FOX Corporate Housing is pleased to announce the addition of Google Chromecast Streaming to our standard rental package in lieu of basic cable.
Why Google Chromecast?
Google Chromecast Streaming gives you access to basic cable channels, but much more. You can stream your favorite shows and programs. For our tenants that have subscriptions to services such as: Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, Watch ESPN, etc., you can utilize Google Chromecast Streaming to stream on your TV. No need to watch on your iPhone, Android phone or tablet when traveling.
How do I set it up?
No need to setup the Google Chromecast device. Just as with basic cable, when you step into your apartment or home, everything is installed and ready to stream. FOX provides high speed Internet as part of our standard package. All you need to ensure is that your device is connected to the WiFi. Of course, FOX provides all the instructions and password for your secure Internet connection. FOX takes care of it all.
Why the change?
This shift will give our tenants access to entertainment services well beyond the offerings of basic cable, improving the overall travel and stay experience. In addition, as you know, for quick turnarounds in our units not already equipped with cable, cable wait times can extend past the move in date. This eliminates any delay in receiving services.
So sit back, grab your remote, and flip through the numerous offerings Google Chromecast Streaming has to offer!
Stay with FOX for all of your Corporate Housing Needs!
FOX Corporate Housing offers short-term, temporary housing solutions across the Nation in all Major U.S. cities as well as non-major market areas. Business Corporate Housing options are available in Seattle, Houston, Dallas, New York, Austin, Midland, Los Angeles, Miami, Salt Lake City, Tampa, Charlotte, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and many more.
As the COVID-19 Outbreak continues to spread, and more and more companies, businesses, and schools transitioning online, Zoom meetings are becoming increasingly more frequent and commonplace. These virtual meetings come with the added pressure of finding a clean, distraction-free space to call in from – no one wants to be embarrassed by a family member waltzing into the room in the background, or by some old Justin Bieber posters you never got around to taking down before heading off to college.
Thankfully, Zoom allows users to upload and/or change their virtual backgrounds. With this in mind, the FOX Corporate Housing team has designed, and uploaded some of our favorite FOX apartments as Zoom backgrounds so you can join your Zoom conference calls or online lectures without fear of a fellow coworker or student getting a glimpse of your unfolded laundry.
How to Download
To download one of our FOX Zoom background, simply hover your mouse over the appropriate image, right click your mouse button, and click “Save image as.”
To upload a FOX background to Zoom, open the Zoom application, and click the up arrow next to the “Start/Stop Video” button located on the bottom bar. Then, select “choose virtual background,” followed by the “+” sign, and select the appropriate image from your image library.
Fox Corporate Housing offers short-term, temporary housing solutions across the Nation in all Major U.S. cities as well as non-major market areas. Business Corporate Housing options are available in Seattle, Houston, Dallas, New York, Austin, Midland, Los Angeles, Miami, Salt Lake City, Tampa, Charlotte, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and many more.
In the midst of these unprecedented circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies and organizations are implementing voluntary and/or mandatory work-from-home policies. Turning your home into your office can be difficult, and if you’re new to working from home, figuring out how to stay productive and sane can feel like rocket science. Luckily, FOX Corporate Housing has compiled some tips to help get you through this craziness and to help you get your work done effectively, while also keeping up with your mental well-being.
1. Get dressed.
Although it can be tempting to
lounge around in your pajamas, doing so could lead to a less productive work
day. There’s no need to dress yourself to the nines, but the simple act of
putting on a “leaving-the-house” outfit can help kick-start your day.
Getting dressed helps build a routine, and having such a routine helps you feel
more organized and ready to take on the day.
Plus, we live in the 21st century where online meetings are exceedingly becoming the norm. I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure I’d want my boss and coworkers seeing me in my fluffy robe!
2. Designate a work space.
When working from home, it can be difficult to ignore your bed’s siren call, but people who regularly work from home are the first to admit that dedicating a certain room and/or surface in your home just for work is much more productive. This way, your already pre-designated “leisure areas,” i.e., your bed, couch, etc., can remain separate from your work life.
Doing so will help you feel like you are at the “office,” and thus will put you in the right mindset while concurrently helping to reduce distractions, and allowing you to feel as though you can “leave the office” and “leave your work behind” at the end of the day.
3. Stay connected!
It’s easy to feel isolated and cut off from the world when you work from home. This is why consistent communication with your colleagues is so important.
Use programs like Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, etc., to keep up with your coworkers and to stay connected with them, even if it’s just to say a quick hello or to catch up briefly!
