People don’t quit their jobs, they leave their toxic/incompetent leaders. Successful companies need a laser focus on developing effective leadership skills. The style of micro- management and command and control that prevailed years ago is irrelevant. The cornerstone of success in today’s employment environment depends on relationship-building that begins with a leader’s ability to facilitate authentic, nurturing relationships with colleagues and clients – especially in these difficult times of the COVID pandemic.

In our last article, we outlined the benefits of exhibiting at a virtual trade show. But how can you ensure your company stands out among the rest?

Sketches and models are an essential stage in the engineering design process. However, 2D computer-aided design models do not always have the precision needed to solve complex problems.

In order to solve problems effectively, engineers must learn to innovate. For them to design new products and services or improve on those that have already been created, a creative mindset is essential. This continuous innovation is essential for driving economic and societal growth.

How do you get yourself into a creative mindset? Do you swear by a round of push-ups each morning, or do you eat the same thing each day? Maybe your best work is done to the sound of the morning birds, or you can only get down to brass tacks once the sun has gone down.

Whatever your preferences, one thing is for sure: whether they are writers, artists, or mechanical engineers, creative people don't rely on sudden revelations. Instead, their insights come from a consistent pattern and routine to their days. It is the mastery of everyday habits (not some mysterious spark of inspiration) which leads to success.

Telehealth, also known as remotely delivered healthcare, has been provided by healthcare providers for decades, but it was used by only 11% of Americans last year. Back then, federal regulations effectively hamstrung the ability of the technology to gain traction.

Working from home has become a popular option for many Americans. About 43% of workers regularly telework at least part of the time. An additional 25 – 30% of employees have had to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are obvious benefits to working from home. One of those is increased productivity. A recent study found that remote employees work 1.4 more days per month than their office-based peers, resulting in more than three additional work weeks annually. Telework also reduces or eliminates commuting time and associated expenses. It also can allow workers more flexibility throughout the day, possibly fewer distractions, and a healthier lifestyle. In this article, we take a closer look at how employees who are new to teleworking can adapt to this working model, as well as how managers can make sure that their employees’ work stays on track.

Working from home has become a popular option for many Americans. About 43% of workers regularly telework at least part of the time. An additional 25 – 30% of employees have had to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are obvious benefits to working from home. One of those is increased productivity. A recent study found that remote employees work 1.4 more days per month than their office-based peers, resulting in more than three additional work weeks annually. Telework also cuts or eliminates commuting time and associated expenses. It also can allow workers more flexibility throughout the day, possibly fewer distractions, and a healthier lifestyle. However, there are some potentially serious side effects on employees’ mental health.

Whether it is CES or AAPEX, setting up a booth at a trade fair has long been a great way to advertise to a target market and create awareness about your company. But as in-person meetings become untenable amid this pandemic, the physical activities we know and look forward to are shifting online for the near future.

To make an iPhone, Apple fetches parts from 43 different countries across the globe. This demonstrates the extraordinarily complex and far-reaching supply chain needed to manufacture the world's most iconic phone. Such a complex web of suppliers is not out of the ordinary for most of the world's products.  

As the initial COVID-19 stress subsides and working from home slowly becomes more familiar, it seems like a good time for engineers to begin to refine these new routines and ensure that we all continue doing our best work.