The U.S. economy is experiencing one of the longest booms in its history. Despite this, several large businesses have filed for bankruptcy. Some have already closed their doors. Meanwhile, many small businesses are thriving. They do this by attracting top talent in the field with greater flexibility, less rigid work cultures and attractive office designs. Creating a garden oasis and scheduling routine landscaping maintenance also helps to provide a work environment people look forward to returning to.
How To Create an Oasis
There are many options to consider when creating an oasis. Visit local commercial spaces that have gardens in place to get some ideas. However, note that the smaller your allotted garden space, the more important it is to narrow down your options and choose wisely.
1. Outside Patios
When the weather is nice, employees will enjoy the opportunity to take their meals outdoors. Being physically separated from the office feels much more like a break than eating indoors.
2. Water Fixtures
Some companies allow nap pods at work so employees can feel refreshed before tackling another big pile of work. Even if you’re not on board with a quick nap on the clock, the soothing nature of water features can help to reduce stress before returning to the office.
3. Plants
What’s a garden without plants after all? You might consider growing some edibles for use in the cafeteria or for employees to eat as snacks. If you need shade for outdoor seating, plant tall flower bushes, and trees.
4. Animals
Adding animals to a garden requires additional maintenance, so consider this option carefully. Some companies add fish to the water features, which is the more expensive option. A less expensive option is to add a feeder to attract birds.
5. Lighting
Do employees often come in before sunrise or leave after dark? Light helps to keep them safe from hazards that may arise when there is limited visibility.
Why It Matters
Ideally, employers improve the work environment because they want to offer a better space for employees to thrive in. However, there are more objective reasons to consider as well.
1. Increased Competition
Unemployment rates are lower than they have been in decades. This gives employees bargaining power when it comes to seeking employment. Creating enjoyable workspaces help to provide businesses of any size an edge over competitors.
2. Changing Demographics
Millennials and Gen Z now make up a larger portion of the workforce than the previous generations. These two generations require more than just money to keep them happy in the workplace. They want to actually enjoy coming to work.
3. Improved Health
Eating outdoors exposes workers to cleaner air than you will find indoors. It also offers free Vitamin D, which is essential for good health. Vitamin D regulates blood pressure, boosts the immune system and supports calcium intake.
4. Employee Satisfaction
Few people actually enjoy being cooped up in the office all day. In fact, one study found that people are generally happier when they get to eat outside for lunch.
5. Increased Productivity
When employees stay healthy, they are less likely to be absent from work. Satisfied employees also do a much better job. They commit fewer errors than employees that are counting the minutes to go home.
After you have created a garden oasis for your employees, you will need landscaping maintenance services. Tropical gardens grow quickly and may present more challenges than one person can handle on their own.
Plant Professionals has spent the past 20 years serving Southern Florida and looks forward to adding your company to our list of satisfied customers. We encourage you to take a look at our commercial gallery. See something you like? Give us a call at (305) 259-0503 to find out how you can get a similar landscape makeover or better.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / GaudiLab