The productivity of employees hinges on how comfortable they are in the office. Say, for example, they are uncomfortable because of the office’s temperature (too hot or too cold). Do you think they can function better? What if they have a headache or backache? Read more here.
Workplace productivity suffers a lot during summer because the hot weather is stifling for most employees. The staff has to be cool and comfortable when they are working because hot weather tends to dehydrate them to the point of unproductiveness. During the summer season, it’s important for employers to consider the well-being and comfort level of their employees. You have to take caring for them a notch higher, especially because studies showed the drop in productivity in the afternoons when the weather gets too hot.
Of course, there’s nothing much you can do about summer except to brace for it. Humid and hot weather are as uncomfortable as the freezing coldness of winter. If you want to have a happy and productive workforce, you need to make sure that they are comfortable in the office even during the hottest times of the day.
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Air Conditioner
Before summer starts, make sure to check the air conditioner. If something’s not working, call an air conditioning repair company and have that unit fixed. Remember that a broken air conditioner will require more energy and generate less cool air than a well-functioning one. Air-con is the fastest way to cool the room, although it does mean you’ll have to pay a higher energy bill during these months. However, make sure not to crank up the temperature too low because freezing conditions can also affect your employees’ health.
To save on electricity costs, consider installing solar panels on your roof. Instead of connecting to the grid, you can share the power the panels generate from the sun and use the credits to pay for your energy bills. This is one of the most innovative ways to conserve energy, save on bills, and provide a comfortable environment for your employees.
Dress Appropriately
It’s imperative during the hot weather season to dress comfortably. Encourage your staff to do the same. If you are wearing uniforms, make sure there’s a set made for the summer season. If there’s none, let them dress the way they want as long as they still look professional. Stay away from dark and fitting clothes and go for clothes with light, airy, and breathable materials. In fact, some employers even encourage wearing athleisure because these are more comfortable than traditional office clothes.
Personal Fans
If your office doesn’t have an air conditioner (for some reason) and installing one isn’t an option, then provide personal fans for your employees. These will help them keep cool. Also, even if you do have an air conditioner in the office, some employees may still feel warm so a personal fan will still be of use. A small desk fan is enough to keep an employee comfortable, so make sure to have some of those in the stock room.
Ice-cold Water
What’s in the office pantry? Make ice-cold water accessible for your employees. They should have plenty of drinking water during the summer season because dehydration is a real possibility. Cold water can also help lower their body temperature and make them comfortable while working. Even if the air conditioner is turned on, some of your employees may still feel uncomfortable with the temperature inside the office. Cold water can help them with it.
Electronic Devices
If a printer, copier, or paper shredder is not used, unplug it from the socket. All of these devices give off heat when they are turned on or plugged in. There are also other crucial devices that should be turned off when not in need. These are computer screens and vacant computers. You know how hot computers and screens can be, so imagine that contributing to the warm weather inside the office. This way, you are not only keeping the room cool but also saving electricity.
Blinds or Sunscreens
Uncovered large windows are a no-no during summer, especially if your office faces the sun. You need drapes, curtains, and blinds to block out the sun. This will also prevent the sun’s glare on work screens and reduce eye strain from which your staff usually suffers. Roman and Korean blinds are the most practical window shades because they look elegant, and they do their part well.
Make sure that your employees are aware of the things they need to do to keep themselves comfortable during summer. For example, they should avoid strenuous activities in the office as much as they can, and they should always hydrate themselves. Send friendly reminders every day to show them that you care about their well-being during a very uncomfortable season.