Workplace productivity is vital. The output of employees and the effectiveness of systems is, essentially, what makes a business grow and thrive. A productive workplace has the power to improve customer service, lower operational costs and increase profits.

While technology and staff incentives are great ways to boost workplace productivity, taking a look at the working environment is also a great idea. From building safety and comfort to staff happiness, there are a number of ways facility management can improve workplace productivity.

A clean workplace

Happy employees are productive employees – it’s a fact! It’s been scientifically proven that staff who feel happy in their environment have a far greater output than those who don’t. So it makes sense to ensure that the working environment is consistently pleasant to spend time in.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to install a luxury staffroom. Simply making sure the workplace is clean and tidy is enough. Using the cleaning services from a facility management company will deal with issues such as rubbish, carpets and washrooms, as well as external areas such as grounds and carparks.

Heating and cooling

The optimum working temperature is thought to be between 16 and 24 degrees – although there’s almost always a fight over the thermostat in the office! If the working environment is too hot or too cold, this can have an impact on staff productivity, so it’s important to get it right.

Maintaining the effectiveness of boilers and air conditioning units is vital for workplaces. A facility management company will carry out scheduled checks and maintain your systems for you, making breakdowns less likely – and meaning staff won’t have to wear their coats inside in December!

Lighting

Good lighting is essential if you want to improve workplace productivity. If staff are using technology such as computers and tablets, adequate lighting is absolutely vital. Badly placed lighting can reflect off of screens, causing glare, while dim lighting can make it hard for staff to see and result in eye strain.

A good facility management company will be able to install and maintain an effective lighting system for you. It’s also worth considering giving staff the ability to control the lighting, and allowing them to make adjustments as and when they need to.

Safety first

For employees to be really productive at work, they need to feel safe in their environment. Maintaining the building is the easiest way to keep on top of any safety issues that might arise, which will keep staff safe and the risk of accidents way down.

Choosing to use facility management services to maintain your premises is a great idea. From soft services, such as pest control and groundwork, to building maintenance, electrical testing and alarms, a facility management company will keep your working environment in top condition.

The summer is finally over, and the colder weather is approaching. When it comes to building maintenance and facility management, autumn and winter bring a whole new set of challenges – so it makes sense to be prepared. Without careful planning, the plummeting temperatures could present you with problems both inside the building, and around external areas.

We’ve rounded up our top five tasks to plan ahead for, to make sure you get through the colder months stress-free.

Check external lighting

The autumn and winter months bring less daylight and shorter days. You and your staff will find yourselves both arriving and leaving the workplace in the dark, so now is the time to get ahead with your external lighting.
Effective lighting reduces the risk of accidents and increases personal safety for staff and visitors – especially in large areas such as car parks. It also increases security, as good lighting acts as a deterrent for potential thieves. Check wiring and lamps, making sure you replace any broken components, and ensure timers, daylight and presence sensors are set correctly.

Carry out any roof and general external building maintenance

Your roof/building provides vital protection against the colder temperatures and inclement weather, so maintaining them is one of the most important facility management tasks on our list. It’s always better to address any potential issues while the weather is still reasonably good!

Loose or cracked tiles need attention, before they turn into much larger problems, and periodic gutter cleaning should ideally take place before the winter. Check downpipes for leaks or blockages. Look for gaps around window frames and inspect the surrounding sealant; any drafts or leaks should be eliminated with new seals or frames.

Tackle leaf removal

One of the most simple but necessary facility management tasks is the removal of fallen leaves. Allowing them to build up on ground surfaces in autumn and winter can be hazardous, and can become a trip/slip hazard. You will also find that if left unchecked, they can work their way into gutters and drains, causing blockages, obstructions and potential leaks. FSG are equipped to deal with all of these issues for you, utilising specialist cameras for hard to reach areas and debris removal equipment.

Plan for snow

Depending on where you are located in the UK, you might suffer heavy snowfall during the winter, so it’s best to be prepared. Even if you’re not affected by snow, the plummeting temperatures can result in slippery surfaces and treacherous black ice if not treated – so take steps to ensure you’re equipped.

Make arrangements for clearance and removal services if heavy snow is forecast for your area, and ensure you’ve got access to a plentiful grit or rock salt supply.

Check air conditioning and heating units

Autumn and winter can bring on the battle of the thermostat in workplaces, so it’s essential to make sure both your heating and cooling systems are working properly. Maintaining an optimum temperature in the building will keep staff happy, comfortable and at their most productive – and it’ll help to keep viruses and bugs at bay.

Schedule regular checks throughout the colder months to make sure everything is in order, and you’re not left wearing coats indoors when the heating fails!