Charlotte Had The 15th Highest Homicide Rate Increase Over The Past Year

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Had The 15th Highest Homicide Rate Increase Over The Past Year

With the homicide rate having spiked by an average of nearly 10% in 50 of the biggest U.S. cities between Q3 2021 and Q3 2022, WalletHub today released its report on the Cities With the Highest Increase in Homicide Rates.

In order to determine which cities have the biggest homicide problems, WalletHub compared 50 of the largest U.S. cities based on per capita homicides in Q3 2022 as well as per capita homicides in Q3 2022 vs. Q3 2021 and Q3 2020.

Charlotte was found to 15th highest homicide increase, just behind Raleigh, which had the 14th highest increase in the nation.

Cities with the Highest Increase in Homicide Rates

Overall Rank*  City Total Score  Homicide Cases per Capita** (Q3 2022)  Change in Homicide Cases per Capita** (Q3 2022 vs Q3 2021)  Change in Homicide Cases per Capita** (Q3 2022 vs Q3 2020) 
1 Kansas City, MO 87.49 14.86
(2)		 4.89
(1)		 2.04
(1)
2 Detroit, MI 69.46 13.24
(3)		 1.34
(7)		 1.19
(9)
3 St. Louis, MO 58.88 19.69
(1)		 -0.66
(29)		 -15.42
(49)
4 New Orleans, LA 57.36 10.99
(5)		 0.51
(14)		 0.26
(19)
5 Milwaukee, WI 56.03 10.46
(6)		 0.17
(20)		 0.51
(13)
6 Albuquerque, NM 56.02 6.60
(15)		 1.78
(3)		 1.78
(3)
7 Philadelphia, PA 52.58 9.36
(8)		 0.51
(15)		 0.13
(24)
8 Norfolk, VA 49.70 7.78
(9)		 -1.23
(33)		 1.64
(4)
9 Nashville, TN 47.09 4.65
(20)		 1.50
(4)		 1.05
(10)
10 Oakland, CA 47.01 7.34
(11)		 0.24
(17)		 0.24
(20)
11 Colorado Springs, CO 46.38 2.54
(31)		 1.91
(2)		 1.91
(2)
12 Baltimore, MD 44.00 12.45
(4)		 -2.66
(47)		 -1.66
(41)
13 Las Vegas, NV 43.53 5.90
(16)		 -1.55
(38)		 1.55
(5)
14 Raleigh, NC 43.00 3.19
(26)		 1.06
(9)		 1.28
(7)
15 Charlotte, NC 41.40 3.78
(21)		 1.49
(5)		 0.23
(21)
16 Anchorage, AK 41.21 2.40
(32)		 1.03
(11)		 1.37
(6)
17 Tulsa, OK 38.71 4.97
(18)		 1.24
(8)		 -0.99
(35)
18 Omaha, NE 37.26 2.71
(29)		 1.04
(10)		 0.21
(22)
19 Lincoln, NE 36.37 1.75
(38)		 1.40
(6)		 0.35
(17)
20 Austin, TX 36.17 2.07
(34)		 0.21
(19)		 0.93
(11)
21 Oklahoma City, OK 35.31 3.54
(22)		 -1.38
(35)		 0.92
(12)
22 Los Angeles, CA 34.92 2.97
(28)		 -0.13
(25)		 0.30
(18)
23 Memphis, TN 33.49 9.99
(7)		 -1.84
(41)		 -3.23
(48)
24 Seattle, WA 33.13 2.29
(33)		 0.67
(13)		 -0.27
(27)
25 Phoenix, AZ 32.90 3.01
(27)		 0.00
(21)		 -0.30
(28)
26 Durham, NC 32.07 3.26
(25)		 -1.45
(36)		 0.36
(16)
27 Washington, DC 31.89 6.98
(13)		 -2.28
(44)		 -1.42
(40)
28 San Francisco, CA 31.55 1.83
(37)		 0.00
(21)		 0.11
(25)
29 Jacksonville, FL 31.42 3.32
(24)		 -0.11
(24)		 -0.78
(33)
30 Garland, TX 31.15 1.26
(42)		 -1.26
(34)		 1.26
(8)
31 Scottsdale, AZ 30.12 0.39
(50)		 0.39
(16)		 0.39
(15)
32 Chicago, IL 29.51 7.71
(10)		 -2.93
(49)		 -2.00
(44)
33 El Paso, TX 29.08 1.18
(43)		 -0.74
(30)		 0.44
(14)
34 Virginia Beach, VA 28.71 0.67
(47)		 0.22
(18)		 0.00
(26)
35 Boston, MA 28.53 1.89
(36)		 0.73
(12)		 -1.16
(38)
36 Louisville, KY 27.97 6.63
(14)		 -0.97
(31)		 -3.07
(47)
37 Sacramento, CA 27.61 0.40
(49)		 -0.20
(26)		 0.20
(23)
38 Atlanta, GA 26.39 7.03
(12)		 -2.81
(48)		 -2.41
(45)
39 New York, NY 26.28 1.41
(41)		 -0.32
(28)		 -0.67
(32)
40 Fort Worth, TX 25.40 1.68
(39)		 -0.22
(27)		 -1.12
(37)
41 Chandler, AZ 25.13 0.78
(45)		 0.00
(21)		 -0.78
(34)
42 Dallas, TX 25.08 3.44
(23)		 -1.05
(32)		 -1.72
(43)
43 Tucson, AZ 25.07 2.57
(30)		 -2.20
(43)		 -0.37
(29)
44 Minneapolis, MN 24.48 5.65
(17)		 -1.65
(39)		 -2.83
(46)
45 Columbus, OH 24.39 4.72
(19)		 -2.47
(45)		 -1.69
(42)
46 St. Petersburg, FL 20.98 1.52
(40)		 -2.65
(46)		 -0.38
(30)
47 Arlington, TX 19.08 0.50
(48)		 -1.51
(37)		 -1.01
(36)
48 Madison, WI 17.91 0.77
(46)		 -1.94
(42)		 -1.16
(39)
49 Chesapeake, VA 15.98 0.82
(44)		 -3.71
(50)		 -0.41
(31)
50 Denver, CO 9.56 1.96
(35)		 -1.82
(40)		 -4.05
(49)

