Category Archives: Employee health

3 Ways You Can Improve Customer Experience

Customer experienceGood customer experience is a vital ingredient in the success of any business. However, attaining this goal is not as easy as it sounds. There are many aspects to excellent customer experience that a business owner should look into it.

So how do you improve customer experience? Here are some ways you can try out for your business. 

1. Invest in Effective and Innovative Contact Center Solutions 

Are you used to relying on Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys to gauge customer experience?  Do you even know what it is? Well, with the advanced technology in data analytics and AI, you can determine how your customers are doing in every step of the sales funnel through real-time data analytics and omnichannel reporting through effective contact center solutions.

Aceyus explains that a business owner can gain insight into customer experience by utilizing a call center metrics dashboard, which compiles real-time data in a single, centralized dashboard. Here are the important benefits of implementing more effective contact center solutions: 

  • Improve data organization and call center agility: Negative customer experiences can be avoided by uniting all data sources, external and internal, to get a whole picture of the customer journey. It enables you to determine the critical key performance indicators (KPIs) or business metrics, including customer experience scores.
  • Optimize business operations: Data analytics provide real-time data to help optimize your business operations. It prevents wasting your efforts by optimizing call routing with queue metrics recorded in real-time calls.
  • Boost agent productivity: A flexible dashboard tracks the performance of your call center agents across multiple platforms. Managers can easily filter data and review team insights by viewing the performance of individual agents and the entire team in a centralized dashboard.

2. Increase Employee Engagement:

Your employees are your front-line workers who directly interact with your customers. Happy employees often give rise to happy customers. Increasing employee engagement would also increase customer engagement.

Improving office space efficiency can help increase employee productivity and engagement. Providing your employees with a healthy and safe workplace would boost their morale and work productivity. For instance, increase natural light by opening curtains or blinds inside the office to enhance overall mood and increase motivation.

With the Covid-19 pandemic in full steam, agile workplaces have become more popular. These workplaces are designed as activity-based working space and make the work space flexible. It is an office hoteling reservation technique or set up in a workplace. It is a way of utilizing a work area more efficiently, utilizing non-assigned seating arrangement and desk-sharing to maximize and creating collaborative spaces where employees can go on occasion, not always being in the office.

3. Use Behavioral Science 

Behavioral science studies how different factors affect a person’s behavior, which is crucial in improving customer experience. However, the use of behavioral science in service operations is rarely done.

The principles of behavioral science have only been implemented by a few companies, like telecommunications companies. Telecommunications businesses give customers control over service interactions such as scheduling field service visits at their most convenient times, to boost satisfaction, instead of customer service reps setting the appointment for them depending on their availability.

Many companies seem to ignore what makes consumers tick. For instance, customer experience is usually disturbed by the interactive-voice-response or IVR systems in call centers or menu alterations on automated teller machine or ATMs by banks. A lot of businesses fail to recognize the great psychological discomfort that customers experience when they’re faced with these unexpected changes.

Check the following tips to improve customer experience based on behavioral science principles:

  • Resolve bad customer experience early: Don’t make customers wait too long to get their problems fixed. Make sure to address any concerns as soon as possible. For instance, customers feel no assurance when they receive generic statements, such as ‘This problem is now being addressed. Allow 24 hours for a response.’

Instead, you should try to resolve the problem while the customer is still with you on the line (phone call), or if some waiting time is needed, be proactive in scheduling a follow-up call, instead of the making the customer call you back.

  • Give your customers more options: Instead of saying ‘no’ or ‘can’t’, give your customers more options to resolve their concerns. It’ll show them that you’re doing something to resolve their concerns and keep them satisfied.
  • Let consumers stick with their habits: Drastic changes can ruin customer satisfaction. If you need to make changes, do it gradually and make sure they still align with your customers’ habits. Think about substitution or alternatives.

Conclusion 

By fully understanding your customers through investing in effective contact center solutions, you can help improve their experience without directly asking too much information from them.

