The dark nights have come in and the cold weather is truly here, which means it’s definitely winter now! It can be a tricky time for businesses, both with busy periods in the run up to Christmas, and the quick spread of colds and viruses taking your employees out of action.
Getting your business ready for winter can help you minimise risks and keep your business going through the next few months. Take a look at some of the ways you can winter-proof your office ready to beat the chill!
Carry out essential maintenance
Your office can show signs of wear and tear, and problems you might face at home such as draughty windows and broken heating systems can also affect your business. Carry out inspections and essential maintenance to ensure your office is protected against the elements. Waterproofing with AAC Waterproofing can make sure your premises is protected from rain and snow and reduces the risk of having to shut your business due to a leak. Book in any repairs now before the weather takes an even colder turn.
Protect your office from illness
It’s flu season! Which can spell disaster for your business. It’s important that you put policies and guidance in place for your employees to stop the spread as much as possible. Some great advice for preventing flu at work include providing plenty of antibacterial wipes and gel, and encouraging people to stay home if they’re feeling unwell for any reason. Make sure your cleaners are doing a thorough job and possibly book in some additional cleans to keep communal areas and surfaces sterile.
Be prepared for bad weather
In the UK, we’re susceptible to all kinds of winter weather. Heavy rains and snow are typical at this time of year and can have an impact on your business. Put plans in place so that you have a home working policy to stop workers attempting hazardous journeys to get into the office. A business continuity plan is essential for keeping your staff informed and safe, so make sure all of your communications plans are locked down for those emergency update.
Keep employees safe
Mornings and evenings are much darker now, which can make journeys to and from work more dangerous. It’s important that you provide guidelines for staff on protecting themselves during their commute, as well as for lone workers. Providing personal safety equipment is becoming more common for businesses, and you could also consider implementing flexible working so that people can adjust their commute to suit their needs.
The winter months can be tough on businesses, but as long as you’re prepared, you’ll manage easily. With all of the health and safety procedures in place, you’ll be in a good place to prevent common workplace injuries and make sure your staff feel safe. Now you can focus on the good things about the season and get into the festive spirit!
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