CFO Lifestyle

Valentines Day Special: Financial Red Flags From Your Dates

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14 February 2023

Financial conversations don’t tend to come up when on dates but by the time people start noticing concerning patterns, they have already entered a commitment they can’t easily get out of.

Romance is in the air once again as the days of Valentine’s approach begin to draw near. Everyone hopes to be struck by Cupid’s Arrow, to find their one true love and live happily ever after. But as in fairy tale’s where one’s true love should be a dashing prince with gleaming armour, the modern day true love should arrive with a well-maintained wallet and sound financial acumen. Valentine’s love can often shroud such critical views from one’s eyes, but like the shrewd mind of Belle, the beloved of the Beast, one must always uncover the truth underneath. As such, these are the signs of a partner lacking in finance. 

Wealth is Meant to Be Spent

One of the clearest signs of a partner lacking in financial acumen is the mindset of want more, keep less. In the growing pace of fast fashion, limited edition items and once in a lifetime spends, many men and women have become enticed to the idea of spending their money away in the moment without regard for the future. ‘Wealth is meant to be spent’, and the money leftover is just extra spending power to be used in the next month. Such disregard for savings and future concern is on the rise among the people of today, coupled quite finely with the speedy seasonal changes of markets and products. A struggling partner is a struggling relationship, and it is a poor start to a budding romance. 

A partner that spends too much is often covered from head to toe in branded goods. Hundreds of dollars will mark each piece of their attire and their carefree attitude to spending will be pervasive throughout their life. What they see, what they feel, and what they hear is more than enough to have them remove their wallet and spend, with no regard being given as to what the money left in their bank can be done to help them or future them. And, of course, less money for them is less money for the relationship. Soon enough, the relationship itself will become a sinking ship that you are keeping afloat. 

So wear your armour when you spot such a partner in your horizon. Deny cupid the chance to strike you with its shroud as you remain vigilant against the threat of over spending. 

Your Money, Our Money

Another red-flag of a budding romance is when your partner insists that both of your income should become one. It can often seem romantic, sharing money with one’s true love is a symbol of unity and shared life, but it is also a sign of somebody aiming to spend beyond their means. Somebody willing to spend money that is not their, or conversely, spend money from a shared account without discussing with their partner, is somebody who sees only the sudden bump in their bank balance rather than the symbolic meaning of having a joint account. 

On the same hand, excessive borrowing without consistent returns is also a big red-flag. It can indicate a selfishness in the partner, or a disregard of their kindness, as they continue to exploit you as a piggy bank. It can also indicate that your partner is constantly in the red, never being able to recoup their losses enough to return the money. While it is not always a sign of bad spending habits, as people have very valid struggles in the rising costs of living, there should also be a point of distinction. Struggles due to the nature of living should be discussed and openly shared, but struggles created by a habit of overspending should be enough to signal their true intentions. 

Guard yourself just as you hope your partner guards them, and you would be more likely to find someone who shares in your mindset. 

Money is a Secret

You’re on a date with your significant other, you want to buy something that would be nice for the both of you, and decide to ask your partner how much they have to see if it is feasible to purchase. They respond aggressively, vaguely or all-together try to hide their bank balance from you. This is a red flag, a partner that refuses to share the money they have with you. While certainly not obligated to share their bank balance with you on a daily basis, a partner that is constantly vigilant of you knowing how much they have in their bank account at any given moment can be a tremendous source of anxiety and a red flag. 

Secrecy often begets the guilty, and though it isn’t fair to sweep all behaviours like this under that veil, it is still no doubt worrisome when one’s true love means to spend the rest of your life together in matrimony. Wouldn’t it ease your worries if you were aware of the financial situation of your partner? Then, it was only a question of what to do as a partnership to continue on forward together. But a partner that doesn’t want to show you something is hiding something, and oftentimes it’s because they do not want to face the consequences of what would happen should their hidden secret be revealed. 

Save yourself the uncertainty and protect yourself from future hardship. 

These are some of the red-flags to look out for this on Valentines Day. Do not allow the strike of Cupid’s Arrow to blind you from the potential of financial collapse in a relationship and remember – Wealth is a lifestyle shared.

Make Your Corporate Christmas Party More Exciting!

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Fatihah Ramzi, DigitalCFO Asia | 13 December 2022

In the interior dynamics of a company, it can be a challenge to make an interesting Holiday Christmas party to celebrate the end of the year.

Holiday’s season beckons a day of family, relaxation and time spent among the company of friends. However, in the interior dynamics of a company, it can be a challenge to make an interesting Holiday Christmas party to match that kind of energy. It is the goal of any good team to create a fun and fulfilling Christmas party that can galvanize a sense of kinship among their coworkers and provide an outlet to relax in the closing edges of a long working year. Of course, extravagance doesn’t always mean fun and Christmas aficionados may feel more justified to more quirkier decisions that can wind up to be more enjoyable than a fine-dining experience. Here are six ways CFOs can make the yearly Corporate Christmas Party more fun for the finance team!

1. Christmas Tree Decoration Competition

The department competition is a staple of any holiday season and is a tried-and-true method of creating a festive mood between coworkers. It could be done by informing teams beforehand to bring ornaments and decorations to prepare their tree or by having them create as unique a theme as possible using random objects. Either way, it would be a fun creative activity that would amuse the judges and coworkers alike. As an added bonus, you can keep the winning Christmas tree for next year and create a new office tradition.

2. Ugly Sweater Station

We’re always dressed to impress, in whatever environment or situation we are in, there is no one who doesn’t want to look their best. But the Holidays have a unique way of smashing away things that can get in the way of fun and an ugly sweater competition is always a good choice. What a laugh it would be if the always well-dressed Jane or Tom suddenly comes to work in a god-awful red and green reindeer sweater that matches with their pants as well as a raccoon in a dress. It’s an activity that brings people together by shared hilarity.

3. Secret Desk Santa

Secret Santa’s are almost always synonymous with Christmas work parties but what about a Secret Desk Santa? During the party you get selected to decorate one of your coworkers desks however you want to. It’s a fun activity that is matched by the same thrill that comes with secret Santa. What will your desk look like? Can you guess who decorated your desk like that? Will it look nice or would it be a prank? It’s an old concept given new depth. A feeling of expectation and surprise that can spur out laughs among people who may never have interacted before. It can also lead to new office jokes and moments to be remembered forever.

4. Snowman Hide & Seek

Inspired by the Office Scavenger Hunt idea, Snowman Hide & Seek have you hiding snowmen all throughout the office for your coworkers to find. Each snowman found can be used to redeem a seasonal prize for the prize station or, if you want to add competition into the mix, you can instead use the snowmen as currency to exchange with prizes listed at the station. It’s a fun way to explore the office space and find unknown locations in search of the elusive snowmen. Imagine the fun when two coworkers find a snowman together and have to decide who gets to leave with the bounty – it’s priceless fun that will bring coworkers who may never have met closer together. 

5. DIY Edible Crafts

Most Office parties will have a snack table or a sweet table as a given for Christmas Office Parties. So, why not make it part of the fun activities? Enter a DIY Edible Crafts table where plain cookies, gingerbread men and houses will be left for staff to decorate as they please. Coworkers gushing about how well they’ve managed to decorate their cookies, people laughing at abortive attempts at cute designs and a general relaxed atmosphere as they enjoy flexing their creativity with the all important sweets to fill their sugary needs. It’s a plan that cannot fail and will surely be remembered fondly by everyone who participates.

6. Polaroid Extravaganza

Every Holiday season comes with a photo booth for coworkers to get together and take fun pictures together. These are all well and good, but what about putting the camera into the hands of your coworkers? Let coworkers have free reign over a few polaroid cameras to take instant pictures with and share around the office space. Let them create the pictures they want to see outside of a green screen background or prepared picture decorations. Then you can collect the polaroid pictures and display them on a festive themed wall for everyone’s viewing or let them keep the photos for themselves.

These are just some of the ways CFOs can create a festive Christmas Holiday mood that may stray from the traditional Dinner and Dance that most companies do. Simple, easy to do and a great time for staff who themselves are preparing for their own personal Holiday parties with family and friends. They’re the perfect activities or an office or work space to unwind from a long year and get ready for the next.

12 Work Trends To Keep An Eye Out For In 2023

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DigitalCFO Newsroom | 13 December 2022

As flexible working arrangements continue to be a focus, organizations should pay attention to the latest Future of Work trends that could determine the effectiveness of their strategies to attract, retain and secure quality talent in a tightening labor market.

The Great Resignation” and “Quiet Quitting” were the talk of the workplace off and online in 2021 and 2022, but what could 2023 hold when it comes to workplace vernacular? At Deel, we know a thing or two regarding work trends to watch out for. After all, we’ve onboarded with over 100,000 employees and contractors worldwide via our platform.

2022 saw a shift in the way we perceive the role of work and the importance of work-life balance – with more employees seeking flexible work arrangements such as fixed off-site days, 4-day work weeks, or flexible hours that empowers them to pursue their desired lifestyle and needs. As organizations continue to find the sweet spot between organization efficiency and employee expectations amid the hybrid work era, we’ve combed the internet, contacted contractors, and polled some people to compile 12 trends to look out for in the coming year:  

  1. Overemployed (by choice)

Remote workers are gaming the system by using flexible hours and asynchronous tools to juggle more than one job at the same time. For them it’s all work, more pay.

  1. A Chief Remote Officer

With remote work on the rise and here to stay, the title of CRO is popping up on job boards everywhere. Most job descriptions entail all the elements around remote team set-ups, including hosting in person events, how to work in different timezones, comp strategies, and internal comms tools.

  1. Workcation

Work while traveling the globe? Well it’s now a reality and more often than not, seeming to become the norm. New tools like Deel are enabling people to not only work from their couch, but even those gorgeous huts on the water in the Maldives.

  1. Flex Holidays

Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving, and with more and more companies embracing distributed work, teams are leaning into the idea of flexible holidays. More workers are getting the power to decide what holidays they take off instead of a one size fits all calendar. After all, global teams are, well, global.

  1. Gen Flex

The latest generation entering the workforce is having one of the most unique experiences in decades. While some entered during a recession, the latest generation has never even stepped foot in an office for work. Virtual work is…well, their reality.

  1. Flexetariat

Today’s workforce is putting flexibility and freedom at the top of their working requirements (and life). Now more than ever teams are trading perks for the non-negotiable of being a Flexetariat.

  1. Talent Snatching – Another day, another offer letter

In the midst of ongoing layoffs, one interesting trend is bubbling up. A bidding war for talent. Some workers are finding themselves working at one company for only a few months before getting a more appealing offer elsewhere, oftentimes out of nowhere. Talent Snatching can be savage, but competitive offers sure do have their benefits.

  1. Sukima – extra time is extra money

In Japan, Sukima is something young people are embracing. They’re turning free time into extra cash with new apps, such as Jobcase, Timee and LINE Sukimani,  that help match them with jobs like waiting tables or making deliveries, so there’s no time wasted; just money earned.

