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Creative Team

March 10, 2023
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3 Strategies to grow your small business in 2023

By | Business

Most of the time, small business growth results from sustained effort and planning. Sure, a celebrity might snap a shot of your handmade bath bomb tomorrow and set social media alight with talk of your cherry soda shower fizz. But if Justin Bieber or Kim Kardashian doesn’t happen upon your product or service, you’ll need to drive that growth yourself.

  1. Streamline your customer relationships: Strong customer relationship management (CRM) is the backbone for several aspects of your business. Look for software that’s intuitive to use but also has all the functionality you think you will need. Check out our list of CRM software programs to find the right product for you. You’d be amazed at the difference a strong and integrated CRM strategy could make at every stage of the process. It can help you generate leads, improve sales, and retain more customers.
  2. Increase your online presence: Whether it’s a blog, website, or social media, a strong online presence can be a cost-effective way to connect with many people. Try not to view your website as a static entity that you create and then ignore. If you introduce new products or change your prices, your website needs to reflect those changes. Make sure you post regularly on various channels and aim to create content that fits with your company’s products but is also informative. For example, if you run a hardware store, you might produce content on how to pick the right drill for different scenarios. Think about how a blog post might translate into a Twitter post or Instagram video so that you can reformat the content for different types of social media.
  3. Invest in your team: Keeping good employees can be challenging, especially for small businesses. Talented people may get lured away by bigger companies that can offer more perks and higher salaries. This can leave a big hole in small teams and could cause work to fall through the cracks.
March 10, 2023
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2023 is here, and what it means for your business

By | Business, Tips

2023 is here! A New Year, a new goal, new trends, new everything. Let’s think, is this going to be the year your business finally grows or gets to its ideal place? That’s entirely up to you! But what we do know are the best ways to help you get there, and it all starts with SPACE! Are you meeting your potential customers in a professional environment that gives them trust and confidence that you’re here for the long run? Let’s think about space for a moment.

Did you know that having an office space or even a professional meeting room to meet your customers, vendors, and new leads can really give your business the push 2022 did not do? Start with Flex Space, then #levelup

What Flexible Space means for Business E Suites:

A flexible workspace can also be referred to as a shared office space or flexispace. Flexible workspace is the term for an office space that comes with several creative desk layouts and space options. Different types of workspaces tend to include: Hot desks: non-fixed desks, or workspaces that any employee can utilize.

Flexible workspace design encourages employee engagement on a daily basis. Allowing staff to spend time outside work areas and in zones better suited to specific tasks can improve mood and productivity.

Flexible space can be open-plan, but it can also include small enclosed offices or even larger options.

Plans start at $99/month. 

Day passes are available!
March 10, 2023
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Benefits of Coworking Spaces for Startups

By | Business, Tips

Discover the top advantages for a startup firm if you are thinking about renting a coworking space by reading on.

Inspiration and Creativity

One of the key benefits of coworking spaces for startups is the potential for inspiration and creativity.

In a coworking space, startups have the opportunity to interact and work alongside other entrepreneurs and creative professionals. This can provide a sense of community and support, as well as opportunities for idea-sharing and collaboration. Being surrounded by other driven and innovative individuals can help to spark new ideas and inspire creative thinking. Additionally, the flexible and open nature of coworking spaces can also foster a sense of creativity and innovation. These spaces are designed to be conducive to collaboration and creativity, with comfortable and inspiring workspaces, as well as access to a range of amenities and resources. This can help to create a stimulating and inspiring environment that can help to boost creativity and productivity.

Scaling directly

It might be challenging to find something affordable and short-term for small business owners looking for office space. Many businesses cannot make the commitment required by the bulk of commercial leases, which are at least one year long. Without signing long-term contracts, coworking spaces enable businesses to scale it up (or decrease) as needed. Even while the majority of flexible office space isn’t inexpensive per square foot, they and other coworking spaces are enticing alternatives to conventional office spaces because they can engage with you on a month-to-month basis.

Better work-life balance

Coworking spaces can provide a better work-life balance for individuals and businesses. Because coworking spaces often have flexible hours and a variety of amenities, such as on-site childcare or fitness centers, they can help people better manage their time and prioritize their well-being. In addition, the social aspect of coworking spaces can provide a sense of community and support, which can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health. Overall, coworking spaces offer an alternative to traditional office environments, allowing for a more personalized and balanced approach to work.