Notes:
*With the exception of “Total Score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of that city, where a rank of 1 represents the highest homicide rate and highest increase in homicides, respectively.
**Calculated as rate per 100,000 residents.

Biden Admin Releasing $2.8 Billion for EV Batteries in North Carolina and 11 Other States

Charlotte Stories
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Biden Admin Releasing $2.8 Billion for EV Batteries in North Carolina and 11 Other States

Yesterday, the Biden Administration announced the release of an unprecedented amount for new EV battery production. A total of $2.8 billion in grants will be given out to a select number of domestic electric battery producers and lithium miners in an attempt to lessen our dependence on China for EV parts and materials. Almost $1 billion of the new grants will be going to North Carolina’s Albemarle Corp and Piedmont Lithium for the mining and refinement of the massive lithium deposits in King’s Mountain.

“By undercutting U.S. manufacturers with their unfair subsidies and trade practices, China seized a significant portion of the market,” President Biden noted yesterday in announcing the awards. “Today we’re stepping up… to take it back, not all of it, but bold goals.”

The grant package will also be given out to a variety of companies along the EV battery supply chain in 11 other states, including; $316.2 million to Ascend Elements to build a battery parts plant, $50 million to Lilac Solutions direct lithium extraction technologies, $75 million to Cirba Solutions for an EV battery recycling plant, and $219.8 million to Syrah Technologies for a graphite processing plant in Louisiana.

What do you think about the new grants? 

9 Stress Free Vacation Planning Tips and Tricks

Sharon Anderson
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9 Stress Free Vacation Planning Tips and Tricks

If you’re like most people, the mere thought of planning a vacation is enough to send your stress levels through the roof. Between finding the perfect destination, booking flights and hotels, and ensuring you have all your ducks in a row, it’s no wonder many of us dread taking vacations.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! With some planning and organization, you can take the stress out of vacation planning and enjoy the process from start to finish. In this ultimate guide to stress-free vacation planning, we’ll show you how to plan the perfect trip without pulling your hair out.

From travel planning to leaving for the airport, you need to take steps to eliminate travel stress.

