As we begin to move away from working at home, business owners must work on improving their work and office spaces to make this transition as smooth as possible. While this may not seem as important as finding new products or hosting client-facing events, workplace updates and maintenance projects are some of the best ways to invest money in your business.
This is because of a well-maintained and designed workplace:
- Is more attractive to clients, especially if they will be stopping by for meetings.
- Promotes workplace efficiency and productivity, as it becomes the kind of space where employees will want to spend time.
- Helps you appear more professional and trustworthy, putting your company on the map.
- Can increase employee morale and, by extension, employee retention rates.
With that in mind, here are some simple (yet effective) ways in which you can update your office premises in the new year.
Revamp your toilets.
Believe it or not, your office’s bathroom plays a much more important role in employee morale than you can imagine. This is because well-designed and hygienic toilets show that you are taking employee health seriously – which is particularly important in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, a good office makeover should always include the bathroom. For example, you could update your Toilet Cubicles to increase your employee’s privacy or install hands-free taps to promote better workplace hygiene.
Provide employees with free access to hand sanitiser
You’ve probably lost count of the sheer amount of hand sanitiser you’ve used over the past year – but it is a great (and effective) way of minimising the spread of germs in the workplace and beyond. As a result, you should ensure that you set up hand sanitiser stations throughout your workplace – such as in the bathroom and by the main entrance. This is another excellent way to show your employees that you care about their health and safety while complying with all government regulations.
Let there be light
According to scientific studies, we are often much more productive (and happier) when we have access to natural light. While this doesn’t mean you should relocate your entire office to the parking lot (especially with the weather we experience in the UK), there are plenty of ways in which you can let more natural light into your office. For example, you could swap out heavy, dusty curtains for lightweight blinds and keep them open during office hours. You can also stay away from dull, industrial lighting in favour of bulbs that mimic natural light.
Ditch the white paint
Many offices or workspaces are painted white since it can make spaces appear more clean, structured, and professional. However, if we’re to believe in colour psychology, other paint colours might be a better option for your workplace. For example, if you want to build a happier workforce in 2021 – you might want to opt for a colour that promotes a more positive atmosphere, such as yellow or orange. Alternatively, pastel shades are known to boost focus and productivity.