But rather than focus on things like improving employee engagement, this article will focus on the more tangible aspects of keeping workers happy. Namely, what should be in your office to create an atmosphere that’s buoyant, positive, and productivity-boosting?

Healthy Snacks, Hot Beverages

There’s little more distracting than an empty stomach, so for those days when your employees forget to pack a lunch or don’t have time to step out and buy one, you should keep a supply of healthy items for them to munch on. Think goodies that don’t expire quickly – mixed nuts, tuna fish, peanut butter – and that aren’t loaded with salt and fat.

In addition, it never hurts to supply the office with coffee and tea. The majority of workers need a little caffeine to get going in the morning, and providing it for free will show employees that you care and help them get a jump on the day’s tasks.

A Space That’s Just For Relaxing

It seems counterintuitive: Providing a space where workers can sit on a couch, play board games, talk—and basically not work. Won’t this take a bite out of their productivity?

But incorporating a break room or game room has been shown to improve bonding between employees, leading to a sense of camaraderie that’s invaluable. When your employees enjoy each other’s company, getting out of bed each morning won’t be such a struggle – and they’ll take pride in being part of a cohesive team.

Plus, non-work-related interaction gives your workers a chance to understand each other’s personalities, and better predict which tasks each would tackle easily and which would be best suited for someone else.

Lots and Lots of Natural Light

During deep winter, it’s likely your employees are coming in just after sunrise and leaving just after sunset – which leaves their exposure to natural light at almost zero.

It’s no secret that lack of light can lead to moodiness, sleep troubles, and even depression, so you should do all you can to maximize the amount of natural light in the workspace. If there are windows near your workers’ desks, don’t obscure them. If there aren’t, create extra communal workspaces near whatever windows are available and make these spaces open to your employees throughout the workday.

Quality Seating

Especially for budding businesses on limited budgets, it can be tempting to skimp on your furniture. While the couch in the waiting area doesn’t have to be luxury leather, your employees’ desk chairs should be top of the line. A cheap chair won’t provide proper back support, leading to eventual aches and pains that will make your workers unhappy at best and in need of medical care at worst.

Long story short, you’re better off going expensive on the cubicle furniture than bearing the financial loss of aching, unproductive workers. Plus, it’s just courtesy to provide someone who may be sitting in the same place for hours with a comfortable chair.

A Clean Environment

Studies have shown that workers whose spaces are full of dust, trash, and clutter are less productive than workers whose spaces are dust and clutter free. In addition to encouraging employees to keep their desks clean by providing plenty of trash receptacles, you should hire a janitorial service or appoint an office manager whose job is specifically to keep the place clean.

Remember, messy offices make for distracted workers, some of whom may be genuinely unhappy about the state of the place. Not to mention the bad impression a dirty office makes on visitors.

Spotless Commercial Cleaning Wishes You A Happy Workplace

Every day, we at Spotless Commercial Cleaning keep Montgomery County workplaces looking their best, so your employees keep feeling their best. Learn about our cleaning services for attorney’s offices, daycare centers, and medical suites.