Chris Turn, Author at The Dishh

How to Secure Your Organization’s System for Time Off

By Chris Turn on November 3, 2023

As an organization, it is important to have a secure and well-managed system for employee time off requests. This not only helps in ensuring smooth operations and proper staffing, but also in maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information related to employees’ personal time. Here are some best practices that can help you secure your organization’s system for time off:

Use a dedicated time off management system

One of the best ways to secure your organization’s time off system is by using a dedicated management software. This will not only make tracking, approving and managing requests easier, but also provide an added layer of security. These systems often come with features like two-factor authentication and access controls, making it difficult for unauthorized personnel to access sensitive employee information.

Implement a clear time off policy

Having a well-defined time off policy in place can help prevent any confusion or misuse of the system. Make sure to clearly outline the process for requesting and approving time off, as well as consequences for any violations. This will not only promote transparency and accountability, but also discourage any potential security breaches.

Train employees on time off procedures

Just like with any other system, proper training is crucial to ensure its effective and secure use. Make sure to train all employees on the time off request and approval process, as well as any security measures in place. This will not only help prevent any accidental breaches, but also encourage employees to take responsibility for their actions.

During the training sessions, explain the time off policy clearly and emphasize its importance. Demonstrate how to navigate the system, submit leave requests, check leave balances, and perform any other relevant tasks. Encourage employees to ask questions and address any concerns they may have.

Regularly review and update access controls

As your organization grows and employees’ roles change, it is important to regularly review and update access controls for the time off system. This can involve limiting access to sensitive information only to those who need it, as well as revoking access for employees who have left the company. This will help prevent any unauthorized actions or data leaks.

Keep track of time off requests and approvals

Maintaining a record of all time off requests and approvals can be crucial in case of any disputes or investigations. Make sure to keep these records secure and easily accessible for future reference. This can also help identify any patterns or trends that may require additional security measures. By effectively tracking time off requests and managing employee absences, you demonstrate your commitment to supporting work-life balance. This fosters a positive work environment, enhances employee satisfaction, and promotes employee well-being. It also encourages employees to take the time off they need, reducing burnout and increasing productivity in the long run.

It’s no secret that maintaining a secure system for managing employee time off is essential for any organization. By implementing these best practices, you can not only ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information, but also promote a more efficient and transparent process for all involved parties. Remember to regularly review and update your procedures to stay ahead of any potential security threats. So, it is important to be proactive in securing your organization’s system for time off.

Types of Organic Certification: USDA Organic, EU Organic, and More

By Chris Turn on October 31, 2023

What is Organic Certification?

Organic certification is a process in which agricultural products are verified to have been produced using organic farming methods. This means that the products are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. They also do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and are not irradiated.

Types of Organic Certification

There are various types of organic certification that are recognized globally. Some of the most well-known certifications include USDA Organic, EU Organic, and Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS). Each certification has its own set of standards and requirements for farmers to meet in order to be certified.

USDA Organic

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the National Organic Program (NOP) in 2002, which regulates organic food production, including crops and livestock. The USDA Organic certification ensures that products are grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, irradiation, or genetic engineering. Farmers and processors must meet strict guidelines to obtain this certification, such as using only approved substances, maintaining detailed records, and undergoing annual inspections. Products with the USDA Organic label must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.

EU Organic

The European Union (EU) has its own set of regulations for organic certification, which are considered to be some of the strictest in the world. The EU organic logo is recognized in all member states and ensures that products are grown or produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and antibiotics. The certification process includes regular inspections and strict record-keeping to ensure compliance with EU organic standards. Products with EU Organic certification can be identified by the green leaf logo with stars.

Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS)

The Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS) is a certification program that sets standards for agricultural products produced within Japan or imported into the country. JAS organic certification follows strict guidelines for production, processing, and labeling of organic products. This certification also ensures that products are free from synthetic additives and have not been genetically modified.

