Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
Working in a warehouse is no easy job. There is a lot of manual handling and heavy lifting as well the need to stay on your feet all day long. All these factors, combined with long working hours, can sometimes make working in a warehouse a little uncomfortable.
That’s why it is important to make your warehouse environment as comfortable as possible for employees. The good news is that there are lots of ways you can do this. So if you are interested in making your warehouse a better place to work, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Better the flooring
Seeing as most warehouse workers spend most of their day (or night) on their feet, investing in good quality, comfortable floor surfaces is a good idea. Anti-fatigue matting, installed over your existing floor, is a worthwhile investment.
Anti-fatigue mats can boost productivity and concentration by improving posture and helping to minimise issues with swollen feet and ankles after a long day. They have a soft rubber surface which encourages small leg movements that improve posture and keep muscles and joints mobile. As leg muscles relax and contract, it helps the flow of blood around the body meaning the heart has less work to do, resulting in less fatigue.
This type of matting is available to purchase in large rolls which makes installing it in your warehouse a very simple task, covering a large surface area without too much hassle.
Back supports
Providing your employees with the right equipment to protect their health and wellbeing is a win-win solution. They will feel more comfortable while working which in turn boosts their productivity levels and betters the work rate for the business.
Back supports are a must-have item in any warehouse because they support your team as they bend, stretch, lift and move items throughout the warehouse. Try finding back supports that are adjustable and can fit comfortably over clothing. Don’t forget to provide them in a variety of sizes, too.
Improve the warehouse layout
It is important that you are able to change up your warehouse layout to suit the needs of your team and products. You need to be able to store your goods in a logical order and in places that can be reached with ease by the majority of your employees.
A good idea is to place the most popular products in the most strategic and accessible areas so workers can pick more effectively. You could even use an automated storage and retrieval system so that the warehouse can be organised with the most frequently ordered products at the front, allowing popular products to be picked faster without requiring staff to over-stretch to reach them.
Invest in the right ladders
Some products may need to be stored at a height, whether that’s to save space or for safety reasons. When one of these products needs to be brought down, it’s important to retrieve it in a safe way.
There are certain types of steps and ladders available that make processes such as order picking and reaching items high up on racking simple and easy. To improve efficiency and safety, double-sided picking steps allow access from either side of the steps, and they are easy to move into place. Other options include large platform mobile steps which provide a secure and stable working position.
Improve wellbeing
When your employees are happy and comfortable, they will be able to carry out their jobs much more efficiently and with better productivity levels.
There are many ways that you can boost mental wellbeing including features such as air conditioning to cool down in the summer, heaters to help everyone stay warm in the winter, and air purifiers to improve the air quality all year round.
If possible, you can also ensure your employees have a rest area and access to a kitchen. You could offer free tea and coffee, or provide amenities for people to heat up their own food. Little things such as adding music can also improve wellbeing and allow your employees and colleagues to enjoy work.
Author Bio: First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk
