As an employer, having content and healthy employees is a priority that is second to none. When employees are positive and healthy, they are more likely to be productive, engage in workplace culture and meet or exceed their role expectations. However, knowing this in theory and putting it into practice are two very different things. Today we are going to look at ways to transform the office into a healthy and positive environment so that you can get the best from your team and give them the support they need.
Office coffee machine
Bringing office coffee machines into your business is a decision that will be met with a lot of enthusiasm, and it’s not just because it gets everyone focused for the day. An office coffee machine also acts as a social space where your employees can enjoy a reprieve from work and connect on a casual level with other employees. Having an office coffee machine is also a great selling point to future candidates, as it sends a message that you have invested in their work experience and are committed to curating a positive setting.
The layout matters
Some employers can get hung up on the style of their office, but whether it’s modern, classic or edgy – you have control over the layout. Consider a spaced layout, with small clusters of desks for teams to be able to connect easily while not disrupting the rest of the office. Alternatively, your office might benefit from a hot-desking approach, allowing them to enjoy different parts of the office and working next to new team members on a regular rotation.
Before your shuffle, get clear on who wants the colder corners and sun-drenched spaces so no one is uncomfortable. You can’t underestimate the breath of fresh air that comes with an office redesign, and the mental health of your employees will thank you for it.
Social activities
If you want to achieve a healthy and positive workplace environment, you will have to do your part in cultivating that yourself. Consider setting monthly social activities with your team where you can blow off steam offsite or bring some good food and drinks to the office. You could also start a book club or have a thread where you recommend podcasts for personal growth, upskilling or just plain old fiction. One thing to remember is that your team are of different ages and cultures, and will likely have varying familial responsibilities to be sure to cater to all.
Inject some personality
Your office doesn’t need to feel like a typical, sterile office. In fact, the best ones often break the mould and have some fun with the decor and styling of the setting. You might wish to make this a collaborative effort with your team, or you can hire a stylist to really get it right. If your employees feel comfortable in their working environment and want to spend time there – you will cultivate a genuinely positive setting.
You might wish to also feature artwork from local artists, demonstrating a connection to the community which your employees will value. Gestures like this might seem small, but they go a long way in making up the ‘why’ of your business and the reason your employees continue to work for you and in the office.
You cannot expect to make a genuine and lasting impact on your office setting overnight, and you should instead think intentionally about how to achieve this and maintain it long-term. It’s not enough to simply prioritise salary and work perks, as other businesses are meeting these needs as well as transforming the office to be a place where employees can thrive.
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