Is your workplace ready for the coldest season of the year? Winter has only just begun. It is not too late to prepare your workspace for the stormy weather ahead.
Keep Your Workplace Dry, Warm, and Safe
The water, mud, and salt from winter can ruin floors. This preventable damage can increase repair and replacement costs. Prepare ahead of time and invest in a floor mat that will last through the season and absorb whatever is tracked across it.
Remind your workers about dressing for the weather and create a dedicated space for workers to put their winter gear: coats, scarves, gloves, hats, and boots. This dedicated space will prevent workers from tracking water, mud, and salt inside from the parking lot and outdoor walkways. You can also consider keeping spare winter clothes in these areas: in case someone isn’t prepared and has to work outdoors. Also, don’t forget to check that your heating unit is working properly. If employees are allowed space heaters, be sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors work.
Snow and ice removal services work great to keep outdoor walkways and parking lots clear and safe. You can further increase safety by identifying potential hazards and marking areas that may be slippery with cautionary signs. Slip-resistant tape can maintain traction on outdoor steps and prevent workers from falling.
Fend Off Germs
Winter is cold and flu season. Make sure your office is stocked with enough hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, and tissues. Encourage employees to take sick days. This can prevent others from becoming sick. If sick days are not an ideal option, consider offering the option to telecommute. Telecommuting can also keep people safe from driving in severe weather situations.
Potted plants can also help fend off germs. Some indoor plants, like ferns, palms, and peace lilies naturally reduce air pollution. Peace lilies in particular are great for the winter season, because they thrive in the shade at temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boost Morale
Like indoor plants, natural light can also lift the spirits of workers cooped up inside by the dreary weather. Natural light can boost vitamin D. It can help ward off seasonal depression as well as energize and motive workers. That is why it is important to keep your workplace windows clean on a regular basis, especially during the winter when sunlight is limited. Mirrors, or metallic objects, can help cast more brightness throughout an otherwise dim space.
Providing hot chocolate or tea for non-coffee drinkers can also help boost morale on a cold winter’s day.