1. Set your goals & know the why

Once you know what kind of vacation spot is right for your needs, it’s easy to find the perfect destination. Do I want relaxation? Action-packed adventures in nature? Something romantic and intimate with just my significant other, or will this be a group trip where everyone has their own idea about how things should go!

By writing down your trip’s goals, it will be easier to determine the best location and activities to book. Not to mention, you can better communicate your needs with travel companions or a travel agent.

2. Start researching early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start researching your trip. If you give yourself enough time, you can take advantage of early bird specials or off-season rates. If you’re set on a specific destination, sign up for fare alerts to be notified when ticket prices drop. This way, you can jump on a deal as soon as it’s available.

If you’re traveling to a country with a different culture, it’s always a good idea to research ahead of time. This way, you can avoid any potential cultural faux pas and ensure you respect local customs. Take a chance to read up on the local language’s basic etiquette and common phrases.

3. Set your budget

Once you’ve decided on a destination, it’s time to start budgeting for your trip. Remember to account for the cost of travel, accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs.

Having a budget in mind will help you filter out the expensive hotels and experiences and see what deals you can get for your dollar, like the captivating beauty of The Shore Club in Turks and Caicos. We recommend adding 10% to your estimated expenses just in case anything goes wrong, which it usually does!

4. Get organized

One of the best ways to reduce stress while planning a vacation is to get organized. Invest in a good travel planner or create a spreadsheet with all your important trip details. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything important.

Include contact information for your accommodation, airliner, and any activities or tours you’ve booked. Keep a folder with you to store all documents, tickets, and vital records if you’re traveling long-term.

An all-inclusive resort booking helps take much of the work out of vacation planning; all meals, drinks, activities, and accommodations are covered at one price. This can be a great option to avoid the hassle of booking everything individually.

5. Get your documents in order

If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you have all the necessary documents in order before you leave. This includes a valid passport, visa (if required), and travel insurance policy.

Keep copies of these documents in a safe place in case you lose them while on vacation. Email yourself digital copies so you can access them from anywhere.

6. Buy Travel Insurance

There’s no more direct way to rid yourself of travel stress than buying insurance for your trip. Lost luggage, canceled flights, personal emergencies, you name it, there’s coverage for it. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to insurance. Don’t be the person who lives to regret not taking out travel insurance.

7. Create a packing list

Packing is one of the most stressful aspects of vacation planning, but it doesn’t have to be. Creating a packing list ahead of time can take the guesswork out of what to pack.

Start by listing everything you’ll need for your trip, from clothes and toiletries to travel adapters and medications. Once you have everything down on paper, you can start narrowing things down based on what you actually need and what can be left at home.

One of the biggest challenges after creating a packing list is finding the right suitcase that can accommodate all your belongings. If you’re packing for an extended stay or have a tendency to overpack, then you need to consider extra-large luggage options. From hard-shell suitcases to soft-sided duffel bags, there are various types of extra-large luggage available in the market. By opting for the right one, you don’t have to leave any of your essentials behind. To find out more types of extra-large luggage available and which one suits your needs, it’s best to do some research and invest in the one that meets your budget and preferences. With the right luggage, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind and ease.

8. Create A “Final Check” Checklist

Before you walk out the door and head on your adventure, make sure to do a final check so you can head off on vacation in peace. You can keep yourself organized by writing things down, so there is no stress when leaving!

Before you leave for vacation, ensure you have:

  • Given your house the once-over.
  • Reviewed your packing list before closing your suitcases.
  • Checked that all your documents are in one place.
  • Made sure all your essentials are accessible.

9. Pad your itinerary with extra time

One way to mitigate stress is to give yourself more time than you think you need. With some buffer, you can catch up quickly if things run behind schedule (and they often do).

No one wants to rush around on vacation! If you’re planning on sightseeing, leave some extra time in case you run into crowds or get lost. Arriving early for things will also help you avoid the stress of being late.

Be Prepared

The golden rule of stress-free travel: prepare! It’s not easy to travel without getting stressed or anxious. If you’re nervous about flying, we can all completely relate to how scary it feels to travel and think about all the things that could go wrong.