4. Put on some background noise.
Although it may seem working in total silence might help you focus, a complete lack of noise can further add to feelings of loneliness. Putting on a TV show or playing music softly in the background can help you feel connected, and can imitate the chit-chat you might encounter while at the office. If you find yourself getting distracted, switching to light classical or “study” music might be something to consider. Spotify and YouTube have tons of playlists that are suitable.
5. Keep a morning routine.
Don’t let staying at home prevent you from going about your daily routine, just like before. A morning routine is a powerful tool to get your mind prepared for a day at the “office.”
This can be as simple as making sure you have your cup of joe before sitting at your desk, or going for a quick jog before work.
6. Take breaks and stretch your legs!
Consider setting an alarm or a reminder to get up and stretch every so often. Even something as small as walking around your house, or taking a quick – but leisurely – stroll outside to the mailbox can help your mind feel refreshed and will help increase your productivity when you return to your work.
Working from home is not everyone’s cup of tea, and hopefully things will soon return to normalcy. Until then, however, these tips can help you stay calm and be productive.
Fox Corporate Housing offers short-term, temporary housing solutions across the Nation in all Major U.S. cities as well as non-major market areas. Business Corporate Housing options are available in Seattle, Houston, Dallas, New York, Austin, Midland, Los Angeles, Miami, Salt Lake City, Tampa, Charlotte, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and many more.
At FOX Corporate Housing, we understand the value of education and recognize the potential in many of today’s college students. Through our FOX Internship Program, our desire is to provide our interns with the opportunity to explore the field and gain experience that builds upon their educational foundation, while simultaneously providing them with the flexibility necessary to balance work life with coursework.
About the FOX Internship Program
Our internship program focuses on year round development of classroom knowledge to real life business experiences. FOX Corporate Housing often employs interns, not only in the summer, but allows them to work remotely, giving them flexibility with their college schedules, to focus on continually growing and teaching our future leaders fundamental work ethics, effective-time management, communication and critical thinking skills.
FOX Intern Criteria
FOX Corporate Housing is proud to offer a valuable internship program to high-performing college students. As outlined below, we offer a career value-add experience for those motivated and dedicated students willing to set aside the time to learn about the Temporary Housing Industry.
Our initial criteria to be reviewed for the program are:
3.7 GPA or higher
Attendance at a National-Accredited university
If you meet these requirements, we want to speak with you!
Please reach out to FOX Corporate Housing’s Director of Human Resources, Karen House at: careers@foxcorphousing.com.
Flexibility of Scheduling
At FOX Corporate Housing, we understand that as a full-time student, balancing a full course-load with a work schedule can be difficult, and as a result of this, many college students miss out on all that an internship can offer. To accommodate a typical college student’s school commitments, FOX Interns can work remotely, thereby allowing them to fit their work schedule into their class schedule and other commitments. Our interns can coordinate their shifts before, after, or in between their classes so that they can effectively continue their studies while synchronously developing real world experience.
FOX Intern Duties
Our FOX Interns are delegated a myriad of duties and assignments aimed at cultivating skills in the various areas beneficial to their respective career paths and fields of study. Many FOX Interns begin their internship by developing an appreciation for the foundation and mechanics of the Sales Department through assisting the FOX Corporate Housing Sales Team with heavy outbound calling to our vendor partner communities to verify current availability and rental rates, compiling property information into our expansive system database, and entering leads.
Interns who demonstrate a particular interest in this field are subsequently taught the logistics of quote generation and are given the opportunity to gain invaluable experience through working one-on-one with a Sales Team Mentor.
Interns who desire to learn more about Information Technology are provided with the opportunity to develop further coding skills by assisting the IT Department with formulation of codes crucial to keeping software operational, as well as by working with the IT Department to troubleshoot coding errors.
Some interns are also tasked with assignments focused around Social Media SEO Marketing via Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., and thus gain key insight into the elements of Digital Marketing. Interns who are especially interested additionally learn the principles behind effective Digital Marketing research and analytics, and are given creative license through means of digital media design.
Through means of their individual tasks and assignments, all FOX Interns develop essential critical thinking skills, gain an appreciation for attention to detail, and advance their communication skills in an environment that concurrently fosters effective time-management tendencies.
The FOX Intern Family
At FOX Corporate Housing, we like to think of ourselves as one big family – and FOX Interns are no exception! Many of our interns have been friends since high school, and those new to the program are welcomed with open arms and are very quickly integrated into the FOX family. It is always great to see our interns spending time with one another outside of work and to watch them further develop friendships with fellow employees!
