How to Create a Comfortable Workplace for Your Employees

We all know there are real benefits to keeping your employees happy. Workers who are more satisfied with work tend to ask for raises less often than workers who aren’t satisfied (41% versus 54%). Happier employees also miss fewer days, which means more on-the-job productivity.

What’s more, some research suggests that direct employee replacement costs can reach as high as 50-60% of an employee’s annual salary. It’s worth the investment to keep employees happy, satisfied, and engaged for the long haul! 

Companies can do that by creating a great company culture and a great place to work. As an employer, taking measures to make workspaces more livable, tech-friendly, and fun to work in will result in improved productivity, boosted creativity, and a general joie de vivre among work staff.

Here are seven tips for creating a comfortable workplace for yourself and your employees.

MR. MANAGER, TEAR DOWN THOSE WALLS! 

Many offices have ditched the cubicle in favor of open concepts that foster more collaboration between employees. Office furniture that offers cross-desk communication and cooperation is ideal for environments where this level of teamwork is essential.

Many company heads are also joining the party — literally.

Some managers now opt for offices with glass walls, which creates a sense of workplace transparency, while some even position themselves in the middle of the action.

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

First impressions count, and most offices make that first impression in their reception area. To that end, creating a comfortable workplace goes beyond taking employees into consideration, but also clients.

To foster a hospitable environment, bring in as much natural light as possible and augment it with indirect, soft artificial light as necessary.

Consider, too, the psychology of color. Cream and beige lend a sophisticated air. Blue signals honesty and loyalty. Green makes people think of prestige and wealth.

THINK BEYOND THE BREAK ROOM 

You know what they say about all work and no play; and if your break room is just a dim space with a microwave and some vending machines, it won’t do much to foster workplace socialization.

You want to create comfortable places that will encourage employees to mingle and actually relax. Cafes and pantries are popular options.

Other amenities might include fitness rooms, gardens or parkettes, and relaxation pods with comfortable seating and, again, charging stations for personal devices.

GO GREEN

We can't say this enough: Sustainability is huge, and it's never been easier to combine Earth-friendly practices with sleek aesthetics.

Solar panels pay for themselves in a short time, and an intelligent contractor can install them to look like a natural extension of your building.

Energy-efficient windows save you money while letting in lots of natural light. And choosing products such as flooring and furniture made with sustainable practices also adds to your eco-karma.

SEND 'EM HOME

More employees than ever are working from home, which means employers should take a vested interest in how their employees' home offices are outfitted for maximum productivity.

These days, creating a comfortable workplace extends to the home. Ergonomics don't just make people more comfortable — they help prevent injury. In the long run, this means increased productivity. 

Consider hiring a consultant to help employees set up their home workspaces or offer desks that provide sit-stand flexibility to promote healthy work habits wherever they are.

A little investment in creating a great place to work can go a long way in building a culture where employees enjoy working and, more importantly, stay for many years.

Has your office adopted any of these tips? Let us know how they've worked for you!