Hold onto something in those moments: the happy memories you’ve created while traveling, looking back at how much you’ve grown and all the challenges you’ve overcome. Focussing on things that make you feel less anxious while traveling will make your vacation experience a much less stressful experience.

Inside North Carolina’s Latest Entertainment Trends

Steve
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Inside North Carolina’s Latest Entertainment Trends

When most Americans think of North Carolina, their minds likely jump to scenic and pristine forests, historical landmarks, or even the up-and-coming NFL franchise, the Carolina Panthers. Not many people will immediately think about huge entertainment trends. After all, the state is known for its arts and culture, along with its natural parks.

Still, that doesn’t mean locals aren’t pushing the envelope when it comes to entertainment—local and otherwise. In fact, residents are incredibly active, seeking out the latest adventures in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Fayetteville. In these places, locals have similar options to other city-dwellers nationwide.

These venues run the gambit, from imaginative putt-putt courses to the very first VR arcades. Still, those who prefer to stay home don’t have to miss out on the fun. Locals can find dozens of online slots straight from their browser or mobile device—and plenty offer the same level of excitement as heading out to The Golfin Dolphin (see: putt-putt) or a similar venue.

From Assassin Moon to Cat Clans, there’s a huge variation that will suit just about any taste. Some, like Rocky’s Gold, even call back to the state’s long history of mining. But if you’re interested in hitting the road for an afternoon or evening of fun, consider one of the activities listed below.

Axe Throwing

This new trend is sweeping North America, as well as countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Poland. For centuries, axe throwing has been associated with lumberjacks. However, it’s now being touted as a modernized version of darts… with a bit more danger involved.

In the past, axe throwing has been offered at folk festivals and certain theme parks. However, some businesspeople are now setting up venues that focus solely on axe throwing. Have no fear—most locations include introductory lessons for newcomers. No experience needed. 

Escape Rooms

If you enjoy puzzles and small rooms, consider reserving a slot at your local escape room. This trend began in the early 2010s and has since become a favorite throughout North America, East Asia, and Europe. The goal is for a small group to find their way out of a room within a certain amount of time. They’ve become so popular that some companies use them to promote team-building.

Escape rooms offer variation in terms of theme and difficulty. Some are horror-themed, requiring groups to find their way out of a hellish setting. Others are designed with mathematics in mind, requiring players to solve incredibly difficult logic puzzles.

Ghost Tours

For tourists and locals alike, ghost tours are becoming a major attraction worldwide. Many incorporate elements of local history and folklore, which make them a quasi-cultural tour. Similar to escape rooms, ghost tours are created with different audiences in mind. Some emphasize horror stories and might include moments spent in a blacked-out room to heighten the sense of unease. Others will stick to historical facts, weaving in spooky tales or ghost sightings.

Arcades

There’s always a new frontier when it comes to nightlife. In the last decade, a growing sense of nostalgia from those who grew up in the 1980s and 90s has pushed arcade gaming back onto the scene. Today, many arcades are created with adults in mind, offering old-school throwbacks like Space Invaders and pinballs with newer releases like Street Fighter.

Keep in mind that many arcades double as nightlife venues. Only a select few are designed to cater to gamers specifically.

Heritage Festivals

Statewide, North Carolina has kept in touch with its folk roots. From Charlotte to Greensboro to Asheville, locals are more likely to engage with their roots than in larger states like California or Florida. This has led to a growing number of heritage festivals that touch on a variety of lifestyles and traditions.

There’s the Grandfather Mountain Scottish Highland Games, which runs every July and recreates the traditional Highland games. Meanwhile, Rogallo Kite Festival offers a family-friendly romp on the beach. For a truly unforgettable afternoon, consider the Carolina Renaissance Festival, which runs each December.

Maby aims to develop in the US, Canada and Australia markets

Charlotte Stories
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Maby aims to develop in the US, Canada and Australia markets

Kyle Khoan is the founder of Maby which has knowledge of the nail industry in the US. He understands exactly how difficult it is to start a nail salon. He knows that there is a huge demand for nail services in developed markets.

According to a 2008 study, in California, 80% of nail salons are owned by Vietnamese people. Statistics of spending on nail services in the US in 2022 reached 8.36 billion USD (Statista data). With such a large market, Kyle started with the idea of ​​​​making an application to help connect customers with nail salon owners in the US. From the original idea of ​​just helping Vietnamese people do nails in the US with more tools to help them work more efficiently. But after sharing this idea with his friends. They advised him to reassess the market. Finding the real needs of the overseas Vietnamese community.

Then, the features from basic to advanced were developed by him and his team in Vietnam. Maby – the application that Kyle launched initially to help nail artists in the US market.

According to research data of Ibisworld, the nail and hair market size in Canada will also fall to about $4.1 billion by 2022. And the Australian market, the size of the Waxing and Nail Salons market will also be up to $2 billion. Therefore, Maby is planning to develop markets in Canada and Australia.

Maby is now not only an application to support the nail salon industry, but also a platform to connect customers with salon owners in the beauty industry. This is a very potential market and there are still many opportunities to explore.

From a startup in Pennsylvania, USA, Maby has opened a branch in Vietnam for research and development purposes to be able to meet the demand for growth in the near future when preparing to expand further. Canadian and Australian markets.

Maby is expected to become a tool to help Vietnamese people do nail salon business more effectively. Meet the higher requirements of the market.

Guide through Odos crypto solutions

Sharon Anderson
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Guide through Odos crypto solutions

While the DeFi sector is pulling the blanket over NFT’s head the Odos crypto swapping platform is doing its thing. Indeed, it seems like we are on the verge of the appearance of the next DEX revolution. Read on to see what features are waiting for us!

What do we get with Odos crypto technology?

As you already know, DEXs are a real breakthrough solution in the crypto industry. Let’s name their core advantages:

  • full control of your funds – no need to trust them to third parties and companies;
  • anonymity – you do not need to share personal data;
  • availability – decentralized platforms can be used by anyone.

What’s more, by leveraging Odos, you get a chance to take advantage of the best prices in DeFi.

Things to learn before trading

Unlikely there is a lot to do in terms of polishing the DEX platforms. Here are a few most common cons:

  • Trading restrictions – it is difficult to organize the exchange of cryptocurrencies hosted on different blockchains. Although this problem is already partially solved by synthetic assets.
  • Somewhat more complex controls – you need to deal with storing keys and seed phrases from wallets, instead of just creating an account on the exchange.
  • Platforms can run into scalability issues as the blockchain imposes certain limits on the number of transactions per second.

Anyway, by weighing all the pros and cons one should come up with a decision on whether Odos crypto solutions are a good fit for their demands.

Expert opinions on the prospects for DEX

To feel the real value of the Odos crypto solutions, let’s see the thoughts of modern-day crypto influencers.

Nicholas Merten

Cryptocurrency analyst Nicholas Merten, founder, and CEO of Dogifox argued that decentralized exchanges have higher trading volumes compared to centralized ones. According to the expert, this has been the dream of many since 2017.

Vitalik Buterin

Vitalik Buterin said back in 2018 that centralized exchanges should “burn in hell”, mainly due to the fact that people often have to pay huge amounts to place new tokens on them. According to him, centralized exchanges exist only because they serve as a gateway between the fiat world and cryptocurrencies.

John McAfee

American entrepreneur and crypto enthusiast John McAfee said that “centralized exchanges are our weak point” and even launched a decentralized exchange powered by the Ethereum (ETH) blockchain, calling it McAfeedex. Unfortunately, the site has not gained popularity and is no longer working.

CZ

Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has shown himself to be a strong supporter of decentralization. The Binance DEX exchange continues to develop, and the developer believes that within a few years, decentralized exchanges are able to absorb centralized ones; he also spoke positively about AMM technology.

Summary

The DeFi sector is still young. Therefore its solutions may seem not user-friendly and easy to learn. However, after a few transactions on the Odos crypto aggregator, you’ll see a couple of additional benefits that we missed today!

Potential passing of online gambling bill could revolutionize North Carolinian digital technology

Sharon Anderson
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Potential passing of online gambling bill could revolutionize North Carolinian digital technology

Since its beginnings in the 1990s, online gambling websites have continuously challenged technological developments and incentivized advancements. As the North Carolinian legislature is processing a bill to legalize online gambling, let’s have a look at how online gambling has impacted the digital world.

