Even in this sub-tropical paradise, we spend a lot of time in the office. In 2019, it was estimated the average employee spends nearly 90,000 hours, or a third of a lifetime, in the workplace. Post-Covid, those numbers have shifted a bit, but 73% of employed people still spend the majority of their working hours in a company building.

Making Work, Work…

Psychologists and corporate gurus say there are typically 5 main characteristics of a positive work environment.

• Transparent & Open Communication – while the boss may make the final decision, all employees need to feel that what they have to say is valued and heard by management.
• Work-Life Balance – whether work is one-third of your life, one-half, or it seems you never leave the office, we must, as human beings, reserve some time for ourselves, our families and outside pursuits. Your workplace may feel like a family, but employees need to know they can take time off if they’re sick – or just need to attend their child’s piano recital.
• Training & Development-Focused – if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that we need to be flexible and able to adapt. A truly good workplace offers you the chance to do that within your job description. Whether it’s getting tuition assistance to start or continue a higher education, or bringing seminars and workshops into the office, you want to be in (or run) a place where the employees are always given the opportunity to grow.
• Recognition For Hard Work – never ignore the incredible power and motivation instilled when you offer a well-earned atta-boy. And this isn’t just for managers. Gratitude and recognition for a job well done can and should come from any quarter. Thank and praise your coworkers and enjoy the moment when it’s your turn as well.
• Strong Team Spirit – not everyone is suited to be an entrepreneur. And even the best self-starters historically build and work better, stronger and more enjoyably with a team. Bolster a sense of unity, working together, and behaving as team players. This brings us full circle – cause you can’t have open and honest communication if everyone’s at cross-purposes. The best workplaces do work together.

This doesn’t change just because 30-40% of people now work from home or in a hybrid situation. In fact, businesses need to be more intentional and utilize online tools like Zoom and Slack to unite the office across multiple locations.

Bed Bugs Bite

Here at Good News Pest Solutions, we’ve found one additional characteristic of a positive workplace. No bugs. And no, we’re not talking about computer bugs. Actual bugs.

Nobody likes to walk into the breakroom and see roaches scattering, but what you really need to watch out for are the bugs that stay even more hidden.

“Roger” appears to be one of the most committed guys in the office. He comes straight from the airport after his business trip and starts filling the office in on what he learned. Unfortunately, the luggage he dragged in and tucked away in his office brought some other baggage – bed bugs.

Bed bugs love dirty laundry and can hibernate in between meals. So Roger has no idea he’s brought an infestation into the building. What’s worse, if the office isn’t staffed 24/7, it may be days or even months before someone connects the dots and calls for a professional.

Preventing Other Pests

While the Roger case may be hard to prevent initially, there are steps you can take to prevent insects and rodents from taking up residence in your place of business. Some of these will sound very familiar:

• Remove Food – eat in the breakroom, not at your desk. Don’t leave leftovers for weeks at a time. Don’t keep open snacks handy in your desk. Where there’s food, there are bugs.
• Secure Trash – if your office has a cleaning crew, make sure to leave your personal trash can easily accessible so they can empty it. If not, at least once a week, grab that bag yourself and take it to the appropriate place for discarding trash.
• Reduce Clutter – the cleaning crew can only do so much when your desk is piled with your daily detritus. Make a point of clearing clutter from your workspace. Shred or trash paperwork you no longer need. Keep your space as organized as you can manage.
• Keep it Clean – not just your desk, but in general. Pick up any trash you may spot. Wipe up after spills or if you see crumbs. If you don’t have a cleaning crew, keep a small brush and dustpan or a rechargeable hand vacuum to clean your mess up.

And finally, if you notice a real problem, let your supervisors know so they can call a professional.

Good News Pest Solutions is devoted to ensuring your commercial enterprise remains pest- free. Our specialists take great pride in providing the highest quality service at competitive prices. Good News Pest Solutions defined what it means to be “Organic” in our industry by only using 100% all natural products. We use eco-superior and eco-benign products that are not only safe, but more effective than the original formulas.

If you suspect you have a critter problem at your home or business, please contact us today!