  1. Casual E-Signatures

With apps like BeReal on the rise, Gen Zers are skipping the pleasantries for more… “authentic” sign offs and OOO replies. There’s been an influx of language like, “Lukewarm regards;” “Another day, another slay;” and “In case of emergency, dial 911; not an emergency, try Google.”

  1. Pick-up Parties – There’s a new type of tupperware party in town

Since less people are working from offices and together less IRL, people are finding new ways to connect at in-person brand events called Pick-up Parties. You order a product and instead of it being delivered to your home you collect it from an in person party event where you meet other like minded purchasers.

  1. Career Bouncing

Slightly different from salary bouncing (jumping from job to job in under a year to increase salary with each jump) – moving from one career to another, i.e teacher to marketer, to determine which career is preferable.

  1. Save-from-home

In a survey with Momentive Deel found that people are saving more than ever thanks to things like reduced travel, food expenses, and increased salaries. More than 59% have increased their salaries and 64% say they’ve increased their savings while working from home.

Top 5 Holiday Season Fraud Trends in APAC

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Doriel Abrahams, Head of Analytics, Forter | 21 November 2022

With International Fraud Awareness Week and the holiday shopping season officially underway, analysts and retailers are diving into customers’ shopping habits.

November marks the beginning of a hectic shopping period in Singapore and across Asia with Single’s Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday leading up to the festive season with more retail sales.  With International Fraud Awareness Week and the holiday shopping season officially underway, analysts and retailers are diving into customers’ shopping habits. But it’s not just legitimate customers retailers need to be aware of, as fraudsters are just as keen on holiday shopping — and they’re already hitting online stores.

Here are some of the top trends we’re seeing as we enter the peak of the holiday shopping season.

Trend 1: Amateur Fraudsters on the Rise

A growing number of customers that Forter recognises as legitimate shoppers from years of good purchases are suddenly going over to the dark side. 

These are not career fraudsters but ordinary consumers turning to fraud as supplementary income, almost like a new lucrative hobby. We’ve seen a 35% year-on-year increase in fraud committed by “non-professional” fraudsters across the regions.  

These amateurs are more likely than professional fraudsters to target items closer to a regular person’s wish list – phones, gaming consoles, luxury goods, etc. – as opposed to the strategic goods targeted by professional fraudsters. 

To be clear, just because these activities are conducted by formerly “good” shoppers, this isn’t considered friendly fraud — but rather standard credit card fraud using stolen card data. What gives them away to us as amateurs is their lack of technical sophistication. They’ll often use their own devices, and if they engage in obfuscation, it’ll be something basic like a VPN.

Trend 2: Increase in Coupon Use

Coupon usage is up this year as consumers are more conscious of their budgets than ever. Between 2020 and 2021, coupon use was fairly steady. But this year, we’re already seeing an ~11% increase globally. It’s a trend most marked in the U.S., but the trend is reflected globally. 

Fraudsters who follow trends in buyer behaviours as avidly as any retailer, have become aware that coupon use is increasing during the holiday season. They don’t need the coupons themselves, but they’re happy to use coupons to make their persona look more legitimate and convincing. 

Moreover, good customers aren’t above trying a bit of coupon abuse. They might try reusing or stacking coupons, sometimes setting up multiple accounts to get more than they’re entitled to. Ensure your company has clear policies about this and that your systems are configured to reflect those policies. If your policies will become a pain point this holiday season, now is the time to raise a flag with marketing and operations teams. If it’s too late to change things this year, make sure you bring it up early in the new year so there’s time to set new policies before the next coupon rush. 

Trend 3: Popularity of Gift Cards

During the holiday season, good customers turn to gift cards as an attractive option for giving loved ones a thoughtful but flexible present. But this uptick in good transactions means it’s easier for fraudsters to hide in a rush – and they know it. 

Gift cards are always popular with fraudsters because they’re anonymous, easy to resell, don’t require a shipping address, and can be used as part of a chain of fraudulent activity. Effectively, it’s free money for fraudsters!

Gift card purchases don’t generally start spiking until after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. After that, there’s a preliminary peak of gift card purchasing around mid-December. But the pinnacles come on Christmas Eve when consumers realise they are out of time and a gift card is the best option. Gift card purchases are usually 6x or 7x more frequent on Christmas Eve than in November, which is pretty striking and puts a lot of pressure on fraud teams. 

The trends show that this pattern repeats annually. But this year especially, fraudsters are getting in on the act much earlier, having already started doubling down on gift card attacks back at the end of October. This might be due to a trend in which fraudsters focus on attacking retailers selling gift cards instead of gift card-specific merchants. If they’ve found vulnerabilities there, it makes sense that they’d be attempting to exploit them during the extra vulnerable holiday season. 

Trend 4: Low-Tech Address Manipulation

Fraudsters have increasingly found sophisticated ways to get around Address Verification Systems (AVS) that verify physical addresses. However, keeping track of the simple tricks they exploit is just as important. It doesn’t matter how simple it is if it evades your checks and causes loss. 

This season, fraudsters are getting creative about tricking AVS systems in ingenious, low-tech ways. For example:

  • Instead of writing 1, they’ll write “one” because AVS famously only checks numbers, not words. So, it’s not a mismatch. 
  • Instead of writing the address in the address field, they’ll put it as part of the name field, so it doesn’t get checked. 
  • The shipping address can then be “see name,” which is understandable for the courier but doesn’t get flagged by the AVS or other checking systems. (Note: Forter’s Trust Platform does flag these types of circumventions – most other systems do not, so it’s vital to dig into your data and your platform to ensure you’re protected.)
  • Similarly, they’ll add some nonsense element to the address so the machine can’t see that it’s the same address used multiple times. Still, the human courier has no trouble making the delivery. 

This kind of trickery is happening a lot. And during the holidays, fraudsters know it is often harder for merchants who rely on manual review to catch this sort of thing.

Trend 5: Battling Bots

There’s been a significant uptick in bots in recent months, and it’s a trend that’s starting to impact industries that haven’t typically been primary bot targets. Our data shows that it is generally a large, professional operation utilizing sophisticated technology at extreme volumes. 

Bot attacks happen at checkout, of course – but are also happening increasingly at various points in the account journey, including account creation and login. Often, the sites attacked this way will all be in the same vertical, giving an interesting insight into the fraudster’s thought process.

Unfortunately, bots are another trend that fits well into the holiday season. When traffic is heavy, bots might find it easier to fly under the radar. Moreover, Forter’s data shows that apparel and footwear merchants that engage in limited stock drops or short time frame sales are good industries to focus on when looking at bot behaviours as they are particularly vulnerable – facing 5-6x more attacks than merchants who don’t engage in similar drops or sales.

Have a Fraud-Free Holiday Shopping!

The holidays are a stressful time for many online merchants. The potential of a rapid increase in revenue, combined with the potential for declining good customers, leaves teams overwhelmed when handling large volumes of orders.

It’s hard to keep track of evolving trends when you’re focused on ensuring that all good customers get their great deals and that bad actors don’t get through. I hope this article helps shed some light on how things are evolving this year and gives you some hints about what to check in your data to ensure your company is protected this holiday season.

How to Cope with Burnout: Advice From The Experts

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woman sitting in front of macbook

By Denisse Garcia, first published on Porch | 27 October 2022

woman sitting in front of macbook
Photo by energepic.com on Pexels.com

Life can be stressful, and stress can rapidly turn into burnout. If you’ve ever felt extreme mental and physical exhaustion and overwhelmed by the pressure to perform your daily tasks, you may have experienced burnout. 

Finding the right balance between work and life is not an easy challenge, but it’s not impossible. Whether you are or a loved one is struggling, the following advice from experts will help you extinguish burnout before it’s too late. Qinthara Fasya, Assistant Editor from DigitalCFO Asia shares her insights on preventing burnout when remote working.

Which healthy habits can help us prevent burnout? and Which healthy habits can help us overcome burnout?

After interviewing dozens of functional medicine practitioners through our work at WebFMD, including some with expertise in recovering from burnout, we have learned how much of an impact lifestyle can have on the prevention of and recovery from this common, yet devastating condition.

Burnout occurs when you lose your excitement for life, you find yourself just going through the motions day-to-day. You feel like nothing matters, nothing is exciting, and there is no real reason to get out of bed in the morning.

The way to prevent and even reverse burnout is to find your creativity and zest for life again. Some of the functional medicine experts we have worked with recommend three ways to tap into your energetic spring again: regular reflection, daily play, and learning how to enter the creative flow state in any situation.

Reflection helps you identify aspects of your life where burnout is likely or has already occurred. It is also an opportunity to practice gratitude for what is going well, one of the best ways to prevent burnout. When you are busy being grateful, your perspective shifts. Gratitude leads to happiness with the present, rather than always reaching for more, which eventually leads to burnout.

The second aspects are play and creativity – these go hand in hand. Play is simply daily free time, even just 15-20 minutes, where you enjoy a hobby or do something fun for the sake of fun.

The time spent in play is where your creativity springs from, it gives you the mental and emotional space to enter the flow state, to tap into your creative power that is always there. When you give yourself time to unleash your creativity through play, you become more resilient emotionally, which bleeds into every aspect of your life.

While these three simple changes can get you started on the path to recovery, it’s important to remember you don’t have to take this journey alone. Speaking to a professional can help you get there faster. Having the right guide can help you regain your mental, physical, and spiritual health, so you can find your joy again.

– Amir Ginsebrg at WebFMD

Meditation can be a fantastic tool to use when you’re recovering or looking to prevent burnout, and is a very accessible practice that anyone can try. There are many different types of meditation, but one that can be very helpful in this situation is loving-kindness meditation, which aims to enhance feelings of compassion and love for others. Because one component of burnout is a feeling of depersonalization, or feeling disconnected from life, this form of meditation can be a great choice to help you reconnect with your emotions. In fact, there have been studies showing that a compassion-focused meditation practice helped people recover from burnout and improved their wellness.

Social connection is also vital when it comes to burnout. When people experience burnout, they often withdraw socially and become more isolated. Reaching out to others who you trust is therefore extremely important. They can remind you of your own positive qualities, which helps you deal with the burnout-induced feelings of low self-worth. You can then reconnect with positive emotions like joy and gratitude. Seek support from friends and family, instead of trying to go through this alone. Doing so will only strengthen your long-term bonds with these people, which will continue to support your health and well-being in the future.

Burnout is complex, and every person is different. Your recovery plan will likely include more than these two techniques, but these are essential components that can both help prevent and support your recovery from burnout, not to mention, enhance your quality of life for many years to come.

One more thing to consider about burnout. Burnout not only sucks the enjoyment out of your days, it can even rob you of years of healthy life. A number of studies have shown that burnout causes the telomeres at the end of your chromosomes to shorten more rapidly, meaning that it increases the rate of biological aging. If you want to live a long and healthy life, it’s essential to recognize and address any feelings of burnout.