Applying the principles of behavioral science can also help you better understand your customers to reduce churn rate.

Improving your employee engagement by providing your employees with a safe and healthy workplace can also help increase their morale and productivity, which also affects the quality of service they provide to your customers.

At OfficeFinder we do our best to make sure your customer experience with us is beyond expections. We are always looking for the WOW factor to keep our customers happy. If you need office space and are looking for a good customer experience for yourself, contact us and let us show you how it is done!

Does Outdoor Space Matter at an Office?

outdoor space for officeAn increasing number of office buildings are beginning to incorporate outdoor spaces into their design, and are seeing some fantastic benefits as a result. Incorporating nature into office buildings has meant that both business owners and employees are able to benefit from being able to go outside and get fresh air whenever the need arises.

The concept of creating a stimulating work environment that also incorporates an area of outdoor space has become one of the new models for creating the perfect office space. Having an outdoor area for team members to enjoy doesn’t mean transferring the entirety of your operation outside; it simply means creating a useable outdoor space that can be enjoyed by yourself and your team members.

Wondering what the benefits are of adding an outdoor space to your office? There are various benefits of incorporating a useable outside space for yourself and your team members to use and enjoy—it’s just a case of creating the right space. For everything that you need to know about creating the ideal outdoor office space, have a read of this!

Nature helps to reduce feelings of stress

The fact is that work-related stress can actually impact a team member’s ability to perform while at work, and can even cause a number of health problems. Workplace stress can have a seriously detrimental impact on productivity and efficiency at work, which is why it’s so important to find ways to help alleviate stress. Creating an outdoor space that you and your team members can use and enjoy is a positive step towards helping to better manage stress at work. Studies show that by encouraging team members to spend more time outside, you can help to reduce feelings of stress and therefore improve levels of productivity.

Having access to outdoor space helps to increase employee happiness

When it comes to employee retention, ensuring that your team members are satisfied with their working situation and setup is vital. That’s where creating an outdoor space that your team members enjoy spending time in can help—studies have shown that a lot of people find outdoor spaces to be extremely soothing, and having access to outside space can help improve happiness. Creating an inspiring outdoor area for your team members can be a great way to boost team members’ happiness and contentment. When creating the ideal outdoor area, think about incorporating some greenery, perhaps a pond, which you can learn more about pond management at Water-garden.co.uk, and potentially some flowers. You could also opt to add a seating area, so that there’s a comfortable place for your team members to sit and relax.

An outdoor space can be therapeutic

Having access to an outdoor area can be extremely therapeutic, especially if the outdoor space incorporates the right scents, for instance. Jasmine, rose, and lavender are all extremely soothing and relaxing scents, so you could consider planting some of these in your outdoor office space to make it easier for your team members to relax.

Keep these ideas in mind if you are considering adding an outdoor space to your office.

And if are looking for office space that allows for outdoor space for your employees, contact us to find the right office space at the best price.

Is a PTAC Heat Pump right for your office?

PTAC heat pumpOk. So the first question you probably have is what is a PTAC Heat Pump and why do I care. Well, many of us spend a considerable amount of our time in offices. In fact, office life takes a far larger portion of our day than we spend at home. Due to this, the air conditioning needs to be just right; hence, when searching for an office, be sure to ask about the air conditioning.

If you’ve been wondering how to improve the living conditions in your office, the PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Controller) is the unit for you.

Read on below to know how a PTAC works and the benefits you’ll gain when you decide to have one in your office space.

How a PTAC Works

A PTAC is a commercial air conditioning unit that’s installed in the external wall of an office to regulate airflow.

PTACs work by pumping a refrigerating unit while at the same time expelling the heat and humidity through a vent. To get rid of moisture, the PTAC condenses the moisture over a condenser spoil, then allows the water to evaporate.

A PTAC unit should be installed right into a wall, provided there’s a metal covering to keep the unit safe.