Other Organic Certifications

Aside from the major certifications mentioned above, there are also other organizations and programs that offer organic certification. Some examples include Canada Organic, Australian Certified Organic (ACO), and Naturland in Germany. These certifications may have their own set of standards and requirements, but they all aim to promote organic farming practices and provide consumers with trustworthy organic products.

There are also third-party organizations, such as the Non-GMO Project and Certified Humane, that certify products based on specific criteria related to genetically modified organisms and animal welfare.

Benefits of Organic Certification

Organic certification provides numerous benefits for both producers and consumers. For producers, organic certification can lead to increased profitability, as organic products often command a higher price in the market. Organic farming practices can also improve soil health, reduce pollution, and promote biodiversity. For consumers, organic certification offers assurance that the products they are purchasing are produced without harmful chemicals and have undergone strict quality control measures.

Conclusion

Organic certification is an important process that ensures the integrity of organic products and promotes sustainable farming practices. With various types of certifications available, consumers can make informed choices about the products they purchase, while farmers can reap the benefits of producing organic goods. As the demand for organic products continues to grow, it is essential to have a reliable and consistent system in place to ensure that organic standards are met. Organic certification plays a crucial role in achieving this goal and promoting a healthier and more sustainable future for agriculture.

What Tasks Does a Management Consulting Firm Help With?

By Chris Turn on September 16, 2023

A management consulting firm is an invaluable partner in helping your business reach its goals. They offer a wide range of services to help businesses identify and solve problems, achieve their objectives, and maximize their potential. From strategic planning to operational improvements, a management consulting firm can help organizations make effective decisions and develop plans to move forward successfully.

Here are some of the tasks a management consulting firm can help with:

Strategic Planning

Using their expertise, consultants assist in developing a robust strategic plan. This includes setting clear objectives, defining strategies to achieve them, and outlining specific action steps. They ensure that the plan aligns with the organization’s vision, mission, and values. They provide insights on industry trends, competitive strategies, customer needs, operational efficiencies, and future opportunities. Through their experience and expertise, they can guide organizations through the process of developing a strategic plan that will create positive results will enable them to reach their goals.

Operational Improvements

Management consultants provide a fresh set of eyes and an external viewpoint to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement within an organization’s operations. They can assist in developing processes for the delivery of products and services, establishing customer service protocols, improving internal communications, and implementing IT solutions. They can also provide guidance on how to optimize performance through data-driven decisions and analytics.

Change Management

Change is inevitable, and a management consulting firm can help organizations navigate the complexities of implementing new processes or technologies. They will provide guidance on how to identify potential risks, create an effective communication plan, and build a team with the necessary skill set to ensure successful implementation. Their expertise in change management will help organizations make sure that the transition is smooth and effective.

Financial Analysis

Management consulting firms can provide valuable guidance on financial matters, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. They can help organizations identify areas where investments will have the greatest impact and develop strategies for controlling costs without sacrificing quality or customer service. They can also provide insights into regulatory issues that may affect operations, as well as tax implications for any potential investments.

Project Management

professional consultants can provide guidance on setting realistic goals, managing resources, monitoring progress, and assessing results. Their expertise in project management will allow businesses to ensure that their initiatives are successful and cost-effective. Businesses can benefit from the experience and expertise of experienced professionals. They are an invaluable partner in helping organizations identify and solve problems, achieve their objectives, and maximize their potential.

Risk Management

Based on the identified risks, consultants develop customized risk mitigation strategies. They provide recommendations on controls, policies, and procedures that can minimize or eliminate risks, ensuring business continuity and protecting organizational assets. They can provide insight on how to create plans to protect the organization from financial losses, regulatory issues, and other potential threats.

By utilizing the experience and expertise of a management consulting firm, businesses can gain valuable insights into their current operations and develop strategies to reach their objectives more efficiently.

“The Whole is Better than the Sum of its Parts”

By Chris Turn on March 30, 2023March 30, 2023

Written by April Morris, Co-Founder of Health Naturally.