– Dr. Patricia Shelton, MD at LongevIQ

What are some uncommon signs of burnout?

Some of the more uncommon symptoms of burnout are not so much uncommon as they are not typically associated with burnout. Be on the look out for things like “phantom” physical aches and pains, GI distress, difficulty sleeping, and increased substance use. People often self-medicate their stress with alcohol and other drugs. And stress-related burnout often manifests itself in our physiology. Hence, GI distress, aches and pains, and trouble sleeping. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks.”

– Randy Withers, LCMHC at Blunt Therapy

Why does burnout occur even when we love our jobs?

Burnout occurs even when we love our jobs, because business owners often wear many hats and put business and client obligations before personal health. There are many things one can outsource but health is not one of them. No one will benefit from sleep you don’t get, but everyone around you, including family, employees and customers will be affected by the lack of it when it shows up as sloppiness in your work and missed obligations.

No one but you gain advantage from your nutrition, and there are no benefits from fruits and vegetables or vitamin supplements you don’t consume on a regular basis. Eating crappy foods may be convenient especially during a burnout period, but your health will pay the price and the way crappy foods make you feel will extend the burnout period.

The same is true for exercise, movement is a huge contributor in mental and physical well-being. You can hire a fitness trainer, but unless you show up for the workouts and do the reps, you don’t get toned, or reap the benefits that exercise provides. Skipping or ignoring personal health is one of the biggest factors in burnout.

Oddly enough, when you take of yourself, you are better equipped overall to take care of those around you. Loving your job is only part of the equation, you also have to love and take care of yourself.

– Angela Brown, CEO of Savvy Cleaner

How can individuals tell the difference between burnout and depression?

From my experience working with business owners for over a decade, burnout tends to occur when someone has been pushing through a lot of internal resistance (i.e.: stress, confidence issues, and other conflicts in the mind), overworking, and feeling emotionally unfilled for a period of time. Whereas, depression is typically caused by either an acute sense of loss (i.e.: grieving), or a chronic sense of unfulfillment in life. Both require some mindset shifts, but depression caused by a chronic sense of unfulfillment often requires some deeper emotional healing.

– Alicia Cramer at AliciaCramer.com

When is it time to ask for professional help when you are burnt out?

Burnout can be a very debilitating condition if left untreated. The reality is that as the days go by, individuals encounter very stressful situations that overtime can lead to significant mental and physical fatigue in the form of burnout. In particular, with the ongoing pressures associated with workplace related stress the cases of burn out have increased dramatically and even more so with the pandemic. With that said, if your burnout is leading to physical impairment, suicidal thoughts, apathy towards relationships, and or social anxiety then it may be time to consult with a professional for help. Essentially, it is important to be proactive about your mental health and if you feel like you are struggling with burnout, it is definitely time to seek out professional help. A therapist can help you understand the root cause of your stress and work with you to develop healthy coping mechanisms. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, they can also provide you with the necessary support to keep you safe and get you the help you need. If your burnout is impacting your work, it is also important to seek out professional help so that you can create a plan to prevent further deterioration of your condition. To assess whether or not you have burnout try asking yourself the following questions:

  • How often do you feel overwhelmed by your work?
  • Do you find that you are unable to focus on tasks or complete them in a timely manner?
  • Do you frequently feel exhausted, both mentally and physically?
  • Do you often have difficulty sleeping or find that you are not getting enough rest?
  • Do you find yourself withdrawing from social activities or hobbies that you used to enjoy?
  • Do you feel like you are not living up to your potential?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it is time to seek professional help. There are many resources available to individuals struggling with burnout and seeking help is the first step in managing your condition. Remember, you are not alone and there is help available. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

– Maya Ahmed at Cedarway Therapy

How can business owners contribute to prevent burnout from their employees?

I firmly believe that everyone in your business in equally responsible for the well-being of work colleagues. When it comes to employees it is not just about providing them with a job and a salary but also ensuring they have the time and space to do what makes them happy.

If you are an employer, you should provide your team members with opportunities to develop their skills and grow professionally. You can do this by providing multiple tasks that need to be completed and letting the employee choose which one they would like to work on first. Doing this will benefit everyone in the long run.

I think the most important thing to remember when dealing with employee burnout is that it is not always something that can be prevented. When one of your employees become burned out, it is usually because there was too much work or the person did not receive enough support on the task they were given.

Your goal as an employer is to figure out why the employee feels so overwhelmed and then take steps to address those issues. For example, if your employee has been working on a project for several weeks and still hasn’t finished it, they may need extra help. Or maybe the employee needs more training on how to complete specific tasks.

Whatever the case, it’s essential to listen to your employees’ concerns and offer solutions instead of ignoring them.

– Kyle Crisp at kcwebdesign.com.au

How can we cope with burnout?

Creating healthy and sustainable boundaries is an important piece of preventing burnout and reversing its effects if you’ve already hit that wall. Boundaries that can help include beginning and ending all work communication at a specific time every day to make room for other life experiences. Not working during lunch. Designating 1-2 days where you do NO business related activities. Getting a virtual assistant to handle mundane tasks, filter emails, and manage your meeting calendar.

There are various ways to set up boundaries that work for your situation, and the key is trying them out with an open mind.

Maintaining those boundaries can be difficult, especially if this is a new practice for you. So it is important that you practice positive self-talk. This is something you should practice for overall mental and emotional well-being, but it can also help you maintain these boundaries.

A big enemy of maintaining boundaries is our feeling that we’re not working hard enough, and the fear of regret for not seizing the moment. So as you step away from work to hang out with friends, play a game, watch a movie or go walk around outdoors, continually remind yourself that this play time is recharging your batteries to be more effective and efficient at work. And during those times where you’ve slipped in maintaining your boundaries, don’t beat yourself up about it. Chuckle and set the intention to begin those boundaries again tomorrow.

– Chris Colbert, Founder and CEO of DCP Entertainment

What is the difference between stress and burnout in the workplace?

Every person has stressful days at work. Between looming deadlines, difficult projects, and disagreements with colleagues, it’s no wonder why we sometimes feel mentally exhausted. Employee burnout can affect anyone, especially people who consistently feel stressed, frustrated, or anxious.

A common misconception is that stress and burnout are the same. Stress is a response we all feel from the daily stressors of life. Work, family, money, health, relationships, and difficult situations can all cause different levels of stress. Burnout happens when prolonged stress makes us feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet life’s demands.

Employees who feel burned out may find it difficult—or even impossible—to be their best selves at work, especially when they feel pushed to a breaking point. Stressed employees also tend to have higher turnover rates, feel less motivated, and take more time off due to work-related exhaustion.

The truth is that stress is part of the human experience. Certain people, situations, and events are bound to make you feel overwhelmed. However, the key to keeping stress levels in check and avoiding burnout is to practice constant self-care, set boundaries, and schedule time in your week to do things you enjoy.

At work, advocate for yourself by asking “How can I make my workplace a healthy and enjoyable place for myself?” This could take the form of adjusting your work hours, rearranging your space, or scheduling quiet hours on your calendar. Discuss these non-negotiables with your supervisor and colleagues so everyone understands what you need to be successful.

At home, schedule time to rest and recover. Spend at least 30 minutes per day enjoying the things that bring you happiness and help you to feel recharged. When in doubt, seek outside support from a therapist, counselor, coach, or mental health resource.

– Meaghan Maybee, Content Marketing Specialist at pc/nametag

What can we learn from entrepreneurs that have overcome burnout?

Elon Musk once compared launching a startup to “chewing glass and staring into the abyss.” For Musk — and countless legions of Type-A business types — the need to address burnout before it becomes problematic is self-evident.

That being the case, the recommendation to seek out “effective self-care” shows up in the No. 1 slot on the list of priorities for numerous successful businesspeople. However, the meaning of that phrase will vary widely. Some people unwind and refresh through regular exercise. For others, it’s meditation. 

What works well for someone else may not work for you. The two key concepts to keep in mind are identification and amelioration. Both require a deep level of self-understanding undergirded by some form of external accountability.

  • Identification: Common symptoms of burnout include reduced productivity, mental fog, changes in sleep or diet patterns, high blood pressure, and mood swings. Often these shifts occur imperceptibly, which is why heading off burnout will necessitate at least one voice outside your head that you have “deputized” to call changes in behavior to your attention. Of course, this presupposes you will pay attention when a trusted friend or coworker waves the warning flag.
  • Amelioration: Once the warning flag has gone up, it’s time to shift the workload, start clearing other priorities off your weekly planner, and intentionally pursue those activities that restore and revitalize you. In one of his blog posts, Sir Richard Branson encourages others to feel no guilt when it’s time to stop work. After all, if you don’t allow your mind and body to rejuvenate, you might win the immediate battle to complete specific tasks. Still, you will likely lose the capacity to work steadily over years and decades.

You are a unique individual. Pay attention to people, places, and things that drain you. Likewise, make a note when you find yourself refreshed and ready to go. The entry fee for victory over burnout is simply acknowledging that you are finite and limited. Take steps to ensure that you catch yourself trying to be all things to all people all the time!

– Kimberly Zhang, Editor in Chief at Under30CEO

How do you cope with burnout?

I started my career in the bustling “ad world” in NYC. I loved the city life, my colleagues & was learning skills that helped me grow as a designer, but the toll the hustle culture was taking on my mental health wasn’t worth it. So I created HIYO DESIGN. I now set my own boundaries & have found it produces more effective & affordable results for my clients, without the late nights or burnout.

– Cristi, CoFounder & Design Director at Hiyodesign.com

How can essential oils help with burnout?

It’s no secret that essential oils can have a powerful effect on our mood and overall well-being. But what many people don’t realize is that essential oils can also be extremely helpful in managing burnout. For those who are struggling with the effects of burnout, essential oils can provide much-needed relief from stress and fatigue.

Essential oils are natural compounds extracted from plants. Each oil has its own unique scent and therapeutic properties. When used aromatically or topically, essential oils can help to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood.

Essential oils can be a great way to help with burnout. They are a natural and safe way to boost your energy levels, reduce stress, and restore peace and clarity.

There are a number of essential oils that are known to be particularly effective in managing burnout. Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils for burnout and relaxation, as it’s known for its calming and soothing properties. It can help to reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of burnout.

Other essential oils that can help with burnout include chamomile, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Simply inhaling the scent of these essential oils can help to calm your nervous system and ease stress. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser, or create a relaxing aromatherapy massage by combining essential oils with carrier oils like jojoba or coconut oil.

For those requiring an energy boost, oils that are known for their energizing effects are peppermint, rosemary, and lemon. You can diffuse these oils or inhale them directly to help revitalize your energy levels.

Geranium and frankincense can help to promote feelings of peace and clarity. You can diffuse these oils or inhale them directly to help you clear your mind and bring peace.

By taking some time for yourself and using essential oils, you can help combat burnout, ease symptoms, and restore balance to your life. With their calming and rejuvenating effects, essential oils can help you get back on track and find your footing again.

