Recruitment solutions for business success tip #3: workspace environment

Securing and retaining talent is increasingly important in an economic climate where unemployment is at low levels and falling, as the most recent figures show they are. Making a good first impression is key; from the moment a prospective employee walks into your workspace they will be taking in the environment and imagining if this is somewhere they would like to spend the largest part of their waking hours. So, what should you be looking for when choosing your workspace to provide an attractive working environment which promotes prosperity, productivity and boosts the wellbeing of your employees, to help improve recruitment and retention?

Importance of a good working environment

Not only is your working environment a physical representation of your business, but it can heavily affect how employees function within your company as it can impact stress and productivity levels, as well as affecting the health and wellbeing of your employees. With 87% of employees demanding a healthier workspace, focusing on exactly what the workspace should provide can assist you in successfully retaining your employees and attracting new talent.

While many SME’s may not have a budget big enough to completely overhaul their workspace or design one from scratch, serviced business accommodation, which may already offer the features in demand, could be a more affordable and flexible solution.

What does a productive, healthy workspace look like?

The WELL Building Standard outlines the several aspects of a working environment which can directly boost your employees’ health, wellbeing and therefore job satisfaction: air quality, access to water and nourishment, good lighting, access to fitness activities, comfort and mindful spaces.

So what does this mean when you come to choose an office space, especially one that will help you attract and retain the best talent?

1 – Air quality

Ensure the workspace has clean, fresh air through good air circulation, either with air filtration systems or open windows. Make sure humidity is at a healthy level and even have some office plants to help reduce air pollution.

Capital Space solution: All of our workspaces offer windows for natural ventilation. We have mechanical extract ventilation systems in our kitchens and toilets which allows air to be moved and replenished. To keep our customers feeling fresh on even the hottest days we have started introducing air conditioning in communal areas, so far in Chelmsford, Harlow and Kings Hill.

2 – Access to water and nourishment

Easy access to water will help your employees stay hydrated and therefore focused; water coolers and drinking fountains on the office floor can help with this.

Capital Space solution: Workspaces with kitchens and on-site cafés can give your employees plenty of choice when it comes to food options and can also provide a more relaxed, sociable space within the workspace – as well as encouraging your staff to take time away from their desks.

3 – Suitable and sufficient lighting

Look for spaces with plenty of  natural light is as it can reduce eyestrain, headaches and vision problems significantly. If natural light is lacking, ask about the lightbulb colours and see if they could be changed: blue lighting in key working areas can reduce fatigue; warm tones in break rooms promotes relaxation and middle tones are ideal for conference rooms as they are welcoming and keep employees alert.

Capital Space solution: We have LED lighting which not only saves energy but can help to reduce eye fatigue; this is set to ensure there are warmer tones so that our communal areas are bright but not clinical in appearance.

4 – Access to fitness

Only the very largest corporates tend to have their own gyms, but serviced business centres can offer a viable alternative for SMEs. Attracting a range of businesses, many business centres include a gym, Pilates or yoga studio or martial arts centre among their customers. Flexible accommodation, easy parking and an on-site target client base of staff in neighbouring units makes business parks a natural fit for health and wellness companies, making it easy for your team to fit in a class or workout before or after work, or even in their lunch break. Bike storage to encourage staff to cycle to work can also support those wishing to build exercise into their daily life.

Capital Space solution: A number of health and wellness businesses have chosen Capital Space serviced workspace accommodation, meaning our customers’ teams can keep fit on site, including:

• Chelmsford: Unique Results Personal Training Fitness Studio
• Milton Keynes: The PT Centre
• Sittingbourne: Dragonz Lair, Martial Arts Gym
• Croydon: Seek Raj, Tarot reading, Medium, Psychic
• Harlow: Nicola Court Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and Massage
• Milton Keynes: Clarity of Sight, Reiki and Reflexology

5 – Comfort is key

Providing a space where your employees feel comfortable during their working day will reduce tiredness and improve productivity. Facilitate this with comfortable seating areas such as sofas, flexible desk arrangements and ergonomic furniture.

Capital Space solution: Capital Space business centres offer relaxed seating in communal areas such as receptions and in some hallways, while the unfurnished offices, workshops and studios give you the flexibility to choose furniture that works for you and your team.

6 – Space for happy minds

Ensure your workspace has areas for social interaction and collaboration, including green spaces, offering a sense of community to boost creativity and productivity.

Capital Space solution: Our business centres all offer meeting rooms and social areas such as cafes, while initiatives to foster co-operation and collaboration between our SME customers include charity events and popular Meet and Mingle networking. Our well-kept outdoor spaces include picnic benches and garden areas as well as flower beds and wildflower meadows to boost the aesthetic appeal to employees.

Tailoring your workspace for your team

Aside from these suggestions, the best way to gauge exactly what your employees need from their working environment is by engaging with them, using surveys, polls or focus groups to gather their feedback. If your employees feel they have some sense of control at work, this will further boost their health and wellbeing.

Providing a workspace which will satisfy the needs of employees can help bolster your business’s success, through increased productivity and wellbeing which can overall help to make your business more appealing to new talent and improve your retention rate.

If you’re looking for business accommodation which provides space for your business to thrive get in touch