It is not uncommon to hear someone say they tried CBD, but it didn’t make any difference. It’s unfortunate because while it’s true that many CBD products are not effective, all CBD products get a negative reputation. The truth is that all CBD products aren’t created equal! Many products list CBD as the main ingredient, but the ineffective products usually contain isolated or synthetic versions of CBD.

Aristotle said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Research and clinical studies show that using the whole hemp plant is much more effective than modified, isolated, or engineered versions. True full-spectrum hemp oil contains CBD and many other cannabinoids and varins. Products and supplements made with true full-spectrum hemp oil are efficacious in helping with many health conditions.

Of course, products made with modified, isolated, or engineered CBD are less expensive and much easier to make. In the U.S., companies alter, synthesize, extract, or isolate the active ingredient to create a bio-identical ingredient. Research shows that an isolated CBD needs 500 milligrams to have a positive effect in an 8-year-old child. Studies conducted on true full-spectrum hemp oil show that 50 milligrams can provide relief from chronic pain, sleep problems, anxiety, weight gain, weak immunity, cholesterol issues, and other conditions that plague people as they age. Reaching homeostasis is how true full-spectrum hemp oil works.

CBD can only affect the receptors in the C2 nervous system, while true full-spectrum hemp oil affects the C2 nervous system receptors AND the C1 nervous system receptors, and possibly a third, newly discovered receptor system. This multiple activation of different receptors is caused by the Entourage Effect, due to the high amount of important cannabinoids, varins, and terpenes found in the true full-spectrum hemp oil.

THCv, tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a rare potent cannabinoid that holds great promise for improving a variety of human health conditions. It is an important component that explains why true full-spectrum oil is much more effective than just CBD alone. Isolated CBD cannot contain other cannabinoids like THCv, which has been effect in weight loss, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and several other issues.

Human double-blind clinical studies accomplished with full-spectrum hemp oil containing high amounts of CBD, CBDv, THCv, CBDA, and CBN naturally, as well as an abundance of terpenes and flavonoids showed amazing results. Most of the testing was performed repeatedly on groups of 150 people or more, 100 in the control group and 50 in the placebo group. Highlights of the studies include:

Sleep Issues – Fitbits were used to measure an increase of 2.9 hours of deep sleep, compared to the placebo group; and participants fell asleep 22 minutes sooner.

Weight Loss – Participants showed an average loss of 10.2 pounds, and some subjects lost up to 20.5 pounds in 90 days.

Anxiety – Participants reported a 69% decrease in anxiety after 90 days.

Pain – Using a pain scale, participated reported relief of their pain by an average of 65%.

The answer to the complaint that CBD doesn’t work is that some people are using the wrong CBD products. Isolated, engineered, and synthetic CBD products are often ineffective. But true full-spectrum hemp oil, which contains CBD and other important cannabinoids and varins has been proven to be efficacious in improving many health conditions.

Think All CBD Companies And Products Are The Same? Guess Again!

By Chris Turn on July 8, 2022July 8, 2022

Since alternative natural products have become more mainstream in recent years, there has been a corresponding rise in CBD production. With that comes a variety of hurdles, including a host of negative misconceptions about these products themselves. This leads to a lot of people feeling concerned about the idea of using CBD products, despite all of the positive effects CBD is not only known for but has also proven over time. The team at VIVE CBD is working tirelessly to revolutionize the CBD industry, by fully educating their customers to ensure there are no misconceptions about their products or the way they are made.

VIVE CBD is just like every other start-up, in that it started as an idea shared between three best friends. Using the expertise that each brought to the table, they were able to build their company from the ground up. Today, they have a thriving business – and brand, which is helping people around the world.

When asked about why she chose to join VIVE CBD, Chief Operating Officer Lina Somerset said that “the goal is not just to be another CBD company, the goal is to better serve those who take CBD.” This company is certainly dedicated to ensuring the customer has the best experience possible. CBD products are an easy and effective addition to your daily routine. VIVE’s certified organic hemp-based wellness supplements are made specifically with the goal of helping to reduce the effects of everything from physical pain to stress and anxiety.