If you’re feeling burned out, essential oils can be a helpful way to ease your symptoms and help you relax. For more guidance on burnout relief essential oils visit: https://www.lovingessentialoils.com/blogs/essential-oil-tips/essential-oils-for-burnout


– Jennifer Lane, Certified Aromatherapist and owner of Loving Essential Oils

In what ways can we support a loved one going through burnout?

Before giving a hand to someone experiencing burnout, I want you to know they might be in an emotionally vulnerable state right now.

Any conversations could make your loved one feel low or defensive, and they might push you away anytime. However, don’t let your ego come in your way and force you to give up. Just be patient with them.

Here are the seven simplest ways you can provide the best support to your loved ones struggling with burnout:-

1. When they ask you to give them space, don’t ask questions or forcefully accompany them. Let them enjoy solitude for some time. It would help declutter their thoughts and refresh themselves.

2. Don’t be their daddy and speak up generic bullshit that everyone already knows and says. For example, statements such as, “burnout is a part of life. Just keep going, and you’ll get rid of it.” would frustrate them even more.

3. Convince them to take a recovery break from work because they may be working too much for too long.

The quote by Michael Gungor, “Burnout happens when you try to avoid being human for too long,” would massively help you while you would be convincing them.

4. Do fun activities with them to keep them distracted from pondering over their work. You could try watching movies, playing games, or hanging out with them.

5. Don’t start any conversations that might trigger their burnout feelings. For example, if they experienced burnout because of working their ass off in their business, asking them “how’s their business going” every day won’t be a good idea.

6. Suggest them to spend time doing the things they love. Forcing them to do something against their will may end up frustrating them even more.

7. At least, for now, prevent your “loved one” from pushing past their limits. If you see them working too much again, pull them back.

– Varun Pahwa at Uprisehigh.com

How can remote workers prevent burnout?

  1. Having an Agenda before you start the day

We easily mix up our priorities as remote workers because stuff is always floating around. Even writing down the things we still need to complete from the previous day would greatly aid us in preparing the schedule for the next day. For remote workers, prioritizing duties will undoubtedly be helpful because it streamlines the day’s schedule. We should plan out how long each task should take by include the virtual calls on this schedule as well. When we have a streamline plan for the day, we’ll always have things to do in steady pace, giving us allowances to plan in the breaks as well.

  1. A dedicated Workspace

As long as there is an obvious separation between the work area and the rest area, a dedicated workstation can be found anyplace. Many people assume that since the majority of employees are required to work from home or have a hybrid work style, they will need to upgrade their home offices with more peripherals. However, the truth is that our minds would naturally adjust to it as a single workstation as long as there is a distinct boundary between the work and play areas. In that we would be able to take breaks and leave our office for a brief period of time to decompress, this would help to prevent burnout.

  1. Take sufficient breaks especially when facing a digital screen for the whole day

When we interact with co-workers or go to the pantry to get a snack, we naturally take breaks from the screen as opposed to in an office setting. This promotes mental health and gives our brains a little period of rest. This paradigm ought to be used when working remotely as well so that we can rest our eyes and renew our mental faculties. Long-term health benefits from this would likewise be favourable.

– Qinthara Fasya, Assistant Editor for DigitalCFO Asia

How can remote workers set boundaries to avoid burnout?

Remote workers are frequently disconnected from the rest of their team, both physically and culturally. It is easy to fall into the habit of working excessive hours or allowing projects to expand beyond the scope. Both of these are examples of boundaries being compromised. Boundaries should be set cooperatively between your management team and yourself. What are your expectations, and what are those of management? For example, if your management team expects you to be available 24×7 because you are remote, that’s just unreasonable. Likewise, if you want to work on agreed-to projects that only require 25-30 hours of your time per week, is that fair to your company or to you? Boundaries should include a reasonable amount of work time and space for lunch, breaks, and family events.

Further, remote work should allow you some flexibility of schedule, including time off for special events. On the occasional times where you have to work more on a project, you should be able to ask for compensating time off. Remote work should be a benefit to you, the company you work for, and your mutual customers or clients.

– Randy Johnston at k2e.com

What are your 3 top tips to stay productive even when we’re on the verge of burning out?

1.) Lower your expectations for yourself. Remembering that good enough is good enough gets me through many low periods. Not everything needs to be 100%, and some things can wait until you feel better. 

2.)Reprioritize. Make a list of all your responsibilities and see which ones are crucial and which ones can wait. Identifying the most critical task and downgrading the less time-sensitive will take a lot of stress off your plate. 

3.) Remember that you are your own most valuable asset. Burnout is a mental health condition and a sign that your environment might need some changes. When you’re feeling better, look at what might be ramping up your anxiety and see if you can make some changes. Do what’s best for you without shame, and take the time you need to get better.

– Maria Black at MySoulBalm

Why is being kind to yourself essential when we’re experiencing burnout?

There’s a misconception that kindness is meant for others. 

Most of us know how to be kind towards others — to be considerate towards service staff, compassionate towards those in need, and gracious towards the people around us. For some, it’s as natural as breathing; for others, it’s more of a work-in-progress. 

Nevertheless, the majority of us would at least understand the fundamentals of kindness and how it can be applied to others. Yet, we often struggle to extend this same grace towards ourselves.

While we might baulk at the idea of forcing others to work until they reach physical or mental exhaustion, many of us have no qualms about pushing ourselves to do that. We work long hours, building stress and ignoring our own needs in favour of doing more.

The end result is, of course, burnout. 

No matter how we justify it to ourselves, reaching the point of burnout is a sign that we’ve been significantly unkind to both our minds and bodies. That is a problem — if we aren’t able to take the first step of treating ourselves with the kindness and respect that we deserve, then we can’t extend that same compassion to others.

So how can we be kind to ourselves during burnout?

The first step would be to slow down and understand our needs. Without knowing why we’ve burnt ourselves out, it is difficult to help ourselves exit that state. Take some time to figure out what exactly caused the burnout and then address it. 

In the meantime, do some things that make you happy — take a walk, watch a movie, or curl up with a good book. Being kind to yourself isn’t very different from being kind to others — the aim is still to extend graciousness and compassion to be a positive force in life.

Being kind to ourselves also brings us many health benefits. Research has found that people who practise self-love and compassion not only experience less stress but have a lower heart rate and blood pressure and a stronger immune system.

Keep practising kindness on yourself, even when you’ve overcome your burnout. 

Being kind is a way of making our own lives and the lives of others meaningful. It allows us to communicate better with others, be more self-compassionate, and also be a positive force in other people’s lives.

– William Wan, JP, PhD, General Secretary at Singapore Kindness Movement

What tools can people use to identify if they are burnt out?

First of all, people can use the 3 factors I described in my article we already talked about:

  • Occupational exhaustion
  • Depersonalization/loss of empathy
  • Personal accomplishment assessment

This is important because burnout is not a binary thing, but a spectrum or a scale.

Common signs are (but are not exclusive to burnout):

  • exhaustion – it feels like one can never recover from being tired mentally/emotionally
  • a long streak of lack of motivation
  • cognitive issues – e.g. finding it hard to focus and pay attention
  • regularly feeling frustrated and/or cynical – one might feel what they do doesn’t matter anymore, and they get disillusioned
  • having regular negative thoughts and/or anxiety about work even when not at work
  • burnout can lead to physical symptoms, such as headache or intestinal issues (but of course, there are many other potential causes for these)
  • reduced performance – mostly because of the negative thoughts, exhaustion and finding it hard to focus
  • messed up sleep cycle
  • no/low satisfaction from one’s achievements – even when doing a fantastic job, you’re not getting the satisfaction you used to.

– Csaba Okrona at Leadership.Garden

How can we benefit from therapy when we are fighting burnout?

Burnout can manifest in many different forms. Physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, political, etc… It’s a buildup of stress, tension, and intense demands that takes its toll over time. 

Whether you’re feeling emotionally and/or physically exhausted, dread going to work, or find yourself isolating or avoiding the people, places, and things you used to love, you may be struggling with burnout. 

Burnout has been even more prevalent over the past few years while we all experienced the shared trauma of navigating life during a pandemic. This added level of stress has contributed to higher levels of burnout than usual. 

Regardless of where you fall on the level of heightened stress, anxiety, and full-on burnout spectrum, there’s no doubt that therapy with a licensed mental health professional can help.  

Since the pandemic started, counseling has become much more mainstream and accessible with telehealth (online counseling). The stigma about seeking mental health services has finally begun to decrease allowing more people to seek counseling when needed. 

Many counseling offices (like ours in South Florida – Bayview Therapy) provide in-office appointments and telehealth options, which are convenient for professionals with demanding schedules, stay at home parents, and people who travel a lot 

There are many benefits from seeking counseling. It’s important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with so you’ll be open with them and they can help you create a plan to attain your goals. 

Your therapist will help you learn the skills to better manage life’s challenges such as anxiety, stress, depression, trauma/PTSD, substance abuse, and relationship discord. You’ll gain more insight into your behaviors and how to create more preferred behaviors moving forward. You’ll learn strategies to attain greater peace, balance, happiness, and fulfillment in life and your relationships. 

The benefits of counseling are endless. Give it a chance if you haven’t already, you’ll be glad you did!

– Kate Campbell, PhD, LMFT at Bayview Therapy

How can we explain burnout to someone who has not experienced it?

Burnout is a workplace phenomenon resulting from chronic stress due to one’s occupation. Although the experience of burnout differs from individual to individual, it is often likened to a state of absolute exhaustion, feeling defeated, and emptiness.

Burnout symptoms vary; however, there are three main classifications; exhaustion, cynicism, and ineffectiveness. Those experiencing burnout may feel a sense of overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism and detachment from the job, or a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment in their role.

As burnout is often exacerbated by repetitive stressful activities, it can be prevented through the balance of practicing repetitive positive behavior, getting adequate sleep, exercise, nutrition, and self-reflection. Talk-based therapy is often very effective, and it can be encouraged to chat with your peers at work, friends, family, a coach, or a therapist similar to those offered on Frankie. 

Frankie Health is a workplace mental health platform assisting employees tackle burnout through personalizing their support journey and offering support via therapists, coaches, and tailored exercises.

– Seb Poole at Frankie Health

How can switching off help with burnout?

Over 80 percent of the worldwide inhabitants own a smartphone. Mixed together with your laptop computer, monitor, and TV, you most likely spend extra time in the entrance of a digital display than sleeping. That’s not hyperbole: Work it out. Mockingly, iOS does it for you (at the very least on your Apple units). Evaluate these hours of time spent sleeping and I feel you’ll be shocked.

“What’s the issue?” you may ask. Other than poorer eyesight, complications, and insomnia, know-how habits can be related to anxiety and depression. You may suppose your always-on connectedness helps your clients or staff, however, you’re setting yourself up for failure and worse. Logging further screentime isn’t a badge of honor: it’s a wellbeing threat.