Affordability

It may be rather expensive to rent or acquire your own office space, especially for start-ups that are just starting in business. You should cut costs and choose a coworking space rather than spending a fortune on an office space that you might even quit in a few years. You’ll receive an immediate financial boost as a result, which will make achieving financial stability much simpler. As a result, you’ll be able to expand quickly and effectively, boost your money, and place yourself on the path to success. Money won’t be an issue if you later decide that you require a private office.

Coworking Spaces are Inspiring

Coworking isn’t for people who have a pessimistic view of the world and doubt the motives of strangers and even the smallest indication of change or advancement. In other words, flexible workspace needs aren’t for pajama-clad lounge room fighters who don’t use Zoom’s location-independent benefits and choose to turn off from the video on calls. It is instead intended for those who think broadly and is aware that there is more than what they are now receiving. Today’s workplace uses contractors, side hustlers, and freelancers more frequently to carry out tasks that were traditionally handled internally by huge firm employees. On either hand, contract work can make you feel alienated. Being around people who are going through a similar situation to you can be beneficial.

Low prices

When a business is just getting off the ground, renting a large office costing you a lot of money each month is not practical and sometimes not feasible. This is the purpose of coworking spaces: to provide business owners and their teams with a fun working environment and a fully functional workplace without having to deal with the headaches of setting up a whole office. The frugal innovation of these shared areas makes it easier to run a business without spending a lot of money.

Workplace rent, fire insurance, office equipment purchases, sufficient furniture purchases, and other costs are included, but we also offer flexible membership alternatives. The majority of coworking spaces provide daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly passes, allowing users to pay for the number of months they will need the space and additional equipment.

Better Employee Experience

Coworking spaces can offer a better employee experience because they provide a flexible and collaborative work environment. In a traditional office setting, employees may be limited by the size of their workspace and may not have the opportunity to collaborate with others.

In a coworking space, employees have access to a variety of different spaces and can choose the one that best suits their needs at any given moment. This can help to foster a sense of community and collaboration among coworkers. Additionally, coworking spaces often provide amenities such as coffee and snacks, comfortable furniture, and meeting rooms, which can make the work environment more enjoyable and productive.

More opportunities for business

For entrepreneurs who are still finding out how to build their firm, the challenges of starting and expanding a small company can be overwhelming. By providing fantastic networking opportunities, coworking spaces help to alleviate some of the enormous strain that proprietors of small businesses have. Meeting and establishing connections with subject matter experts can help you grow your business, whether in person or via social media. Additionally, working in a coworking setting exposes you to possibilities and opportunities. Who can predict where a casual conversation will go? Your business might only require a little exposure to expand. Sometimes all a tiny firm needs to get off the ground is familiarity with other profitable entrepreneurs.

Improve Professional Image

Coworking spaces are shared office spaces that are typically used by independent professionals, freelancers, and small business owners. By working in a coworking space, these individuals can benefit from a professional and collaborative environment that can improve their professional image. By working in a coworking space, individuals can present a more professional image to their clients and partners. This is because they have a dedicated workspace that is separate from their home and can be used for business meetings and other professional activities. Overall, coworking spaces can provide individuals with a professional and collaborative environment that can help improve their professional image and support their business.

Unleashing the Power of On-site, On-demand Talent

Coworking spaces are excellent for networking as well as hiring because they house individuals from a variety of specialties nearby.

You might need to outsource duties that your current workforce is unable to complete in the early phases of your company’s expansion. When you work, you have vital access to talent that isn’t currently available to your organization, some of which might be looking to collaborate with a company like yours. Networking is important since you never realize whom you may meet.

Open 24×7

Although not all office spaces are open 24/7, you can typically locate one in some of the top locations for remote work. In this manner, it will be simple for you to accommodate weekend work requirements such as late hours, early arrivals, or phone calls.

You might not be the only one who has to work under pressure or who brings in work on Sunday to get ready for the week. It is simple to establish a feeling of togetherness when working in a coworking environment — many are open to sharing experiences.

The reason for this is that just the act of working in the same space as someone else, even a total stranger, can help you feel like you’re part of a larger group of people and linked to others. Your mental health will be enhanced via coworking.