CBD, while medically proven to help with a wide variety of physical and emotional challenges, does not come in a universal product or dosage. Therefore, in order to shed light on the multitude of potential positive outcomes from their products, VIVE places a larger emphasis than most on their end consumer’s knowledge base. According to Somerset, to date, their products have exceeded their expectations. This is due in large part to the results from their third-party full panel testing that are accessible to the public on their website. They intentionally make their results transparent because they want to help make a more educated CBD consumer. The insights gathered from this process, as well as feedback from their customers has helped VIVE create best-of-breed products that work.

While there are many types of CBD products available today, VIVE products undergo a more thorough manufacturing process. CBD is infused into products rather than sprayed on them. Somerset explains that this is, so the customer gets the best result possible. Flavors are all natural, and their products are made, packaged and shipped from Michigan.

When you have more knowledge, it’s easy to understand the difference between CBD products. If you’re looking for a product line made by a company that cares, look no further. After looking at many CBD brands, this author can confirm that VIVE CBD not only tastes the best, (with no added sugars or dyes), but also made a difference for me personally.

Types Of Exercise That Can Get You Into Great Shape

By Chris Turn on December 14, 2021December 14, 2021

2022 can be the year that you finally keep your promise to get into decent shape. Your body composition will only go as far as the exercise takes you as you will have to eat in a healthy manner as well. Muscles are made in the gym while abs are made in the kitchen. Finding a form of exercise that you actually enjoy is something that could take a bit of trying. Other people love certain types of exercise and just need to get back into their old routine. The following are types of exercise that can get you into great shape.

Yoga

Yoga therapy can be great for the mind and body simultaneously. Yoga has been practiced for so long that there is an obvious spiritual element. Anytime that you can clear your mind and concentrate on your breathing you will find you are relieving stress. So many people have a tough time turning off their minds and yoga can allow you to do just that. Yoga is low-impact and can help people that have pain that is caused by a lack of flexibility.

Swimming

Swimming is a form of exercise that is easy on the joints which is very important. You do not want to try to do certain activities as it can come back to haunt you as you get older. You don’t want to have back knees or a bad back from running daily on concrete. Even water aerobics is done by elderly people as it helps get their heart rate up without a chance of serious injury. Interval training could be the best thing for you as you can maintain a heart rate. Holding your breath and breathing in a certain pattern can also drive up your heart rate and provide a great anaerobic workout.

Spin Classes

Spin classes have gained popularity around the US in the last 15 years. The motivation that the right spin instructor can provide allows their students in the class to push themselves to new levels. Biking can be something that is far more fun for certain people that want to explore a certain area. You can even take spin classes at home with a Peloton or virtual trainer. Finding the right instructor can allow you to look forward to exercising daily.

Daily Hikes On An Incline

Daily hikes are something that will be a great usage of your time. Hiking on an incline can be a challenge, especially when going a long distance. You will need the right equipment as you don’t want to hike in tennis shoes as this is a recipe for an ankle injury. You might even knee a walking stick and keep something for protection if hiking in an area with bears or mountain lions.

Getting into great shape is something that will take consistent effort and a focus on eating a healthy diet. Make sure you enjoy the form of exercise you dedicate yourself to as this can make all of the difference.

How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher

By Chris Turn on December 7, 2021February 9, 2022

Some materials can be disposed of easily. Others, however, require more specific waste management procedures to ensure they’re disposed of safely. This can include materials that are toxic (or that contained toxic materials), pressurized, or can otherwise harm the environment.

When a fire extinguisher is empty, it needs to be disposed of properly. When doing this, make sure you dispose of the fire extinguisher in the proper way by following these steps:

1. Disconnect The Hose From The Fire Extinguisher

After you have emptied your fire extinguisher, there should be a hose attached to the top of the cylinder that holds pressure for use. This hose is connected to another hose on the side that helps keep pressure inside the container when engaged. Be sure to disconnect both hoses from their respective connectors after removing any caps or locks securing them into place, and set them aside for disposal. You can dispose of these hoses with regular waste management procedures since they are non-hazardous materials (unless there is still pressurized gas in the extinguisher, in which case you should dispose of them as hazardous waste).

