How to Make the Office Environment More Comfortable

Your employees spend at least 40 hours a week in the office environment that you’ve created. Shouldn’t you do everything you can to make that environment as pleasant as possible for the people you rely on? When your employees are comfortable, they’ll be happier and more productive, which will benefit your company. You don’t have to make your office environment like a home away from home, but there are some simple things you can do to make the office environment more comfortable.

Allow Personal Fans

The office temperature is one of the most common complaints that employees make. In warmer months, many employees find that the office temperature is too hot to be comfortable. Let your employees bring in their own personal fans to be used at their desk. A fan brings cool comfort that doesn’t infringe on coworkers’ environment. In colder months, consider letting employees use a small electric heater at their feet. If you do this, be careful to monitor use so they are all turned off at the end of the day.

Install Window Shades

Glare from windows can make it hard for employees to see their computer screens. Install window shades that can be raised or lowered to accommodate the needs of your employees. Make sure the controls for the window shades are accessible for all the employees. In other words, if you have very high windows, don’t make it so you need a ladder just to lower the shades.

Have a Decompression Room

Sometimes the hustle and bustle of an office can be stressful and overwhelming. Turn a small office into a decompression room where employees can go to “recharge.” Make this a “no-device” zone. Decorate it with a hammock and/or couch, a Himalayan salt lamp and an essential oil burner. Your employees will appreciate this place to escape while on their breaks.

Provide Free Food

Don’t force your employees to bring in every item of food they consume while at work. Provide some basic, free food for your employees to enjoy while working. This can include coffee and accoutrements, packets of hot cocoa mix, a selection of teas, granola bars, candy, chips and some juices. Keep in mind that these purchases are tax deductible, so while you do have to pay for them, you also get the two benefits of having them tax deductible plus adding to the comfort of your employees.

Invest in Quality Office Chairs

Your employees will be sitting in your office chairs for years. Don’t force new employees to use a chair that’s older than five years. Take regular inventory of office chairs, and invest in new, quality office chairs every few years. This will improve employee comfort and may even decrease the number of sick days your employees take due to back pain.

These tips for making your office environment more comfortable will do wonders to boost employee morale, too. It doesn’t take much to make your employees more comfortable, but the rewards are invaluable.

“Remember, wealth has nothing to do with money, success has everything to do with failure and life is as simple as you make it!” – John Dessauer