Your workplace may already be fantastic but we believe there’s always room for improvement, and the start of a new year is the best time to make some positive changes. Here are a few ideas on how to create a more enjoyable and efficient office in 2024. 

Pinpoint causes of workplace stress 

If you’re finding that stress is affecting your employees, either throughout the year or just during busy periods, there are multiple ways to make things run more smoothly. 
 
Encourage team members to take breaks so that they can have a mini recharge. 
If possible, offer flexible working hours and/or a hybrid working arrangement, allowing staff to work from home one or two days a week. 
Ramp up your recognition and rewards programme – when employees see that their hard work is being noticed, they feel more incentivised. 
Team up with a mental health organisation such as Mind to deliver workshops and manager training. 
Promote team building in the form of activities and events that suit the preferences and abilities of your employees. This could be anything from a quick 10-minute memory game in the morning to an away day or an online exercise delivered by a team building agency. 

Create a comfortable work environment 

It’s amazing how much of an impact the design of a workstation can have on productivity and employee wellbeing. That’s where ergonomic furniture such as office desks and chairs come in, as they’re designed to physically support the musculoskeletal system, which helps to reduce aches, pains, fatigue and low mood. 
 
The same applies to all other spaces within your premises, ranging from meeting rooms and canteens to receptions and break rooms. By investing in high-quality furniture, you’ll increase employee engagement and simultaneously create more vibrant surroundings that reflect your brand image. 

Simplify and enhance internal communication 

One of the main causes of stress in the workplace is poor communication. Top examples include when multiple people are working on the same project or updating an individual document, which often leads to very lengthy email threads and document changes being missed or accidentally overwritten. This is where cloud storage platforms, document sharing websites and project management apps come in handy, as they can streamline and optimise collaboration whilst removing the risk of errors. 

Do more for your community 

Giving employees the opportunity to increase awareness and fundraise for worthy causes brings greater fulfilment to their daily roles. This can take any format you like, whether it’s a fun run or a cycling challenge using exercise bikes, or something a little less strenuous such as holding a Macmillan coffee morning, getting everyone together for a litter pick in your neighbourhood, or inviting a school class to see how your business works. 

Upgrade your office with Merlin 

We create positive workplace environments that ensure your staff are comfortable, happy and productive. To find out more about how we can help your business, get in touch on 01482 301000 or use our contact form
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