Benefits of a PTAC

A PTAC is the ideal air conditioning unit to have in your office as it offers the following benefits:

  • Single Unit For Heating and Cooling

When deciding between a PTAC heat pump vs electric heat, one of the main reasons that you might want to install a PTAC in your office is that it’ll provide both heating and cooling from a single unit. The downside of the standard air conditioning unit is that it cannot provide both heating and cooling.

The PTAC comes with a built-in thermostat that allows you to select the most comfortable temperature for your office. Whether it’s during warm summers or cold winters, the PTAC offers an excellent way to maintain a comfortable and workable office environment.

  • Simple to Install  

PTAC units will come with a wall sleeve for easy installation, which is built as the other AC’s, thus don’t require any ductwork. This means that anyone could pretty much install a PTAC. All you need to do is attach the wall sleeve to the wall, then install the PTAC to the wall sleeve, and then you’re done.

The first step is to find the ideal location for the PTAC. Make sure to install it with a secure wooden frame. Note that if the outside is too close to trees and shrubs, then this could interfere with the performance.

If you’re installing it outside, it’s crucial to weatherproof the unit. This will help ensure a long life.

  • Quiet Operation

One of the most important elements for an effective working environment is the absence of disturbances. An air conditioner is often loud and distracting. This, however, is not the case with the PTAC. Its silent operation allows you to focus on your work and can improve the quality of your office life.

What’s more, they come with multiple speed fans, allowing you to choose your temperature while also ensuring quiet operation. Some of them also feature components that are specially designed for noise reduction.

  • Energy Savings

Another benefit of a PTAC is that it has a high EER (energy efficiency rating); the higher the EER number the more energy-efficient the unit is. What’s more, PTAC units that use heat pumps are more energy-efficient than those that use electric heating.

Hence, if you’re looking to improve the air quality of a larger office while being energy-efficient, a PTAC is the way to go. You’ll get even better energy efficiency with the newer models.

  • No Cross Contamination

ACs can cause cross-contamination, making the air unhealthy to breathe. The AC creates an environment for bacteria and fungus to grow, which are then dispersed inside the room. Thankfully, there’s no fear of cross-contamination with a PTAC.

  • They’re Affordable 

If you have a commercial establishment, such as an office or a hotel, you’ll need to find the most cost-effective way to maintain clean and fresh air in your building. A PTAC is an affordable unit as the best quality ones cost less than USD$1,000.

Secondly, as mentioned, PTACs have a high EER compared to AC units and HVAC units. This is another reason why many building owners prefer to install PTACs.

Final Word

PTACs are a great unit for your office. Not only do they improve the air quality but will also regulate the temperature, providing both warm and cool air depending on your office’s requirements. Moreover, they’re also energy-efficient and are quiet, which means you can enjoy quality air while not worrying about the noise.

How to Fund Your COVID-19 Office Improvements

Office Improvements

Figuring out what to do to protect your employees as they come back to work from time off due to COVID-19 health risks is a challenge every business owner has to deal with. It is not going to be cheap. So how do you fund your COVID-19 office improvements?

Many business owners have applied for SBA disaster relief loans, but what if you are one of the many whose loans don’t come through or don’t come through soon enough to get the office improvements done in time for the return of employees? How do you fill the gap?

Different Loan Options for Office Improvements

Office improvements are expensive and costly, and using your business cash flow to fund the improvements may not be an option. Applying for a loan is the next best option that you have. There are different loan options that you can use to finance your office improvements. Check the following list below and see what loan option best fits you.

Traditional Term loan

The traditional term loan is what you think it is. You apply for a lump sum of cash, and once approved, you will receive the amount in full. It is under the condition that you need to repay the whole amount together with the total interest and fees included over a specific period. Your repayment schedule condition depends on the lender, but you can choose to have it done on a weekly or monthly basis.

To qualify for a traditional term loan, you need to have a good credit score, outstanding business transaction records, and an increasing business revenue over the years. However, if this seems to be overwhelming, there are still other options, like short-term loans, that you can apply for.

