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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Manage The Workload: The last thing you want is a tired, demotivated team, with a mad rush of everyone working away like little elves, to get everything done before Christmas & New Year. Get organised with the workload and if it’s an especially busy period for your business, have a clear plan of action for how your team will be able to achieve everything ahead of schedule. Make sure it’s an atmosphere of drive and determination, as oppose to stress and pressure. Set targets and goals that have meaning; pulling together that team spirit for support and motivation.

Consider Flexible Working: When family commitments take over ahead of Christmas, a great solution to overcome this is by offering flexible working- whether this is by utilising shared spaces closer to home (Read more here: https://loc8commercial.com/blog/flexible-offices-future-work/) or enabling single parents to work from the comfort of their home temporarily from the end of school term. The key is to sitting down with your team to find out what they want and need, then working with them for a win, win situation. Happy staff, and targets hit.

Celebrations and Awards: No matter how big or small your company is, award ceremonies are perfect for recognising, rewarding and motivating your staff. And what better time to do it than the end of the year? Whether it’s a simple thing within the workplace, or by hosting a big event- end-of-year celebrations help to keep those spirits high! Similarly, Christmas Work Parties. Practically everyone has them right? So if you don’t, get your organising caps on! It could be simple after-work Christmas dinner or drinks, but it really helps to bring everyone together, and gives staff something to look forward to, towards the end of the month.

Festive Fun In The Office: At a time when people would much rather be our doing their own thing or spending time with their loved ones, creating a fun and friendly atmosphere in the office makes all the difference to morale. Think- background Christmas tunes in the office, lunchtime office decorating (possibly even going all-out with a tree!) Christmas Jumper day, festive cakes & treats, or even some Christmas competitions. How about- a prize for the best decorated desk?! Think outside the box for how to make it a fun -yet productive- working environment.

Secret Santa With a Twist: So aside from making your workplace feel festive, you can also get your team into the Christmas spirit by organising a Secret Santa… Everyone’s name goes into a hat and one-by-one they pick a name out in secret, for which they then have to buy that person a gift! Make this even more fun, by giving it a gift-buying theme. EG. ‘One Thing That Makes You Fabulous’… This works particularly well for a tight-knit group of coworkers, and might still be appropriate for gatherings where everyone knows each other at least somewhat well. It adds a bit of fun and can bring everyone closer together. You can also do your bit by writing individual thank you notes to every staff member, to give on the day of the gift-giving! Short, sweet, but personal, and it shows your staff how much they really matter.

Rewards and Incentives: Different people are driven by different things. Some need to feel valued & appreciated, some need recognition & rewards, and some are driven financially. Understand your staff and what drives them the most, using appropriate incentives- especially when hitting targets. Make sure your ‘Christmas gift’ is one that matches them!

So ho, ho, ho- there’s just a few ideas to get you started. What do you find works best with staff motivation throughout the holiday season? Share your ideas below! And have a very happy Christmas!

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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!

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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.

So, what exactly are flexible office spaces?

Essentially they are shared spaces or ‘flexispace’ that has all the basic equipment and infrastructure needed. They have always been popular with start-ups and SME’s due to the flexibility, however, more and more blue-chips are seeing the benefits of flexible spaces. Flexible offices were initially set up so that an employee who usually worked from home or remotely – or has to drive long distances to the company’s main office – can instead work externally for a few hours or days, every week or month. Ideal right?! In fact, Flexible Office space operators have taken the largest amount of sq ft space in London over the last 12-18 months to deal with the demand. It’s going off a storm, and not only improving employee retention within bigger businesses, but proving the ideal and solution for smaller businesses too.

A few of the benefits?…

• Flexible office spaces allow remote working employees to mix up their working week. Instead of being glued to a desk in one place, they have the option to work elsewhere: commuting to the main offices only when necessary. This helps with employee satisfaction, motivation and actually increases efficiency.

• Often flexible working spaces will have different employees from different businesses sharing the same building and in some cases the same office. This can be beneficial, fostering collaborative workplaces and mutually beneficial working relationships with others. No better way to create referrals, right?!

• As mentioned above- flexible office spaces are usually fully equipped premises, giving business owners access to everything they or their employees need, without the logistical and organisational nightmare. It’s fairly hassle free and also provides flexibility in terms of contracts, because unlike standard office renting- flexible spaces don’t have the long-term commitment with set durations or terms. Instead, you can hire the space on a month-by-month basis, with the option to extend for up to two years: depending on how it’s going and what you’re looking for. They can also grow as your company grows, which means they provide peace of mind when you need to downsize. This unique flexibility can allow you to keep control of the costs, which leads us onto the final benefit…

• Another major selling point is the cost-saving. Flexible offices generally have reduced overheads, because most providers include all of the expenses in one fixed monthly fee. Pretty neat, huh? This makes things easier to manage in terms of budgets, proving incredibly effective.

