Workers who feel positively about their workplace are almost always more productive than those who don’t. But gauging how your employees perceive their surroundings can be tricky, especially since they may not be the most vocal with management about their displeasure.
However, there are certain aspects of a workplace that are almost guaranteed to cause them to feel negatively. By understanding what issues may decrease engagement and breed frustration, you can work to remedy the problems, making the entire environment more pleasant. If you aren’t sure what your workers are thinking about their workplace, here’s what you need to know.
They Despise Noise
Noise in the workplace can be a serious distraction, particularly when employees are tasked with detail-oriented duties that require a substantial amount of concentration. But few employers provide their staff with mechanisms to help them manage or block noise in their environments, even though it could easily increase productivity.
One of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions is to allow, or even provide, headphones during work hours. This helps your team block or cover the noise with something they find more pleasing. It can also create a quieter environment in general by creating a method for eliminating radios or music through speakers that permeate spaces.
Another option that may be necessary for open offices is separate, isolated workspaces designated for heads-down work. Additionally, providing meeting rooms can keep group discussions from impacting other workers who aren’t involved.
They Hate Outdated Technology
While companies aren’t expected to embrace every new tech product or service the second it hits the market, it is wise to make sure your technology is up to date. For example, collaboration tools are becoming the norm, so requiring your staff to get by with only phone calls and email will breed frustration.
Similarly, failing to update software packages or provide hardware that meets their needs can harm productivity and morale. Ultimately, technology should be a means of increasing efficiency and not a hindrance that has to be managed. That makes remaining current incredibly important.
They Detest Work Bleeding into Their Personal Time
In the age of technology, it’s easier than ever to bring your work with you regardless of where you go. While this can be convenient for workers who are frequently on the road during business hours, it’s also irritating if the company places expectations on how employees need to manage communications during personal time.
Ultimately, solving this problem means setting clear policies regarding what is and isn’t required of employees after hours. This can include everything from functional curfews, after which a reply to an email or phone call isn’t expected, to using technology, like mobile device management software, to actually prevent the messages from arriving after a set time.
Without the proper limits, employees can quickly burn out, hurting both them and the company as a whole.
By addressing the issues above, you can create a harmonious and productive workplace your employees actually enjoy. If you are interested in learning more, the staff at CPS Recruitment can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today.