Tampons and deodorant on the toilets
Imagine, each employee would need to bring his own roll of toilet paper and run across the hallway when he or she wants to go to the bathroom. Absurd? But if you take it for granted that you are an employer for paper, keep in mind that menstruation is as normal a body function as digestion. Each women's room has a basket of standard tampons and bandages. And while you're at it, make a scent-neutral deodorant next to both the men's and women's washbasins.
Effort: tampons cost between three and nine cents each. You should calculate about ten tampons per employee per month. They should be worthy of you.
Umbrellas at the exit
At the exit or the reception belongs an umbrella stand with a reasonable number of functional umbrellas, gladly also with advertising imprint of the company. If you are afraid that these will not be returned by employees or visitors, you will collect a pledge. And if the umbrellas disappear anyway, then the company umbrellas are now just in continuous use as an advertising medium. Free!
Effort: 100 canes with monochrome imprint are already available for less than 500 euros, pocket umbrellas are cheaper.
Sharing shelf
What works well in student dormitories can also be a fine thing in companies: Verschenk shelves. Employees can drop off books or DVDs (or unloved business gifts) there. The magazine, which is for one old paper, is welcome reading for others on the way home in the commuter train.
Effort: You only need one shelf - and from time to time someone has to dispose of everything that nobody really wants anymore.
A glass carafe for every desk
A few years ago, behavioral economists found that small gifts are more motivating than higher wages. So why don't you give all employees a nice carafe for your desk? Most people do not drink enough in the office anyway. And you give the positive signal that you care about both your people and the environment.
Effort: Lidded glass carafes are already available for about four euros - nobler variants cost between 15 and 20 euros.
The nap room
Granted, that's a bit more involved. Many studies have shown that a short midday nap (up to 30 minutes) can significantly increase the performance and well-being of healthy people. In the vast majority of offices this is hardly possible. At the desk, it is hard to sleep, and a rest room is beyond the budget for many companies. But why not put in a conference room a couch or a larger sofa - and make the room over the lunch break officially for sleep willing to bookable?
Effort: For a fancy daybed you have to lay down a few hundred euros; But if you want to give yourself some start-up flair, then it does a very simple couch. Mainly padded horizontal.
plants
Several years ago, a study by Cardiff University found that one plant per square meter had a significant impact on the quality of life and productivity of employees. Initially, sparse offices were gradually planted for the study. A small jungle in the office can be extremely helpful - that's scientifically proven. The classic rubber tree in the office may be laughed at, but even that pulls the corners of the mouth upwards.
Effort: Very low. Even larger plants are already under ten euros to get.
Better coffee
That sounds trivial. But that's not it. Millions of employees drink bad coffee, embittering on hotplates, until all the joy of life comes from the cups of those who have to drink it. The bad coffee in business has long become a topos in office series and crime thrillers. It's a great signal that your people are important to you if you just put up such a new machine.
Effort: Depending on. If you had only a cheap model before, even a simple pad machine is a quantum leap; Upwards there are no limits to enjoyment. And: The meetings are getting better. The mood is getting better. Everything is getting better.