Short-term loan

Many lenders offer short-term loans to startup business owners that are looking for additional funds in handling their business expenses.  One of these expenses includes renting an office space for their business operations including office improvements.

Short-term loans don’t need many requirements to get approved. Having a fair to good credit score should get you the approval you need. Also, short-term loans work best for startup business owners as they are still getting the hang of running their business. Handling the repayments for a  short-term loan wouldn’t be too much of a burden to a recovering business.

A business line of credit

Any business can apply for a business line of credit. The good thing about having a business line of credit is that you can have a higher credit limit compared to other loan options. If you have excellent business revenue, a clean credit history, and other essential factors, you can avail of a high credit limit that you can use for your office improvements.

Another notable distinction of getting a business line of credit as a loan option is that it offers flexible payment options. Funds can also be used for different business-related purposes, and borrowers have access to cash on demand. Handling the payment for a business line of credit is much like paying for a credit card. You only need to pay for the interest of the funds you used.

Credit Card

It is very seldom that business owners rely on the use of their personal credit cards to finance any business-related expenses. The truth is, utilizing your credit card is a good financial option to fund your business. If the ideal, rentable office space you found can be settled by paying through your credit card, then you have a good deal.

However, make sure that you don’t overspend your credit limit. You don’t want to be burdened with monthly repayments and interest accumulation.

Pro-tip: In any business, it is inevitable to have a slow period during the COVID-19 crisis. The slow period might be one of the reasons why many business owners struggle to pay off their debts on time. If caught on a tight end in repaying your loan, you can do a balance transfer loan. A balance transfer loan can give you leeway as it allows you to transfer or move your debt to a different financial institution that has a zero or lower interest. 

Before you perform a balance transfer loan, make sure to check the company’s terms of service. Credit card companies offer different terms, and some of them might not appeal to your preference. Find one with a very low-interest rate, no balance transfer fee, high credit limit to cover previous balances, and a long introductory period before proceeding to have a transfer done.

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6 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring An Office Cleaning Service

Cleaning Service

It is essential to provide your employees with a conducive working environment. This can be helpful in improving their quality of work and productivity. While many tenants with full service leases may not have the responsiblity for office cleaning, those that do need to know what to look for.

Finding the right office cleaning services can be quite tricky, and you usually won’t be getting it right the first few times. There will be instances when you’ll be hiring a provider that doesn’t live up to your expectations, which can be a total waste of money.

So, if you are planning on hiring the services of an office cleaning provider, take note of these mistakes that you should avoid:

  • Being Misinformed Of Their Specialty

Every cleaning company provides a specialty service. Some specialize in cleaning offices or commercial spaces, while some focus on cleaning houses or warehouses. Knowing what cleaning service providers specialize in will be helpful in choosing the best one for your office, particularly one that fits the cleaning needs of your company.

  • Choosing The Cheapest

When searching for a cleaning service provider, choosing one that fits your budget is always an essential part of the process. However, it does not mean that you should choose the cheapest option available to you. Although settling for the least expensive one may seem like you are saving some cash, the service they provide might not be up to par with your expectations.

That is not to say that cleaning companies who offer affordable prices are not that good. The same can be said for cleaning companies that have expensive price tags. Thus, it is important to also do your research on the cleaning service company you plan on hiring in order to see their track record before you could finalize your decision.

Remember to always try to strike a balance between affordability and high-quality cleaning service.

  • Hiring Without Checking For Liability Insurance

It is very important to check for a cleaning company’s liability insurance before hiring them. Without it, you cannot easily charge them if they cause damage to your properties during the process. Because the workplace houses expensive office equipment, liability insurance is a must.

A legitimate cleaning service provider should have no qualms showing you the details of their insurance, so never forget to ask them for it. If the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have insurance, better start looking for another one.

  • Hiring Without Doing Your Research

Doing some research on the office cleaning contractor you’ve shortlisted is a must before hiring them. Confirm with their previous clients if they are good at what they do. Were they professional in executing their tasks?  Were they thorough? Were they clumsy and damaged some equipment?

