According to the latest headlines, the north west region is the latest hotbed for high tech small businesses.
Great news for the local economy, but with more players entering the marketplace every day, it means organisations need to leverage every advantage they have, to remain competitive and stay ahead of the pack.
With the huge focus on technology, it is easy to overlook the most important asset that any business has – its people. Here, we take a look at how you can create a better working environment for employees, leading to a more motivated workforce and a more successful business.
Cleanliness
Sounds simple, but you would be amazed at the difference a clean working environment makes, and at just how many businesses fail dismally at providing even this. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a common condition, but it’s one that few of us truly understand. It refers to the chemical and biological contaminants that build up in any building and can cause a variety of ailments.
Dust, fumes, poor air circulation, and bacteria are just a few of the factors that can contribute to SBS. Symptoms for sufferers include fatigue, sore throats, headaches, and nausea. If you find your workforce suffers more than its fair share of “bugs going around”, then it is well worth digging a little deeper to find the cause.
In the majority of cases, a good cleaning regime and maximising fresh air can make a world of difference, leading to a happier and healthier team.
Climate control
If your employees are freezing cold in winter and overheating in the summer, they will not be operating at their best. Anyone working in these kinds of circumstances is going to be more focused on their discomfort than the job at hand. In winter, it can lead to greater absenteeism through illness, and in summer, workers will feel drowsy and unable to focus.
Invest in an effective climate control system – even in remote locations or a warehouse environment, you can install Andrews heaters to keep your workers comfortable. In warmer months, try to introduce as much natural fresh air as possible for a healthy working environment.
Work life balance
The modern world provides greater flexibility in working practices than ever before. How can you use these to help your workforce achieve a better work/life balance? Consider remote working options or flexible hours. After all, in a growing number of roles, technology means that people do not need to be in the office to do their jobs.
Ergonomics
A large percentage of workers spend hours every day hunched over a desk staring at a computer screen. This is not the ideal posture for health and comfort, so invest in good-quality equipment to maximise comfort.
Look for the most ergonomically designed office chairs and work stations. They might cost a little more, but you will reap the benefits in terms of staff comfort, motivation, and productivity.
The human factor
It is easy to get carried away with the importance of digital transformation in the modern era. However, remember the human side of your organisation too, and you will be certain to maximise your competitive advantage and bring long term advantages to your workforce and your business.
