Some businesses might require their employees to work long hours, often into the wee hours of the day, to complete their work. This can be due to the nature of the business, such as a startup working on a tight deadline, or it could be due to the demands of the customer base. For example, a retail store that is open late may need employees willing to stay until the last customer leaves.
Some businesses might even have employees working overnight. That is true for many offshoring companies, which usually work for clients in different time zones.
When employees are expected to stay late or work overnight, employers need to consider the need to provide adequate accommodation. Building quarters for employees can be a cost-effective and convenient way to ensure they have a safe and comfortable place to rest during their shifts. Here are some factors that should be considered when building private quarters in the office.
Prioritize Break rooms
There is already an existing office area that caters to employee needs: the break room. Rarely does a business think to put much effort into making it a pleasant place for employees, but this is essential for those who will be spending time there during their shifts.
Break rooms should provide enough space for all employees to rest comfortably and have basic amenities like tables and chairs and an area with snacks and drinks. A television or video game console can also help keep morale high in the break room.
Employees who spend the night in the office should be given many of the same amenities as those in a hotel. That includes comfortable beds, clean sheets, and blankets. The break room might be enough to help employees relax and take a break, but it is not enough to get a good night’s sleep. Still, it will be the best place to get rest for employees.
Create a Sleeping Area
Unfortunately, your employees might have to sleep in the office if no other options are available. Creating a sleeping area for them is essential if that is the case. You can set up multiple bunk beds, ensuring that people can rest with enough space for their sleeping needs. It should also have an air conditioning system so employees can sleep comfortably even when it gets hot during the summer.
The sleeping area should be separate from the main office space yet within easy reach of it. Please ensure enough beds for all employees staying overnight and provide adequate lighting so that it does not feel too cramped or dark in the sleeping area. It might not be a glamorous setup, but it should be enough for employees who need rest between shifts.
Provide Safe Transportation
For those who are staying overnight, provide safe transportation home. Offer daily or weekly shuttle services to bring them back and forth from their homes. This is especially important for workers who cannot walk or take public transportation late at night.
Having a reliable and secure way of getting to and from work will help make sure that your employees are safe from a long day’s work. It also ensures that they arrive on time for their shift. In addition, it provides peace of mind knowing that everyone can safely return home after the end of the night shift.
Create a Showering Area
Unfortunately, overnight employees might not want to leave with a refreshing shower. After all, no one wants to go out looking like they just got out of bed. Consider adding a shower area in the office to provide comfort and refreshment.
This should have enough space for everyone to use and be kept clean. Install several showers, including one with handicap accessibility for employees who need it. Also, provide adequate supplies such as towels, toiletries, and even soap or shampoo if required. A tankless water heater will also be necessary to ensure the water is hot when needed.
You can also give out hygiene kits for employees to take home, so they can always be fresh and clean before their next shift. This small gesture will show your team how much you value them and care about their well-being.
Final Thoughts
Building quarters for your employees is not just about providing them with a place to rest; it is also about creating an environment where they can feel comfortable and relaxed before returning home after long shifts. Considering these factors when building employee quarters in the office, you can ensure that your team has access to everything they need to make their transition more enjoyable and productive. In the end, that’s what matters most. A few small changes around the office can go a long way in making it a pleasant workplace.