These days, having a website or, at the very least, a social media presence is very common. These platforms often have reviews and comments written there, so it would be best to check those, as well. They can be very helpful in determining whether or not a specific office cleaning contractor really offers high-quality services.

  • Not Looking For Certifications And Licenses

Certifications and licenses are very important for cleaning service providers to have. These reflect their dedication to their craft and the amount of time they have spent in developing their skills, therefore elevating the workmanship of their respective cleaning companies.

Although some cleaning service companies might have great reviews on their websites and social media channels, certificates and licenses legitimize that their cleaning skills are really topnotch and that they know what they are doing.

  • Not Fully Reading And Comprehending Service Agreement Or Contract

Once you have picked an office cleaning contractor, you need to discuss with them the types of services that they offer, as well as everything you expect from them. In doing so, you and the other party will have an idea of what the contract will look like.

However, it is not enough for you to assume that everything that was discussed during such talk will be reflected on the contract or the service agreement. Thus, you should read the contract in full. If there are terms or conditions that are not clear to you, ask before you sign anything.

Conclusion

Sometimes, it’s so easy to hire the first office cleaning company you see or hear about. However, it is imperative that you choose a cleaning service provider that offers professional and top-quality cleaning services.

Before choosing which cleaning company to hire, try to avoid making the mistakes mentioned above. Do your due diligence and think carefully. Whoever cleans your office can make a positive or negative effect on your employees, so take your pick wisely.

Standing Desks Health Benefits: Protecting Your Employees Health

Offering your employees standing desks can actually benefit the health of your employees. Here is some information about standing desks and employees health benefits.Standing desksAs their name suggests, standing desks are a type of desk that allows you to work standing up.

They can be raised and lowered as you see fit.

Standing desks are more than just a fad — they are a way to keep your employees engaged and healthy at work.

Standing throughout the workday provides a few substantial health benefits to you and your employees. Understanding the major standing desks health benefits can help you decide if you should invest in them for your office.

Here they are:

  • Weight Loss and Posture
  • The most obvious benefit of choosing a standing desk is that it helps burn more calories with very little extra effort on the part of your employees.
  • A recent study showed that working at a standing desk can burn an extra 1,000 calories per week.
  • Beyond the improved weight loss, standing for at least part of the day can help alleviate back pain.
  • Sitting in an office chair, especially if you are prone to slouching, can lead to back pain and problems like slipped disks.
  • Comfortable Fit for Your Employees

One of the best things about standing desks is that they can switch between sitting and standing.

This is a more inclusive work station since it can be easily adjusted to the height of each of your employees. It also means that people can sit down and take a load off if their knees or feet start to get sore.

You can shop these desks to either convert or replace your current desk so that your workspace stays the same despite being higher up.

They also help prevent people from banging their knees or being wedged into uncomfortable positions. It can help people keep their hands in proper position on their keyboards, which can help prevent carpal tunnel.

Better Mental Engagement

The fact that you can switch between standing and sitting with a standing desk also helps keep your employees engaged.

Allowing people to switch every hour or so can help people stay focused instead of dozing off at their keyboards.

A study found that high school students saw better test scores when they used standing desks because they were able to focus better and engage with their work.

However, the benefit of being engaged at work is not solely related to productivity.

Another study found that using a standing desk reduces feelings of fatigue and stress. This marks an improvement in the mental health of your employees and can help prevent both boredom and burnout.

These Standing Desks Health Benefits Make It Clear

To improve the overall health and happiness of your employees and keep their morale high throughout the workweek, a standing desk is a great solution.

You can easily retrofit your existing workspace to accommodate standing desks, reaping the benefits in no time at all.

On a personal note, my daughter, who works at the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, swears by her standing desk. A great company who wants to ensure their employees health. Your company should follow their lead.

For more information like this, check out the rest of our blog. It’s chock-full of tips that you can use to keep your employees happy, healthy, and productive. And if you are looking for office space, we can help at no cost to you. Contact us today!