Schedule common breaks away from units. Most docs counsel a five-to-ten minute break each hour, go additional, and take a complete day (or extra) on occasion. Switching off might be laborious at first – you may even really feel irritable – however, in the long term, releasing your thoughts from the clutches of your units will assist sharpen your ideas and bolstering your psychological wellbeing.

– The Top Daily News

How can we find motivation amid burnout?

Staying motivated is no easy task in our culture. We are trapped by demands, responsibilities, commitments, and self-imposed ideals of success. Motivation is a desire or willingness to do, what we perceive to be, a worthwhile task. We do this task despite the anxiety that may come with it, despite the temptation to distraction, despite the sacrifice of pleasure in the present moment we press on. Burnout makes motivation harder because we don’t have the optimal energy reserve to overcome the anxiety or distraction that hinders motivation. When we are burnt out we feel depleted and exhausted. It is difficult to summon the necessary energy to keep our attention on the task. Our technology-infused world offers endless opportunities for distraction and burnout makes it harder to resist their appealing allure.

Burnout is caused by chronic stress, a loss of interest in life activities, low energy, or feeling overwhelmed. Fundamental to all of these challenges is our finite and limited world. We only have 24 hours in a day and we must sleep and take care of ourselves during that time. That leaves 10 to 15 hours of time to be productive and motivated. The human brain also has limits on how long it can stay focused. Highly trained brains can focus for up to two hours, yet the average attention span is less than 10 seconds in our modern world.

Staying motivated amidst burnout must first start with the acknowledgment and acceptance of life as framed in the previous paragraphs. It is at this point that questions can be asked on how to engage this reality, how to set boundaries, and how to live a more intentional, informed life. And the most challenging task is making decisions about what to let go of and how to surrender to a future that we all have limited control over.

– Dr. Thomas Lucking at Silicon Valley Therapy

What is the future of the non-stop hustle mentality after this pandemic burnout era?

With the lines between working and personal life becoming blurred as a result of the pandemic, many working professionals have found it hard to switch off and enjoy downtime with their loved ones. This can take many forms, including not having a dedicated and separate workspace in the home (for remote/hybrid workers) and not switching off workplace notifications on their phones. This has created a workforce made up of individuals experiencing extreme levels of burnout.

And while businesses are doing all they can to combat burnout, it’s not quite enough; they need to tackle the source – of which burnout is simply the outcome.

The digital era has facilitated a space where the world is non-stop, with FOMO becoming a real issue for every generation. The ability to switch on any device and be instantly connected with millions of other people around the globe irrelevant of the time of day is as empowering as it is exhausting. And with remote/hybrid work becoming prevalent in the workplace, professionals are often finding themselves working with disparate teams, meaning if they log on at 2 am, they’ll be able to converse with a colleague in the middle of their working day on the other side of the globe.

But the danger of this approach is the inability to switch off which can lead to much more serious issues than burnout. It can have long-lasting impacts on mental health and wellbeing, including impacting personal lives and leaving individuals feeling despondent.

So how can businesses combat this non-stop hustle mentality? While the simplest approach might be to instill set working times and encourage individuals to only work within specified hours, this can be difficult to monitor. The reality is that organizations need to reassess the expectations they have of their employees; how many in their workforce feel they’re under-resourced and unable to complete their required tasks? How many feel like they need to work additional hours in order to meet deadlines and deliver on expectations? These are the true causes of burnout: understaffed, under-resourced departments that can’t keep pace. And while the global skill shortage may be contributing to this additional pressure, businesses should be looking at the bigger picture to determine where there are weak points in their workforce and how they can support current employees.

– Natasha Vickery-Orme, Editor in Chief at Insights For Professionals

How can work-life balance help us avoid burning out?

There are Big Benefits to Beating Burnout 

Much like a plant needs the sun to grow, burnout needs chronic stress to develop. Therefore, if we prevent or reduce stress by balancing our personal and professional lives, we eliminate burnout’s ability to develop or deepen. All in all, work-life balance is not only the best preventive measure; it is the actual cure. 

Between work, children and family, people have a lot on their plate, and balancing it all is no easy task — if it were, everyone would be doing it, because the benefits are undeniably fantastic. Work-life balance improves physical and mental health and enables people to cope better with stress. In addition, those with balanced lives are generally happier and more productive and successful.  

Unfortunately, burnout has reached epidemic proportions. The World Health Organization declared burnout an official diagnosis in 2019 and labeled it an “occupational phenomenon.” This is why companies are increasingly investing in work-life balance benefits for their employees. They realize it is in their best business interests to join the battle against burnout. Around 95% of companies deal with the negative impacts of burned-out employees. However, organizations that prioritize work-life balance can cut turnover by upwards of 50%. Their employees are also happier and more productive — working 21% harder. 

In the battle against burnout, work-life balance is the proverbial armor we should all be wearing.  

– Kelly Crotty, Marketing Content Manager at BestUponRequest.com

The Bottom Line

We hope this article helps you recognize, combat, and prevent burnout. There are a variety of actions we can take as individuals to reduce stress before they become overwhelming. Tackling home projects can be a sore spot that can add unnecessary stress to our lives. We are here to help whether you need to renovate your kitchen, fix that annoying leaky sink, or replace that broken window you’ve been avoiding, Porch has got you covered.

Author’s Note:

This article is still being edited as experts submit their advice.

Step Away From the QR Code and Read These 7 Safety Tips

Published on
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Len Noe, CyberArk | 10 June 2022

QR codes are easily accessible and convenient but, they are also a perfect way for cyber criminals to obtain your personal information.

In the contactless era, these little black and white grids emerged from relative obscurity to replace everything from restaurant menus to store coupons to subway station ads. They’ve become the defacto business card, digital event leave behind and virtual payment option. Governments around the world have even embraced them to facilitate contact tracing and vaccination status verification.

QR codes are accessible, easy to produce and, seemingly, here to stay. They’re also a perfect way for cyber criminals to snag your personal information. Here’s what you need to know before scanning that code with your smartphone.

What is a QR Code?

Short for quick response codes, QR codes are a type of two-dimensional barcode that contain data, often for a locator, identifier or tracker. They can be easily read by a smartphone or other camera-equipped device and converted into useful information for the end-user, such as a URL for a website or an application. QR codes were first invented in 1994 by an automotive company to track car components, but their ease of use and greater storage capacity — up to 2,500 characters compared to a barcode’s 43 — soon made them popular in other industries. But it wasn’t until after COVID-19 struck that QR codes really took hold, particularly in the United States where they were historically viewed as a novelty. Then all of a sudden, they were everywhere.

3 Attack Simulations on Rising QR Code Risks

More than two years of pandemic-fueled cyber crime has made many consumers more cautious about their digital activity. Emails, calls and even texts are scrutinized closely, forcing many attackers to step up their phishing games. And yet, QR codes haven’t really registered as potentially dangerous, and most people still scan them without a second thought.

Case in point: In January 2022, the FBI issued a warning that cyber attackers were tampering with legitimate QR codes to redirect victims to malicious sites that steal login and financial information. Within weeks of the warning, during the biggest football game of the year, more than 20 million people scanned a single mysterious QR code in a commercial for an unnamed company in the span of one minute.

I’m here to tell you that is bad news, and show why through three attack simulations:

QR Code Attack Vector 1: Job Seekers and Form Fillers Everywhere, Beware

To start, I created a fake paper ad for an imaginary job fair, just like the ones seen on job boards in your local coffee shop.

Figure 1: Fake job fair ad containing malicious QR code 

It contains the event details and a legitimate-looking QR code that takes the user to a job finder site where they can get a head start on submitting their job application.

Figure 2: QR code leads to a false careers page

Filling out the required personal information is quick and easy… except, it can all go straight to an attacker’s webmail.

Think of all the times you’ve filled out a form or survey online — whether it originated from a QR code, social media ad or elsewhere. It’s very hard to know where your data is headed to on the back end. So proceed with great caution.

QR Code Attack Vector 2: Vax Pass or Phone Takeover?

For an attacker, “ultimate access” is the ability to interact directly with your device. This can be done via a reverse shell attack, or “connect-back shell,” which takes advantage of the target system’s vulnerabilities to initiate a shell session and gain access to the victim’s device. In this attack example, I used the MetaSploit Meterpreter Shell to spoof the COVID Certificate application used abroad.

By scanning a QR code, the victim goes to what appears to be the Google Play Store and installs the app. Except it’s not Google Play.

Figure 4: Spoofed COVID Certificate app 

After the user initiates the install, the attacker now has a reverse connection into the device.

Figure 5: Attacker establishes reverse connection 

With this type of initial access, the attacker could potentially set up persistence and then come and go as they please to do anything from dumping call and SMS logs to taking pictures with the camera. In other words, anything you can do on your phone, they could do too.

Creepy? Absolutely. Easy for an attacker to execute? Also yes.

QR Code Attack Vector 3: The QR Code Phishing Attack You Never Saw Coming

When you sit down at a restaurant and see a QR code on the table, chances are you’ll scan it without a second thought, expecting it to take you to the menu. But what if that same QR code was embedded in an email coming from someone you don’t know? Would you be as quick to scan it — or would it give you pause?

Attackers are betting you won’t be as careful. And too often, they’re right. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of two QR codes. Can you tell the difference?

Figure 6: Two QR codes

One will take you to a restaurant website’s menu, the other will take you somewhere else entirely. As I’ve done here, attackers can clone a legitimate login QR code and turn it into a phishing website that looks almost identical to the real one — except that the URL is different.

Figure 7:  Fake menu and phishing website

When the victim scans the QR code, they are redirected to the attacker’s web server where a malicious website utilizing the malicious BeeF suite is running, giving the attacker control of the victim’s device. The attacker now has access to multiple attack vectors and numerous ways to exfiltrate the user’s data, such as their current GPS location, device type, SIM card data and other sensitive information.

With some additional social engineering tricks, the attacker could take things even further. By using on-device spear-phishing, they could spoof the victim’s on-device password keeper. After the victim inputs their username and password, the attacker could gain access to the user’s full password safe. Game over.

Figure 8: Spoofed on-device password keeper requests victim’s username and password

7 Ways to Protect Yourself From QR Codes Attacks

Last fall, the private key used to sign the European Union’s Green Pass vaccine passports was reportedly leaked or forged. Within days, fake QR code-laden passes signed with the stolen key were up for sale on the Dark Web. In China, scammers have been caught placing fake parking tickets — complete with QR codes for easy mobile fine payment — on parked cars. In the Netherlands, a QR code scam exploited a legitimate feature within a mobile banking application to swindle the bank’s customers, while in Germany, phony emails containing QR codes have lured eBanking customers to malicious websites under the guise of reviewing privacy policy updates to their accounts. And in Texas, criminals hit the streets, pasting stickers of malicious QR codes on to city parking meters and tricking residents into entering credit card details into a fake phishing site.

QR code attacks are happening everywhere with alarming frequency. Here are seven ways to protect yourself:

1. Don’t scan it! If anything feels off, don’t scan the QR code. Just go to the actual website directly. Any legitimate QR code should have an associated URL under it, giving users the option to navigate there directly. If it’s missing, beware.

