Positive working environments encourage creativity, increase productivity, reduce turnover rates, and improve overall performance.
Ensuring the office is a pleasant place to work in isn’t just about keeping employees happy, it’s about ensuring the longevity of your business. With that in mind, here are five ways you can improve the working environment.
Focus on the Physical Workspace
The area in which a person works can significantly influence their wellbeing and concentration levels. You should ensure the office is clean and functional, with areas of collaborative and focused work, and take things like lighting, furniture, decor, and temperature into account.
Leveraging reliable facilities management suppliers can make it easier to maintain the building to a high standard and ensure the workplace remains safe and functional.
Support Health and Wellbeing
It’s important to encourage healthy behaviours. For instance, if you put out snacks or meals, opt for a variety of nutritious options. If you provide benefits, consider ones that contribute to a person’s health like gym memberships, discounted gym classes, or access to therapy or mental health services.
Take Steps to Prevent Burnout
Burnout is incredibly common and it can be detrimental to an employee’s health, happiness, and performance at work. Offering flexible working hours or remote working opportunities can make a big difference, and will allow them to better manage their work and personal lives.
In addition, ensure that all employees are given an adequate amount of time off, and when they are on annual leave, their time away is respected.
Be Proactive About Feedback
Businesses should give staff the chance to share their ideas, concerns, and general feedback. But simply listening isn’t enough. You also need to address any concerns, resolve any issues, and take any criticisms or suggestions on board. This will help employees feel valued and respected.
Prioritise Personal and Career Development
If staff feel as though they are stuck in a dead end job and they aren’t given the opportunity to develop their skills, it’s unlikely they will remain motivated to contribute. Putting pathways for progression in place, setting clear goals for promotion, and investing in personal and professional growth is crucial for retaining high-performing employees.
Bettering the Workplace is an Ongoing Effort
Substantial changes to your business model can take time but it’s important to make a conscious effort to continuously make improvements. By creating a suitable working environment, focusing on the health and wellbeing of your employees, and supporting personal and professional growth you can create a workplace where both the staff and the business thrive.
