Here are some tips to help get you started.

Making your office more pet-friendly

Why having a pet-friendly office is good for business.

Pets in the office help reduce stress, which is good for both employees and the business. They provide a sense of companionship, which can lead to increased productivity and creativity, as well as socialization opportunities. Pets also serve as a reminder to take breaks, get up and move around. These factors contribute to a happier, healthier, and more productive workplace.

How to make your office more pet friendly

Designate pet-friendly areas in your office, and provide pet amenities such as water bowls, food bowls, and designated play areas. You can also establish pet policies, such as no pets allowed in meeting rooms or on furniture. And, of course, be sure to enforce these policies!

The benefits of a pet-friendly workplace.

Improved morale and productivity

Pets in the workplace provide an opportunity for employees to take a break from work and relieve stress. They also increase employee interaction, leading to improved morale and productivity.

Some reasons for this are that animals provide a non-judgmental listening ear, they offer an excuse to take a break from work, and help people feel more relaxed and comfortable around others. Pets provide a sense of comfort and support. They can make people feel loved and appreciated, boosting their mood and motivation.

Second, having pets around breaks up the monotony of the workday. They provide a bit of variety and stimulation, which can keep people more engaged and attentive.

Health benefits for employees.

Pets in the workplace can lead to health benefits for employees in many ways. For example, pets can help reduce stress levels, leading to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease. Additionally, having a pet in the office can help increase socialization and communication among coworkers, leading to a positive and healthy work environment. Finally, pets can also provide an opportunity for employees to get some exercise during the workday.

Improved company culture

Pets in the workplace can help to improve company culture in a few ways. For one, they can help to break the ice and create a more relaxed, informal atmosphere. They can also help to reduce stress levels and promote teamwork. And finally, help increase employee productivity and creativity.

These are essential factors in creating a positive work environment and cultivating strong company culture. In addition, having pets in the workplace can also be beneficial for the employees themselves. It can provide them with some essential companionship, socialization, and exercise during the workday.

Tips for creating a pet-friendly office

Here are the tips for creating a pet-friendly workplace:

1. Establish a policy that allows pets in the office.
2. Designate an area where employees can bring their pets to work.
3. Provide food and water dishes for the animals and ensure they are cleaned regularly.
4. Ask employees to clean up after their pets and to keep them under control at all times.
5. Warn employees not to leave their pets unattended in the office and have a plan for what should happen if an animal becomes disruptive or poses a safety hazard.

Pets can make our lives more fun and fulfilling; the same goes for our work lives. Offering pet amenities like water bowls, feeding areas, and comfortable places for pets to rest can make your workplace more pet-friendly and inviting.

Some Flexible workspaces allow employees to bring their dogs into the office, and many spaces have designated areas for pets to play and relax. This can be a great way to promote productivity and creativity, and it can also help to reduce stress levels. Additionally, these flexible pet-friendly offices can help to create a more relaxed, informal atmosphere among coworkers.

If you’re looking for methods to enhance company culture, reduce stress levels, and increase productivity, making your office pet-friendly may be the answer. Pets in the workplace provide many benefits that can lead to a positive work environment for employees.

With the simple steps and tips mentioned above, you can create a more welcoming and pet-friendly workspace for you and your furry friends!

Alternatively if you’re building doesn’t allow pets, take a look at our offices that are already set up to accommodate our furry friends Dog-Friendly Office Space to let – LOC8 Commercial

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The Importance of Employee Engagement.

Defining Employee Engagement

Employee engagement measures how connected employees/workers feel to their company and job. Engaged employees are more productive, creative and committed to their tasks and work.

The Business Case for Employee Engagement.

Employee engagement is one of the essential factors in a company’s success. When employees are engaged, they are more creative and productive. This can lead to increased innovation and a better product or service. Additionally, employee engagement can help reduce turnover rates and improve customer satisfaction.

In short, employee engagement positively impacts every aspect of a business.

How to Increase Employee Engagement.

Recognising and Rewarding Employees.

There are a few reasons why recognising and rewarding employees can increase employee engagement. First, when employees feel appreciated and acknowledged for their efforts, they are more likely to be motivated to continue working hard. Additionally, recognition can help build a positive relationship between employees and managers, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Finally, rewards prove that an organisation values its employees and is grateful for their contributions. This can encourage employees to stay around and contribute more to the company.

