Low-Tech Times Recommends Windows that Open
Alexander Kjerulf’s blog has an interesting post with pictures of ten “seriously cool” places to work. The offices shown feature modern meeting places, fully stocked refrigerators, sleek designs, and colorful recreation areas. The basic idea is that if employers provide a nice and hip environment to work in, then employees will be happier, more loyal, more creative, and more productive.
Hi-tech sleek designs are not the only route to go when trying to create a superb work environment. One old fashioned, low-tech idea not mentioned is to provide employees with an office in which the windows can be opened and closed. Unfortunately, modern office hi-rise buildings in the U.S. are built with permanently sealed windows. In such large buildings, workers are usually powerless when it comes to setting the thermostat.
If an employee is too cold, he can simply wear a sweater or jacket. But if an employee is too hot, there is often little he can do to improve his situation. Workers trapped in a hot, stuffy office become irritated, annoyed, less productive, and unhappy. Why not empower employees to open windows and let in some fresh air?