​August is National Golf Month! Going out to the course for a day is a great way to host an important business meeting or relax and enjoy the summer sun. Here are some of the best public courses in the St. Louis Area try!

                                          Tapawingo National Golf Club 
            Where is it located? 13001 Gary Player Dr, St. Louis, MO 63127
            Difficulty: 8/10
            Fairway Grass: Zoysia
            Their Website: http://www.tapawingogolf.com
            Fun Fact: Gary Player designed this golf course. It is one of the top Public Golf                    Courses in the St Louis Area.

                                             Normandie Golf Club           
            Where is it located? 7605 St. Charles Rock Rd. St. Louis, MO 63133
            Difficulty: 8/10
            Fairway Grass: Bermuda
            Their Website: www.normandiegolf.com
            Fun Fact: Built in 1901, this golf course is the oldest course built west of the                          Mississippi River.

                                                          Ballwin Golf Course
​            Where is it located? 333 Holloway Rd Ballwin, MO 63011
            Difficulty: 7/10
            Fairway Grass: Zoysia
            Their Website: www.ballwin.mo.us/About-the-Ballwin-Golf-Course/
           Fun Fact: Formerly known as Fox Creek Country Club, the City of Ballwin acquired            the course and buildings in 1974. It is also one of four golf courses in St Louis to be            a part of Forces on the Fairway, a program to give discounts to veterans.

                                 Eagle Springs Golf Course
            Where is it located? 2575 Redman Rd, St. Louis, MO 63136
            Difficulty: 7/10
            Fairway Grass: Zoysia
            Their Website: www.eaglesprings.com
            Fun Fact: While it is a public golf course, it is privately owned by Vatterott                              College.    

                                            The Courses At Forest Park
           Where is it located? 6141 Lagoon Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112
            Difficulty: 7/10
            Fairway Grass: Zoysia
            Their Website: www.forestparkgc.com
           Fun Fact: This beautiful course winds around Forest Park and you can see the                       History Museum, Art Museum, The Zoo, and even the Muny while playing the 27                 holes!

                                           Honorable Mention: Top Golf
            Where is it located? 16851 N Outer 40 Rd. Chesterfield, MO
            Difficulty: 1/10
            Their Website:  https://topgolf.com/us/st-louis/
 
 While this is not a true golf course, Top Golf provides a nice driving range for all of          the inexperienced golfers, including the staff at AMG and CCW! It is still a good way to have a meeting with a colleague, and a nice activity for the family as well!

• What is your profession and why did you choose it?

I am a lawyer.  I chose to become a lawyer because I wanted to help people navigate the law.  

• How long have you owned your own business?

I have owned my own practice for the past 26 years.  

• What inspired you to own your own business?

What inspired me to own my own practice was twofold.  1) I had been working a management position with GE running a $10 million business in St. Louis as the Operations manager.  A management restructure took place and they wanted me to move to Wichita KS.  My spouse had started her own CPA practice and we decided the best move was for me to be laid off and find another job in St Louis metro. 2) I began collaborating with my step brother's law practice working in Social Security Disability and eventually adding my niche practice of representing Veterans who were trying to get their service connected disabilities properly rated.  My step brother did not want an employee or partner which left me running my own practice working on some cases for him and developing my own.  
 

• What might someone be surprised to know about you?

People are always surprised to find out I like all kinds of music - especially heavy metal and rap/hip hop.  
  

• Do you have a hobby, play a sport, or have any special interests?

 I love to do indoor cycling (spinning) I have been involved with two different studios during the past 5 years.  Cyclebar in Chesterfield is where I currently attend sessions 3-4x / week.  I am usually the oldest person in the room. 
 

• What job would you be terrible at?

While I have an accounting degree from the University of Missouri St Louis, I know that my CPA spouse runs circles around me in terms of being able to do this detail, nitty gritty financial reporting work.  I would much rather prefer to work with people in helping them tell their story about their injuries and illnesses to the government to help them get the benefits they were promised.
  

• How do you think your business has impacted others?

When I look back at the 5000 to 6000 people I have been able to help with either their Veterans Benefits or their Social Security Disability at either the administrative level or the Court level I am humbled this many people put their faith in my ability to deliver the services they desired.  Robin, Tammie and I love hearing from clients who tell us "you made that so understandable" or "you really helped me (us) navigate this complicated system and put things in plain English".  
 

• Where is the most interesting place you have visited?

I would have to say the most interesting place was Bratislava in the old Yugoslavian Soviet empire.  We flew in from Dublin Ireland because Bratislava is only 35 miles from Vienna.  The airport was an old Soviet Air base.  It was everything you would think of with that term.  We had arrived on an early morning flight with a boisterous and drunk group of Brits attending World Cup Soccer.   The security authorities, while we were waiting in line to clear customs, came up to me and asked if I was with this group.  I was standing between them and my family.  I answered "no”. He said, " I did not think so”. He then led the 5 noisy (they were freely sharing their opinions of the efficiency of the Bratislavan authorities with everyone), to a room with bars and mirrored glass.  We cleared customs, took a bus to the train station observing the Soviet era cement buildings in the city, with occasional signs of western Commerce (Best Buy and Ikea) and exchanged our Euros into Crowns, as this country had not entered the EU at this point in time.  The train was very efficient but the Bratislavans who could talk minimal English almost thought it absurd when I asked for a cab to Vienna.  35 miles in Europe depending on the borders can be much more difficult to travel between.  
 

• If you could work anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

While I could not do what I currently do, Paris is my favorite city of all the places I have visited.  It is a delightful people, culture, food, wine, and accommodations. 
 

• How has working in a shared work space influenced your business?

 
Sharing the working space has had untold benefits.  Having other small business owners, and other employees from many different types of businesses has kept Robin, Tammie and I connected.  Being in a space with other lawyers, many of whom are solo or small firm practitioners has also helped.  Melissa, and her prior colleagues have reminded us of what a great receptionist is capable of, making a really great first impression. 

• What is your favorite restaurant from the St. Louis area?
  

My favorite restaurant in St Louis SugarFire BBQ.  Love BBQ. I lived in "BBQ Heaven" in Kansas City MO for several years in the early to late 80's  Back then the BBQ scene in STL was deplorable.  Since, with the coming of Pappy's Bogarts, Daly's and Sugarfire amongst others, we now get to share in great BBQ in STL.   Sugar Fire remains my favorite here, although I love Gates BBQ in KCMO. 

This June, we’re celebrating Workplace Well-being Month to introduce more healthy choices and activities into your workday! Whether you work from home or work in an office, here are some ideas to help you focus on your well-being!

• Prep Your Lunch – To decrease unhealthy snacking or ordering takeout every day for lunch, prep your lunches and pick a healthy meal to keep your body and brain healthy!
• Stay Hydrated – Drinking coffee all day can cause your body to be over-caffeinated and sluggish. Drinking water after a couple of cups of coffee in the morning can help keep your mind alert.
• Give your eyes a break – Staring at computer screens, televisions, and smartphones can cause our eyes to strain very quickly. Try decreasing the brightness on your screen or try using blue-light deflective glasses.
• Posture – Being mindful of how you are sitting at your desk can help align your back and keep less stress on your upper back, shoulders, etc. Try sitting straighter for more comfort and less strain!
• Breaks – Taking short beaks throughout the day can decrease stress and fatigue. Try going outside for some fresh air or even walking inside to get the blood flowing for a few minutes. Breaks promote creativity and refreshes your mind. Even taking a break by socializing with coworkers around you can help your mental state of mind.
• Stretch! – After sitting at your desk all day, your muscles can become very tight and tense. Try rolling your ankles, shoulders, neck, and wrists throughout the day to keep your muscles active while sitting. When doing longer stretches, like stretching out your entire arm, take deep breaths while holding the stretch to help calm your mind and your muscles – They’ll thank you later!

 

• What is your profession and why did you choose it?

I am a neuropsychologist, which is someone who studies the relationship between the brain and behavior.  I chose this field because it simply fascinated me.  When I was in school obtaining my Ph.D. in clinical psychology, I started learning more about neurology and neuropsychology and quickly decided this was the field for me.
 

• How long have you owned your own business?

 I started my private practice approximately two years ago.
 

• What inspired you to own your own business?

 Although I have been a full-time clinical faculty member at Washington University School of Medicine for nearly 15 years, I decided to start a limited private practice doing medical-legal consultation and disability evaluations about 2 years ago.  My inspiration for going into private practice was my desire to use my neuropsychological and psychological experience to assist attorneys and other representatives by providing consultation services in civil litigation. I also consult with the NFL, conducting neutral neurocognitive disability evaluations for their players benefit organization, and workers compensation evaluations for nurse case managers and physicians. I have found the mix of full-time clinical work and part-time legal/forensic consultation incredibly rewarding and intellectually challenging.
 

• What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I was born in a town of 590 people.
 

• Do you have a hobby, play a sport, or have any special interests?

I enjoy weight lifting, cycling, and most other physical activities. 
 

• What job would you be terrible at?

I would not be good at any art related field.

• Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?

 Oprah.
 

• Where is the most interesting place you have visited?

Rome.  My husband and I backpacked through Rome and other Italian cities soon after we got married and it was amazing.  The Vatican, Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and the museums were all spectacular.
 

• Do you have any advice based on your area of expertise?

Be ready for the long haul from an education standpoint.  To become a board certified neuropsychologist, a person has to obtain a Ph.D. in clinical psychology or other related field, complete a year-long internship, a 2-year-long fellowship, and then complete a 3-tier process to obtain board certification.  If you move through this training straight out of undergrad, you will be about 30 years old before you get your first job.
 

• If you could work anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

Alaska in the summers and Hawaii in the winters.
 

• How has working in a shared work space influenced your business?

I have thoroughly enjoyed working in a shared work space.  It is nice to see others working on evenings or weekends, which are the times I am typically in this office. The convenience of having someone else manage the details such as printers, the kitchen, trash removal, etc. is essential for me, given that I also work full time somewhere else. 
 

• What is your favorite restaurant from the St. Louis area?

Probably Citizen Kane’s in Kirkwood or Favazza’s on the Hill.
 

• What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

Volunteer.
 

• Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

That is a hard one, my musical interests vary from classic jazz to top 40. Recently, I have been having fun singing Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello songs with my daughter. 

Since nicer weather is here, we thought what better way to celebrate than go out and visit the area’s best parks! There are many parks and trails in St. Louis and St. Charles that are free to the public and offer various activities for a fun day in the sun. We put together a list of the most popular parks in the area. Check it out!  
1. Forest Park

1. Where is it? 5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park St. Louis, MO 63112
2. How is it different? There are so many different things to do here! It has various landmarks, natural highlights, picnic sites, boat house with paddle boarding, kayaking, etc! There is even a spot that has chessboards set up!
3. Their website- https://forestparkmap.org/dennis-judith-jones-visitor-and-education-center
4. They are open:
   1. Summer (3/1 - 11/30)
      1. Mon.- Fri.: 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
      2. Sat. & Sun.: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
   2. Winter (12/1 - 2/29)
      1. Mon.-Fri.: 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
      2. Sat. & Sun.: 6:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