Increased inventiveness

According to Fortune 500 CEOs, innovation is the most sought-after leadership quality and the key to success. Even achieving economic growth is seen to depend on it. Additionally, creative, collaborative teams are more inclined to give good reviews of their interactions, suggesting that your team will be content as a whole if you work together. By encouraging collaboration among coworkers and exposing staff to a variety of perspectives, coworking environments can inspire sudden spurts of creativity. Your perspective may be refreshed as a result of your move, and you may come up with creative solutions to business problems.

Coworking spaces, though, aren’t for everyone.

Despite all the advantages, not all kinds of remote workers find coworking spaces to be suitable. Working alongside a diverse group of other professionals can be too distracting for certain people, or the locations or pay scales don’t work for them.

Some people might require more privacy owing to the secret nature of their business, or they could need to work at home to take care of their parents, kids, or pets. For certain firms, having their own space that is branded to match the business may be necessary to convey a more professional image.

 

Article Source: Parth Shah / 21 Feb 2023 / Entrepreneurs / Small Business / Work

March 10, 2023
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Window Office

10 Benefits of Coworking Spaces for Startups 2023 @ Business E Suites

By | Tips

Are you a startup founder looking for a collaborative and inspiring workspace to grow your business? Look no further than coworking spaces.

These shared office environments provide the perfect blend of community and flexibility for startups to thrive. With amenities like high-speed internet, printing services, and networking events, coworking spaces are the go-to destination for entrepreneurs to collaborate and innovate. Plus, with affordable monthly memberships, you can save on costly office rentals and focus on what matters most: growing your startup.

Coworking spaces can play a crucial role in the development and success of startups by providing a supportive and collaborative environment, access to professional facilities and resources, and the flexibility to accommodate changing needs.

Coworking spaces: what are they? Who Can Gain from Them, and How?

A setup in which employees of various organizations share an office space is known as a coworking space. A managed office enables cost savings and eases through shared facilities, such as tools, utilities, receptionist and cleaning services, and occasionally refreshments and package acceptance services.

Office for rent is ideal for startups, small enterprises, freelancers, and remote workers who want to get their work done and connect with companies that will be helpful to them.

Management and workers can develop enduring ties with businesses that may result in future collaborative ventures or beneficial business advice. They can work in a professional, accommodating environment at the coworking location that fits their schedule. A coworking space is beneficial to everyone.

March 10, 2023
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Heading to Sugar Land this week, month, or Summer? Get work done from here.

By | Tips

If you’re planning to head to Sugar Land this week, month, or summer, you’ll be happy to know that Business E Suites, located in the heart of Sugar Land, is a great place to get work done. With its vibrant business community, ample coworking spaces, and high-speed internet, Business E Suites is an ideal destination for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers looking to stay productive while traveling.

Whether you need to take calls, send emails, or work on projects, you’ll find plenty of options to help you get your work done in our modern, aviation-themed workspace. Plus, explore the beautiful town of Sugar Land, from the Sugar Land Baseball Team’s Space Cowboys Stadium to the Sugar Land Town Square. At Business E Suites, you can choose from a variety of coworking spaces, private offices, semi-private workspaces, meeting rooms, and more that offer everything you need to keep your business or job going.

And when you need a break from work, you can explore Sugar Land’s many parks, restaurants, and entertainment venues, which offer a welcome respite from the daily grind. So if you’re heading to Sugar Land soon, don’t forget to pack your laptop and prepare to be productive while enjoying everything this great city offers.

Get Started Today. Plans are available by the hour, day, or month.

Day passes are available!

 

Image: Pixabay

November 9, 2022
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Why choose a Coworking Environment?

By | Industry

It’s no longer a new concept but a convenient one that fits the budget, and it’s scalable; that is the coworking space.  In recent years, co-working environments have been a tremendous hit for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and industries.

What are coworking spaces?

A coworking space is an environment where many businesses co-exist in a shared space.  It can even be different employees from a one-single company.  The term coworking, at times, can be used not only as a service option but as a description within an organization sharing the same space for different departments.   The main reason of why coworking spaces exist is to reduce the cost and resources yet remain productive.  For example, several businesses use a single area for different departments or use a single space for employees that don’t necessarily work together but can co-exist together.  Another reason why coworking space is used is to network and perhaps even collaborate with other businesses that may specialize in areas that will help you grow.

