Finding and Retaining Your Employees Through Workplace Design.
by: Leigh Ann Turner
Most companies focus their employee retention resources on attracting, training and paying people. But in a recent survey 24% of respondents indicated that the physical work environment was an important reason for either accepting a new position or for staying with their current employer.
Some of your employee’s hot buttons may include:
Temperature – Maintaining a well functioning HVAC system which is zoned properly can alleviate a fair amount of issues when it comes to comfort. The issue of too hot vs. too cold is one of the top complaints in the workplace. One popular remedy includes under floor air ducts that allow workers to control the air flow and temperature to each office or workstation.
Natural Light – Access to daylight has proven to increase workers productivity. Glass office fronts and translucent glass treatments can extend the reach of natural light to inner area workspaces.
Noise – Many people find it difficult to concentrate on their tasks when the noise of speaker phones, cell phones, computers, radios, etc. is in the workplace. Solutions include: sound absorptive ceilings tiles, strategically placed workstation panels and “white noise” sound masking systems.
Aesthetics – Updating the look and feel of the work environment is an immediate morale booster. It not only communicates success but shows your employees that they are appreciated. Effective and efficient space planning, well designed workstations/offices, key paint choices, corporate graphic imagery, greenery and accent lighting go a long way to revamp and excite a work environment.
Office environments that are aligned with an overall image, address individual needs and are physically comfortable have proven to contribute to overall job satisfaction.
The Natural Marketing Institute has identified a growing consumer market with a current estimated value of $209 billion in the U.S. These consumers are focused on the environment, sustainable living, social justice, personal development, and health and fitness. But because they are already bombarded with green messaging, they have developed a healthy amount of skepticism towards companies that make green claims. In order to win consumers over, you need to implement practices that reinforce your corporate commitment to sustainable practices.
Today’s consumers are well informed and won’t be won over by unsubstantiated green claims. Companies that hope to build a greener brand and capture a share of the growing market for sustainable solutions can’t just talk the talk. Start walking.
Did you know that the government (local, state and federal) offers incentives in the form of tax credit and loan programs to encourage Green or Sustainable Design? The Ohio Department of Development offers programs including the Energy Efficient Revolving Loan Fund, The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority and the Conversion Facilities Tax Exemption. Federal incentive programs include the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction, the Business Energy Tax Credit, the Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit and the Energy Efficient Mortgage.
Miller-Valentine Design and Renovation offers services in interior
design, space planning and construction – including recommendations
for everything from what color pallet to use and where to hang
artwork – as well as wiring, plumbing and all facets of construction.
Did You Know?