2. Slow down. Before you scan any QR code, ask yourself: Do I know who put the QR code there? Do I trust that it hasn’t been tampered with? Does it even make sense to use a QR code in this situation?

3. Inspect QR code URLs closely. After scanning the QR code, check out the URL it directs you to before proceeding. Does it match the organization associated with the QR code? Does it seem suspicious, or include strange misspellings or typos? For instance, in the Texas parking meter scams, part of the URL used was “passportlab.xyz” — clearly not an official city government website. You can also do a quick web search of the URL to confirm that the QR code is legitimate.

4. Look for signs of physical tampering. This is especially important in places where QR codes are commonly used, such as restaurants. If you spot a QR code sticker adhered to a page over another code, be very skeptical.

5. Never download apps from QR codes. Bad actors can clone and spoof websites easily. Always go to the official app market for your device’s OS and download your apps from there.

6. Don’t make electronic payments via QR codes. Use the native app or direct a browser to the official domain and log in there.

7. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). This will help protect your sensitive accounts, such as banking, email and social media apps. With another authentication layer in place, a cyber criminal cannot access your data with just your login and password.

When it comes to QR codes, the best piece of advice is to always use common sense. If it was an email, would you click on it? QR codes are becoming one of attackers’ favorite phishing methods — and the same rules apply. Proceed with caution and apply the same security scrutiny as you would with anything in the digital realm.

Scan safe out there — or better yet, don’t scan at all!

Family-friendly activities for the June Holidays

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Qinthara Fasya, DigitalCFO Asia | 6 June 2022

Need some last minute ideas to fill-up the little one’s time?

Check out our options below – fun for the little ones and for you.

With our children’s June holidays officially here in Singapore, you may be wondering how you can keep their energy levels up. With most countries in the APAC region now open, it is no surprise that some may have already booked your flight tickets for a great family getaway. For those who have yet to, fret not. There are some interesting activities lined up for you in our tiny red dot. Check out our list below for some family fun time!

Splash away at Wild Wild Wet @ Downtown East

Image from Klook

With the crazy hot weather in the past few months, cool-off at Wild Wild Wet for a splendid fun family day out. Many rides have been added since its reopening in 2022. There is an array of kid-friendly water rides and attractions as well as exciting adult ones as well. This theme park is the perfect way to spend the entire day at, with the various eatery options here as well. Remember to bring your sunblock!

Enjoy 2 Adult Tickets & 2 Children Tickets from $80 when you purchase on Klook

A day out at Singapore Science Centre

Image from Klook

The Science Centre we remember from school is no longer what it once was! In this interactive scientific playground, your children will be able to experience science come to life. The Omni-Theatre and the Butterflies Up-Close exhibit are also located at the Science Centre.

Flow your creative juices in Art Workshops

Unleash your child’s creativity with a series of art lessons they’ll adore. Participate in a spin art session at Spin Paint House or a ceramic and pottery course at Taoz Ceramic Studio. You may even spend a half-day at an art jam session or create your own T-shirt!

Universal Studios Singapore – Reimagined

Universal Studios Singapore may be your only option until it is safe to return to Universal Studios Japan. Fill your craving for speed on the Battlestar Galactica twin coasters and get wet and wild on the Jurassic Park flume ride.

From May 26 to August 14, you may also meet your favorite Minions from Illumination’s Minions 2: The Rise of Gru, who will greet you in their stunning throwback attire. It’ll be a day full of great feelings, classic tunes, and colorful colors, so make sure to snap Insta-worthy moments to love and share!

HeadRock VR – Stepping into another world

Image from Klook

At HeadRock VR, Singapore’s first VR theme park, you may brave a snowstorm, go rafting through rainforest rapids, and even defend yourself from a zombie apocalypse. This is an excellent spot to escape the heat or rain after a good day out in Sentosa! It is located at Resorts World Sentosa.

Be a Pilot for a day

Image from Klook

Buckle up for two fantastic adrenaline-filled aircraft activities bundled into one incredible bundle bargain! This bundle, launched by Changi Experience Studio, comprises a 30-minute flight simulator flying experience with an Aerovation pilot instructor.

Enjoy the excitement of flying through the skies in the cockpit of a genuine Cessna 172 airplane simulator, taking in stunning vistas of Singapore’s cityscape and avoiding high-altitude obstacles before landing safely on Changi Airport’s runway!

Take a brunch sail on the Royal Albatross

Every time you visit the island, you may have observed the Royal Albatross parked in front of Resorts World Sentosa. For those who are curious, this is a fully operating spacecraft, not simply decoration. Enjoy a scrumptious Full English breakfast and free-flow beverages while sailing by Singapore’s southern shore. If you have a furry child, they are invited to participate as well, since Royal Albatross provides the world’s first dog cruise!

Although travel may be the best and most exciting option now, especially since most of us are travel-deprived, it’s good to know that we still have a wide array of activities to turn to if we don’t have that luxury. What’s important is that we set aside for our loved ones and make the effort to instil happiness in them despite our tight schedules in the weekdays.

Collaboration for an inclusive and equitable hybrid work model

Published on

Melissa Teo, DigitalCFO Asia | 6 April 2022

The new people-management issue to navigate — equitable hybrid work

The trend of hybrid workers, that is, a mix of office and remote workers (in some cases, international remote workers too), shows no signs of slowing down. A report by Mckinsey reveals hybrid work will persist with the financial sector having the highest potential for remote work with minimal productivity loss. For team members who may never get to meet physically, online conversations are their only form of connection. This comes with the loss of visual cues such as micro expressions, vocal intonations offering a deeper look into one’s thoughts.  Leaders hence need to go the extra mile to reach out to them beyond the surface level. 

Understanding employees involves knowing their work-life priorities. Research shows employees are prioritising well being and positive work environments. A positive work environment makes members feel they belong, are included and valued. With team members from diverse career backgrounds and intersectionalities, providing equal opportunity and refraining from implementing blanket rules becomes crucial issues to navigate. To retain employees and raise satisfaction levels, it’s crucial to foster inclusion amongst team members and across teams. Research shows inclusion policies aids productivity, innovation while also lowering turnover rates. 

Ironing Out Expectations Of Engagement 

The social media phenomenon of FOMO (fear of missing out) occurs at work too. Workplace communication has expanded to many mediums — email, chat messages, status updates, online/offline status indicator, texts, phone calls… Remote workers can’t rely on their physical presence in the office as indication of them being at work. They thus feel the need to be responsive and engaged online to make up for their physical absence. 

It’s often unclear which communication medium should be prioritised and what signals one is sending by not responding in a timely manner. For instance, what’s most time-sensitive, which is the first line of communication in emergencies, and must employees always be “on”? 

Team leaders ought to clarify these doubts so members know where to focus their energy. With less distracting worries of FOMO, productivity will increase. A perk of distributed teams is that there isn’t spontaneous conversations along hallway water-coolers to interrupt the flow of work. Perfect for employees thriving on tackling deep work while in the flow. It therefore pays to leverage perks of hybrid work and not letting downsides impede progress. 

Including Everyone In The Conversation

Some work situations highlight the gap between employees. During hybrid meetings, those participating virtually (perhaps from another country) are detached from those participating physically from the office meeting room. Physically present employees may converse together off-camera and air their views as a unit, while virtual participants voice their thoughts individually. Functional differences also exists where the office is well-equipped with IT devices for facilitating a hiccup-free meeting, while those working from home may not have adequate video conferencing equipment. 

When new comers are thrown into the mix of attendees, the conversation gap worsens. It’s challenging for newbies to get a word in with more senior employees. Furthermore so for new comers attending the meeting remotely. They may end up blending into the background when not offered the chance to contribute their input. 

Team leaders can consider bringing back the role of meeting moderator who is responsible for ensuring everyone is integrated into the conversation and voices out doubts on behalf of others who for various reasons, are not disposed to voice out by themselves. A thorough onboarding process is crucial too, for new comers to be included in the team’s dynamics, and getting the ball rolling for existing members to familiarise themselves with the new member.

Touching Base With All Employees

For teams with members working in different time zones, it’s especially challenging to schedule meeting timings that works optimally for everyone. Team leaders could do away with weekly touch base meetings, instead posting updates on a shared chat channel. Members follow up with written replies or emojis during their working hours. 

Remote workers can’t visit physical offices to absorb the company’s culture and vision. To keep all employees in touch with the company’s growth direction, company leaders can record short video messages on upcoming projects and applaud workers’ achievements. These clips can thereafter be posted on company-wide communications platform visible to all employees.

Hybrid work is here to stay. To maximise it’s upsides and minimise it’s downsides, leaders need to foster team cohesion and an inclusive, safe space. Employees who feel they have the potential to belong in the team and company, will be happier and more productive workers.

How to Recognize and Cope with Burnout at Home

Published on

Dirce Guerra, Content Marketing, Porch Group | 30 March 2022

The stress of life can quickly turn into burnout, which can seriously affect your mental health and well-being. So, what is burnout exactly? This common condition is described as a feeling of extreme mental and/or physical exhaustion resulting from feeling too much pressure or feeling overwhelmed and not being able to perform. If you’re experiencing burnout, you may notice a range of symptoms, including fatigue or depression. 

While the demand for a successful career is a common cause of burnout, people may also suffer from burnout for other reasons, you could be suffering from parent burnout as well, being a parent can be a difficult challenge.

The pandemic has added new stress to our lives, which has left many people feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Caring for a sick or disabled family member or an elderly loved one can also contribute to burnout.

Busy, stay-at-home parents can also feel burned out. Academic burnout is also common, as many college and high school students feel constant pressure to perform and achieve their family’s expectations. Frustration and lack of motivation in students are two common signs that they’re dealing with academic burnout. Even those who work from home can feel burnout, mainly due to trouble finding a good work-life balance. This guide has some tips to help you recognize the signs of burnout at home and ways you can cope with it effectively for better health and wellness.

How to Deal with and Prevent Burnout

Before you learn how to deal with burnout, it’s important to be aware of the signs. Here are some common symptoms that are associated with burnout:

  • Frequently feeling tired, drained, or fatigued regardless of the time of day.
  • Common and frequent headaches, muscle pain, or changes in sleep and eating habits.
  • Lack of motivation and feeling trapped, helpless, or defeated.
  • An increasingly negative outlook and loss of motivation.
  • Feeling detached from friends, family, and the world as a whole.
  • Lack of enjoyment and a decreased sense of satisfaction or accomplishment.
  • Avoiding responsibilities or extracurricular activities, isolating from others.

These are just some of the most common signs of burnout. Now, let’s take a look at how to deal with it and how you may be able to prevent it altogether.

Eat a Healthy Diet and Get Regular Exercise

Diet Tips

  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to help keep your mood and energy levels stable. 
  • Avoid eating sugar and refined carbs that can cause a crash later in the day. 
  • Try to keep your consumption of caffeine, unhealthy fats, and foods with preservatives to a minimum. 
  • You can also supplement your diet with foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like nuts, seeds, and fish for a mood boost. 
  • Avoid smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.

