For businesses in the UK, it can be quite hard to predict what the weather will do in the colder months. Often at this time of year, it’s hard to determine whether it’s going to be a wet winter, or what we all really want – a white winter! However, if it is the latter, businesses can find themselves struggling, with the cold weather wreaking havoc on their offices, as well as the employees’ journeys to work each day.
Here we run through a few top tips on how you can winter proof your office and keep your business up and running over the colder months!
Windows
Did you know that double glazing can cut the amount of heat lost through your windows by up to 50%? If your office is located in an older building, then it might be worth considering upgrading the exterior of your building, not only will it keep the heat in (which will make for a nicer work environment!), it could save you money on your heating bills.
If you notice any water collecting on a windowsill, this could be dangerous to the frame and could become a costly problem if left unaddressed. Check the windowsill is effectively sealed to prevent further problems and to prevent heat escaping.
Car Park
Keeping your car park free of ice and snow is one of the most important things you should prepare for in the colder months. Stock up on products including rock salt and shovels for your car park to ensure your employees don’t get stuck looking for somewhere to park up. This includes shovelling any walkways too, by doing this you can look to prevent any accidents caused by employees slipping on the floor.
Protect The Floors
All of the ice and snow accumulating outside the doors can damage the flooring in the office, think about how much dirt and excess water your employees will be dragging in on their feet during winter? Keeping the car park free of ice and snow will help to protect your floors, but it also might be a good idea to invest in a quality door mat to let employees wipe away any excess dirt on their shoes. But don’t forget to regularly clean this too or it will become obsolete!
Check The Heating Early
We’ve had a cold snap a little earlier than usual this year, which might have left a few of you caught short when it comes to heating your office building. Chances are the heating in your building will have been left off for the majority of the year, so it’s a good idea to give it a once over before it will be put back into regular use. Get an expert in to check it over to make sure there are no problems with it!
Allow Flexibility For Employees
At this time of year, with the drops in temperatures and the unpredictable weather it can be difficult for employees to feel safe on their journey to work. It might be a good idea to allow flexibility for working at home over the winter months to allow them to do an effective job from home, rather than spending time trying to drive through tough conditions!
Article supplied by Egan Reid.
