Keeping employees comfortable should be a top business priority. After all, the better they feel, the more productive they are likely to be.
But how are you supposed to do this and ensure that everything is hunky dory?
That’s the topic of this post. It explores some of the things you can do to boost comfort and improve the overall working atmosphere so nobody regrets being there.
1. Foster A Positive Culture
You’ll want to start by fostering a positive culture, something that almost always exudes from the top. Being friendly and engaging with people is a great way to make them feel valued and recognize their achievements.
Encouraging collaboration is another tactic you could take. Getting people to work together on projects naturally brings them closer together and helps to build rapport in the office.
Lastly, you could also introduce a supportive vibe. Life and work are both challenging, so it helps if employees know they have people they can fall back on.
2. Keep Noise Levels Down
You also want to focus on keeping noise levels down. The more you can suppress these, the more likely staff will leave work at the end of the day feeling less stressed than when they arrived.
Yes, keeping noise levels down is often difficult, but the number of new technologies available to help with this is growing regularly. Many companies, for instance, hire soundproofing experts to install foam walls in offices and meeting rooms to prevent sounds from spreading.
3. Prioritize Mental Health
At number three, you should focus on prioritizing mental health. Offering counseling and stress management services can be vital for workers who are struggling in their personal or professional lives. These services are often a lifeline for individuals who feel they can’t carry on.
Once you put these systems in place, everyone in the office becomes happier, or at least more manageable. Fewer people have breakdowns, and employees are able to work longer without becoming burned out.
4. Provide Healthy Snacks
At the same time, you also want to ensure you’re providing plenty of healthy snacks between meals. Many employees feel uncomfortable when they have to eat junk all day long, just to feel full. Eventually, it takes its toll on their bodies, particularly their stomachs, causing them to exist in a state of constant pain.
But with healthy snacks and whole food meals throughout the day, you can help them prevent this. Many employees love the idea of being able to go to work and for all the vending machines to be full of snacks that support their well-being.
5. Keep It Cool
You also want to keep the office relatively cool, especially during the summer months. Stifling temperatures can make it hard for workers to concentrate, and it leads to excessive sweating.
One affordable option is Hunter HVLS fans. These fit overhead and provide a regular breeze.
You can also look into installing climate control systems, like HVAC units, which give you precise control. These are handy in glass-fronted buildings where incoming sunlight can raise temperatures substantially.
6. Provide Flexible Work Options
Keeping people comfortable in the office can also take the form of flexible working. People are more likely to feel refreshed and less imprisoned if they can come and go as they please.
Naturally, this approach isn’t right for all offices and roles. However, it can be useful for employees who don’t need to be at their desks from 9 am until 5 pm or regular business hours. Once they have more control, they can take care of their children or work according to their rhythm, whatever that happens to be.
7. Maintain Cleanliness
Often overlooked, it’s also critical for companies to maintain cleanliness in their buildings. Many workers are sensitive to this.
Start with ensuring workstations are tidy and clutter-free. Check that your cleaning company regularly vacuums to remove irritants.
Also, pay attention to the bathroom. While offices themselves might be okay, toilets and urinals can work up a stench fast.
8. Provide Break Areas
Finally, make sure your organization provides workers with plenty of break areas for them to take time out. Give them the space they need to relax and unwind after working hard for several hours.
Breakout spaces should be designed around the idea that they need to refresh workers so they are ready to go back to their desks. Including fun activities, like foosball tables, as well as refreshments in vending machines will quickly get them back on their feet and ready for more productivity.
So there you have it: some of the top ways you can keep your employees comfortable.
