Make it rain smiles with these solutions
The seasons keep changing and with them come a change in the office environment too. We’re not talking about the increase in raincoats and sweaters. There is something a little less visible which is – productivity. Better employee productivity results in more work completed. Hence, it’s a no-brainer to resolve issues that hamper its progress. It is human nature – we are susceptible to other things ‘outside the office’ that affect the way we work.
Monsoon
The gloomy skies will generally dampen the mood of employees as there is no sunlight to cheer them up. However, rain does not always affect productivity. Some companies may encounter lower employee productivity because the employees want to simply complete tasks to head home and hopefully stay dry. However, some employees may experience heightened productivity on a rainy day. When the rain begins, they prefer to stay in the office longer and complete work faster as they are not distracted by the outdoors.
Solution for rainy days
If you see a negative impact from rainy days at work:
- Start a conversation regarding work timings with your staff. See if you can start and end work earlier to save the hassle of commuting during peak rush hours.
- Make a plan to offer your team some tasty snacks along with their hot coffee/tea. This will put them in the right mood!
Heat
Bright and sunny weather might uplift the mood but, it will also lead to some employees arriving to work sweaty and uncomfortable. If the temperature indoors is also too warm then, employee productivity might take a big hit. It’s because heat puts more physical demand on your body to move when the internal body temperature rises. Symptoms of fatigue are often seen in workplaces that are too hot.
Solution for heat
Proper ventilation, fully functioning windows, and proper insulation are the main things to consider if you want to reduce heat in a workspace.
- If the office is air conditioned, make sure the A/C is serviced and set to the optimal temperature. Also, make sure exposed spaces have shaded areas like a tent to provide shade.
- Cold water is a must during summer and should always be available for all the employees. Bring all these to the attention of superiors so that, they can be prepared before summer arrives.
While you’re at it, look out for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) symptoms among employees. SAD is a category of depression that emerges in particular seasons of the year and might cause a depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, and much more.
All in all, don’t forget to have fun with the changing weather. Embrace the inner child in all employees by bringing in their childhood favourites for the season into the office after lunch. This will give the whole team a quick break to enjoy a treat and rejuvenate their energy before taking on the rest of the day!
Sources:
https://www.business.com/articles/how-the-weather-affects-your-productivity/
https://www.resumetarget.com/blog/how-weather-affects-employee-productivity/
https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.seasonal.html