Now it’s important to remember- flexible offices aren’t for everyone. It is still a relatively new concept and success may depend on the nature of the business, the company culture, management set up and of course: the employee themselves. Some employees need greater management, can feel a little disconnected from the business and may struggle to stay disciplined, focused and of course- not get distracted! The way to make it work for big companies? Well-structured arrangements, clearly clarified expectations, strong communication and regular targets/ tasks/ goals to work towards.

If flexible working is part of your company culture or potentially suitable for the stage your business is in, flexible office spaces work hand-in-hand to provide the ideal solution.

Will they take over traditional offices? We don’t think so, not entirely…

But they are becoming evermore popular- and with good reason! A number of traditional landlords are now also including flexible workspace within their offering, as they understand that some clients’ businesses are seasonal and may have larger teams for short periods when working on specific projects.

Got a question regarding work spaces? We’re here 24/7 offering FREE impartial advice.

Reach out… – https://loc8commercial.com/page/details/about-us

The post Are Flexible Offices The Future of Work? appeared first on Loc8 Commercial Blog.

As well as having some form of physical activity outside of work, office workers can also make some small changes to their daily behaviour to gain much needed movement.

Integrate walking into your commute

Most office workers don’t have the luxury of living close to their office, therefore walking to work is not always a viable option. If you are using the tube, then aim to walk to the station if it is within a manageable distance and try to get off one stop earlier, to gain a short walk. You should find your working day is more productive.

Avoid lifts and escalators

It can be a difficult habit to break out of if you have become accustomed to using lifts and escalators at work but opt to use the stairs instead. You may feel it is pointless but every step counts as your body is benefitting from the valuable movement. Getting your blood flowing during your working day is vital.

Get your own coffee

Instead of getting someone else to get your coffee, tea or smoothie for you; take the initiative to get up and get it yourself. It will provide you with a short burst of fresh air.

Get up every hour

Instead of sitting at your desk for a long period of time, attempt to get away from your desk every hour. This doesn’t mean going outside to take a long walk, simply stroll around the office or go and get a glass of water to hydrate yourself.

Use your lunch hour

Instead of eating or working through lunch at your desk, use the opportunity to be active. Going for a short or long walk will not only clear your mind from any work-related stress but give you time to re-energise for the afternoon. Additionally, organise a group of colleagues to go on a walk with.

Do Chair exercise at your desk

You’ve been wanting to tone your arms for the summer, why not start in the office? When you need a break, do a few reps of chair sits. You can even alternate between chair exercises and push ups!

Fidget when you work

Small movements and quick exercise breaks add up, especially in a sedentary work place, so challenge yourself to stand, stretch or even tap a foot to bring motion into otherwise still parts of your day. Just remember to keep it professional!

Get a ball

When you are sitting, swap your desk chair for an exercise ball for 20-30 minute spurts. While a chair does all the work for you, an exercise ball requires core strength to retain your posture and balance, resulting in a contribution to your muscle tone of your core, hip and leg muscles.

Take walking meetings

Anytime you have a phone call or an in-person meeting that doesn’t require the use of a computer, you should make a point to turn it into a walking meeting. Or even just pace up and down while on the phone or on a conference call.

What are your favourite ways to stay active during your 9-5?

The post Nine ways to be active during the working day appeared first on Loc8 Commercial Blog.

The famous New Street station has been redeveloped and ‘Grand Central’ a new shopping centre has been developed just above the station, this was one of the first stages of expanding Birmingham’s spaces to become bigger and better. Being only just over a one-hour commute away from London, Birmingham is easy to get to and is also becoming a popular commute for London worker’s.

So let’s have a look at the top reasons to work in Birmingham!

1. Workspace and developments.

A development called Paradise is being set to open with space for offices, retail and leisure. There are so many new and modern spaces to be both working and living in making Birmingham the place to work! There are also developments that have already been completed. The Big City Plan was created in 2010 with an aim of sustainable regeneration including workspaces, public spaces and retail. More than 1.4m square foot of office space is currently under construction: https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/data/office-construction-surges-in-birmingham/10016915.article

2. Food

Birmingham celebrates different cultures and tastes, giving itself a name in the food and restaurant business. Whether it’s a curry, a traditional British fry up or fine Italian dining it’s all on offer in Birmingham. The jewellery quarter, The Mail Box and Victoria Square are a few of the places you can find excellent restaurants. The Digbeth Dining Club is also great if you are looking for street food.