Employers who want to increase employee engagement should consider implementing a system of recognition and rewards. This could involve thanking employees publicly for a job well done, providing bonuses or gift cards, or even just taking the time to say “thank you”.

Providing Opportunities for Development

Employee engagement is critical to the success of any organisation. Providing development opportunities is one of the best ways to increase employee engagement. Here are three reasons why:

First, employees who feel they can grow and develop within their organisation are more likely to be engaged with their work. They feel a sense of ownership over their career path and are more motivated to do their best work. Additionally, research has shown that employees with development opportunities are more likely to stay with an organisation long-term.

Second, providing opportunities for development shows employees that you value them and their contributions to the organisation. This can lead to increased motivation and a more substantial commitment from employees.

Creating a Positive Work Environment

A positive work environment promotes a sense of well-being. When employees feel good physically and mentally, they’re more likely to be engaged in their work. A positive work environment helps promote a sense of well-being by ensuring that employees have the resources they need to stay healthy and happy.

A positive work environment fosters a sense of belonging. Employees who feel like they belong at their workplace are more likely to be engaged in their work. A positive work environment fosters a sense of belonging by creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

Why Employee Engagement Matters.

The Impact of Employee Engagement on Business Outcomes

Employee engagement increases productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction, and organisational commitment. In addition, employee engagement is associated with decreased staff turnover and absenteeism, as well as increased innovation and creativity. Ultimately, high employee engagement results in a more productive and profitable organisation.

The Impact of Employee Engagement on Individual Employees.

Engaged employees tend to be more focused, productive and motivated, which leads to better business outcomes. Second, engaged employees are more likely to stay with the company, reducing turnover and associated costs. Finally, engaged employees create a positive work environment that benefits all employees, promoting teamwork and collaboration. All of these factors contribute to making businesses more successful.

Conclusion

Business workplace is also essential to employee engagement and retention because it is where employees spend most of their time (or used too). This means that the workplace significantly impacts employees’ feelings about their jobs and whether they feel connected to their work. Employees form strong relationships with co-workers at their workplaces. These relationships can be a significant factor in whether an employee stays with a company or not.

In this article, we have explored the benefits of employee engagement and provided tips for how you can increase it in your own workplace. Employers who want to increase employee engagement should consider implementing a system of recognition and rewards. Providing development opportunities is also one of the best ways to increase employee engagement.

The benefits of employee engagement extend not only to businesses but also to individual employees themselves.

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STEP 1: Know Your Outcome

Before going into the meeting, have a clear understanding of why you’re holding it and what you want to get out of it. Write down the meeting objectives -clearly and specifically- and then ongoing outcomes you’re aiming to result from there. For example, you may need to hold a meeting to run through some new regulations. It’s mandatory (although can be a little uninspiring), but if you have the objective to complete it and motivate your team in the process, you will start thinking outside the box for exactly how you can do that

Don’t be shy to also share your objectives with your team too; keeping everyone on the same page, with focus and drive, knowing exactly what they’re working towards and why. Where possible, get your team to also set their own personal targets, that you can then monitor and follow up on. For example, if you hold a group meeting for your sales team to boost figures there- get each member of staff to write down their own new targets going out of the meeting. You could even gather these, add them together and put them onto a progress board; encouraging teamwork and a little healthy competition.

STEP 2: Prepare Properly

Once you know what your goals are and the purpose of the meeting, you can start to formulate a proper plan. Don’t go in there blind, then be surprised why it doesn’t have the impact you want! Like all things in life, you get out what you put in. So to improve the effectiveness of your meetings, you have to take the time to prepare them properly.

How will you format your meeting? How will you kick it off with a bang?! Utilise videos, storytelling, quick quizzes, statements for discussion, questions, tasks- there’s so much you can do. How will you make your next meeting different? And how can you craft it to grab their attention early on, and then maintain it throughout?

STEP 3: Do Something Different

You want to be in the position where every time you call a staff meeting, your team don’t groan, but instead- get interested, unsure of what to expect! The only way to do this, is by continuously mixing things up!