Benefits of Coworking Spaces

Without a doubt, there are several pros of coworking spaces that make them a favorite for many employees and employers.  We want to share a few features and benefits it offers that make businesses want to adopt this trending and easy-to-use model.

  1. Reduced Operational Costs – In an organization, employees in different departments may depend on the same resources; a coworking environment often helps reduce the operational costs associated with these resources.  For example, office space, electricity, internet are a few of the resources that can be shared between different companies.
  2. Socialization – Not a fan for employers but a must for employees.  Having the ability to socialize with different companies that are working on different concepts or projects becomes a learning experience that also increases productivity and creates the happy feeling that liked-mind individuals surround you.
  3. Networking – Coworking spaces are a great way to network and meet new people.  Many companies have found their other half because they realize two companies could collaborate toward a common goal.  Additionally, networking helps you create a bigger network of professionals specialized in different fields and areas that may come in handy down the road for you and your business.
  4. Diversity – In a coworking environment, diverse work culture is present no matter what, and that adds value to your business and the people around you.  Diversity is the key to growing with an open mind.
  5. Group Discounts – Coworking environments often offer great group discounts, especially for companies bringing multiple employees to said setting; it brings value to the facility and creates community.  Ask a coworking environment for them if you are thinking of bringing your company to collaborate in a coworking space.
  6. Flexibility – Coworking spaces are often open 24/7, which means that your employees or the company you represent can choose their time to work, creating a vast flexible schedule; some people prefer to work at night, others on weekends, and many others during the early morning.  Coworking environments make this possible.

In conclusion, it may be a new concept for many, but different industries do adopt the concept of coworking. If you look at the big picture, it is a great environment to socialize, discuss ideas easily, share beliefs, widen your network, and develop personal relationships that can be beneficial in the long run.  In short, this is why companies often incline to implement a coworking environment in their companies. Plus, if you are starting, well, this is a cost-effective solution to get the most out of your budget.

September 8, 2022
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Running a Home and a Business from Two Locations

By | Business, Tips

Many small business owners dream of a day when they can have multiple shops, multiple homes, and one life full of success. This is perfectly possible, but it does take work. Today, Business E Suites touches on a few ways to keep your own home, family, and business running safely and smoothly when you have multiple residences in different cities/states.

Savings

Even though you’re already in a position to enjoy success, you don’t want to let the income you’ve already earned get eaten up by your second home. A few simple ways to save money here include getting your business out of debt, cutting back on unnecessary expenses, and possibly even adjusting your overhead needs. For example, consider ditching rent for an office building. Instead, you can trade off between working from home and a co-working site.

At home, you can save money by checking prices on things like automobiles and health insurance in the state where these expenses tend to be the least. Plan to cancel your cable subscription on both properties and instead go with a streaming service that provides the types of content you and your family need. If the choice comes down to Disney+ versus Netflix, this guide by Android Authority can help you decide.

Communication

Communication is essential in all businesses, and yours is no different. Make sure that you can communicate with your employees and customers, which might mean investing in a laptop with longer-than-average battery life. There are many different options, and prices vary. Look for comparisons of today’s latest models.

It may also be wise to hire a personal assistant to handle certain business matters while you are in between homes, especially if you drive or fly between each frequently. If you hire someone to work alongside you in person, you may spend up to $52,000 per year, and if they travel with you, you also have to pay for their accommodations and food while they are away from their home state.

Safety

The safety of your family is important when they also live in multiple residences. Make sure that you have a security system in each home, that you can access both from wherever you are. When your children are young, make sure that each property is adequately childproofed, which should include having locks on lower cabinets. Before you buy any types of products that your family will rely on for safety, read reviews, details, and opinions from qualified sites.