We are so proud of each and every one of our FOX Interns, and we value their individual contributions to the company. All of our interns bring unique perspectives and insights to the table, and it is an honor getting to see them grow and develop into young leaders.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve been hearing talk of Coronavirus virtually everywhere – and if you’re anything like me, you can’t help but have flashbacks to the 2011 movie, Contagion, starring Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow. With so much talk about the outbreak, it’s easy to become worried about your health and safety, and questions regarding whether or not it’s safe to travel quickly arise. To help you get a better idea of what’s going on, FOX Corporate Housing has researched the subject. Here’s what we learned.
What is Coronavirus?
Despite it commonly being referred simply as “coronavirus,” the specific virus that originated in China – Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), is actually one type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of common, enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses characterized by the crown-like spikes observed on their viral surface. Coronaviruses range from common respiratory colds, to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which in simple terms means that they spread via animals and people – although some coronaviruses only affect animals. This new coronavirus is one that can affect humans and spreads from person-to-person – probably through means of airborne travel, i.e., viral respiratory particles in the air. Typically, it is obvious that a person is infected, but it is also possible that someone has been infected by the virus and has managed not to develop symptoms/feel sick.
It is worth mentioning that although COVID-19 is an RNA virus, i.e., it is a virus that’s primary genetic material is RNA as opposed to DNA, the tendency for RNA viruses to mutate is probably not a cause for concern. Most of the time, mutations are not beneficial to the virus and actually cause organisms to leave fewer descendants over time such that natural selection ultimately eliminates the organisms with said mutations. Usually, multiple genes code for a virus’s severity or transmission capabilities; so, in order for COVID-19 to become more severe and to become more easily transmitted, multiple genes would need to mutate, and the likelihood of this happening in a short span of time is incredibly low.”
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Typically, symptoms of Coronavirus 2019 appear within 2-14 days post infection. According to the World Health Organization, “common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.”
However, most people who contract Coronavirus 2019 will make a full recovery, although recovery times can vary by person. For infected people who aren’t terribly ill, recovery may not be all that different from recovering from a flu-like sickness, and people who display very mild symptoms may only take a few days to get back on their feet.
It is important to note that older people, as well as those with underlying health conditions and/or already compromised immune systems, should do what they can to avoid situations that put them at increased risk. This includes staying away from crowded places, as well as avoiding non-essential travel, i.e., lengthy flights and cruise ships.
Is it safe to travel?
So far, the CDC has not advised against domestic travel within the United States. Currently, the U.S. is listed as a “Watch Level 1: CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to destinations with level 1 travel notices because the risk of COVID-19 is thought to be low.”
The following countries are considered to be higher risk, and non-essential travel should be avoided:
China – (Level 3 Travel Health Notice). Foreign entry has been suspended.
Iran – (Level 3 Travel Health Notice). Foreign entry has been suspended.
South Korea – (Level 3 Travel Health Notice). Avoid all nonessential travel.
Italy – (Level 3 Travel Health Notice). Avoid all nonessential travel.
Japan – (Level 2 Travel Health Notice). Older adults and people with chronic health conditions should postpone travel.
Hong Kong – (Level 1 Travel Health Notice). Travels should take proper precautions when traveling here.
The Safety of FOX Corporate Housing’s Clients
The health and safety of FOX Corporate Housing’s clients is always our top priority. We continue to monitor the situation and are staying vigilant by keeping up with any updates regarding official information published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The FOX team wants you to feel safe staying at our properties, and we are taking extra precautions to ensure that our units are properly sanitized and cleaned. All staff have been given extra guidance per CDC recommendations, and every effort is being made to keep our guests as safe as possible. Measures include disinfecting all surfaces that are frequently come into contact with, i.e., tables, door knobs, toilets, light switches, etc., with EPA-registered disinfectants, and instructing staff to wear gloves at all times.
The CDC recommends the following measures to prevent the spread of respiratory illness:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
The FOX Corporate Housing team will continue monitor any updates, and will provide information from the experts regarding this developing situation.
If you have any concerns regarding the cleanliness or sanitation of our apartments, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at 1-844-440-4360, or by email at info@foxcorphousing.com.
For more information about Coronavirus, you can visit the following sites:
Understanding the mechanics of Corporate Housing can be difficult – especially since there are a multitude of different terms referring to this type of housing. Fortunately, we’re here to break it down for you.