High energy is essential, as is your delivery, but get creative with how you can get your messages across. How about breaking the meeting up with group brainstorming sessions, getting people moving from table to table? Or what about a ‘Speed Dating’ exercise to get staff sharing their thoughts/ feedback on a particular topic, bouncing ideas around, or have you ever tried ‘sticker voting’? This is a fun concept where you write different approaches/ techniques in different places, and your team put stickers next to the ideas they think they could work with. There are so many different things you can try- either by getting ideas from the internet, or creating your own.

The key here, is to simply do them. Don’t be afraid how well it will be received, because if you don’t try- you won’t know. But if you start to innovate around your meetings, you will not only get far better engagement within them, but also create a better company culture and lead your team to greater success!

Try it, and see the difference it makes. Think you’ve mastered the meetings?! Pop your engagement strategies in the comments box below- we’d love to hear them! And if you’re looking for meeting or conference rooms, don’t forget- we provide an impartial service to find the right space for you. See here.

The post Three Simple Steps to Get Better Results From Your Team Meetings appeared first on Loc8 Commercial Blog.

Don’t Hit SNOOZE!- I know, I know: we all want to stay in bed just that little bit longer (especially when we’re into the winter months), but avoid this at all costs. Studies reveal that this prolonged wake up will actually make you more tired and irritable, as your brain starts its sleep cycle all over again- only to keep being disrupted! Nope, it’s not going to get you anymore winks and it certainly won’t make you feel better, so bite the bullet and get yourself out of bed straight away!

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind– Now we’ve all been told we need to eat breakfast to set us up for the day, but when we’re short on time (probably because of that snooze!), it’s easy to give it a miss. But remember ‘if you change nothing, nothing will change’ so it’s time to start prioritising that morning fuel and getting into a regular routine with it so then -and only then- you can start to feel the benefits! What these will be? Well, your metabolism will work better, you’ll start to feel better, you’ll have improved concentration & performance, you’ll feel stronger & have energy for longer, it’ll actually improve your BMI and- stop you from wanting to eat everything in sight later! Win, win! So ditch the hunger, or cheat-breakfast donuts and make time to get those early-morning nutrients inside!

The post Four Ways to Start Your Day The Right Way appeared first on Loc8 Commercial Blog.

Sound good? Alright then. Here’s a few of our favourite tips for avoiding that work burnout…

1. Maximise Productivity– When you are working, make sure you’re making the most of it. Plan everything properly the day before, use lists, make sure you allocate the right amount of time to get jobs done and really stay focused during those core hours. No-one wants to be working late, but if you utilise your time properly: you won’t need to! Time management and planning are the key components here. Once you can master that, you can take on anything!
2. Take a Break!– Little and often. Just a short five-minute burst of movement and maybe a quick bite to eat. (Who else loves to nibble throughout the day?!) The break will recharge your brain, increasing concentration when you then get going again which then means you work better, faster and certainly get far more done. The more you achieve in the day, the less overwhelmed you will be and the more you can get that work-life balance right. So what was it?… Break little and often, that’s right! If it means having a shorter lunch, so be in! Who needs an hour to gossip anyway?! So long as you have that time to eat properly, drink properly- getting the sustenance instead you to fuel that mental strength, you will be good to go!
3. Work On That Mindset– ‘If you realised how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think another negative thought again…’ Believe it or not, you can control your thoughts and they in turn begin to control your feelings. So instead of filling your mind with the likes of: “I just have so much to do, I’m never going to get it all done…” “This is CONSTANT. I get my tasks done and more just pile up.” “How is this a life?! When can I take a break?!” If this sounds like you, stop right in your tracks. Because think about it- are these thoughts really helping anyone? Is it enabling you to get things done faster or solving the problems you feel like you have? No, probably not. In fact, if anything, it’s surely making you slower and less productive because you’re actually just wasting time working yourself up. But hey, knowledge is power. So the first steps are to take a deep breath, become conscious of what you’re thinking and then work on changing them. The next time a negative thought runs in your path, grab it, trap it, and replace it with something else. Like: “Well, it’s going to be another busy day today, but that’s good- the company is booming, my role is a key part of that and let’s plan this all out to see the best way to work through it!” Think you can do it? Give it a try! I promise, you’ll start to notice the difference!
4. Do the Down-Time– I know, I bet you was wondering when this was coming, but save the best ‘till last right?! Everyone knows it can’t be all work and no play, so one of the best ways to stop that work burnout, is by making the most of those days off. If you’re going to chill, you need to do it properly, so stop checking those work emails or thinking about all the things you have to do (there will be far less if you follow the steps above anyway!), and make the most of the time you do have… Not only on weekends, but on evenings too. Spend quality time with loved ones, do different things, have some FUN! Because then when it is time to get back to work, you’ll feel like you have had that proper break and will be able to get back to it with a fresh mindset, better body and a strong, healthy attitude!