1. Tower Grove Park
   1. Where is it located? 4256 Magnolia Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63110
   2. How is it different? It has 3 playgrounds and fountains, 12 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, 21 fields for baseball/kickball/soccer, and a farmers market! They also offer a senior program that hosts Chair Exercise, Line Dancing, and Tai Chi.
   3. Their Website: https://www.towergrovepark.org/
   4. They are open: Sunrise to sunset every day
2. Citygarden Sculpture Park
   1. Where is it located: 801 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101
   2. How is it different? This park displays interesting sculptures alongside dining restaurants on Market Street. There are two buildings that have green roofs to capture rainwater to increase conservation efforts throughout Citygarden.
   3. Their website: http://www.citygardenstl.org/
   4. They are open: Sunrise to 10PM
3. Tilles Park
   1. Where is it located? 9551 Litzsinger Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124
   2. How is it different? It was donated by Mr. Tilles in honor of his mother. The park is mostly known for the Winter Wonderland lights display. It has 2 playgrounds, various courts, fields, fishing, and a spray fountain area for the kiddos!
   3. Website: https://www.stlouisco.com/Parks-and-Recreation/Park-Pages/Tilles
   4. Hours open: 8AM to 30 minutes past sunset
4. Suson Park
   1. Where is it located? 6073 Wells Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128
   2. What’s different about it? First purchased by Sidney Salomon, Jr. Mr. Salomon was the first owner of the St. Louis Blues hockey team. It does have a playground, fishing, fritz shelter, lakeside shelter, and a working animal farm.
   3. Website: https://www.stlouisco.com/Parks-and-Recreation/Park-Pages/Suson
   4. Hours open: 8AM to 30 minutes past sunset
5. Shaw Park
   1. Where is it located? 27 S Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
   2. How is it different? This is one of the oldest parks in our area. It hosts a plaza, impressive 47 acres, various gardens, playground, pavilion, picnic facilities, and Centennial Greenway.
   3. Website: https://www.claytonmo.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/16/314
   4. Hours open: 8:30-30 minutes past sunset.
6. Lafayette Park
   1. Where is it? 2023 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
   2. What makes it different? There is Lafayette Park House, a beautiful lake for awesome pictures, Revolutionary War cannons, George Washington Statue, Thomas Hart Benton statue, various pavilions, and playgrounds.
   3. Website: http://lafayettepark.org/about-us/
   4. Hours: 6AM-10PM
7. Botanical Garden
   1. Where is it? 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
   2. What makes it different? There are 79 acres. There are some restaurants and cafes. Walk the 79 acres of splendid horticultural display and look at the 4800 trees that live there as well as the a tropical rain forest.
   3. Website: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
   4. Hours: 9AM-4PM
8. Frontier Park
   1. Where is it? 500 S Riverside Dr, St Charles, MO 63301
   2. What makes it different? Riverfront benches, outdoor Jaycee stage, 16 acres of greenery to have a picnic, and the iconic Lewis and Clark Statue.  
   3. Website: http://www.stcharlesparks.com/park/frontier-park/
   4. Hours: Dawn-12AM
9. Katy Trail State Park
   1. Where is it? 5901 S Highway 163 (97.08 mi) Columbia, Missouri 65203
   2. What makes it different? You can go camping, hiking, bicycling, swimming, fishing, or take a historic site tour of this 240 mile long trail.
   3. Website:  https://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park
   4. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
10. Katy Trail State Park
    1. Where is it? 5901 S Highway 163 (97.08 mi) Columbia, Missouri 65203
    2. What makes it different? You can go camping, hiking, bicycling, swimming, fishing, or take a historic site tour of this 240 mile long trail.
    3. Website:  https://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park
    4. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

We are excited to introduce Connie from Conmar. She has been a long term tenant of Creve Coeur Workspace and are delighted to feature her. Check out her interview below: 

• What is your profession and why did you choose it?

An accountant/bookkeeper.  I’ve always been pretty good with math and really enjoy making everything balance.  One of my favorite things to do is straightening out a big mess and then streamlining the work.  I love what I do and actually look forward to Monday mornings!
 

• How long have you owned your own business?

I count about 25 years and I’ve been in this shared office the whole time.
 

• What inspired you to own your own business?

The general contractor I was working for decided to sell his construction business.  He also owned several properties in Denver and asked me to take over the accounting for that.  And that’s how I became a business owner.
 

• What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I had an identical twin sister (she died 10 years ago) and people used to mix us up all the time.  In fact, another tenant told me that he saw me at the movies and when I said I wasn’t at the movies, he replied “well, you have a twin” and I said “yes, I do”.  We laughed after I told him about Bonnie.
 

