What creates a productive and happy working environment ?- Get ideas and the latest survey results
What employees really want from their working environment – read the survey and results here
Companies such as Google and Capital One have invested in sleeping nooks, basketball courts, pool tables and slides to create what they feel is the ideal working environment. Is this what the general workforce wants? In a recent survey of 1,100 UK workers by CartridgePeople.com only 7% of UK workers wanted a sleeping pod and only 8% felt pool tables etc. would be a key requirement in their dream workplace. See Google's dream office here
What UK workers really want are the simple pleasures in life to enjoy their working environment so they are happy and productive. This includes 49% want a window that opens so they can have some fresh air and 44% want to be able to enjoy their meals away from their desks.
Some of my clients have provided additional facilities which have been very popular at creating a great working environment. Skinbase has a crèche and bright playroom upstairs with professional child care assistants to look after the staff’s children as well as facilities for the staff’s pet dogs so they can come to work too. This helps reduce staff absence through child care issues and reduces the expense of child care costs so more money in the pocket for the employees. Fayrefield Foods has a canteen which provides homemade food, deli, fruit and lots of healthy food. They also provide a roast dinner once a week; this is all free of charge for all staff. This encourages people to socialise and collaborate well with people from all the different departments. data8 provide gym facilities using a company across the road so the staff can train in their lunch hour.
You could consider providing your staff a health care plan, this will reduce absence as well as showing you care about the wellbeing of staff. Some Health care plans can be as little as £1 per month per person for the very basic plan or from £20 per month if you include surgical operations. This is a very cost effective option when you compare it to Private Health Care like Bupa. Check out companies such as Westfield Health, Healthsure UK and UK Healthcare, there are lots of companies who can provide you low cost cover for your employees. Health care is a significant benefit to workers and it could help you retain and attract your top people. Healthy staff are productive staff so it is worth considering this for your employees.
A great working environment increases morale. When your workforce are happy they are productive and loyal.
Read our blog 5 management tips to help you retain and motivate your team
Read our other blogs for more tips and inspiration to enhance performance and develop your team.
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