When the cold temperatures of winter arrive, many businesses often experience issues with employee productivity. In many cases, this is due to the added stress many people feel when days get shorter and they are forced to stay inside more often. However, while you can’t do anything about the weather, you can do something about relieving your employees of unnecessary stress. If you’re ready to do just that, here are four ways to ensure you’ll have stress-free employees throughout the winter months.
Let in Natural Light
At your place of business, try to let in as much natural light as possible during the workday. By doing so, employees will not feel as if they are working in a dark cave all day long. In addition, encourage employees to spend part of their break times outside as well, since they can enjoy some sunshine even if the temperatures are still cold.
Clear Away the Snow
One simple way to minimize stress for your employees is making sure that your sidewalks and parking lot are free from snow and ice. This makes it easier for your employees to park and find adequate stalls to park in. It also makes it safer as they walk into the office, particularly for any employees with disabilities for whom the ice presents a hazard. Consider hiring a snow removal company to take care of this for you during the winter months.
Encourage Healthy Eating
While it is far too easy for you and others to sit down and start eating lots of comfort foods such as candy and cakes when the temps start falling, avoid this temptation at work and instead encourage healthy eating. Whether healthier options are added to the menu at your company’s cafeteria or your employees get together for a potluck supper where everyone brings a healthy dish, you may be surprised at how many of your employees start to enjoy some healthy new additions to their diet.
Casual Fridays
Since your employees have been working hard all week and are longing for the days of summer, make each Friday a casual workday. In doing so, you can even have summer-filled themes each Friday, such as having everyone wear Hawaiian shirts to work on a particular Friday. Once you start this, expect it to become a company tradition.
By making sure your employees are dealing with as little stress as possible over the winter months, you can lay the foundation for them to be filled with energy when spring and summer arrive.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.