• Do you have a hobby, play a sport, or have any special interests?

I love to shop, to play “live” poker at the casinos, and work jigsaw puzzles.  I also go swing dancing at least once a week.
 

• What job would you be terrible at?

Fortune telling.
 

• Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?

I idolize Oprah and really look up to her.
 

• Where is the most interesting place you have visited?

All of the Stein Mart stores in a 100 mile radius of St. Louis.
 

• Do you have any advice based on your area of expertise?

If you’re going to set up your company on QuickBooks, get some professional help because it’s not as easy as QBs makes it seem.
 

• If you could work anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

Probably right where I am.
 

• How has working in a shared work space influenced your business?

I don’t have to worry about being in my office for mail, deliveries, etc. and I’m in a professional environment for client’s appointments.  And I’m not working alone at home where I would probably still be in my pajamas at 3:00 in the afternoon.

• What is your favorite restaurant from the St. Louis area?

Bristol’s (love the biscuits)
 

• Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

I like listening to Josh Groban while working.

In a shared workspace environment, taking care of the space you’re in can make everyone’s work life easier. No one wants to walk into the shared kitchen area to see the sink full of dishes! Take note of these super simple tips to make everyone’s time in the space run more efficiently.
 
Schedule conference and meeting room time with wiggle room.
Oftentimes conference and meeting rooms are booked back to back. If your meeting runs over your scheduled time, you’re causing the next meeting to begin later than expected. Check with the receptionist to see if anyone is booked after you and add more time if you need it. We will do our best to accommodate you and your guests in a different meeting room if needed.
 
Be mindful of your noise level.
It can be quite distracting when you’re on a conference call to hear a neighbor’s music or conversation. If your phone is on speaker, keep the volume low or close your door. Keep music or other noise at a low level so you’re not disturbing your workspace associates.
 
Our most used shared space… the kitchen.
The kitchen is one of the busiest areas in our suite. Two easy rules of thumb here: First, if you wouldn’t want to smell it in your private office, don’t microwave it in the kitchen. Second, clean up after yourself. Please don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink or a trail of crumbs across the floor.
 
Utilize our most valued resources!
Our associates are our most valued resources. When you’re looking for help in a particular profession, why not see if someone in the suite can help you or your client? Creve Coeur Workspace is fortunate enough to have specialty tenants in many different areas of practice: tax pros, lawyers (Criminal, Estate,  Social Security, and more), home health care, realtors, insurance agencies, tech help, and financial advisors just to name a few.
 
What do you find most useful about being in a shared workspace? If you’re not already in a shared workspace, how do you think it would benefit you most? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy coworking!

• What is your profession?  Franchise owner of Visiting Angels Home Care.  We provide assistance to seniors so that they can age-in-place at home.

 

• How long have you owned your own business? June 2018 marked 10 YEARS!

 

• What inspired you to own your own business?  One day my best friend who was between jobs asked me to accompany her to vet a franchise called Visiting Angels.  We were both inspired by the opportunity to help those most vulnerable.  Prior to that, I had never aspired to be a business owner.  My friend purchased the Cleveland Franchise in 2002.  I took the faith-leap and left Anheuser-Busch in 2007 (before the buyout) to purchase the franchise here. Instead of matching beer to wholesalers, I now match our caregivers to families in need.

 

• What might someone be surprised to know about you?
  I hold a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I plan to attend seminary

 

• Do you have a hobby, play a sport, or have any special interests?  I love music and movies, and writing handwritten letters/notes

 

• What job would you be terrible at?  Chef

 

• Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished? 
  My mother and both of my grandmothers

 

• Where is the most interesting place you have visited?  Costa Rica

 

• Do you have any advice based on your area of expertise?  Every adult above the age of 35 should purchase a long term care insurance policy

 

• If you could work anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
  Somewhere 80 degrees year-round, sunny, beachfront

 

• How has working in a shared work space influenced your business? CCW provides a safe space to work among a community of other business owners.  I greatly appreciate the strong, first impression the space gives to visitors.