CORPORATE HOUSING IN A NUT SHELL
Put in the simplest of terms, Corporate Housing refers to any fully furnished, temporary housing offered for extended-stays of typically 30 days or more. In many cases, Corporate Housing accommodations take place in an apartment setting, but this is not always the case. Professional providers, such as FOX Corporate Housing, work with clients to coordinate these units such that they are fully inclusive of furniture, housewares, amenities, cable, phone, electric, and water.
“Corporate housing is a physical space and a full range of services offered to a client/guest, specific to their unique needs.”
The term “Corporate Housing” gets its name from its popularity among business travelers. That is , it is regularly used by companies as a more affordable hotel alternative to house employees for longer periods of times, i.e., usually stays for 30 days or more. However, Corporate Housing is not limited just to business travelers, and is commonly utilized by vacationers, students, those who need housing while remodeling their home, etc.!
WHAT’S THE HYPE?
Corporate Housing provides individuals with a luxurious, hassle-free housing option that is unique to the industry. The amenities and inclusions quintessential of a Corporate Housing unit are designed to make you feel at home – even when you’re away from home. Many Corporate Housing options are pet-friendly, meaning you don’t have to leave any part of your family behind while you travel, and the setting fosters an air of belonging within the community. Staying in a corporate apartment, for instance, offers greater stability than a hotel stay could, and residents are given the opportunity to build connections with permanent residents in the area, thereby allowing them to experience the city without feeling like a tourist.
STAY WITH FOX FOR YOUR CORPORATE HOUSING NEEDS
Fox Corporate Housing offers short-term, temporary housing solutions across the Nation in all Major U.S. cities as well as non-major market areas. Business Corporate Housing options are available in Seattle, Houston, Dallas, New York, Austin, Midland, Los Angeles, Miami, Salt Lake City, Tampa, Charlotte, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and many more.
It’s always nice to come home to a happy pup after a long day of work, but many people deprive themselves of this luxury out of fear that their pooch won’t be happy staying in an apartment. Although keeping a pet in such circumstances does require some additional considerations, it is absolutely possible. Here are some tips to keep your best friend’s tail wagging during your extended-stay!
1. Keep your pet entertained with the right toys.
Just like us, your pet can get bored when there’s nothing to do. Good thing there are various dog toys available that were designed for this very purpose! If your dog is a chewer, it might be worth considering something like a Kong toy, where the lure of difficult-to-access treat can keep your pup entertained and busy. There are multiple other options on the market as well that similarly act as a challenging and engaging puzzle for your pooch.
Additionally, getting a stuffed animal type of toy, or even a soft blanket, might also be worth looking into, as this can help keep your pup calm and help them feel at home – especially if the toy smells like you. Chewy dog bones or long lasting treats are also a good way to keep your pet occupied and happy while you are gone!
2. Exercise and Socialization!
Letting your dog stretch their legs plays a big role in keeping them happy, especially if they have been confined to your apartment all day. It’s also good for them to get a bit of socialization – with other dogs or with people. This can easily be accomplished by taking your dog on a walk or by taking them to a dog park. Many of FOX Corpora properties offer great amenities for your pet, such as Pet Play Areas, Pet Spas and Dog Walking trails that can help your pooch get all the exercise they need. This is also a great way for them to socialize with other dogs, since chances of encountering another apartment pup in these areas is very high!
3. Make a space just for him.
Even though your dog may be the biggest snuggle bug (or bed hog!) when you’re there with them, having the whole couch or bed just to themselves when you’re not home can be overwhelming for your furry friend. Carving out a little space for your pooch can help them feel at home. This can be as simple as setting out a dog bed or a crate with a few of your dog’s favorite toys. If your dog is especially prone to separation anxiety, it may also be useful to throw in one of your t-shirts that smells likes you that he can curl up with – at least until you get home and he has the real deal to snuggle up into!
4. Consider finding someone who can check in on or watch your dog while you’re out.
If you find yourself away from the apartment for long periods of time, and can’t stop worrying about your baby, try finding someone who can pop in once or twice a day to check on him. Some FOX properties offer a Pet Day Care service, which is a great resource to have in these situations.
Having your pet with you makes your stay 100 times better. These tips should help your pet feel at home too!
At FOX, we understand that pets are an important part of the family. There’s absolutely no reason you should have to leave them behind when traveling! Several of our communities are Pet-friendly, offering your pet amenities such as: Pet spas, on-site groomers, Pet-sitting services, Pet parks, Pet-washing stations, and convenient walking trails. Still not comfortable keeping your pet in an apartment? FOX has you covered! We also offer Fully Furnished Home options!
