6 Workplace Practices for a Healthy Office Environment

    SHARE

    Keeping a healthy environment around the office can be challenging, especially as different coworkers have different needs and definitions of a “healthy” workplace. As an office manager, you may be confused as to how your workplace should be run to optimize productivity and gain good results.

    Don’t fret! Here are 6 workplace wellness tips that will help you run a successful business in the smoothest way possible. These tips are not only necessary, they are applicable to any business type and in most office settings.

    1.   Maintain a Clean Office

    A clean workspace is a healthy workspace, and maintaining a clean office is a basic standard of a productive work environment. As an office manager, total cleanliness should always be at the top of your list. After all, who would want to work in a filthy, grimey office? A cluttered office also shows negative connotations towards clients and guests that the business is not up to par.

    However, with so much work to do around the office, cleaning the office space by yourself simply isn’t practical. Hiring the services of an office cleaning provider makes cleaning the office easy as a professional cleaner will undertake the task for you, leaving you to focus on more important tasks at hand.

    Hiring an office cleaner would keep your workplace clean and organized. You and your coworkers can enjoy a spotless office environment that is free from allergens, bacteria, and germs.

    2.   Set Ground Rules and Regulations

    Every office has their own set of rules and regulations, and as a manager, it is important to ensure that every employee knows and understands the protocols put in place. Avoid miscommunication and accidents by holding onboarding meetings for every new employee, and put up clear signs for these rules and regulations.

    For instance, some rules may be in regards to usage of office equipment, wherein employees should clear out office equipment to get it ready for the next person using. Other rules may be in line with the breakroom, on how to keep the break room clean to minimize messes.

    3.   Have Weekly Update Meetings

    Misunderstandings can cause projects to fall behind when not everyone is on the same page. Hold weekly meetings to update everyone on the tasks at hand, and ensure that everyone is aware of the progression of the project.

    Weekly meetings also provide chances for employees to voice out their concerns, opinions, or ideas on certain matters, as well as provide an avenue for coworkers to communicate and collaborate with each other.

    4.   Prioritize Mental Health and Well-being

    The workplace is a high-stress setting, and nothing deteriorates mental well-being faster than stress. Stress can take a toll on one’s mental health, which is why break times are important. Encourage your employees to take a breather when work becomes overwhelming, and to prioritize their own mental well-being.

    A stressful workplace, coupled with a cluttered office, can slow down efficiency and productivity. As the office manager, you should be able to assess both your employees’ mental health, and the state of your office. More often than not, the disorganized state of your office is a tell-tale sign of cluttered thoughts.

    5.   Be Sensitive to Coworkers

    Sensitivity seems like a straightforward issue, but most people aren’t sure on how to act around others. Be sensitive to your coworkers’ needs, and be vocal about your own as well. Being sensitive to others creates a healthy environment where everyone can work together properly.

    As a manager, you may host sensitivity meetings especially during times when there are office misunderstandings. Most misunderstandings can be solved with proper communication. Get your employees together and provide them a safe space to voice out their concerns.

    6.   Maintain a Barrier Within the Office

    While maintaining good rapport with your employees is always important, maintaining a barrier within the workplace is still a standard in professionalism. The office is no place to be joshing around with friends and coworkers, since the office setting should still uphold a sense of professionalism.

    Maintaining the perfect balance of professionalism and fun is always challenging for any office manager, but is a worthwhile endeavour as finding the perfect balance between the two will earn you good collaboration while maintaining respect.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here