For the past three decades, people all over the world have been able to entertain themselves with wagering and classic games in an online casino. Today, gambling is at the forefront of technological advancement through its incorporation of cryptocurrencies and the digital realm of the metaverse. 

The inherent innovative culture of the online gambling market aids in working towards a more integrated digital world, at the same time as it provides useful feedback for digital economic security. Below, we will discuss a few different ways that the gambling market has effectively achieved these functions. 

Multifunction and integratory platforms 

Perhaps more so than most other digital platforms, online gambling forced technology to be integratory between several different sectors. An online casino needed not only to publish its actual games and allow for game developers to make updates, but it also needed to create websites that cooperated with economic institutions, legal safety measures, marketing firms, etc. On top of this, the format needed to have an even greater focus on customer experience, such as good graphics, easy navigation, and customer service. 

Multi-transactional opportunities 

Online casinos are also economically unique in that there are several transactional processes in play all the time. Whereas most websites offer one-way purchases, gambling platforms need to handle both deposits, withdrawals, and exchanges between players on their platforms through games such as live poker or blackjack. 

Due to the large amount and functions of gambling transactions, online casinos have also been among the first organizations to accept revolutionary currencies such as crypto. The blockchain technology behind cryptocurrencies has helped reevaluate economic security online, and the widespread use of crypto on gambling platforms has helped the currency lower stigmas around the currency’s transactional values.  

Metaverse entrepreneurs

One of the newest cut-edge developments in technology is the evolution of the metaverse. The metaverse is a social digital platform where users interact as avatars to make transactions, socialize, attend concerts, etc. Though the platform hasn’t yet reached its peak, gaming developers have already begun adapting to the metaverse system. 

Users can already find a plethora of metaverse casinos within the metaverse landscape. Furthermore, the metaverse developments have led to experimentation with non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and earlier this spring a gaming developer released the first ever NFT slot machine in the Lucky Degens Embassy located in Decentraland. 

North Carolina’s gambling

Despite online gambling not yet being legal in North Carolina, the state is steadily working towards it. As of March 2021, North Carolina became the 21st state to legalize sports betting. However, similarly to many other US states, the law only considered in-person wagering. North Carolina houses two legal retail sportsbooks in the western part of the state. 

The SB 688 bill currently on the table seeks to expand the legal wagering to allow for both several new physical retailers as well as the legalization of online gambling. The bill proposes an 8% tax on adjusted gross revenues of online wagering, of which 50% would go back to aid local authorities to provide a variety of entertainment events throughout the state. 

The bill has already passed in the state senate as of November of 2021, and is now being processed in the House of Representatives who opened their session in May. If the bill passes in the House, it also has to be signed by the governor who officially signs it into law. 

NC disclaimer  

Please keep in mind that gambling is restricted in North Carolina, and that gambling with the chance to win money may be prosecuted as a Class 2 misdemeanor. Gambling is only legal in the state if it is conducted at one of the two tribal gaming establishments and if done in person. Raffles and bingo is allowed if conducted by a non-profit organization. You can read more about NC gambling legislation here. 

Gambling legislation throughout the country is changing rapidly, and laws especially vary between legalizing physical and online gambling. Hence, this article is written in compliance with current regulations at the time of writing. 

Productivity and Your Business

Sharon Anderson
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Productivity and Your Business

Encouraging productivity at your business is important, but what does that really mean? What are you trying to achieve? How do you balance it alongside other values? Prioritizing productivity above everything else can backfire. It’s also important to understand it within the context of the other things your employees do and your expectations for them.

The Concept

It may seem simple enough that productivity is working efficiently, getting more done in less time. However, it’s worth digging beneath the surface a little bit and considering the implications of increasing it. There are limits to that increase. There’s a point beyond which your employees can’t do any more, but pushing them to that point is likely to result in unhappy workers. It could have other consequences as well, such as more careless work. 

Think about what is more important to you, that a customer service representative work with a customer until that person is completely satisfied or that your representatives help a certain number of people each hour, leaving some of them satisfied but others less so? There’s not a right or wrong answer here, as working with one individual until they are happy can mean a considerable investment of time and resources, but it’s important to explore your thoughts about this so that you know what tradeoffs you’re looking at as well as how to communicate your expectations clearly to your staff.

