Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours at work, meaning we spend more time with colleagues than friends, family, or even our spouse. Many people find themselves feeling down at work now and again, however, research has shown that a fun workplace can actually increase productivity, helps with staff retention, and makes employees feel much more appreciated. Even if you can't have slides and beanbags like in the Google office, here are a few ways you can make your office a nicer place to work, and can keep a smile on your staff's faces.
1. Give generous breaks
If you have staff working the standard nine to five, then they probably already have a half hour or hour long lunch. However, adding some tea breaks and time away from their screens can help prevent RSI, sight problems, and exhaustion. This could reduce sickness time, and prevent silly mistakes being made by staff.
2. Get everyone healthy
An employee who is physically healthy is less likely to take sick days, and will no doubt be much more energetic and enthusiastic at work. Encourage your employees to feel better by:
- Offering free healthy snacks such as fruit
- Encouraging them to set up sports teams
- Having plenty of natural light
- Organising walks or fitness classes during lunch break
- Having a doctor on-site for health clinics
- Ensuring that workstations are set up correctly
This kind of concern for your employees will allow them to feel appreciated, and they will know that their health and well-being is being taken seriously by management. It's important that you don't pressure employees into taking up these changes, but rather have them on offer for them to accept in their own time.
3. Liven up your décor
Many office environments are incredibly drab, with lots of magnolia and blue on display. Even if you don't own the building, there are still ways to liven things up on a small budget. Have notice boards with photos and seasonal displays, or get a weekly delivery from Adelaide florists to add some colour to the work environment. These kinds of things make the office look more cared for, as well as giving your employees something pretty to look at.
4. Socialise
While you don't want your employees to be chatting away all day, some socialisation in the workplace is important. You can't force people to get along, and some people simply want to get on with their job, but it's nice to have an environment where people can talk about things outside of work occasionally. This makes the environment friendlier, and means people are more likely to work as a team.
If your employees remain tight lipped, try organising an event to get them to open up. Team building exercises can be fun, just try not to make them too over the top or embarrassing for people. Even a casual lunch can often be enough for people to let their guard down, and hopefully talk to some new people.
5. Listen to suggestions
There's nothing worse than a boss who feels cut off from his or her employees, so make sure they know your door is always open for them. Whether it's tackling workplace issues such as bullying, performance, or disciplinary actions, or just finding out what's going on in your team's lives and supporting them through the tough times, a caring boss is one of the best things an employee can ask for, and it costs you nothing!
Creating a workplace that's good for staff doesn't take a huge amount of effort, but it has so many rewards when it comes to productivity and keeping talented staff on-board. Why not try some of these suggestions in your workplace and see how pleasant it can make the nine to five.