Sometimes the best way to boost an office’s productivity is take a look outside the box and focus on changes that can be made independent of business functions. For example, implementing initiatives to improve employee morale will lead to better performance on mission critical business tasks. With this idea in mind, there are a number of ways to boost productivity through unique and innovative projects.

A Greener, Cleaner Office With A Company Recycling Program

Recycling initiatives create a number of benefits for a company that might not be readily apparent at first glance, but this simple change will generate a number of positive changes. Something as simple as incorporating recycling bins into the building lets people participate in a program that does good for the environment and community as a whole. Every piece of paper and soda bottle that is recycled rather than thrown into a landfill helps the environment and even creates waste management jobs. Employees can feel good about doing a simple good deed.

Starting up a program is also easier than most people think. Strategically place recycling bins in the cafeteria, break rooms, and at the copier. Individual recycling bins can be attached as riders to each office’s regular waste basket for convenient participation. Then, a single large, multi-purpose recycling bin can be placed outside for pickups. Overall, recycling programs are easy to start up and will benefit any company.

Boosting Productivity With Hand Sanitizers

There’s nothing worse than seasonal fluctuations in productivity due to cold and flu season. It comes every year and there is no way to predict if a particular office will be bit by the flu bug. Worse still, all it takes is one person who wants to tough it out and come to work sick to get all of their coworkers sick as well. A great way to keep productivity up throughout the winter months is to utilize hand sanitizer dispensers to cut down on the spread of germs.

It is not obvious that hand sanitizers could improve productivity, but they really do help in the long run. While employees may carry personal bottles of hand sanitizer with them, to be truly effective, everyone needs to participate. The easiest way to set up an office routine like this is to install hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrance to common rooms like the cafeteria and conference areas. Place another bottle at the receptionist’s or administrative assistant’s desk so even visitors can use them. Having these dispensers throughout the office will make this good habit a routine and cut down on days lost to the flu.

Community Outreach - How To Feel Good While Making A Difference

Last but not least, doing good outside of the office will often reap benefits back in the office. Community outreach programs, like adopting a highway or volunteering hours, builds camaraderie between employees and develops a relationship between a company and the community.

Overall, don’t be afraid to think outside the box to build a focused office team. There are as many ways to create a culture of purpose as there are companies. What do you envision as your company culture and how can you manifest that vision?