Consider Processes

There’s a saying about getting work done that it can be two out of three; fast, cheap, and correct. As a business, you can’t afford to compromise on doing things right, so you’ll need to make a decision about the balance between fast and cheap. Keep in mind as well that what looks like efficiency can be misleading. Sometimes, it’s better to slow down and do something correctly than to deal with the consequences of frequent errors. Checklists might seem like a simplistic solution to doing things right, but they’re so effective that even medical facilities recognize them as an important tool in ensuring accuracy. 

When it comes to fleet management, an area where efficiency is especially prized, compliance is also critical. Drivers of non-passenger commercial vehicles with a class A commercial driver’s license must do a pre-trip inspection. A checklist can help them with this inspection check and remind them of the parts that they need to take a look at. While it’s true that this can feel like it slows things down a little bit, it will ensure compliance. Consider what processes you need in your company to balance accuracy with productivity.

Flexibility

Too often, employers assume that the more rigid their practices are, the more employees will produce. In fact, employee satisfaction is correlated with productivity, and flexibility is one of the keys to satisfaction. Not to mention flexibility in the workplace is one of the top ways to deal with stress and anxiety for your employees. Knowing they are not constantly under the thumb of management allows team members to relax and produce. In the past couple of years, with remote work on the rise, a number of employers found that employees who worked from home could be as or more productive than they were in the office. Even if you can’t or don’t want to offer the option of remote work, flexibility in hours can make a big difference to staff and can help in attracting quality employees.

Preventing Distractions

Another thing to consider is how you can cut back on distractions so that your staff can get more done. One helpful thing may be providing an area where they can engage in deep work. A kind of do not disturb area away from their regular desk can prevent interruptions from coworkers. Creating a break room can also help in cutting back on distractions since employees can go here to socialize, reducing noise in work areas. You may also want to consider introducing policies about social media and smartphone usage to remind employees to stay focused on work. However, this is another area where you may want to weigh additional factors besides productivity. Will your employees respond to such policies? Or will you get a more focused staff if they feel as though they are more in charge of their own time?

Setting Metrics

Ultimately, in order to measure productivity and determine whether various policies and practices are effective, you will need to set some kind of metric. For some positions, this may be fairly easy. You may want a certain number of phone calls, invoices or other specific units completed each hour or each day. For other types of work, the metrics may not be as easy to quantify, but you do need some way to measure productivity. Working with your employees to determine what is reasonable can give you insight into their challenges and allow them to feel ownership about the goals that have been set.

In-Person Voting in North Carolina Officially Starts Tomorrow For 2022 Midterms

Charlotte Stories
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In-Person Voting in North Carolina Officially Starts Tomorrow For 2022 Midterms

The 2022 Midterm Elections are finally here!

Our state’s in-person early voting period officially starts tomorrow (Thursday, October 20th), and ends 3 days before election day (Saturday, November 5th).

This year, there will be a total of 359 early voting sites across our state, which is up 17% from 2018, according t a press release from the State Board of Elections.

“The 100 county boards of elections have spent months preparing for the start of in-person voting for the important 2022 general election,” said SBE executive director Karen Brinson Bell. “The bipartisan election officials who work in each early voting site are prepared for a smooth voting process and to ensure the ballots of all eligible voters are counted.”

If you miss that deadline, you can still register and vote at the same time during the one-stop early voting period, October 20 through November 5, at any early voting site in their county. County-by-county early voting sites and schedules are available at the State Board of Elections’ One-Stop Early Voting Site Search.

Panthers Trade WR Robbie Anderson To Arizona After Sunday’s Sideline Drama

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Panthers Trade WR Robbie Anderson To Arizona After Sunday’s Sideline Drama

The Panthers have just traded arguably one of our best Wide Receivers to the Arizona Cardinals after a heated dispute between Anderson and interim head coach Steve Wilkes.

While it’s not known exactly what was said between the 2 during the game, you can clearly see the heated exchange before Anderson was sent to the locker room in this video:

Yesterday afternoon, the Panthers officially announced they would be trading the WR to the Cardinals for a 2024 6th-round pick and a 2025 7th-round pick.

What do you think about the decision?

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