Most people spend more time at work than anywhere else. If you’re a business owner, how can you ensure that the workplace is a positively vibrant and productive place, and that staff is happy?
Physical space
Allowing enough space for each person to do their job properly is important and reduces the feeling of overcrowding. Spacing desks and work areas allow for privacy, but open enough for conversation can help employees feel valued.
You should provide an area to have breaks, and you could contribute little things such as kettles, coffee machines, and water coolers to add some comfort to the working day. Physical comfort is crucial for providing high-quality work, and you should evaluate aspects such as office temperature, desk height, chairs, and other things used every day.
If you live in a hot climate, your office must stay cool. It is a common problem that everyone is different when it comes to preferred temperatures, but most will agree that high humidity and intense heat are not conducive to high input. Alternatively, a frigid office isn’t ideal either. Installing the correct air conditioning system with a heating option will help keep the office at a constant temperature. You can learn more about choosing the right heat type for your PTAC at this site and the differences between heat pumps, and how they work to keep the air fresh and at a constant temperature.
Providing a few big green plants will help bring the outside in and help employees not to feel claustrophobic and shut in. In addition, plants are known for their stress-busting properties and are great for boosting creativity.
The right team
The most important part of developing a fantastic work environment is choosing the right people. Be vigilant when interviewing and try to identify the applicant’s values. Structure questions to enable you to get an insight into what’s important to them, what drives them forward, and what they can offer the company. Employees who are negative and display a bad attitude affect other people, and the culture can quickly become toxic, which affects all aspects of the business. Strong team players, a collaborative focus, and a professional attitude will help nurture a forward-thinking culture that employees will be happy to be a part of.
Choose team leaders wisely and make sure they are up to the job. They should know what motivates others and keen to be a role model to increase performance. They should have a clear vision and the ability to manage people effectively and patiently.
Communication
You should always strive to maintain an approachable persona as an employer. Taking an interest in staff and listening to them when they come to you is vital for forming great professional relationships. Show appreciation for the work your staff do and praise them when you have the opportunity. Keep your door open and be available for any employees who are struggling and encourage them to talk if needed.
Staff work harder and are more enthusiastic when they feel valued, which benefits their wellbeing and your business. It also builds trust, and good employees will stick around, saving you time and resources. Happy workers are 48.4% more inclined to remain in employment and less likely to drain company money through sick days and minimal effort.
Work dominates much time, and so it’s crucial to make your workplace and happy and thriving community.
