Take a look around your building. What do you notice? Perhaps there are a couple of messy desks. A stack of papers you’ve been meaning to get rid of? How do your workers look?
We’re all guilty of getting into the rhythm of things that we block out or fail to notice our surroundings. We arrive at work and immediately begin tackling the day’s tasks. Even as a business owner it’s not unusual for you to get caught up in your own work that you don’t realize the setup and overall environment is in need of your attention. Indeed, it could be harming your team or certain areas could be a complete safety hazard.
Take a look at how these various aspects of the office could be negatively impacting your employees and what changes need to be made.
Bacteria, Germs, and Viruses — They’re All Around. What Can You Do?
From a blasting heater or AC to the countless hours you and your team spend inside, germs and bacteria are prone to spread. And they spread quickly! This is especially true in open-floor plans or areas where equipment is consistently shared where it be telephones or tools. All it takes is one person coming in sick and the rest of the bunch will be infected. To help minimize this common office problem, be sure to have your office thoroughly cleaned and keep disinfecting dispensers around where employees can pump a dose into their hands before grabbing equipment.
Is Your Team Constantly Feeling Sick? It Could Be the Building
Ever heard of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)? It’s a growing condition that affects workers based on their time inside of a building. Although it’s not widely recognized as a legitimate reason for feeling sick, it is often used to describe common feelings of nausea. Workers will collectively say they have headaches, feel dizzy, have difficulty concentrating, or have symptoms of being sick such as a runny nose and irritated eyes. A couple of ways your office impacts these symptoms is the lighting, the HVAC system, and the equipment used day in and day out. If the lighting is too dim or too bright, your workers’ eyes will suffer, often causing headaches. If your building’s filters haven’t been changed, employees could be breathing in harmful air. And if the equipment they’re using needs maintenance, they could be hurting themselves physically.
If a Fire Were to Break Out, Is Your Team Prepared to Safely Exit the Building?
When’s the last time your office had a fire drill? Do new employees know how to exit the building in the event of a fire? Even if a fire seems like a far-fetched scenario, being prepared in the event that there is a fire is extremely important. Having a quarterly fire drill can bring to light any barriers or hazards that would make exiting the building difficult. The goal is to get out quickly and as safe as possible. You might realize that the building needs to be reorganized in order to make it safe for everyone to exit.
And Lastly, Are Your Workstations Meeting Real Ergonomics Needs?
Ergonomics focuses on the importance of workspaces and the way people use them in relation to their bodies. For example, if a chair isn’t able to comfortably support someone, he or she may need a different chair—one that is able to sustain their weight and other physical needs. Ergonomics also examines how workers use the equipment. Take for example the telephone. Do you remember the days of holding a phone between your ear and shoulder then altering it out to your hand? This isn’t good for the body! That’s why handsfree headsets were created. Similarly, desks need to be at a good height for employees so they don’t hunch over or lean their arms up in an awkward and hurtful position. Find out what feels comfortable for your team. Ask them questions about how they feel about their workstation. Many times employees are too fearful to raise these concerns. But when it’s brought up, it gives them an opportunity to discuss.
Provide the Safetest Workspace Possible With the Help of Indoff Commercial Interiors
We know you want to make your team comfortable and happy. That’s why at Indoff Commercial Interior, we work with you to find office furniture solutions. Whether it’s planning the layout of the office or switching out old equipment for more modern and more comfortable options, we can help you achieve a safe working environment. Connect with us today to get started!