How Facilities Managers Can Help Create the Perfect Working Environment

A safe, comfortable and inviting workplace enhances productivity and efficiency and can even help your tenants retain employees and customers. According to Forbes, the state and comfort level of the workplace has a direct impact on employee happiness and productivity. Because retaining employees and running efficiently is so critical for businesses, the facilities management a building has in place will have a significant impact on the bottom line of both the building owner and the tenants who occupy the space. Building management should enhance the safety, cleanliness and comfort of the facility and ensure that it stays in the best possible shape.

Creating the Ideal Working Environment for your Facility

What do employees and visitors find most important when it comes to your facility? Most demand clean, safe spaces to work in and conduct business — at a minimum. Onsite attention to security and safety prevent accidents and enhance the confidence your tenants have in your brand, while efforts to improve indoor air quality can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction. 

1. Boost your air quality and boost performance:

 According to a report by the World Green Building Council, businesses that pay attention to indoor air quality enjoy an overall 11% boost in worker productivity and efficiency. Improving the air quality of your facility is surprisingly simple. Work with a facilities management brand or team to schedule regular maintenance and HVAC care — the ducts in your building should be clean at all times. Regular filter replacement is also essential and can contribute to cleaner air and better workplace efficiency. 

NASA has done extensive research on how plants improve indoor air and working conditions, in anticipation of sending astronauts into space with cleaner, better air. Their research transfers well to the workplace, as a surprisingly high number of plant varieties work as potent air cleaners in confined spaces. According to NASA, bromeliads, spider plants, palms and similar indoor plants work as powerful air cleaners and have a significant impact on a structure’s overall air quality. Add a few of these green cleaners and you’ll find employees respond to both the beauty of the plants and the impact they have on the indoor air quality. 

2. Make it comfortable: 

More ergonomic seating, comfortable workstations and even the right task lighting can enhance your workplace and make it more comfortable for your team, according to Forbes. The magazine reports that a whopping 87% of all employees want the company they work for to offer more comfortable spaces and to pay attention to wellness. From standing desks to ergonomic keyboards and cushy seats, employees want a way to work in a more comfortable and thoughtful setting. 

3. Keep it secure: 

Your employees should feel comfortable and safe at all times. If people can randomly access the building, your emergency plans are not up to date or your fire safety equipment is dated, your team is at constant risk. This can lead to high levels of anxiety and prevent your team from focusing on what they actually need to get done. Create a plan for integrated facility management that includes a variety of security and safety options and you’ll ensure that your workforce feels safe at all times. 

Security can encompass a wide range of options, and can include cameras and technology, actual security personnel and up to date emergency procedures and training. The facility management brand you work with should also take care of your emergency fire equipment and make sure your facility is always in full compliance with all regulations. Focusing on these initiatives and relaying your work to secure the facility can enhance employee comfort and confidence. 

4. Make cleanliness a priority: 

You don’t really notice how clean a facility is, you just notice the mess when the cleaning crew is not up to par. Cleaning matters for a variety of reasons and can have a direct impact on employee morale and attitudes. When you have a pristine, clean environment, your team knows you are invested and that you care. Overflowing trash cans, dirty bathrooms and a lack of attention makes your team feel neglected and ill cared for — the opposite of what you want when you are working to improve employee satisfaction levels. 

Morale matters, but a less than pristine workplace can actually impact your employees and attendance in a negative way. An unclean kitchen or bathroom, old food left to fester and other cleaning disasters are more than unsightly, they can cause or worsen the number of illnesses your team experiences. Even paper trash and items left on the floor can impact your team’s quality of life — it’s easy to trip and become injured when the floor, walkway or stairway is cluttered with debris. 

Your building management team will create a clear plan of action designed to clean any existing trouble zones (many facilities struggle with bathrooms, breakrooms and common areas) and to keep things in perfect condition, year round. Your employees will know they are valued and will feel better both physically and emotionally when they can work in a clean, hygienic environment. 

5. Details matter: 

The little things have a huge impact on the overall feel of a space. Even small problems can end up making a big impact on the overall morale and attitude of your workplace. A dedicated team that cleans, organises, repairs and maintains your space pays attention to the little things as well as the big ones, and ensures that your team has the perfect place to work. 

Create the Ultimate Working Environment for your Team

Create the right environment for your tenants and workers and you’ll enjoy enhanced workplace efficiency, higher levels of employee satisfaction and even better attendance levels, so taking the time to set up facility management procedures and protocols pays off well in the long run. The right facilities management company can tackle all of the important factors for you and help you create the ultimate working environment for your team.