Top 8 Office Red Flags That Could Be Costing You Employees

In this blog we will explore some ‘Office Red Flags’ that employers should avoid, creating a healthy and productive workplace. Here are some too watch out for:

1. Lack of Diversity: It has been proved that the main concern for majority of new employees is to be in an inclusive workspace. Being in an office that provides for those with either different beliefs or neurodiverse conditions is a whole lot better as it shows the brand’s culture and the inclusion it brings. Diversity in the workplace can take place in many ways but making sure you provide a variety of spaces to suit the different needs of your employees, such as having spaces which multi-faith groups can use to pray. For most of the younger generation having an inclusive workspace is seen to be the main deciding factor of workspace happiness.
2. Too Much Noise: Being in a noisy and chaotic room can have a massive effect on your employees. With constant distractions around you, it is so much harder to get anything done. Therefore, being in a workspace that is effective and functional means that it offers and provides office booths, a variety of meeting spaces, or quiet zones where employees can go for a quiet space. Additionally, the use of acoustic panels can have a positive impact on noise levels in the office, showing that the business is aware of their employee’s wellbeing.
3. Poor Technology:  Having high level technology in the workplace is key. As workplace productivity is becoming significantly more important, it’s crucial that your employees have the best technology to ensure that the workload is attainable, and any goals can be met. The technology used in a business has become the backbone of any successful project
4. Lack of Flexibility: Allowing employees to change and adapt their workstation based on their requirements needs to be accepted in the workplace. It is unrealistic to expect everyone to work in the same way so catering for everyone’s needs is necessary. It has been proved that prioritsing a flexible workspace is crucial for creating an inclusive and inviting place to work.
5. Not Valuing Your Employees: Making your employees not feel welcome or not recognising the work they do for the business can be a massive turn away. Employees are more likely to stay in an office where they experience a feeling of belonging and where they get recognition for their work. If they don’t this can lead to an increase in employee turnover creating an effect on the business itself having a disruptive team.
6. Poor Eco Credentials: Having a poor environmental outlook can be a huge hit, especially with the younger generation. Generation Z are the ones that are the most bothered about making sure that all resources are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
7. Poor Communication: In a busy office one of the worst things for employees to experience is poor communication between teams. If you have any new starters in your office, leaving them with a lack of understanding and in the dark can be one of the worst things to do. It creates a negative reputation for the business and links back to not valuing your employees properly. Not explaining things well can lead to misunderstandings which can impede productivity and the whole morale of your employees.
8. Lack of Collaboration: Workplaces that don’t support collaboration are the businesses that don’t retain employees. Since Covid and hybrid working became the norm, businesses began to marginalise collaboration and teamwork. However, in a recent study it has found that 42% of employees that work from home come into the office to have human interaction as they say it brings more productivity and production when being face to face and being in a space that offers these different types of collaboration .

In summary, identifying and changing these office red flags can create a business that strives for success. Making sure you acknowledge and appreciate your employees creates a healthier atmosphere and knowing that you can recognise the red flags creates an office that fosters collaboration and a more sustainable work environment.