Exercise Tips

  • Participate in a few activities every day to get your body moving. You can start by taking a walk in the mornings or evenings at your nearest park. 
  • You can try some yoga classes at home and follow some guided meditations sessions from youtube.  
  • You can sign up for swimming classes or do some swimming at the local pool. If you want to stay home you could always purchase one of those above-ground pools.   
  • You can try running or your hand at a marathon event.
  •  You can sign up for dance classes like hip-hop or try your hand at some Latin flavor with salsa and bachata classes. 
  • Create your own DIY home gym or workout corner so you can do workouts at home. You can add some interlocking tiles to create gym flooring and install a music system or bring a TV into the space to make workouts more fun and enjoyable. 
  •  You can purchase a smaller bench press set to lift weights in a comfortable environment like your garage.
  • There are these really great pull-up bars that you can assemble and put on a door frame if you are thinking of a workout corner. 
  • Designate a space in your home where you can use workout equipment like a treadmill, elliptical or stationary bike like a family room or spare bedroom. 

You don’t need a complete home gym to enjoy working out at home. A simple place reserved just for you, and some daily exercise can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Physical activity is a fantastic aid for people suffering from depression and anxiety. 

Indoor and Outdoor Activities to Help You Deal with Burnout

Taking part in some fun activities can make coping with burnout easier. Here are some interesting suggestions for indoor and outdoor activities.

Outdoor Activities

Connecting with nature and spending time outside is a great way to reconnect with the world around you and unplug from technology. Some studies have shown that spending time in nature can do wonders to lower your stress and help you feel calmer and more relaxed. You don’t have to do rigorous exercise to enjoy being outdoors. Here is a small creative list that you maybe never thought of actually doing.  

  • Try bird watching to see how many different species of birds you can find. There are a lot of local societies that you can connect with and build new relationships with. 
  • Hiking or hitting a local nature trail is great since you can birdwatch and also get a bit of exercise at the same time. All the states have amazing hiking trails.
  • Biking outdoors is also a great way to get outside. This is also a fantastic way to start a new hobby with friends or family. 
  • Go camping with some friends and family. This can be a bit of a small road trip. 
  • Head out on a fishing trip. Fishing is a fantastic hobby since you can do fly fishing or you can do some good old basic hand by the lake and fish and chat. 
  • One of the most relaxing outdoor activities is to do a little backyard gardening to reconnect with nature. You can start a veggie garden or do some native flower planting that is helpful to our environment. 

Indoor Activities and Tips

Slow down and unwind! Simple indoor activities like a fun hobby or baking can help you slow down and relax. These activities also get your mind off work, family, or school-related stress. Designate a part of your home to work on your hobby or arts and crafts. DIY the area by adding a craft table or easel and some storage for all of your paints, sewing items, or whatever craft you’re going to try out. 

  • You can go full artistic and you can set up a special art studio for painting or pottery. Choose a room with plenty of space and lots of natural light.
  • Create your own craft room so you can start knitting. You can even get one of those awesome rocking chairs. 
  •  A pottery hobby is another great way to get creative, but for this, you would have to buy a pottery wheel. 
  • If you’re planning to do some baking, set up a baking station at home where you can store all of your special tools, ingredients, and bakeware together.
  • You could also try your hand at candle-making. They do sell candle-making kits on amazon. 

Make Time for Rest and Relaxation

One of the best ways to deal with burnout is to carve out some time for proper rest and relaxation. Here are some ways that you can practice self-care to help you prevent the effects of burnout or help you cope with it effectively.

Some professions, in particular, are more prone to burnout, due to hectic work environments and schedules, such as those in the medical field, experiencing burnout as a nurse, is sadly common, which is pivotal, that if you’re in a profession that is prone to burnout, to seek help and education to prevent it, or treat it.

Get Proper Sleep

  • Adopt healthy sleeping habits like going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Make sure you’re getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night whenever possible.
  • Optimize your bedroom for better sleep by keeping sunlight out with room-darkening curtains or blinds, using a ceiling fan, and enjoying soft, comfortable bedding that helps you feel relaxed and calm.
  • Buy a new mattress that will give your body the support it needs based on your sleep position (back, stomach, or side). 
  • Don’t forget to make sure you’re using the right pillows. You can go the extra mile by buying a memory foam pillow. 
  • Certain products like eye masks, earplugs, and noise machines can also help you get better sleep. Look for various items that will make getting a great night of sleep easier for you.
  • Use soft, warm lighting in your bedroom to help you feel sleepy. Install wall sconces or use table lamps by your bedside so you can enjoy reading a book without having to get back up to turn the light off.
  • Some experts recommend not watching tv right before bedtime.
  • Reading a book may be a better option than looking at your Facebook before you close your eyes. 

Meditate

  • A few minutes of daily meditation can help to reduce stress and help you cope with burnout. Learn a few breathing techniques so that you can practice meditation at home, at work, and anywhere you go. You can try several breathing methods until you find the best technique for you.
  • Design a DIY meditation room or yoga space at home. Fill the room with beautiful houseplants, use scented essential oils to help you relax, and make sure that the space is located in a quiet area where you won’t be disturbed.
  • Choose soft, calming colors for your meditation area to help your mind relax. Add a yoga mat or a soft area rug to the floor so you can meditate or do some yoga comfortably.
  • Listen to relaxing music, add some crystals to the room, or burn some scented candles or incense to help set the mood.

Practice Good Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to prevent burnout. Set aside some time just for you, where you can simply relax and pamper yourself or do the things you love.

  • Have a nice spa day at home and enjoy a luxurious warm bubble bath. Play relaxing, calming music while you enjoy your at-home spa day.
  • Set up your bathroom to have a DIY spa experience at home by using candles or essential oils and stock your bathroom with luxurious products like bubble baths and body oils. 
  • Bring some beautiful artwork or green houseplants into the bathroom to help it feel more like a spa. Splurge on a comfy pair of slippers or an ultra-soft, plush bathrobe.
  • Give yourself a manicure or pedicure and just enjoy doing something for yourself without any obligation to anyone else. You can always choose to go get one done at your favorite place. 

Remember to Unplug

Today’s world demands that we’re constantly connected. Learn how to do a “digital detox” to help you unplug. This can include going outside and connecting with nature without your phone or simply limiting screen time.

Spend more time with your friends and family in person to feel more connected with the people you love,reduce social networking on screensand increase it in person. 

You can download special apps that will help you unplug. You can also try a screen time tracker like Moment that shows you how much time you spend connected to your smartphone each day. An app called Freedom blocks access to certain apps to help you stay productive so you can free up time for other things later. The Offtime app lets you disconnect entirely by helping you balance your use of digital devices more effectively.

You can also consider online therapy. Nowadays, thanks to technology you can also access therapy from the comfort of your own home. Venting and getting professional help can improve your outlook and give you a better perspective on a personal approach you can take to address feeling burnout.

So Help Yourself!

With a few simple changes and a positive attitude, you’ll be able to deal with the effects of burnout and maybe even prevent it. Keep some of these DIY projects in mind so that you have a special space at home set aside for the hobbies and things you love. If you’re looking to take on a bigger home project, consider reaching out to a contractor to help you so that everything is done safely and on time. No matter what, you’ll love the freedom that comes with learning how to deal with burnout healthily. 

Top 6 Gourmet Catering Picks For Your Next Webinar

Published on

Qinthara Fasya, DigitalCFO Asia | *Updated on 28 March 2022

Planning virtual events can be tough. From securing the right equipment to ensuring guests are always engaged, having to figure out meals that are fresh and appealing to everyone’s palates on top of everything else might just be too much to handle. Still, don’t throw in the towel just yet: let these gourmet food delivery services in Singapore do the work for you.

Amid all those webinars and virtual town halls, have the break you and your guests earned. Treat yourself, your employees, and your guests to these well-deserved feasts without having to break a sweat.

1. The Plattering Co.

Photos from The Pattering Co.

Opening up a catered bento box only to see dry economic bee hoon and soggy, anemic-looking vegetables is a pain familiar to many. The Plattering Co. knows just how important first impressions are—on top of sheer taste, they prioritise visual aesthetics, too. From artisanal cheese and fruit grazing platters to even the more staple protein-and-carb bento boxes, every package is prepared with the goal to whet the appetite from the moment the box lid is lifted.

With a wide range of products including Asian briyani bento boxes ($23.54/pax) and DIY Mexican Chicken Taco sharing platters ($90.95), there’s something for everyone with The Plattering Co. All they need is a two day lead time and minimum order value of $100.

2. AMGD

Photo from Mindchamp

Nutritious and healthy pre-prepared meals don’t have to be an exercise in futility. With wellness as a core pillar to their business, AMGD has got all the tiers of the food pyramid covered in the meals they deliver, and they taste good, too. This halal-certified caterer takes into account the diverse diets individuals may have, with vegetarian options, keto-friendly foods, and protein-high bentos available. Calorie information is also provided for every product.

AMGD doesn’t enforce a minimum order per box, so employees are free to pick and choose whatever suits their fancy. Popular boxes include the Braveheart Bento Box, Japanese-inspired Wonderland Bento, and seafood themed Memory + C Carbs Bento Box, with each box priced at $17.12. Just be sure to give a lead time of at least a day for them to fulfill your order! 

3. Grain

Photos from Grain

Grain is another caterer fuelled by the goal to make healthy food tasty. A popular choice among firms like The Lo & Behold Group and Openspace Ventures, Grain is a reliable provider of fresh and flavourful meals. They’ve got a specially curated line of Webinar Meals, including selections like Sweet Thai-ng Roasted Dory ($34./95/pax)  and Flamed Torced Sanchoku Beef Steak ($42.96/pax)—of which you can mix and match with a minimum order of 10 meals. If you’d like to try a little bit of everything, order a Buffet to Go, which enables you to have a go of seven to nine courses from the price of $17.60!


With a flat delivery fee of $9.9 for Webinar Meal orders, sending meals across Singapore to all your employees or guests is a breeze—just hit the $100 minimum order and you’re all set to go.

4. Orange Lantern Catering

Photos from Caterspot

Orange Lantern Catering is well aware that a meal is more than just a carb with a few sides. With their hand-picked Zoom Bento Box line, every meal comes complete with an appetizer, main, a dessert, and a drink to boot. Though specialising in Vietnamese cuisine, this line offers up a plethora of different cuisines to choose from, from Asian to Continental—the latter of which is their most popular selection. Each box is reasonably priced at $21.40 per box.

As a lighter pick, a Tea Break Bento Set (12.84/pax) is also available, where you can pick a mix of five sweet and savoury items and a drink of your choice.

