The 4th Utility?

‘You can spend hours saving time with a computer’ – a sentiment that probably rings true with many people that have to interact with a computer in their day to day lives.  As frustrating as it can be, getting the right result from your computer, it has become an essential item for the majority of business workers. 

From e-mail to Internet based transactions, letter writing to banking, we rely on our computers in a similar way to our other utilities like gas, water and electricity.
With something so imperative to your business, it is paramount to ensure it runs smoothly and with the least number of interruptions.

As computer software has become more common place, and the same software has crossed over into our homes and schools, it has become the norm to do some regular activities on our computer to try and keep it up to date, and in generally good order.

We would certainly recommend that this attitude is adopted, and taking a pro-active approach to looking after your computer software and hardware will definitely increase its working life, and provide you with a more stable service.

To liken this to other essential items, your vehicles, central heating boiler and air conditioning, your computer systems (including the workstations and servers) all benefit from regular maintenance and servicing.

The good news is that although a small amount of this servicing requires the presence of a trained individual to perform ‘on-site’, the majority of the software servicing can be handled in such a way that it is non-invasive and without down time to your business.

This proactive service is also taken a step further by the continual monitoring of key services, to allow your support company to stay close to every part of your system, and be on top of any faults and failures that could lead to a much more substantial break down.

Therefore, pro-active Computer Systems and Network monitoring, along with regular and frequent software and hardware maintenance will bring you a reliable and continuous service from your 4th Utility, meaning an efficient office and ultimately happy customers.

If you would like to benefit from this type of close computer network management, please contact us on 02380 386586

Now, where did I put it?

Holiday season has arrived and many workers are preparing for the off to sunnier climes, looking forward to putting their feet up for some well-earned rest.

It isn’t uncommon for many workers to feel that they should keep one eye on their office, often because they feel they would be able to relax more if they know that there are no major problems. Some feel as if they must be contactable throughout, and the really lucky ones have no problems completely switching off.

A recent survey of workers revealed the following statistics about our work/holiday balance:

• 95% take mobiles and smartphones abroad with the expectation of working
• 64% will take a laptop abroad
• 65% will remain in contact with the office of which nearly 50% will check emails at least once a day

The unseen issue with taking work with you is that if you are taking one of the many mobile devices that are available to keep in touch with your colleagues and customers, you are also exposing your business to the risk of this device being lost or stolen.

• 66% of these laptops will be unencrypted
• 51% left totally insecure without even a password for protection

And only 58% of workers worry about the security of the data they’ll take with them;

An unrelated survey of airports in the United States found that travellers left behind more than 11,000 laptops, tablet PCs, smart phones and USB sticks in the past year in USA alone

So, it is important not to forget that probably the most important and most expensive item you could be carrying on holiday is your company data.

To find out ways in which we can help to secure you and even your employees when out of the office, please contact us today

Happy holidays…

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a bird.

HJS Essentia’s Will Taylor and Poonam Pottiwal recently assisted [sonus] in their charity collection day. Will and Poonam were helping the team on Itchen Bridge in Southampton. Will became Sesame Streets’ Big Bird for the day and Poonam was very daring in her fancy dress…by donning a high viz vest.

A big thanks to all who donated to the charity (use the link above if you wish to donate but missed the chance).

HJS Essentia’s Will Taylor educating the road users of Itchen Bridge.

Exciting times..

In this current era of hearing sad reports about businesses closing down, we have some positive news. Due to the increased customer base and establishment of new departments HJS Essentia is expanding.
 
In all areas we have new team members: technical, administration and sales. With all the new staff we literally had nowhere to fit everyone! Walls have been removed at “Essentia Towers” and now our open plan office is even more open. The rumours that there’s now so much space that the sales team will be holding afternoon tea dances every third Thursday of the month are (reassuringly) untrue.
 
All this change is great news for everyone as it means our workforce have greater capacity in providing for your business needs. If you have a new business technology requirement call us today.
 

The Thames awaits our intrepid swimmers

HJS Essentia’s Simon Gale and Steve Brackstone are now days away from taking part in the British Gas Great London Swim 2011. As you can see from the photo, training has been going well (SOME editing may have taken place on this image).

We wish all the swimmers in the event the best of luck and hope a great amount of money is raised for the represented charities. If you would like to sponsor Simon and Steve please visit their Just Giving page.

Simon and Steve – go for it!

Customer Survey (June 2011)

Thank you to all those that took the time to complete the HJS Essentia Customer Survey. We had a good number of respondents and whilst the results were pleasing we certainly won’t be sitting on our laurels. The maxim “there’s always room for improvement” still stands true.

All respondents were entered into a draw for an HTC Smartphone.

The lucky winner of an HTC Legend was Peter Foyle of Mitchells Worktops Ltd. Congratulations Peter!

If you missed out this time, take heart – there will be further opportunities in the future to win a “gorgeous gadget”. If you can’t wait and want to get your hands on an Android, Blackberry or iPhone talk to our communications team today.

It could be you...

HJS Essentia are looking for a part time Receptionist and Administration Assistant. Five hours a day (9:30 – 14:30), five days a week (Monday – Friday).

Main roles:

      - Provide support for directors and sales staff to ensure efficient provision of customer service.

      - First line customer contact via telephone and provide administrative support to the
        team as required.

Key tasks:

      - Handle incoming telephone calls in an efficient and professional manner.

      - Make outbound calls to customers to keep them informed of progress for outstanding jobs.

      - Review the outstanding job list and ensure that call-back deadlines are met.

      - Support the Administration Manager in a range of administrative tasks which may include
        handling post and maintaining internal records.

      - Other sundry tasks as required by the directors from time to time.

Key performance indicators:

      - Positive contribution to customer satisfaction, evidenced by zero negative feedback.

      - Maintaining the goal of zero overdue job tickets.

      - Accurate completion of all telephone messages.

      - Satisfactory completion of tasks delegated by Administration Manager – monitored for
        accuracy and timeliness.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Please address all applications to hr@hjsessentia.co.uk
_____________________________________________________________________________