Pricing Between States

You already know that the cost of housing, utilities, and food will vary from one state to the other. But don’t forget to pay careful attention to other common costs, which include things like:

  • Storage units. You can find a storage unit quickly using Google. The cost of storage in LA, for example, ranges from around $125-$300 each.
  • Business space. If you’re planning to open up shop in Boca Raton, Florida, you’ll probably spend around $36 per square foot, although many units are available for $19 per square foot for a one-year lease.
  • If you’re looking for cheap internet, consider anywhere in Texas, where you can expect to pay $2.29 per megabit.
  • Clothing is expensive no matter where you go. However, if you want to move to Washington, DC, you’ll probably spend less than $1,000 per year on fashion compared to $2,500 or more in the entire state of Illinois.
  • WKYT, a Lexington, Kentucky-based news station, says daycare can cost around $18,000 per child.

Running your business and owning two homes is a great way to expand your market and expose your family to multiple living arrangements. But, there are many things to consider before you do so. From keeping your family safe to the cost of basic extras, like a storage unit or internet, you need to know what you face before you start eating into your profits.

 

Image via Pexels

 

September 2, 2022
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How To Start a Business While Moving

By | Tips

Laying the foundation of a business is the most crucial stage of a business, whether in Sugar Land, TX, or elsewhere. With digitization in business and the growing popularity of home businesses, people are slowly venturing into these spaces for success. However, it becomes more complicated when you must relocate for business or personal reasons.

Have a working plan that will not interrupt your business schedule and goals. It takes adequate preparation and understanding of your business proposal to thrive in different locations, and Business E Suites shows you how to get started.

Finding a Good Place for Your Business

When choosing your business location in Sugar Land, Texas, you need to consider these factors:

  • Type of business
  • Target audience
  • Workplace environment
  • Business requirements
  • Business and location culture
  • Financial budget

Entrepreneurs need to consider what will make their business tick. Digitizing businesses is why most business owners are leaning towards home and remote businesses, but there are many options, including community workspaces. In fact, Business Suites offers a variety of options, from communal to private move-in-ready office spaces if you are looking for a consistent, but inexpensive, office option outside of your home. Whichever workplace you choose, ensure it suits your business strategy. If correctly used, securing a home location for your business can save you time and money.

Buying a Home When Moving

Shifting necessitates business changes. Most home businesses will require a calm setup and location within the house. Some people convert sections of their houses, such as garages, to create space for their business. The first step when moving is to choose a house that will fit your personal and business needs. Look for a home that gives you versatility and functionality. Then, consider which requirements you’ll need for the location setup before moving your business.

Ensure you make proper financial and moving arrangements. Terminate any current leases that you may be holding for your home. You can sell or lease the house, which will help you fund the move and purchase of the new home. Understand the various financing options, such as mortgages or loans. These options will help you work around a financial budget that doesn’t drain you. Survey the new location to exhaust your options. However, ensure you engage a housing expert to get the best deal.

You may find during this process that renting is a better fit for you at this time. Perhaps you need to build up your credit, or the stress of entrepreneurship and homeownership is just too much to balance at one time. No matter the reason, renting a home is a viable option if it meets your personal and professional needs. Spacious four-bedroom homes in Sugar Land go for between $2,000 and $2,500 per month, which would give you plenty of room to grow your business. You can also get a sense of the neighborhood and the amount of space you’ll need, which can be helpful information going into the home-buying process when you’re ready.

Launching a Home-Based Business

Setting up and launching a home-based business can be very doable if you have a detailed business plan. First, you need to write down your business plan. The business proposal is an excellent place to start if you want to have an elaborate strategy.

If you’re having trouble getting everything in order related to your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals. For example, you can work with a formation service instead of completing your new business paperwork to make the process a lot more manageable. Formation services file the proper paperwork with the state, freeing up your time for other important tasks.

Next, itemize your requirements and how you expect to build a strategy for production. Get down to the finer details, like how you will brand, market, and sell your products. Also, include how you would like to structure your business. Look into which items you’ll need in your home office. Look into the type of staff and roles you would like to have. Finally, create a business culture that will set the mood and emphasize the business structure.

Getting the Right Software

Once you have your business plan in place, consider the finances you’ll need. Factor in every process and requirement as you draft an estimated budget. This way, you can easily prepare to launch your business once you are in your new place. Look for accounting software that will allow you to easily keep track of your invoices and expenses. You should also consider investing in a good CMS program, too, in order to keep track of your growing client base.