 

• What is your favorite restaurant from the St. Louis area?   
  Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill

 

• What are you currently reading?
  Into the Silent Land: The Practice of Contemplation

 

• What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?
  Travel outside of the U.S. and get immersed in another culture.  It is humbling and makes us more grateful.

 

• What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?
  Kitchen Update/Remodel

• Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to? Little Jimmy Scott (jazz artist)…very soothing

Featured Blog Post written by Creve Coeur Workspace Tenant, AccuPay
Contact: 636-532-9510 or payday@accupayhcm.com
The start of a new year is a great time to review your business processes and re-evaluate those that are causing bottlenecks. For many growing entities, outsourcing payroll and Human Capital related services can eliminate an enormous burden including repetitive tasks such as: paying employees, tracking time and PTO, hiring, on-boarding and even benefit enrollment. Outsourcing your Human Capital Management can also eliminate the risk of penalties and fines for tax filing errors, late payments, compliance, etc.

In a world where accessibility and convenience are expectations, 2019 is the perfect time to engage and empower your employees with a web-based employee portal and mobile application  to give them access to their personal pay information anytime, from anywhere. Employees want the ability to view/print pay-stubs, view PTO balances and request time off, request changes to their personal information, view benefit offerings and enroll electronically when eligible. Empowering your employees with these tools will relieve you of time-consuming processes that are typically involved in keeping up with on-going employee maintenance. 

Ask yourself these simple questions to determine what areas of your Human Capital Management process can be streamlined by a web-based single source solution.

Payroll

• Are you writing checks by hand each week to your employees?
•  Are you manually calculating taxes and deductions?
• Paying your own taxes to respective tax agencies?

Human Resources

• Do you have trouble tracking your employee’s raise dates, salary history, certifications and expirations?
• Are you constantly updating employee information such as direct deposits, addresses and withholding exemptions?
• Are you throwing away money by printing employee pay-stubs?

On-boarding

• Are you printing new hire paperwork to be completed by hand?
• Do you have accurate, complete, and consistent files for each employee?
• Are you collecting employee acknowledgements for notices and documents by hand?
• Do you have to remind your managers and supervisors to complete processing new hire paperwork in a timely manner?

Timekeeping and Scheduling

• Do you find yourself manually tracking and calculating employees time?
• Are you handwriting schedules each week?
• Do your employees request time off on post-its or other easily misplaced notes?

Benefits Enrollment

• Do your employees manually complete enrollment forms?
• Do you find yourself entering benefit enrollment forms to your carrier?
• Have you ever missed an enrollment window for a new hire or an employee with a qualifying life event?
• Do you find yourself manually creating a benefit summary for each of your employees?

If you are considering outsourcing one or more of these areas, be sure to consider the following while you are shopping for a trusted provider.

1. Web-Based/Cloud-Based: Consider a provider that offers a web-based platform that is accessible anywhere. The convenience of opening a browser (from the comfort of anywhere) and logging in to the latest and greatest without having to maintain your own software updates is highly desirable compared to desktop software with limited access, involved update processes and little to no integration with other systems.
2. Account Managers and Level of Support: No matter how tailored a platform is to your company’s needs, nothing can replace the value of a dedicated Account Manager that is available when you need support. When your company utilizes an Account Manager you will notice an increased confidence level as well as general system knowledge that will greatly improve your user experience.
3. Provider Compliance: When it comes to payroll and other Human Capital Management Services it is imperative to understand your provider's compliance standards. If your provider cannot elaborate on industry compliance or certifications, you may want to consider a change. Remember, even if you have outsourced your payroll, human capital management and tax services, the business owner is still responsible in the event the provider has failed to perform reporting and filing services.
4. A la Carte Menu of Services: Smaller businesses that are beginning to outsource services will without a doubt see the value in a provider that provides an a la Carte service model. Far too often business owners find themselves paying for a wide book of services and only utilizing one or two modules. This model is not only cost effective, but scalable and adaptable as your business evolves with the ability to add only the services you need.

