We recently opened doors to our new office space. And with the great return to office beginning, we left the option open for employees to get back to their desks.
However, within a month, the issue of employee attrition and sustainability has become the talk of the day. More and more employees are quitting without notice. Sick leave applications are also mounting up.
Many of our employees feel this place is jinxed as they are falling sick often. Our directors in another part of the city are concerned and asking me to fix this issue very soon. As an immediate measure, we have gone back to working from home. Please help.
Worried Sick HR
Dear Worried Sick HR,
First of all, safety and health issues are to be taken care of for sustainable human resources. And with the current scenario, the importance is paramount.
Environmental illness is a big issue of concern as it will lead to a great loss to the organization in terms of human resources and money. Maintenance and housekeeping play a key role here. The new office environment is unhealthy or unhygienic. Come out with a Health policy that would talk about the office’s health environment.
For a healthy and hygienic office environment:
- There should be enough natural light and ventilation.
- The toilets must be spic and span with a good supply of clean water and hand wash stations.
- Hand sanitizer stations are installed at every corner.
- Mouth masks should be made compulsory.
- Seating arrangements must take into account social distancing.
- Carpets should be dust-free.
- Dustbins must be emptied every day.
- Clean and fresh drinking water must be supplied.
- Drinking glasses/bottles must be thoroughly washed.
- Use ceramic/steel cups to consume beverages.
- Proper seating arrangements are a must. Improper postures due to uncomfortable chairs will lead to back pain and other ailments.
- Replace dull-colored curtains with bright ones, which would reflect more light.
All in all, the office space should look fresh, odorless, bright, and colorful.
These health rules will make employees feel healthy at work. Their energy and concentration levels will receive a boost, and it will be reflected in their performances. Automatically, the organization will be able to leverage a sustainable and healthy workforce.