2. Remove The Discharge Nozzle

The discharge nozzle is the small, pointed end of the fire extinguisher that was used to expel the pressurized gas and extinguish flames. Carefully remove it from the top of the container by unscrewing it counter-clockwise. There is usually a seal around the nozzle that will come off with it, so be careful not to lose it. The discharge nozzle can be discarded normally.

3. Release Any Remaining Pressure In The Cylinder

Before disposing of your fire extinguisher, release any remaining pressure inside the cylinder. Do this by firmly pressing and holding the push-button on the top valve for two minutes. This will relieve all pressure inside of the cylinder, allowing it to be disposed of easily without any additional steps.

4. Dispose Of The Fire Extinguisher

Once your fire extinguisher has been drained of all pressure, you are ready to dispose of it. There are hazardous waste disposal procedures in place if there is still pressurized gas left in the container, so do not dispose of it with regular garbage pickup. If there was no residual pressure or anything hazardous inside, dispose of it through regular waste management procedures according to local laws and regulations.

Keeping your community safe is everyone’s responsibility, and properly disposing of a fire extinguisher is one way to do your part. Be sure to follow the steps above when your extinguisher is emptied so that you dispose of it in the safest way possible. For more information on waste management and how to dispose of hazardous materials, contact your local waste management department or visit their website.

The Divorce Process and What You Need to Watch Out For

By Chris Turn on May 6, 2021May 6, 2021

The divorce process is going to be stressful regardless of the situation. The stress comes from the unknown as you might not know what you are going to do or where you will live. Getting an attorney is of paramount importance as you do not want to lose everything in the divorce due to representing yourself. The divorce process can be tricky especially when you have a vindictive soon-to-be ex. Protecting yourself at all costs is important as some exes want revenge or to ruin the life of their former lover. The following are things that you should watch out for when going through the divorce process.

Do What Is Right For Kids If You Have Them

The best scenario that can occur when divorcing with kids is an amicable custody agreement. Child custody in North Carolina will differ from California due to state laws. Agreeing on a custody arrangement that allows both parents to work and adequately take care of the children is essential. While you might want to see your ex multiple times per week, you might find that you are far better off parenting separately than when you were living together.

Embezzling Shared Funds

Unfortunately, scorned lovers might use financial influence to exert one last act of power over the person divorcing them. Take your money out of this account slowly so you have a nest egg. The last thing you want is to not have a downpayment for a new place to stay because your ex wanted to be spiteful. Shared accounts make it difficult to say that your spouse used all of this money or put it elsewhere for revenge. The right attorney will be able to make sure that all funds and assets are noted so nothing can be hidden.

Being Recorded Doing or Saying Something in Poor Taste

There are single-party consent states so you can be recorded without your knowledge or approval. A person out to get the most out of the divorce could try to antagonize you or get you to say something over the phone. If you are not living together, you can simply ignore them and let the attorneys do the talking. Avoid making up last-minute especially if you have thoroughly thought about your decision. No great marriages end in divorce which is something you need to remind yourself through this process. Being confident in your decision can make it easier to move on with your life later.

Infidelity can nullify certain prenuptial agreements which you need to consider. Your spouse could try to set you up in a way so you receive nothing in the divorce. Most prenuptial agreements have a clause about fidelity or being married for a certain amount of time. Others have demands like that of children in order to receive any form of financial support.

The divorce process can get a bit ugly but this is not always the case. Take the time to protect yourself during this time legally with an experienced divorce attorney.

Run Smoother Tax Audits with Outsourcing

By Chris Turn on March 25, 2021March 25, 2021

With the coming deadline for tax season, you need to consider how you are going to go about fulfilling your business’ tax requirements. A lot of companies find it much easier to run a tax audit with third-party assistance.

