Get 5 expert tips to keep employees engaged over the warmer months.
We can’t quite believe it, but summer is here. Studies show it’s the season when worker productivity takes a nosedive. When more people are out of the office on vacation, and those left behind wish they were taking time off. It’s a perfect time to start planning for a summer workplace change–such as an office reconfiguration, or even relocation. We’ve got five big ideas that will keep employees engaged over the warmer months. Everybody wins.
#1 Bring an outdoor feel to the workplace.
With the summer months comes warmer weather and a perfect time to create a sense of the outdoors—right inside your office.
The most obvious thing to do: Open the windows, and let in some fresh air. For your summer workplace change, consider changing out the window treatments for lighter fabrics or solar shades to allow in more natural light. If the artificial lighting is a little much, replace bright overhead fluorescent fixtures (or turn them off), and give the office a new look with some lighter paint colors. If you have some actual outdoor space,
set up a touchdown space there to encourage casual meetings, or quiet time, al fresco.
#2 Encourage employees to get active.
Longer, lighter days can help to jump-start a healthier lifestyle. This summer, inspire your staff to get moving: Schedule group walks or kickball games at lunch time,
set aside a yoga space in the office, or start company-wide planking breaks. It’s a great time to consider
adjustable standing desks, re-configuring conference rooms for more standing meetings, and consider handing out mobile headsets to encourage walking while working.
#3 Ask for feedback.
You won’t really know what your employees want
unless you ask. Send out a workplace survey to find out how the staff members prefer to work—a casual lounge area, a quiet space, or with a
standing desk? Make sure the changes you’re planning are perceived as beneficial to people who have to live with them. It’s also helpful when considering orders of equipment or office redesign. Plus, it will make employees really feel
heard.
Corovan has a (workplace change) plan.
Consider a pro partner like Corovan for a workplace reconfiguration, or relocation. Get bids, advice, and checklists, plus help with packing, labeling, moving, and more.
Yes, I’m ready »
#4 Downsize your office. . . furniture and stuff.
It’s much easier to re-think your office space once you’ve cleared it out. Donate outdated furnishings, unused desks, and extra chairs. When possible,
recycle or repurpose furniture that’s no longer in use, and go ahead and toss anything broken. Get everyone involved in clearing out unnecessary clutter on individual desks and common spaces. Trust us, even if it’s just an office re-org, it will feel like a brand-new place.
#5 Hold a pre-move planning session.
Even when the end result is exciting, the move or summer workplace change itself can be disruptive. Hold a planning meeting in advance to game out your strategy. Pick a time to pack up and move that will be the least unsettling to employees during regular work hours (say the weekend or at night). Suggest in-house employees work from home if there’s no way around a day move. Put together a moving or workplace change checklist to make sure the office change is organized and timely. To get you started, here’s your
free office moving checklist »