What’s your favourite things to do in down-time? How do you deal with work overload to avoid the dreaded burnout?! Share your thoughts below…

The post STOP! How To Avoid Work Burnout, Mastering the Work-Life Balance appeared first on Loc8 Commercial Blog.

You ready? LET’S GO!

It’s All in The Mindset – To actually become the most productive person around, you must first decide to be so… Get committed to it, and keep it in your mind throughout the day so that if you find yourself wasting time, you can quickly get back on track. Don’t beat yourself up about any of your past habits or failures; and certainly don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Instead focus on what you’re working to achieve now and know that you can do it. See, making the decision and committing to it is half the battle. Once you’ve made up your mind, you will begin to challenge yourself to see just how much you can accomplish in any given day. You’ll start to find things that work for you, changing your habits to optimise productivity and keeping that momentum and motivation going, to see more and more of the results you want in your work and your life.

Get Organised – How can you expect to get everything you want done, if you’re not even clear on what exactly that needs to be? The solution?- Knowing your short-term and long-term goals, and then planning your workload the night before to ensure you’re creating the stepping stones to get you there. Write a list, running through all the things you MUST do and then all the things you SHOULD- which you can only move onto once all the essentials have been ticked off first. This is important, because it’s all about prioritising and not getting distracted. If you find new things you need to do throughout the day- don’t do them immediately (unless that’s required)- instead pop them on the ‘after’ list so you don’t need to worry about forgetting, but can work through it at a better time. This helps to deal with overwhelm and gives you a more strategic approach. You also need to keep looking at your list and thinking more about the outcomes, as oppose to the actual tasks themselves…

– What is my outcome in all of this? What’s really important and taking me closer to the end goal?

– Is everything on my list really needed?

– Are there any things I can do in a different way which would be faster, but still get me to that end goal I need?

– Is there anything on here that can be delegated or outsourced to save time/ increase effectiveness?

Getting lots done, doesn’t always mean you’re getting the most out of your day. In fact, the 80/20 rule says that you often get 80% of your results from 20% of the things you do. So doing more of the 20% is the best way to skyrocket your success. Make sure you’re spending your time on the most important things; taking the time to really analyse what you’re doing and why. When you plan your day the night before, you also wake up ready to hit the ground running knowing exactly what you’re doing and where it’s going to get you.

The Hour Of Power – Now there’s lots of different things you can do to organise your work and plan your day; it’s all about finding what works best for you. We are however aware that procrastination is the silent killer, so to destroy this and really ‘get things done’, get into the routine of using the first hour of your day, as soon as you’re all set up and ready to work- to tackle those things you LEAST want to do, but know are actually the most important. This will set up your day in the right way, giving you a greater sense of achievement and starting how you wish to go on! Try it, it works!

Dealing With Distractions – So we know what we want to achieve, we’re in the right headspace to achieve it, but inevitably things are going to happen throughout the day to try to steer us off course. Phone calls, emails, people coming in and out your office, demands, distractions. It’s normal. To ensure they don’t take us off-path however, we have to stay focused. As mentioned above- use lists to get organised and those new demands that come in throughout the day- write them down for when your main priorities have been completed. If you work in an office, set up a “Do Not Disturb” sign when it’s time to get important work done. If you work from home or outside of an office, set a policy so people know not to call or interrupt you during certain time blocks. Schedule calls so you can plan around them, allocate your time wisely and get that head knuckled down when it needs to be!

