A clean, comfortable and positive work environment fosters a creative atmosphere in which people can thrive. The same goes whether it’s your home or your professional space.
Who doesn’t like working in a beautiful office with great lighting? On a comfortable desk where they can focus on their activities uninterrupted?
Most small business owners pay little attention to the impact the working environment has on their employees’ morale and performance. And this is one of the greatest mistakes you can make. If you have realized that and are looking for how to improve work environment in the office, read on!
Why office environment is important for your business
As a small business owner, you need to understand that offering a happy and healthy office environment to your employees will boost their productivity and keep them motivated. Studies show that “companies with happy employees outperform the competition by 20%”, which is remarkable if you consider this factor alone!
Having said that, satisfied employees will go the extra mile for your business because they feel committed to the cause, not because they have to. So, why not try to provide them with a productive work environment? They will be more engaged and you’ll watch your business do better; it’s really a win-win situation!
7 ways to improve the work environment for your staff
However, an ideal workplace environment takes a lot of preparation and effort to make into a reality that everyone enjoys. You should look at this as an investment for your company’s future and well-being more than anything.
Here are 7 tips on how to improve the work environment in the office and take your business to the next level!
#1 Keep the workplace tidy & cozy
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that a clean and comfortable office environment is a “must” at all times. No one feels good when there is clutter, messiness, and dust all over their working space. Get rid of broken machines, or ancient air conditioning units that make the air literally heavy. A healthy work environment is an obligation of the business owners to their team.
Your goal here is to create a positive atmosphere for your employees while they have everything they need to do their job properly!
Invest in ergonomic furniture and good-functioning equipment. Moreover, decorate the space with plants and nice objects that tune in with your company’s style.
Moreover, fill the company’s kitchen cupboards with coffee and snack supplies. Your employees will appreciate it and change the way they perceive their work environment!
#2 Personalized workstations
You can take coziness one step further and allow your employees to personalize their space as they wish, to make themselves even more comfortable while working. This may include flower pots, small decorative items, family photographs, or favorite quotes posters!
While you’re choosing the furniture, you can give them the option of picking their own chair color, personal lamp style, or preferred keyboard. Those suggestions will not only help them become more productive but also make them feel valued on a personal level!
#3 Find room for recreational activities
The best work environments out there have this in common; they offer recreational areas to their staff so they can steam off and relax for a while during a hard day.
For example, something as simple as a ping pong table will give your employees the opportunity to have some fun in between meetings and dull tasks.
Not only that, through leisure activities like that and the happy atmosphere they create, your team will bond. This will boost collaboration and promote a more positive work environment!
#4 Provide a quiet space
Open space offices are great and promote the collective effort! However, there are times when your team members may need a quiet room to focus or handle delicate matters that not all employees are authorized to.
Make sure you find a space where employees will be able to concentrate on a difficult project.
It will limit the number of interruptions that would be inevitable in the open space office and enhance their productivity.
#5 Have fun as a team!
You can treat your employees by arranging fun, after-work activities together with or without a special occasion.
For example, you can split into two (or more) teams and have a blast playing paintball! Or, you can celebrate personal and professional moments such as birthdays and milestones with cocktails. This positive atmosphere and sense of belonging will skyrocket the efficiency and dedication of your team.
#6 Listen to them
If you are serious about improving the work environment in the office, you must not leave this tip out. Apart from all the tangible ways to improve your office environment, there are also intangible ones. The most important is to be open and available to your employees.
Keep your door open literally and figuratively for your team to report conflicts or complaints. Make them feel welcome to express their opinion at all times.
Enforcing this policy will show them you listen to what they have to say and, once again, make them feel appreciated for their labor.
#7 Don’t overwork your team
Set realistic goals when it comes to each employee’s workload. There’s no bigger productivity “killer” than burning out your staff. Even if your employees can work well under pressure, there comes a point where they no longer care about their work’s quality if they feel stressed out and tired all the time.
However, there are times when overtime is necessary to meet deadlines or deliver a big project. A good suggestion is to reward them with some days of paid leave, a bonus or even a promotion.
Employees who know that their efforts will be recognized will reach the maximum of their capacity in times of need, without feeling dissatisfied.
A positive office environment benefits your small business!
Last but not least, you shouldn’t only stay on the aforementioned suggestions. There are many more ways to improve office productivity. You can transform your company and make your employees happy working for you and WITH you. As an owner, you have to come up with more creative ideas for a positive work environment and never underestimate the small gestures that can express your gratitude for the hard work and dedication of your people.