When it comes down to it, choosing a Human Capital Management provider is no small task and there are many to choose from. Whether you are considering outsourcing or you already are, it never hurts to review your options. Consider  AccuPay HCMTM, a fellow CCW tenant! AccuPay HCM™ has been providing payroll and Human Capital Management services for over twenty-seven years to clients in 48 states and the District of Columbia. AccuPay HCM™ offers a web-based single source database solution and one on one dedicated support.  Give us a call today to schedule a no cost, no obligation Needs Analysis to see how AccuPay HCM ™ can help! Our Needs team will help you evaluate your business’ needs and make service recommendations that make sense with your budget and goals. 

Have you thought about preparing your work space for productivity by utilizing essential oils? By now I’m sure you’ve heard about the essential oil craze everyone is talking about! Essential oils are beneficial to our health and even our productivity. If you have a problem, chances are there’s an essential oil to fix it. Essential oils can be used in so many ways, such as aromatherapy, topically, and even for cleaning purposes. This natural approach to wellness can help calm and soothe, encourage positivity, and also help to rid your space of unwanted smells. 

Before you go crazy and buy a bunch of essential oils, check with any office mates you might have to make sure there are no particular scents that trigger allergies, etc. When choosing your essential oils, it is important to make sure you are buying good quality oils so you truly reap the many benefits they provide. The next step is deciding how you want to diffuse your essential oils, and there is no shortage of ways to diffuse your oils. Ultrasonic diffusers require a small amount of water and emit a fine mist that disperses the scent throughout the air. Nebulizing diffusers use an air pump that atomizes the essential oil into a fine mist, they do not use heat or water so the oil stays as pure as possible. Aromatherapy jewelry is a big hit for people who can't diffuse in their workplace. This gives you the ability to still enjoy and benefit from your essential oils without disturbing co-workers.

Essential oils can help you ditch all the harmful chemicals and cleaners used both in the office and at home. Most brands of essential oils sell blends that are great for fighting germs and help you sanitize correctly. Topical uses for essential oils include soaps, lotions, and scrubs. There are many DIY recipes for making your own, but always remember to follow the dilution instructions on the bottle. Different oils work in different ways for everyone, so start with scents you know you like. You can create a positive attitude, calm anxiousness, reduce headaches and nausea, or even just to deodorize your space!

The amount of essential oils on the market is endless! It can be overwhelming in the beginning, but here is a short list based on types of scents to help get you started:

Floral

• Lavender- Creating calm, peaceful surroundings
• Palmarosa- Steadying emotions, uplifting mood
• Jasmine Absolute- Creating a positive atmosphere, promoting feelings of love

Spicy

• Black Pepper- Easing achy joints, or sore feelings after a workout
• Cardamom- Calming of the respiratory or digestive system

Woody

• Cedarwood- Calming chaos and negativity around you, create a positive atmosphere
• Patchouli- Help to alleviate nervous tension and worry, good to use while meditating
• Sandalwood- Helps to relax the mind of everyday worries

Fruity

• Grapefruit Pink- Lightens mental fatigue and moodiness
• Lemon- Supports a healthy immune system, and uplift and revitalize the senses
• Lime- Clears your mind, and encourages mental clarity, also helps support a healthy immune system
• Bergamot-  Therapeutic, helps boost the mind and ease worries

Green

• Balsam Fir- Calming muscles and joints after a long day
• Cypress- Helps support healthy respiratory system, gives emotional strength
• Spruce- Helps lift away the “winter blues” by fighting off fatigue and energizing the senses

Herbal

• Chamomile German- Calming, assists with focusing
• Geranium Egyptian- Helps to ease tension from everyday stressors
• Juniper Berry- Natural purifier, eases nervous tension, great to use during meditation

Start promoting a healthy mind and body by utilizing the natural properties of essential oils. Your future self will thank you for it!