There are people who spend more time in their office than they do at their homes which is why the workplace should feel like a second home to them. If you are a business owner then you definitely care about your company’s productivity, and the best way you can achieve this is by creating a safe and relaxing place to make your employees feel comfortable. If you want your workers to give you their best then you have to provide them with an environment that encourages them to do so. There are some small but very effective things that can make your employees feel appreciated, and this feeling will make them exceed your expectations. So, keep reading for tips on how to make your employees feel at home while in the office.
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Adjust the Temperature
You may think that this is a small thing but as a matter of fact, temperature plays a huge role in productivity. You can’t expect your employees to concentrate if the temperature is too hot or too cold, moreover, these kinds of temperatures may make people sick. Most offices adjust it to 67 degrees, however, if you want your employees to be comfortable and increase their productivity then you should adjust it to 77 degrees.
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Redesign the Break Room
A social area is essential for your employee’s productivity, and this is why you should redesign the break room in your company. Having just a microwave and a fridge isn’t enough, therefore, you should add small things to make people more comfortable. Most people love coffee so adding in the best Nespresso machine you can afford, where your employees get to make a cup of coffee every morning will be appreciated. Even having to eat snacks from a high-quality vending machine will make for it. You can also add a water cooler and delicious food. Normally, people love to chat and bond over food, it is basic human nature. For this reason, you should put much focus on the break room so people can socialize and get more comfortable and familiar with their co-workers and the work environment. This won’t only increase productivity but also reduces stress and anxiety.
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Focus on the Lighting
Natural lighting is very important because the sun provides you with vitamin D that protects you from different diseases like depression, obesity, and cancer. For this reason, you should install a skylight in the office in order to provide your employees with open-air and a natural atmosphere which will make them feel happy and healthy. Moreover, natural lighting will make people feel more active and awake which is essential for productivity.
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Put up an Employee Bulletin Board
If you want to add a nice and personal touch to the office to make it feel more like a home then you should put up a bulletin board where your employees can put up photos, notices, or notes. This can be a great way for people to share personal photos, whether they are a vacation, baby, or family photos, and they can share engagement and wedding notices as well. Just like you encourage people to share their work accomplishments with pride, a personal bulletin board will allow them to share their personal accomplishments as well. It will also create a kind of familiarity between the employees because this will make their relationship feel more personal.
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Add Plants and Natural Elements
Adding plants to the workplace makes people feel more comfortable because plants in open spaces, along with natural lighting, create a beautiful atmosphere that reduces stress and anxiety. Naturally, lower levels of stress and anxiety make people happier which will result in high productivity. Moreover, office plants can have a positive impact on creativity and your employees’ well-being as they filter toxins and create fresh air.
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Consider the Colors
Normally, every company incorporates its own branding colors in the offices. However, if your offices aren’t exposed to the public then maybe you should consider using more domestic colors to create that home feeling you are hoping for. For instance, softer colors create more of a relaxing and homey feeling, and you can use these softer colors for meeting rooms and break areas to create a calmer feeling. Your branding colors, on the other hand, can be used for the reception in order to make a statement.
People tend to give their best if they feel comfortable and appreciated and as a business owner, it should be your priority to make your employees feel that way. For this reason, you should create a homey and comfortable environment for them where they feel happy and stress-free so they can give you their best. Even the smallest step that you take will make them feel you care about them and their comfort, and they will in return happily give you 100 percent. Remember, the employees are the driving force behind any company’s success and if you invest in them, you will reap the benefits.