There are plenty of inexpensive and free marketing programs available, too. Social media platforms are free and easy to use, and other design programs can pair nicely with them for quick, easy, and professional-looking posts. You can use an online banner maker to create a beautiful banner that you can use across your digital marketing sites. Simply choose from the numerous templates, change the text, and update the font and colors to your branded ones, and you’re ready to post!

Final Thoughts

Don’t be in a rush for your move. Let the plans and your needs align before committing to it. And if you need to rent during this important moment in your entrepreneurial journey, then do it. If you find that you need more office space or that working from home simply isn’t a good fit for you, look into a communal or private pre-furnished office at Business Suites. It’s your journey. Do what fits your needs, and you won’t regret it.

 

Photo Credit: Shridhar Gupta via Unsplash

July 15, 2022
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Laura Fisher announces Exclusive Interview with Joe Shoen of U-Haul International

By | Industry, Storage

Laura Fisher, Co-Founder of Business E Suites and host of Small Business Insights announces an exclusive interview with the business pioneer, Joe Shoen, President, Chairman, and CEO of U-Haul’s parent company, AMERCO.

Sugar Land, Texas, July 20, 2022: As a small business owner, Laura Fisher from Small Business Insights is on a mission to interview business owners from different industries to learn and share their success stories. Today, she has come across a true celebrity in the rentals industry; Joe Shoen, a businessman who has successfully disrupted the rentals industry, helping to cement U-Haul as an iconic brand that continues to expand after 77 years.

U-Haul is about helping all small businesses succeed and has built its authorized dealer network on that premise.  Tens of thousands of authorized dealers have grown their business as a result of their relationship with U-Haul, and Laura Fisher discussed this very concept with Mr. Shoen himself.

Joe Shoen joined U-Haul in 1973 and in the past 49 years works tirelessly in every sector of the U-Haul enterprise is truly what makes the rental company the leader in its industry nationwide. It’s only fair to mention how the remarkable journey of U-Haul has been putting over 186,000 trucks and over 128,000 trailers on North American roadways right now and more than 21,000 local dealers serving as rental locations (in addition to more than 2,000 U-Haul-owned and operated stores).   Mr. Shoen has put a comprehensive plan to attract more and more of these small businesses, making over 3k new partners each year since 2012.

The U-Haul Business Empire is very well positioned and is anticipated to grow more in decades to come amid the high demand for the services and network that U-Haul has provided the country.

Today, Joe Shoen still makes visits to many U-Haul locations, works around the clock, and takes calls from customers directly.  Mr. Shoen believes “service comes before profit, you’ve got to serve the customer if you expect profit.  You can’t tell the customer you need profit today – they want SERVICE.”

The remarkable part of someone like Joe Shoen, is his ability to personally address complaints and other issues from any customer.  In fact, to this day, you can call or email Joe Shoen directly.   After all, Joe mentions, “people just want to be treated decently and fairly, get value for their money.   Most people who have a problem don’t want to complain, they just want it solved.” And it is this motto that continues to put U-Haul and its subsidiaries on the map.

U-Haul with Joe Shoen’s guidance has successfully launched U-Haul University, with 65,000 learners online.  This program provides general business courses, which are available to those affiliated with U-Haul.  The access to a learning tool like U-Haul University has provided endless opportunities to thousands of business owners.  Joe Shoen mentions that “a motivated adult can learn just about anything, and if it has to do with their livelihood, they tend to be good learners.”

U-Haul has disrupted and forever changed the rental industry, a big contribution from its leader, Joe Shoen.

To access the full interview, tune in to Small Business Insights on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon Music. It is an episode you do not want to miss!  [Listen Now]

About Small Business Insights 

Small Business Insights is a self-made podcast crafted exclusively for aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners. Its focus is always to learn from the success stories and failures other business owners from different industries have had to put them where they are today. Laura Fisher, SBI’s host with its legendary motto “you better be up to something,” has inspired many entrepreneurs and successful business owners to join the journey of sharing their stories and making a difference to impact others on the road to building a successful business.

Press Contact

Ahava Marketing, Inc.
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hello@ahavamarketing.com

June 2, 2022
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8 Ways to Make Employees Feel Comfortable at Work

By | Tips

What exactly gives a person satisfaction at work? And what can make a person not only satisfied with work, but look forward to work each day? While there is no magic formula for making employees enjoy work, there are a few things that increase happiness in the workplace. People tend to stay at jobs where they feel comfortable, and you can consider these seven tips for making employees feel more at ease at work.

