In a regular feature, we shine a light on members of Caerphilly Business Forum. Here Annie Finlayson, Director of Corporate Development at PHS, discusses some of the ingredients needed for making a great workplace.
As one of the leading workplace services provider in the UK, wellbeing in the workplace has always been high on our agenda at PHS Group.
Supplying washroom equipment, access to fresh water to keep staff well hydrated, healthy plant displays, fragrances, and more to around 200,000 organisations across the UK and Europe, PHS Group understands that organisations and HR teams face an ever increasing number of challenges. Not least of which includes managing a workforce which these days can often span several generations as well as locations.
Firstly the quality of a workplace can affect employees and businesses on many different levels, with good workplaces having a measurable impact on the productivity and motivation of both.
For example, PHS recently conducted a ‘Workplace Wellbeing’ survey among delegates attending the Facilities Management and Cleaning shows, specifically designed to discover more about this subject.
The survey found that 88% of respondents cited their own productivity as solely influenced by their workplace environment. In view of this we should all be thinking what changes we can and should be making to improve productivity.
Secondly, we live in an age where much of our working lives involve constant communication and forward planning to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of industry. It is important that workplaces reflect this.
For instance, introducing a collaborative environment, such as an open place office, can create a ‘buzz’ about a workplace that sparks new ideas and increased productivity.
According to the Workplace Wellbeing survey, one in ten respondents indicated that they would prefer an office ‘zone’ over an open plan office. So you might argue that employees are looking for a more ‘social’ office environment.
Thirdly, when it comes to young employees just entering the world of work, prospects for career progression will understandably rate highly. The Workplace Wellbeing survey also found correlations between a high quality workplace and good career progression, with 79% of respondents saying the two were closely linked.
In general terms, every company already carries responsibility for ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees. However, companies that actively embrace employee wellbeing and engagement are not just positioning themselves as employers of choice but also as preferred suppliers and business partners.
Office wellbeing also affects both employees on the ground and managers. Tackling unresolved issues within the workplace environment can ultimately improve employee productivity, sickness absence and staff turnover.
According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), overall wellbeing involves four factors: physical, emotional, personal development and values. So while it is important to address wellbeing in the office, businesses should feel a responsibility to offer their employees the opportunity to further themselves out of the office environment too.
This includes aspects such as training and networking opportunities, which are recognised ways of helping to improve employee engagement.
Within Caerphilly County Borough, we have access to organisations such as Caerphilly Business Forum (CBF), which offers regular networking events. Even more, CBF offers a forum for Caerphilly businesses to address issues such as workplace wellbeing and look at improvements that can be made collectively.
As an organisation, PHS Group works closely with CBF and we are looking at ways in which we can continue to promote and showcase wellbeing excellence within the region.