Did we just see summer trying to poke its head from underneath the pillow? Time to make sure your business is ready for the new season – with the hopes of warmer temperatures and bright long days, is your commercial building looking its best?
Just as in the run up to winter it is important to think about how the weather may affect your business. We’ve put together this simple checklist to help ensure your business runs smoothly throughout the summer months.
1. Check for Winter Damage
This winter was particularly cold here in the UK, so gutters, pipes, windows and any concrete surfaces should all be given a health check to identify any damages. This way they can be fixed way in advance of the next winter season. Plus, gaps in windows can cause issues for summer ventilation – especially if you run an air conditioning system in your building.
Your roof will need plenty of attention so check for any snow, ice and rain damage as a leak can cause big problems if not dealt with as soon as possible. If you have any outside taps these can easily get damaged in frosty weather and ensure they are fitted with a return valve to keep out any leaking water.
2. Give the place a ‘spring clean’
From landscaping to window cleaning. Now is the time to really get your building looking at its best. Foliage and grassed areas can bear the brunt of winter so get your landscaper to pay special attention to breathing some life back into your building’s grounds (it’s worth checking any hosepipes are in working order now too). Bright flowers and plants can make a great positive impact on customers and staff alike.
Give off the best impression to customers and schedule a full window clean (inside and out) to maximise the look of the building and let in more natural light. Deep clean the carpets to rid your building of all the dirt undoubtedly brought in over the last few months. Get up high into any dusty corners too, you’ll be able to see those cobwebs much better in the sunshine.
3. Keep everyone cool and calm
Even though most of us crave the warm summer weather, many of us find higher temperatures difficult to work in and often harder to concentrate. In buildings with air- conditioning it’s vital to ensure you keep to your maintenance plan and that everything is in full working order.
Simple things like blinds in windows can help create a much more temperate climate and keep out sun glare and turning off unused lights, computers and other electrical equipment helps drastically reduce heat output.
Lastly, keeping staff happy on hot days is key, so investing in extra fans and even the odd ice-lolly run at dinner time can all help boost morale and productivity.
4. Make sure it’s business as usual
It’s a given that most people take the biggest proportion of annual leave during the school summer holidays, so make sure your business is prepared, overseeing the amount of staff off at any one time to ensure that holidays are covered. This way your business can run at full capacity with minimal disruption. A break from work is essential to a happy workforce so encourage staff to use their leave so they’re rested and revitalised, which all helps to keep staff positivity levels at a high.
Step by Step Guide to Switching Facilities Providers
As the summer season approaches, it’s crucial for business owners to take proactive steps to ensure their enterprises are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges and opportunities that come with warmer weather. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
5. Review and Enhance Your Insurance Coverage
Before the summer heat, storms, and potential flooding arrive, it’s imperative to assess your insurance policies. Ensure that your coverage is comprehensive enough to safeguard your business against the specific risks associated with the season. For added protection, contemplate incorporating a business interruption policy. This policy can prove invaluable if your business faces closure due to a summer-related weather event.
6. Strategize for Increased Foot Traffic
Businesses situated in tourist hotspots should anticipate an upsurge in foot traffic during the summer months. To cater to the influx of visitors, you might need to consider making adjustments to your business layout or operational hours. Hiring additional staff members could also prove beneficial in managing the heightened workload efficiently.
7. Prioritize Employee Well-being in Hot Weather
Safeguarding the health and comfort of your employees during summer is paramount. Facilitate easy access to an ample supply of water and shaded areas. Offering cooling vests or fans could contribute to their comfort. For employees working outdoors, frequent breaks and awareness about the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are essential.
8. Capitalize on Summer Tourist Opportunities
For businesses located in tourist-centric areas, tapping into the summer tourist market is vital. Consider implementing strategies such as advertising in local tourism publications, creating a dedicated website featuring a summer vacation guide, or participating actively in local events to attract and engage with summer visitors.
Additional Tips for Summer Business Preparedness
In addition to the core strategies mentioned above, the following steps will further fortify your business against the challenges of the summer season:
1. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
Prioritize the upkeep of your air conditioning system to ensure it operates efficiently, effectively cooling your establishment during the sweltering summer months.
2. Verify Fire Alarms and Sprinkler Systems
Regularly inspect and test your fire alarms and sprinkler systems to guarantee they are in optimal working condition, ready to provide vital protection in case of an emergency.
3. Enhance Security Measures
Take steps to secure your premises by reinforcing doors and windows to deter potential break-ins and ensure the safety of your business assets.
4. Develop a Comprehensive Power Outage Plan
Prepare for potential power outages by devising a comprehensive plan. This may involve having a backup generator on standby, utilizing battery-powered equipment, or even temporarily relocating your business operations if necessary.
5. Stay Well-Informed About Weather Forecasts
Maintain a keen awareness of the local weather forecast, enabling you to take timely actions to shield your business from adverse weather conditions that could impact your operations.
By adhering to these practical guidelines, you can position your business for a successful and resilient summer season. Being adequately prepared will empower your business to navigate the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities that the warmer months bring.
