When a nascent entrepreneur starts up a business of their own, they do so with their sights set firmly on the bottom line. They’re hungry and eager to prove themselves and that starts with balancing the books and proving that they can generate a profit. This means keeping overhead spending low to keep margins as healthy as possible. But while this is an acceptable rule of thumb, we all know that running a successful small business requires a little more nuance when it comes to spending.
While we should absolutely clamp down on wasteful spending, vanity spending and other unnecessary expenses which can damage our profit margins, we should not assume that this means all spending is bad. While we know that investing in new employees, new equipment and new software are capital investments which will generate more revenue than they cost, we must also apply this mode of thinking to any investments that could boost employee morale and productivity over the potentially trying winter months.
Thus, all of these could be considered essential overheads…
Well maintained air conditioning
AIr conditioning is an oft-overlooked but essential aid to productivity, especially in colder months, so it’s a good idea to invest in a commercial AC repair specialist to make sure that your system is working as it should. For starters, finding and maintaining the right ambient temperature is essential in keeping your workforce comfortable, motivated and productive. What’s more, since the cold weather can help germs like cold and flu viruses to propagate, poorly maintained AC systems can be both a breeding ground and a magic carpet for these nasty, productivity sapping bugs.
Plants
It’s a relatively small expense, but one that can pay serious dividends both in terms of boosting productivity and making your business a more pleasant place to work. Plants are a mainstay in most offices and workplaces around the world because of the calming effect they have on potentially stressful workplaces. They oxygenate the room, are pleasant to look at, and there’s even evidence to suggest that their presence can help to banish the winter blues from your workplace.
Christmas bonuses
A Christmas bonus is not only a great way to reward your workforce and boost morale, it can also be a powerful motivator. Even the most disciplined of us can start to feel a little sluggish around this time of year, and the promise of a Christmas bonus can provide a spark that lights the fire of robust productivity and achievement.
Even if you don’t have the cash flow to award big bonuses, smaller micro-bonuses awarded on a daily basis can be a great way to boost productivity, drive sales and prevent an end of year slump. It also helps to gamify your team’s work, injecting a little friendly competition and building a spirit of achievement that can see you close the year on a high note.
While entrepreneurs should always think twice when it comes to their spending, an energized, motivated and productive winter is worth paying for!