5. ICS Catering

Preparing meals since 2012, ICS Catering is a heavyweight in the catering game. This is a caterer you’d want to consider for virtual events or meetings with a larger number of attendees—prices start from $6.42 per box for their bento boxes. ICS Catering doesn’t skimp on their meals, either, with bentos serving up three sides and a drink in addition to a main. Premium bentos ($12/pax) also add in a dessert, too! Delivery for orders over a $600 value are free.

6. Shiok Kitchen Catering

Since its inception in 2004, Shiok Kitchen Catering has been an established name in the catering service industry. Grown from providing mainly Thai food, it now serves a vast selection of cuisines ranging from your local delights to Chinese cuisine and western gourmet dishes.

A Halal certified catering service provider, Shiok Kitchen Catering adheres to the highest standards of catering for both food and service, where its well-trained catering staff guarantees professional and efficient service during your event. Its bento sets start as low as S$6. Shiok Kitchen Catering specialises in Curated Cuisines, specially catered for every experiences.

These are our top six picks—but don’t just hear it from us. Hear it from the multitude of reviews from users on Caterspot: the marketplace for everything workplace related. From food to team activities, discover the right fit for you with more than 400 vendors available on the platform. Your next corporate event will be settled with the snap of a finger. With most Covid-19 restrictions being lifted at the time of this article, thee options could also be helpful for your next physical event.

Lifestyle accessories for deterring RFID skimming 

Published on

Melissa Teo, DigitalCFO Asia | 21 March 2022

Remember the time when cashiers inserted customers’ credit and debit cards into a device to process transactions? Now cashiers operate on a contact-less approach, customers tap their cards on a scanner to pay. Customers may also have realised waving the card near the scanner is sufficient for the signal to be detected, hence the name paywave. Ever wondered how this act (akin to waving a magic wand) is accomplished? 

This act is enabled by RFID (radio frequency identification) tags embedded in cards. RFID tags emit radio magnetic waves to identify the cardholder’s information and card details. These tags are also embedded in biometric passports. 

Fraudsters have noticed the loophole in this set-up and taken advantage of it. By holding a card-reading device near RFID-enabled cards and passports, personal information can be retrieved. Card-reading devices are readily available in the market and at low prices. Concealing the device in a baggy shirt sleeve and roaming around crowds on public transport and malls, fraudsters can stealthily commit the crime of RFID skimming. 

Almost, if not all new credit and debit cards are contactless, and not offering the option to disable it. As such, how do individuals protect themselves against RFID skimming? Here’s a list of wallets and passport cases with RFID shields. 

Wallets

For Men — Bellroy Hide & Seek 

Image from Bellroy

Featuring eco-friendly leather and a holding capacity of 5 to 12 cards, this Bellroy wallet further stands out by being available in 2 sizes, high or low. The high version is suitable for bills taller than 74mm, and the low version is suitable for bills lower than 74mm. Singapore dollars fit the high version. It also doubles up as a travel-friendly wallet with a hidden bill compartment (along with a regular exposed compartment). 

It retails from SGD$99-129 on Bellroy website.

For Women — Fossil Logan RFID Mini Multifunction 

Image from Fossil Singapore

Fossil’s Logan wallet is small in size, but big on pockets. Measuring no wider than a regular female hand, this is a wallet you can hold with ease on days your bottoms are pocket-less. It features 5 card slots, 1 notes compartment, 1 ID window and 2 gusseted pockets handy for separating coins or storing small and easily misplaced items like thumb-drives or SD cards. And that’s not all. The exterior has another zipper pocket and a back slide pocket perfect for inserting public transport cards for quick access.

It retails at SGD$119 on Fossil Singapore website.

Card Sleeves

For Everyone — Herschel Charlie Wallet

Image from Herschel Singapore

A minimalist sleeve for slotting cards for daily usage. Storing up to 4 cards, it comes in 28 designs and colours. Some designs are special editions made from leather with embossed logos. Others are in colour-blocking style with a card slot made of silicone layer. 

It retails from SGD$31.90-$59.90 on Herschel Singapore website.

Passport Cases

For Men — Fossil Leather RFID Passport Case 

Image from Fossil Singapore

This passport case features brushed silver hardware, an embossed icon of an airplane and the word ‘passport’ on the cover.  The inner sleeve also has the word ‘passport’ embossed to indicate the slot for inserting your passport. It has 5 card slots, a zipper compartment, and a slide pocket for storing travel paraphernalia. Available in brown leather, it is a classic piece for your travel bag.

It retails at SGD$119 on Fossil Singapore website.

For Women — Fossil Travel Passport Case 

Image from Fossil Singapore

Part of Fossil’s eco-friendly leather collection, this green case’s front cover is 3D-embossed with wavy lines. It has 1 passport pocket, 1 slide pocket, 1 zip pocket, 4 credit card slots. The words ‘This’ and ‘& That’ are engraved in gold on the left and right of the inner sleeve, adding a witty edge to this case. 

It retails at SGD$129 on Fossil Singapore website.

For Everyone — Bellroy Travel Folio 

Image from Bellroy

Bellroy’s Travel Folio opens up in a zip-around style to pockets for 2 passports, 4-8 cards, and a slot for a SIM card. A leather divider also keeps cash hidden from plain sight. The folio comes with a micro pen for filling out travel documents. A regular sized pen slot is also included for those with larger hands and preferring a full sized pen.

It retails at SGD$199 on Bellroy website.

RFID Sleeves

For Everyone — RFID Protection Sleeve 

Image from Shopee Singapore

An affordable alternative and simple solution to deterring RFID skimming is by placing passports/cards into RFID sleeves. This is for those who have too few RFID cards to justify getting a new wallet or those who don’t require a passport sleeve with multiple pockets. 

It retails at SGD$2.50 on Shopee Singapore website for 2 passports sleeves or 5 card sleeves.

Besides equipping yourself with RFID wallets and cases, regularly monitoring bank statements is also crucial. To be alerted of possible fraud transactions in real time, one could set phone notifications for all card transactions and bank account transfers. Electronic pick-pocketing is diversifying, deterring it in style with sleek wallets, passport cases and concentrated attention to bank account activity is the way to go. 

5 Fun-Filled Family Activities For The March Holidays

Published on

Fatihah Ramzi, DigitalCFO Asia | 11 March 2022

Amp up your children’s March Holidays with these 5 fun-filled family activities.

With March Holidays just around the corner, parents are wrecking their minds, trying to find something fun and new for their children to experience. With the term break being a week-long holiday, it is the best opportunity to bring your kids out, destress and bond with them! For parents, who have run out of ideas and do not want to bring their children to the same places, here are 5 exhilarating, fun, thrill seeking and adventurous activities that families can do together.

Goodman Ceramic Art Studio

Parents and children can enjoy the wonderful experience of working with clay during the holidays. The program at Goodman Ceramic Art Studio begins with a warm-up exercise in clay preparation and wedging. The procedure will be demonstrated by their professional instructor, after which the family will be free to investigate the moving clay on their own. Everyone can make stunning clay sculptures with some guidance and one-on-one support.

Parents and children will participate in a sensory experience that will aid in sensory development, concentration and motor control, creative thinking and problem solving, as well as self-esteem and expressiveness. This will be an excellent opportunity for young children who are still honing their motor abilities and cultivating their creativity. This is the place to be for parents with children who enjoy getting their hands dirty.

Price: $100 for 3 hours (min. 3 pax)

Location: Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Rd, Singapore 439053

Wild Wild Wet

PHOTO: Mothership

The water park Wild Wild Wet in Downtown East is located in Pasir Ris, Singapore. It has a diverse range of rides and attractions that appeal to both adrenaline junkies and families with little children who are just staring to learnt to dip their feet in the water. Wild Wild Wet rides are given local names, such as Ular-Lah and Shiok River. At the water park, there are eight thrilling rides and three large water playgrounds for kids.

This is a must-see attraction for parents with thrill-seeking children. The Torpedo, one of Wild Wild Wet’s most popular attractions, drops you from four floors high and takes you on a spectacular 360-degree loop. All you have to do is enter a launch chamber and wait for the trap door beneath your feet to open, propelling you at rates of up to 70 kilometres per hour.

Price: Click here for ticket information.

Location: Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Cl, Singapore 519599

Adventure HQ

PHOTO: TheSmartLocal

The Adventure HQ features 24 thematic experiences for families to try, including competitive and adrenaline-inducing games. The Parabolic Slide is one of their most popular activities, and it’s a must-try. Participants must hold on to the pulley for as long as they can, and once they reach the top, the pulley will come to a complete halt. It may be frightening to let go of their grasp since there is nothing between them and a 90-degree drop, but once the adrenaline rush kicks in, you’ll want to do it again and again.

The Skyscraper Walk is a great place for parents who are trying to strike a solid work-life balance to put their stability to the test. Its 16 pillars are styled after CBD buildings, and while they appear substantial and presumably stable, the higher you go, the more wobbly each pillar becomes. These are just two of the 24 activities that have been described. If your children are daring and enjoy trying new things, here is the place to take them over the March holidays.

Price: Click here for ticket information.

Location: Home TeamNS Khatib, 2 Yishun Walk, Singapore 767944

Jurassic Dinosaur Adventure Park

PHOTO: sassymama.sg

For the first time, an interactive indoor playground has opened in Singapore. They have a wonderful exhibit of a primeval woodland region with many types of dinosaurs, as well as a section that provides for excellent photoshoots and observation. The Jurassic Dinosaur Adventure Park has a wide range of activities for children to enjoy, including a dinosaur riding area, a soft play area, a volcano trampoline, a dinosaur train, a shooting game, a 3-metre volcano area, and many others.

This will be an enjoyable trip for parents who have children that are enthralled by dinosaurs and are really passionate about them. Fortunately, the exhibition has been extended until March 20th, making it an excellent time for parents to visit the exhibition during the March school vacation.

Price: Click here for ticket information.

Location: D’Marquee @ Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Cl, Singapore 519599

Great Fun-mily Escapade Package @ Pan Pacific Hotel

PHOTO: thehoneycombers.com

Pan Pacific understands how to reach every child’s heart. The hotel comes with a teepee in the room, as well as kid-friendly goods packed into a mini-luggage. Your small ones will be more relaxed than they are at home, with bathtub toys, child-sized robes, and bedroom slippers available. A ring toss game and a large bouncy castle beside the poolside awaits them, as well as a variety of exciting outdoor activities. On weekends, families can participate in a treasure hunt that will reward them with a special gift if they successfully complete it.

If you need to get your hyperactive children out of the hotel, you will be glad to hear that this package includes a variety of discounts, such as a 10% savings on ALL IN Ticket at NERF Action Xperience and a rate of SGD80 for one day passes at De Kinder Club’s for up to two children. With this bundle, parents also get their own set of offers and entertainment. They will receive admission to the Pacific Club Lounge for a Champagne breakfast, high tea, and evening cocktails for the entire family.

Price: Click here for information.

Location: Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595

With these activities, parents will definitely be able to keep their children entertained and they do not have to miss out on the fun as well. Although the list is not exhaustive, bringing your kids to any of these activities will definitely tire them out. This could be the holiday experience your children will never forget!

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