A tax audit is essential to make sure that all of your reporting obligations are adhered to and your business is running tax-efficiently. But, why does it make sense to outsource this part of business instead of handling in-house IT? Let’s take a look at some of the different reasons why it is recommended to outsource tax audits, and how the right IT help can prepare you.

Why Outsourcing Helps

One of the main reasons why it makes sense to outsource this part of your business is because you can benefit from an expert service. If you do not have any experience in finances, you may not be able to guarantee that you are dealing with your tax audit in the most effective and beneficial manner.

This is why it makes sense to use the services of experienced tax accountants who know exactly what is needed, and have run many different tax audits before. You can make the most of their expertise to ensure that you are not missing out on any tax breaks available to you.

Another reason to consider outsourcing your tax audits, is that it can save your business money; many people do not consider outsourcing because they fear it is going to be more expensive, but this is often not the case. (Don’t forget to file your insurance as well to get

The reason tax outsourcing is typically cheaper is that you are better guaranteed to receive all of the tax breaks available to you, so you are not missing out by paying more tax than you should be! Not only this but handling tax audits in-house can be more expensive, especially if you are going to need to invest in training your employees.

Outsourcing Provides Peace of Mind

Not only is outsourcing helpful for your tax break, but it really helps bolster your IT. When you outsource your IT, you welcome a competent team of IT professionals who can help you with data storage to ensure you have all your tax files organized, on hand, and safely stored for future reference.

By outsourcing tax audits, you free up the time you would have spent to delegate towards your own business. You can focus on your core activities, which will ultimately boost your bottom line, and instead, you can let the accounting experts handle your tax returns for you. This works the same for your IT, as you can have confidence that any problem you might come across in taxes won’t be caused by IT, since you have the best care you can have.

If you work with an IT consultant, they can help you know what issues might be slowing down your productivity and what you can do to improve in order to run your business efficiently as technically possible.

The Importance of Workplace Security

By Chris Turn on March 24, 2021

All businesses are going to have assets that they can’t afford to lose. However, if the asset is valuable to the business, you can assume it will have value to those who might steal it, as well. Digital equipment, machinery, and even data can all be stolen.

Workplace security is the means by which we combat that very real threat of theft and unauthorized access. Today, workplace security works in a few different ways. Here are some of the ways you can neutralize potential and existing threats to the business.

Preventing unauthorized access

Not every individual who visits the workplace may need to have access to the assets that you have. For things like the inventory in the stockroom and highly valuable equipment, access should be controlled physically, such as with the use of ID-based restrictions.

For digital assets, such as valuable and sensitive data, you should ensure that you use systems with two-step authentication and passwords, as well as access control to make sure that every user has to verify their identity and that each individual user account has access to only the data that’s relevant to them.

Surveillance and alerts

Anticipation of security threats in the workplace is crucial. For physical assets, this can mean using things like wireless surveillance systems, alongside security alarm systems so that you are alerted to the unauthorized presence in the property as soon as possible.

For digital systems, this might mean working with a managed cybersecurity team who can monitor logs from a range of digital access points that can raise the alarm as soon as there is any suspicious activity. From there, they can lock down certain parts of the system, stopping the spread of any threats until it is resolved.

Creating a strong security policy

The security systems in place are only going to be as effective as the team that is operating them. As such, frequent training on workplace security threats and the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive security policy is key.

Your team needs to know what steps to follow in the event of a potential breach. Rather than leaving it entirely up to their discretion, security and crisis management policies can help direct them to productively dealing with them as soon as they can.

Determining and preparing for threats

In order to make sure that you are putting strong security policies in place, you should start with an evaluation of the security needs of the workplace. A risk assessment will help you figure out what you need to protect and how it is currently unprotected. From there, you can work with the right physical security and cybersecurity management teams to find the best options to correct those threats.

With the help of strong security policies, the right equipment, and the help of a cybersecurity management team, you can make sure that your business is protected from the threat that criminals pose. Take the time to identify the assets that you value, the security threats that exist around them, and what you can do to close those gaps.