As a business owner, your goal is to increase productivity and improve your bottom line. Many entrepreneurs will spend thousands of dollars on employee getaways, ping-pong tables, and other benefits designed to improve employee satisfaction and productivity. However, you don’t necessarily need to go to these extremes to improve productivity. In fact, there are many productivity dangers hiding in your office right now that require small changes to mitigate.
The American Psychological Association estimates that exercise can boost your work productivity levels by 15%. Unfortunately, traditional office settings offer little room for physical activity. Sedentary office environments can decrease productivity and become dangerous to your employees’ health. Rather than requiring employees to sit at their desk for 8-hours a day, provide time for frequent walks and stretch breaks, find stand-up work areas, and encourage your employees to take the stairs instead of the elevator. These small changes can improve productivity and create a healthier work environment.
Air quality and office temperature are other productivity killers. Poor ventilation can lead to a 9% decrease in employee performance. Ensure your air filters are changed regularly and hire professionals to test your air quality at least once a year. If you’ve ever worked in an office that was too cold or too warm, you’ll understand how distracting the temperature can be to your productivity. It’s estimated that the optimal temperature for an office is between 65-70F, so try to keep your office in this range.
Inc.com says that in an average 8.8-hour work day the typical person is only productive for three hours. This inefficiency can lead to lost revenue and an unfulfilled staff. By taking proactive steps to mitigate the health and productivity issues in your office, you can create a better, more productive work environment for your team.
Check out this infographic below by Quill.com on the dangers hiding in the office and how to defeat them.
Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?