1. Gain a Relationship

There tends to be a stigma when it comes to power status within the workplace. Often, employees don’t have a great relationship with their boss. Sometimes when someone above you holds higher power, it can be easy to avoid them out of fear. Talking with a boss can be uncomfortable and forced if there isn’t a positive relationship established first. It’s possible and helpful to have friendly work relationships with employees and still establish your place of power.

2. Encourage Open Communication

Employees get easily frustrated when they feel their concerns and opinions don’t matter. Create a safe space where employees can voice things they think could be improved in the workplace. Also, if an employee talks to a manager confidentially about some issue, make sure the conversation remains private. There is no need to pit employees against each other by announcing when one employee has an issue with another. Instead, try to resolve conflicts without insinuating that anyone reported an issue.

3. Allow Casual Dress on Certain Days

One of the main advantages of working from home is that one can dress casually. While office dress is likely expected at your place of business, you can offer casual days open in a new tab. Every once in a while is something to look forward to. Consider letting your employees wear khakis and a polo at the end of the week, instead of a suit every single day. Little gestures like this can boost morale more than you know.

4. Make it Feel More Like Home

Your office doesn’t have to look like the main goal is strictly business. Employees likely spend more time at work than they do at home, so you should make the office feel as comfortable as possible within reason. For example, offer a break room with a few extra amenities. Make the lunch area feel more like an actual kitchen by making a few simple upgrades, like adding glass pantry doors. This is a great option for adding a touch of familiarity to the office, with the option of engraving your company’s logo or name into the glass. When you make the environment homier, workers will not have to dread coming to a cold, sterile environment.

5. Offer Some Privacy

While there is certainly a time and place for team bonding activities, there is also a need for privacy at times. Employees will likely not feel comfortable at work if they feel the look over their shoulders of a manager. While monitoring job performance is necessary, employees need to feel trusted. Giving employees private cubicles opens in a new tab to get work done can make them more efficient, because they will feel less pressure to impress the people watching them.

Although it’s a helpful suggestion, employees don’t need their cubicles to be productive. If that isn’t your style for running a company, use your own office as a place to monitor your employees from a distance. You can do this while your team works and operates in an open office layout. You should check up on things a few times throughout the day, but it’s best to show your employees that you trust them by letting them do their work on their own.

6. Host Team-Building Activities

During work hours, coworkers likely don’t have much time to talk and find out a lot about each other. Hosting team-building exercises regularly can be a good way to let everyone get to know each other better, with no pressure from work in the way. Try to think of fun group activities that promote bonding. This includes bowling, pottery painting, or even an escape room. Employees may find out they have more in common with each other than they thought, and this can create a better teamwork.

7. Allow Anonymous Suggestions for Improvement

Some employees may never be confrontational people. However, these employees may still have great ideas about how the company can be improved. Instead of putting employees on the spot and making them feel they must attach their name to any suggestions, consider allowing anonymous ones. For example, you can offer an end-of-the-year survey annually. In this questionnaire, you can ask workers to report things they do and do not like about their jobs. When you don’t make someone put their name on this type of survey, you will likely get a more honest and open report. This also helps to take pressure off your employees, because they won’t feel nervous or at risk of losing their job by anonymously stating how they feel.

8. Reward Good Work

If you want someone to feel comfortable with his or her job, make sure you don’t leave them guessing about work performance. When you see someone doing a good job, tell him or her that you appreciate his or her dedication and attention to detail. Offer incentives throughout the year to employees who demonstrate a strong work ethic. When workers feel appreciated, they are more likely to feel satisfied at work. A simple “good job” can go a long way in making workers feel comfortable at their job.

If you are willing to take it a step further, offer incentives for hard work. A simple way to do this is to choose an employee of the month and let them pick out a gift card from their favorite restaurant. This will show your employees that their work doesn’t go unnoticed, and will motivate them to keep putting their best effort into what they do.

 

Most employees want their workers to be as happy as possible with their jobs. In many cases, coworkers become like a family to each other. Promoting an environment of honesty and open communication is essential in making employees feel comfortable in their positions. Don’t be afraid to ask them what could change to make their workplace a little better.