Refresh, Recharge – Now no-one can be a complete working MACHINE. And if you are- you’ll start to burn yourself out if you’re not careful and then what good are you?! Short breaks throughout the day are important. It helps to keep concentration high and avoid a brain-block. The best way to take a break is to not stay sat down at your desk but instead get up, get moving and that blood circulating properly again! To make a habit of it- take time at lunch to go somewhere that takes you away from the office environment. Have your food, have a lunchtime stroll and you’ll come back with a clear, focused mind- ready to tackle the rest of the afternoon head on! If you’ve also completed a big job, get up, give yourself a pat on the back, have a quick stroll around, a glass of water, maybe grab a quick piece of fruit then get back, ready to crack on with the next job! It doesn’t need to be long, but this burst of movement and energy will make all the difference. Diet also plays a big part in productivity, staying hydrated, staying healthy. What we put into our bodies greatly affects our focus, energy and well-being throughout the course of the day, so you may find it’s worth looking into this more too

Whatever you do: make sure you have clarity and direction. Time is one of our most valuable things. It’s something we can never get back. Commit today to getting more from your day, and I promise: you will never look back…

It’s also important to have the right working environment to maximise productivity. If you’re looking for a new space- get in touch for free, impartial property searching and advice. See our full services here:

Written by Blue Monkey Social Media

The post How To Increase Productivity: Getting The Most Out Of Your Day appeared first on Loc8 Commercial Blog.

Here are our top tips for 2016 to help you navigate the office space minefield.

1. Location, Location, Location

It comes up time and again. There is even a TV programme about the importance of location to your property search. And whilst it’s a popular show about house buying, the saying is just as important to your office space search.

The right location is vital to keep your business close to your potential customers. It also has an impact on the cost of office space.  This means you need to compare locations based on cost versus the impact on your business. For instance an office near Bank could cost more than one nearer to Liverpool Street. If budget is important, consider the relatively short distances versus the varying costs.

 2. Getting there

One of the key things to consider before signing on the dotted line is the proximity of the office space to local transport links. Both your customers and employees need to be able to reach you. So consider the distance to the nearest train or Tube station. Many serviced office centres have on-site parking but this may be an additional charge.

 3. The Work Life Balance

Most London serviced office business centres are often right in the middle of a wide choice of local shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. But you would be surprised how many lack a wide variety of things to do on their doorstep. If it’s not high on your priority list it might be for employees who look for places to get their lunch or a location for socialising after work.

Our area guides provide details of local amenities in the most popular locations. One of the questions to ask on an office space viewing would be about the proximity to the nearest coffee shop or cash machine.

 4. What’s included?

Once you have decided on the ideal location, one of the most important things to consider is what’s included in the office rent. Don’t assume everything is thrown in.

Generally the office space rent includes the furniture, storage and the use of the communal areas.  Internet connections and telephones are often an additional cost. Some providers include them along with services like photocopying and printing at no extra cost. But it’s best to ask early on.

 5. There’s broadband and there’s broadband

Often referred to as “the oxygen of business”, broadband differs throughout the UK and many serviced office providers have different quality connections. Some provide a standard broadband connection with upgrades to increased bandwidth. Others provide business broadband using what’s referred to as “dedicated lines” that have higher bandwidth.

We suggest you ask the provider to explain their broadband connection offer so that you have the right one for your business.

 6. Meeting your clients

Meeting your clients in a professional environment is vital to help you portray the right image for your company. Sometimes coffee shops are an easy solution when you are on the go but nothing offers a better impression than a well equipped meeting room. Nearly all business centres provide one or more meeting rooms for their clients to use. Rates vary depending on location but they offer great value and usually beverages, water and catering are all available to make the meeting go really well.

 7. When you need more than one location

If your business keeps you on the move a more flexible solution might be an option to consider. Something like a Regus Businessworld membership for instance would provide a  number of options that allows you to work in a local business centre where your clients are. Many serviced office space providers offer flexible working solutions. So it’s easy to ensure you get the right solution for your business and at the right price.

8. Networking with your neighbours

Business centres are large hubs housing a number of diverse businesses across a wide variety of sectors. So wouldn’t it be great to network with the company’s right on your own doorstep? Many serviced office providers have set up monthly networking meetings, providing a relaxed and informal way to set up potentially beneficial relationships with businesses that need your services or products.

There are many benefits of using serviced offices for your business and these are just eight examples of how they could benefit your business. Talk to us for an informal discussion and let us help you secure the right deal for your new office in 2016.

GET IN TOUCH 020 3031 8563

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