How to Heal a Sick Office

Case Study #1 |

How to Heal a Sick Office

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MGMT 320-020 Summer 2011 |

6/19/2011

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1) Workplace safety and health are important concerns for offices, not just construction sites. The evidence that this is true is highlighted in this case study such as the fact that there are many people cramped in a small space, in very close proximity to one another as well as harsh fumes from cleaning agent used on a daily basis, the molds that could be growing within the carpets of the office, not to mention the florescent tube lights draining the productivity of employees. There is no telling what kind of irreparable damage these things could be causing for our futures so I believe it is important to take the necessary steps to minimize employee illness as well as discomfort. Multiple studies have proven that an employee who is happy with the environment in which they work day-to-day, results in a happier outcome, be it happier customers, or happier bosses due to the increase productivity.

"Managers who start cleaning and brightening up their employees' workspaces right away can expect to be rewarded with lower costs, fewer incidences of illness and absenteeism, higher productivity, and the recruitment of better-qualified staff...Businesses that do right by cubicle dwellers may also find that they're doing good for the environment. That will bring benefits down the road."

With the rising popularity for all things 'green' this is an issue that is worth investing money into because the result is not only beneficial to the business, which "64 percent of workers--from the mail room to the executive suite-- said their decision to work for a company is guided in part by its green practices.” 1

2) HR should raise the issue of healthy offices. One of the primary functions of a HR department is to make decisions for the greater good that are of sound and ethical principles. One of the primary ethical principles and concerns of HR is protection of employee...