all the obvious advantages, there are also enough disadvantages. Some of them lie on the surface, for example, at a high rate. And many do not even think about others although they should. In addition to the impressive overpayment, there are still many negative aspects when taking a payday loan. If you know about all of them, then the decision on choosing a lender will be as balanced as possible:

  • The rate is ten times higher than the bank rate. The fact is that MFIs indicate the percentage per day. Not everyone understands how much this will amount to in practice. Often borrowers are attracted by a rate of 1%, or even less when banks offer loans at 15%.

Advice: It’s important to understand the difference. A payday loan rate is annual. If you multiply the promised MFO 1% by the number of days in a year, you get an overpayment of 365% versus 10-15% in banks. Calculate the percentage taking into account the number of days of lending to estimate the real overpayment;

  • In a bank, you can take out insurance in case of illness or disability. MFOs do not provide this opportunity. Whatever happens, you have to pay;
  • Most MCCs do not offer gradual repayment options. If you do not pay the entire amount at a time, then penalties will be charged on it. Penalties are tougher than in banks. For the day of delay, you will have to pay about 10% of the loan;
  • Small amounts and terms of payday loans online.

What Experts Recommend About Payday Loans?

Financial literacy experts recommend that you approach loans with MFIs with caution and apply to them only when urgently needed. Expert advice will help you make the right decision. First of all, the client needs to have a clear understanding of how he or she plans to repay the loan to payday. If you add late payment interest to a high percentage, the amount of debt will be significant and will grow day by day.

Getting a micro-loan to pay off another loan is not a good idea. A temporary solution to the problem in the long term will only aggravate the situation. The last but very important rule: payday loans should be taken only in emergencies, and not to buy non-essential items.

Advice: Before contacting an MFI, you should try to find money in other ways, for example, to borrow from friends or apply to a bank. Microloans differ significantly from bank loans. Both have their pros and cons. The main advantages of a payday loan are almost guaranteed approval, quick receipt at any time of the day, and without a certificate of income. Otherwise, traditional loans win.

In the bank, you can take a larger amount for a long time and make insurance. But most importantly, the rate is ten times lower. As a result, it turns out that it is worth applying to microcredit companies for payday loans online only in two cases: when money is needed urgently, or after receiving a refusal from a financial institution with more favorable conditions.

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