If you want to distinguish your company as a cut above the rest, then creating a good work environment is paramount. Many people wish to work in places that make them feel cared for. With that in mind, a well-designed office environment can effectively attract and retain top talent in your company. Additionally, the right working environment can motivate employees to deliver their best work, which increases the overall productivity of your organization.
You don’t have to build new and expensive office facilities—like a gym or game room—to keep your employees happy. Making small improvements to existing office features is often more than enough. After all, optimal working conditions are those that achieve a balance between work and rest. Your office features should be practical and comfortable, so employees can take proper breaks without getting distracted from their daily tasks.
If you’re looking to transform your company’s headquarters into a more welcoming space for employees, below are four features that will enhance your office environment:
Accessible Food and Drinks
Employees need to eat regular meals and hydrate to sustain themselves throughout a workday. That being said, providing your workers with food and drinks is a thoughtful way of showing that you care about their well-being. Additionally, it lessens the time and money they spend taking out or preparing food daily. Research shows that employees provided with free food tend to be happier at work than those who weren’t provided with any.
Installing some vending machines for beverages and snacks is an easy way of offering a variety of food options to your employees. You can also use restaurant delivery services to have full meals brought to your headquarters for added convenience. If you have workers with special diets, you can use digital software like the Muslim Pro app to look for nearby halal restaurants that cater to their needs.
A Comfortable Lounge
Employees need to take breaks from work. Proper rest allows workers to recharge before heading back to their tasks. It also prevents them from experiencing fatigue and burnout, which could greatly dampen their productivity. However, even if you provide your workers with a sufficient amount of rest time, it won’t be very effective if they don’t have a space to do it.
A company lounge is a dedicated space that’s conducive to rest and relaxation. It should be spacious enough to accommodate multiple employees, so they can do as they please without interrupting the activities of their other colleagues. It should also be situated far from any workspaces, so workers can talk and socialize without disturbing others.
Make sure to include sofas, bean bags, and armchairs so employees can be comfortably seated. You can also include a mini library, so workers can unwind and read a good book. Furthermore, you can include a small quiet room that offers privacy. It can offer respite for those who want to meditate and religious employees can use software like the Muslim Pro app to help them perform their daily prayers. A great lounge room allows workers to spend their breaks the way they want to, so they’ll be energized and ready to bring their A-game when they return to their tasks.
Ergonomic Work Spaces
If your workers spend a lot of time in front of computers, you should definitely consider upgrading their desks and chairs. Without the right office equipment, being seated for extended periods can cause a number of health problems like migraines and body aches.
Try purchasing adjustable desks for your employees, so they can modify the height of their tables. A desk at the proper height will keep a computer screen at eye level, which prevents eye and neck strain. As for seating arrangements, make sure to provide your workers with office chairs that have full back and arm support. Ergonomic furniture pieces will ensure that employees deliver quality work without sacrificing their health.
Faster WI-FI
While this may seem like a small improvement compared to the ones mentioned above, upgrading your Wi-Fi speed can optimize employee workflow and boost company productivity. Online tools and software have become essential parts of every working environment. That being said, slow Wi-Fi speeds and poor signal can greatly disrupt all office activities, making it hard for employees to get work done. Whether it’s giving presentations, conducting video conferences, or sending emails, you’ll want to make sure that everyone in your company can quickly access their digital workspaces whenever they need them.
Ultimately, how you shape your office environment will depend entirely on the values and goals of your company. The best company workspaces don’t have to be flashy, trendy, or extravagant. What matters most is paying attention to the basic needs of your employees and designing a work environment that effectively addresses them. With some small modifications, you can create a desirable workplace that will attract top talent, retain the best employees, and be the envy of all your competitors.
 HR Future Staff Writer
