A successful office is not something built purely around the perks or the atmosphere. In many cases, a comfortable environment is a crucial element that contributes towards a productive, happy, and healthy office. That said, managers and companies do not always put a substantial emphasis on the importance of comfort. Ignoring comfort will regularly become a detriment to the business, and companies that embrace the importance of comfort around the workplace — whether at home or the office — will find better success.
By Team Savant
Image: Andrew Neel
It Removes Distractions
Distractions are one of the most common problems that employees face around the office, and if you’re looking for smart ways to save money with your business, finding ways to remove distractions by increasing comfort around the office is a must.
When people are distracted, they find it difficult to focus, they will look for any excuse to avoid work. When they are uncomfortable, this can have a more significant impact. Whether it’s a poorly designed chair or an office that’s either too hot or too cold, their focus will not be on their projects, and this means they might fall behind and miss deadlines.
It Boosts Productivity
A lack of productivity can severely affect business growth, and if your team is not comfortable enough around the office, there is no motivation for them to perform to their best abilities. Productivity can be challenging to maintain at the best of times, but if your employees have a sore neck or back issues because of your office furniture, they will struggle.
Rather than sit still and work through the day, they will constantly look for ways to become more comfortable. Searching for new positions or even areas of the office that are comfortable means they disrupt their workday.
It Prevents Fatigue
An uncomfortable office also risks increasing the chance of fatigue and lethargy, which can be an issue if you need everyone at their best all day long. Depending on where your office is based and the general climate surrounding you, there are things you can do to avoid this fatigue and keep employees comfortable.
Consider your heating or cooling systems to ensure they are operating at peak performance. If you are unsure about whether they are as efficient as they need to be, you can order an EICR to get them checked by a professional.
It Encourages Safety
A lazy, uncomfortable office is understandably somewhere that comes with multiple safety concerns. These safety concerns do not merely refer to the individual but the entire workplace.
If employees are not comfortable around the office, they will not be as engaged with their work and duties, which will severely increase the chance of a safety breach around the workplace. It does not seem like it, but encouraging consistent comfort - and giving your employees the chance to be comfortable - will significantly reduce the number of problems you encounter around your office regarding safety.
It Promotes a Fantastic Company Culture
A comfortable company is a happy company. You want your team and clients or customers to enjoy being at the office, and there is no better way to do this than by encouraging a comfortable environment.
If you offer a wide range of comfortable benefits, such as plush chairs or sofas to help them get away from their desks, or a satisfying temperature that can cope with the weather outside, you’ll have no issues bringing people together. This can have a small but significant impact on employee retention and overall satisfaction, which is something every business owner needs from their team.
It Keeps Employees Healthy
You don’t need to be a spine or posture expert to know about the physical problems employees can experience when sitting all day long. Thankfully, the expectancy of sitting down and working all day long has become a thing of the past.
Now, companies will encourage their team to stand up and walk around the office. This can dramatically reduce the number of spinal problems they encounter. Employees should be encouraged to take a walk around the block or even the lush green grounds if you have them. Standing desks are also useful for maintaining posture, whereas working from home can ensure comfort, but it can also cause productivity issues if the employee is not used to it.
Creature Comforts
As a manager or business owner, you must never underestimate how beneficial a comfortable workplace can be. It will make your employees — and even your customers and clients — feel more at home. A comfortable office will benefit productivity and maintain a healthy atmosphere, which is exactly what you need as a manager, regardless of your industry.