Most organisations’ two main costs are real estate and people. It’s estimated that labour can occupy up to 70% of business costs. Given these facts, the question arises: how can we harmonise these two crucial aspects to maximise productivity? The answer, simple yet profound, is to cultivate a workplace that your employees are happy to walk into each day.
Prioritising Employee Happiness is the Key
A study conducted by the University of Warwick found a 12% increase in productivity when workers were happy. The trickle-down effect of employee happiness cannot be overstated it supports staff retention which helps save recruitment costs, builds loyalty and overall makes for a stronger team with deepened expertise within the business.
The next question is how do we keep our teams happy in the workplace? A thriving workplace strengthens relationships, increases productivity and overall creates a frictionless environment where creativity can flow. Amidst the rise of remote or hybrid work cultures, it may seem challenging to advocate for physical workplaces. However, a compelling argument exists for their continuation.
Foster Equality with a Secure, Comfortable Workplace
While not everyone has the same opportunity and ability to work from home, the workplace can provide a consistent environment for everyone to flourish. The assurance of a clean, safe, and smart environment for employees to operate in is vital. Knowing that in the winter, there’s a warm place to situate themselves without worrying about electricity bills or in the summer a cool escape for them to get their head down is a vital understated part of encouraging teams into the workplace.
The workplace must also provide a healthy environment in which to work. Indoor air quality not only has an impact on a person’s health and comfort but also on their ability to work. Providing the right mix of natural and mechanical ventilation is essential in helping improve concentration, lower levels of absence and reduce exposure to a wide range of air pollutants.
If feasible, also consider health-conscious catering. There’s powerful value in providing fresh, nutritious, and delicious food that will not just fuel your employees but also be the best choice for their health and well-being.
Another essential aspect of a thriving workplace is providing the right balance of desks, meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and other working environments. This arrangement should be versatile enough to accommodate the varied working needs of staff members. Some employees may require quiet, isolated spaces to focus on intricate tasks, while others may need collaborative settings for team projects. Having a variety of workplaces can cater to these differing needs, thereby enhancing productivity. Moreover, an aesthetically appealing and comfortable workplace can improve employee morale and job satisfaction, making the office a place where employees want to be. Hence, a thoughtful and flexible workplace environment is a vital factor in boosting productivity and making your people and workplace the best they can be.
ESG’s Impact on Recruitment and Retention
A facet that employers should not overlook is ESG. A recent study showed that 83% of jobseeker participants would look to a company’s environmental and sustainability commitments to influence their decision to join. This consideration is not only for your current employees but also for the future of your business. The current and future generation of recruits have a far deeper understanding and drive for environmental sustainability, and this applies to all aspects of a business including its facilities. Smart building technology as well as decarbonising efforts can go a long way to establishing confidence in your employees that you’re making the right steps for our planet.
Finally, as mentioned, building costs are a significant expense for businesses. However, data led facilities management can optimise the workplace experience, realise efficiencies in building assets and infrastructure and play a part in carbon reduction. Technologies like ABi, used here at OCS, harness the power of data and artificial intelligence to provide building operators with comprehensive insights to pre-emptively address issues, optimise resources and improve the overall management of facilities.
To conclude, the biggest competition that the workplace faces is homeworking. It is imperative to provide your teams with an exceptional, productive space to return to which is better than home —an environment that fosters team building, productivity, and most importantly, happiness. If you’re wondering how to best welcome your colleagues back into the workplace, consider exploring our sector-specific service offerings.