3. Night life

There are numerous bars and clubs to entertain you if you are going for after work drinks or even a night out! Brew Dog and the Jekyll and Hyde being a few of them famous for their unique cocktails with outstanding presentation! Have a look at this website to get a few ideas: http://visitbirmingham.com/what-to-do/nightlife/ Another cool thing in Birmingham is you can go on a night or afternoon cruise on the Canal and have drinks taking in the beautiful view in the summer. This is definitely something different and would be good for entertaining clients from over seas or even from around the UK. See here http://www.canaljunction.com/canal/trips.htm for information!

4. Redevelopment of New Street station – easy access to London

The station and travel access in Birmingham is excellent and it is just over an hour to get to London! New street station has been redeveloped and is full of restaurants, shops and the architecture is all completely refurbished.

5. Shopping

The bullring is a huge shopping centre with almost every shop you could think of and a huge variety of restaurants, bars and cafes. In addition to this, you now have Grand Central and The mailbox to shop at. The Mailbox is slightly more upmarket where you will find trendy designer shops.

6. Culture

Theatres, museums and galleries are at the heart of Birmingham. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Ikon Gallery are a few of the most famous. If you are an underwater fan, the National Sea Life Centre is the place for you to visit in Birmingham. For tickets and more information visit https://www2.visitsealife.com/birmingham/

The post 5 reasons to work in Birmingham appeared first on Loc8 Commercial Blog.

There are so many incredible coffee shops in London and Soho is certainly not short of these. Coffee is actually an extremely important part of most of our work days, whether it be the morning wake up coffee, or the afternoon pick me up coffee! Tap Coffee has a great atmosphere and serves brilliant cakes and pastry’s too, perfect for a Friday breakfast!

2. Food

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD! There are so many amazing restaurants in Soho, which gives you a reason to go for a filling work lunch! One of our favourites is Balls and Company, specialising in different type of meat balls and even vegetarian balls. They also have a brilliant cocktail bar for after work drinks! Another favourite is Bao, small but TASTY and affordable making it perfect for work lunches.

3. Art

Soho is famous for it’s art galleries so if art is your thing, you’re in luck! The Photographer’s Gallery is famous globally located in an Edwardian Warehouse.

4. LGBT COMMUNITY

Soho is famous for it’s variety and culture. The LGBT community is huge in this area and is known for celebrating in some lovely bars and clubs. G-A-Y is a famous club that has many celebrities perform on stage.

5. Soho Nightlife

Looking for something to do on a Thursday or Friday evening after work? Soho is the perfect place for a drink (or five). The Box Soho is a private members club and pretty hard to get into but If you do you are in for a treat! Company Below is also a pretty great bar in a basement offering one of a kind creations in an intimate setting.

6. Flexible Offices

You have an abundance of choices with regards to flexible office options. Have a look through the options – OFFICE SPACE – or call us to discuss your requirements in more detail and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

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Whether it’s the coffee, the atmosphere, or the actual shop design, the coffee shop industry in London is growing and there are some absolute gems to visit for your daily intake! Not only this, new recipes are also being introduced into the coffee world. Healthy ‘Matcha lattes’ are making a huge entrance (although a green tea) and coffee is being served in more than just cups!

So, here are our top 6 places for coffee in London!

1. Look mum, no hands!

   From the outside a bike/cycle shop, in the inside a lovely and quirky place to enjoy your coffee! They also do some awesome food if you are feeling a little peckish!

2. Kaffeine:

   The reviews speak for themselves: ‘Top Notch’ ‘Coffee Hideout’ ‘Place For Coffee Addicts’ ‘Best Cortado Outside Spain’

3. Prufock:

   Also a coffee school in Clerkenwell, Prufock has a brew bar giving customers the chance to engage with baristas who choose the best coffees of the week for you to sample!

4. Shoreditch Grind:

   Music, atmosphere, friendly waiters and amazing coffee. Alongside a lovely and healthy breakfast menu and cocktails! Amazing outside area for the summer too.

5. Monmouth:

   ‘World Famous Gourmet Coffee’ With coffee from all around the world and not at an expensive price, this place is extremely popular and located in borough Market.

6. The Good Life Eatery:

   Healthy food, juices, smoothies, coffee and Matcha lattes. The ultimate healthy foodie’s dream!

Feel free to leave comments and let us know your recommendations for the best spots in London.

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