Decades of rigid workplace policies have conditioned us to believe that there is no way work and play can co-exist. We were taught to believe that fun doesn’t belong in the workplace. You come, get the job done, and leave. But how effective has that approach really been? The reality is that businesses that lack focus on their employees’ well-being tend to experience high employee turnover rates and small profit margins. Or, they simply fail.
There is a misconception that employees are easily replaceable. However, hard-working, loyal employees are a dime a dozen. So it’s in your best interest to take good care of your employees. After all, a productive human resource is the driving force of any successful business! Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report indicates that throughout the world only 13% of the employed population is engaged at work. The large remainder is either actively or inactively disengaged; emotionally and mentally disconnected from their work; and highly unlikely to be productive. This can lead to companies losing billions in profitability.
Fun at Work = Happy Employees = Increased Productivity
Employee well-being is at the heart of workplace productivity, but what really influences an employee’s level of satisfaction and engagement?
Work Environment
When selecting an office space for rent, look for one with proper lighting and room temperature, and appropriate facilities, an open office space for your employee. Purchase high performing equipment and develop efficient processes to enable employees to effectively manage their workload. These factors contribute to a conducive work environment to ensure your employees are comfortable. Office rentals in Clifton Park (NY) are specifically designed with a healthy workspace in mind. The office spaces can be customized to suit your specific business needs and give your employees the ability to have fun while they work.
Flexibility at Work
Flexibility here does not refer to mastering your yoga poses, although exercise at the office is not a bad idea when it comes to employee wellbeing. However, flexibility at work refers to:
- Differentiated spaces – Designate specific spaces for work, relaxation, and collaboration to help boost employees’ mental and emotional health. If space is limited, you can equip one room with gaming equipment, a large TV or monitor, and a pool table. If possible, create a gym area that could also convert into a yoga/Zumba space. Utilize outdoor workspaces so your employees don’t feel trapped indoors all day.
- Break and/or nap time – Who doesn’t love the occasional break! Employees who work from 8 to 4 or 9 to 5 tend to experience burnout by the afternoon. They tend to be less engaged and less productive. Introduce a 20 to 30-minute break or nap during the day so employees can recharge for the afternoon period.
- Listening to music while at work – Incorporate music in the office to help your employees stay focused and motivated to be more productive. Your music choices may be soft classical sounds, instrumental pieces or whatever is most suitable.
- Flexible working hours – Before your employees enter the office, their stress levels may be high. One reason for this is traffic. There’s nothing more stressful than the rush hour commute. Offer your employees the option to work outside of their usual hours or from home some days.
- Uninhibited employee interaction – Create an environment where your employees feel free to interact with one another. This helps to build camaraderie and improves teamwork.
Workplace Ergonomics
A desk and chair combo molded to cradle the spine and nurture proper posture is fantastic. But innovative seating arrangements like a hammock, or standing desktops take the quality of a person’s day up a few notches. They also help reduce the chances of obesity and other health issues associated with sitting at a desk for long hours.
Dress Code
Some companies enforce a uniform policy for employees. But is anything wrong with employees expressing a little individuality through their attire? Can they dress comfortably and still be productive? Uniforms have their place, but they may not be essential for all environments. Granting your employees a flexible dress code may improve their productivity if they are allowed to be themselves.
Team Building
Taking your team out to a restaurant, encouraging recreational activities, and sharing jokes and stories are some ways to boost staff morale. There’s also no excuse for not having group activities when you live in Clifton Park (NY). With outdoor activities like scavenger hunts and sporting games, there’s always something fun to do to inspire your team beyond the office walls.
Let’s face it. As a business owner, you can’t just take a commercial space for rent, stick a bunch of people in it, and have a productive team overnight. Statistics show that there is a direct correlation between employee happiness and productivity. For example:
- Companies that actively focus on employee happiness experience greater profitability than those that don’t by 20%.
- Employees who feel included are 4.6 times more motivated to perform at their best.
- Companies that have wellness programs are more likely to be recommended by their employees as a great place to work.
All work and no play makes everyone dull, and maybe even disengaged. Providing employees the balance they need is mutually beneficial to all since happy employees affect your bottom line. Fun and productivity can work hand in hand, and efficiently at that. The work family that plays together, stays together!
Featured image credit: Split the Kipper / flicker
