Do your staff only feel happy when they’re “out of the office”?
Do your employees seem tired or unmotivated? Does it seem like co-workers are more impatient with each other than with their customers? Has your company lost that “lovin’ feelin’”? Maybe it’s not the staff that are to blame – maybe it’s the actual work environment!
When the economy isn’t at a high and budgets are cut, one of the areas that receive cutbacks is the actual workplace and its components. Any money for better desks, chairs, keyboards, etc. is thought to be a pointless expense. A common school of thought is that if an employee has a desk, a chair, a computer and a phone, then they should be fine and able to do an excellent job. Right? Well, probably not.
Think of this – out of 24 hours in a day, what two things take up the biggest periods of time? Sleep and work. And unfortunately, most times work exceeds sleep in the number of hours that are dedicated to it in a day. So if experts say that a good mattress, pillow and a calm, quiet and pleasant environment are essential for a good night’s sleep, then shouldn’t the same standards be in place for the other part of our life that takes up so much of our time?
However, we’re not recommending that you supply everyone with a comfy mattress and pillow for work! But what would their workplace counterparts be?
- Practical and User-Friendly Desk – it should have enough room for organized and productive work, allow for a monitor to be centered and at least 20 inches away, and should also allow for work in various comfortable positions.
- Comfortable Chair – a chair with padding and proper back support is essential. A chair without good support increases stress in the back, neck, shoulders, arms and legs and can add pressure to the spinal discs and back muscles. So in addition to a good chair, remember to stand up and stretch every now and then.
- Ergonomically Correct Keyboard – positioned at a 90-degree angle with forearms parallel to the floor, a keyboard of this type can really help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is a common work-related injury.
- Headset - handsets force users to support the phone between their neck and shoulders, often leading to sore necks and headaches. Headsets also allow for more productivity, since workers have both hands free.
- Lighting – although unnoticeable, fluorescent lighting actually has a flicker that can be a migraine trigger. Some headache experts believe that incandescent lighting is much better work lighting. Simply disabling some of the fluorescent tubes and adding some incandescent lights can go a long way in avoiding migraines.
- Computer Monitor – reduce eye strain with a monitor that is large enough for easy viewing but not overly bright – a monitor shield will help reduce the glare. And whenever possible, look away for short periods to give your eyes a rest.
- Other Ideas – allowing staff to personalize their workspace is often an easy way to increase productivity and job satisfaction without any additional company expenditures. Within reason, letting employees decorate their space with appropriate photographs, decorations or lighting is a great way to let them feel ‘at home’ when they’re at work!
[Source:PhonePro]
12 Responses to Happy Workplace Means Happy Employees.
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These are great points Rochelle. I will keep them in mind. You know I recently read an article that noted having good coffee at the office boosted company morale. I would like to add to that and say that having fresh ground coffee or tea available with personalized neat mugs boosts morale and productivity. I know everyone doesn’t drink coffee but my bet is that those that do will be much happier and feel like being productive. I sure am.
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Hi Roy.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
I completely agree with you – that's a great idea, it will be much cheaper than raising wages and in my experience half of the office would be asleep before lunchtime without some coffee or tea. It certainly helps revitalize employees and makes them more productive.
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Thanks for stopping by my blog. Of course I was drawn to the title of this post! I worked for a company once that made just as much effort on PR internally as externally. There was so much focus on the satisfaction of the emloyees that the employees were incredibly loyal to the company and worked at their best level. Unions were completely unsuccessful in trying to organize because the employees already felt valued and treated very well.
Thank you for your comment Galen.
Its great to know companies like that still exist. A lot of companies neglect their employees well-being.
The company atmosphere will feel so much better if the employees are happy.
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Hi Rochelle,
Great post here. Happy employees stay longer and has greater efficiency!
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Hi Shu Juan.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Much appreciated.
I agree – if your employees are happy they enjoy coming to work more.
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Hi Rochelle a lot of great advice my wife and I own a daycare so not quite the same as an office. The idea that it needs to be a great place to work means a lot to us . I built a desk for them that work there it has to sit in the main room where the children are but it is done well. We have a coffee machine for them also. If I am off work I try to go and take orders for coffee and fill them at Tim Hortons . I think just having them know you are thinking of them matters it does for me on my day job.
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Hi Bruce.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment.
I'm sure your employees are very grateful, its nice to know employers like you still exist.
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I think the simple act of considering your employees as people instead of cattle goes a long way toward making everyone’s life easier. Your considerations, I’d say, do that.
Take Care!
I couldn't agree with you more Joe.
All employees should feel appreciated, Some employers definitely don't realize how much it means to their employees to be thanked for their efforts every now and then.
Keep well!
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Hi Rochelle,
You bring up some very good points about workplace tips. I have learned the hard way over the years that comfortable accommodations (and GOOD ergonomics) are not things to take lightly! (Just ask my cervical spine and my chiropractor! lol) The truth is that if employers do not create an environment where employees are comfortable and not in pain over time, they may put themselves at risk for medical claims, additional absences and all sorts of other mishaps. I have seen that happen and in today's economy where employers are trying to squeeze as much as they can from every nickel, this is an IMPERATIVE subject!
Great job detailing the list of ways to make it work right for everyone!
Best regards,
Cat Alexandra
Hi Catherine.
Great to see you here.
Thanks so much for your comment!
I’m glad my post was of interest to you and thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. I agree full with your sentiments
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