How a Smoking Canopy Can Improve Employee Experience in Outdoor Workplaces

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Mental health and well being was and continues to be a prime interest of companies when it comes to their employees. One way in which multinational businesses everywhere, especially those who share gardens and green spaces, ensure the well being of their employees is by installing what is generally known as a smoking canopy in their communal spaces. A smoking canopy, or a smoking shelter for garden, is a designated space especially built to meet the needs of smokers and non-smokers alike. By allowing employees from these two categories to share their space in a way that pleases both, companies are able to increase cohesion within the organization. Read more to find how smoking canopies can improve employee experience in the workplace

1. A Smoking Canopy Provides a Designated Place for Employees to Smoke 

There are two main issues when it comes to the groups of smokers and non-smokers sharing the same space: the non-smokers don’t want to inhale the fumes and the smoking group doesn't want to disturb the non-smoking group. This issue can be easily resolved with the help of a smocking canopy. This natural division between the two groups ensures that the needs of both groups are met. The smoking employees can smoke unbothered and the non-smokers are nor subjected to smoking fumes. In corporate terms, this translates into an improved work environment. Not only can it increase an employee’s level of satisfaction with their job, but such shelter can also help you with legislation compliance, but more on that later.

2. A Smoking Shelter for Garden Creates Comfort and Provides Shelter 

One cannot simply toss the smokers into a corner and hope things work out. These people are humans, they are your employees and a company should be able to provide them with a suitable space to engage in smoking activities. One easy and efficient way in which companies can ensure the safety and well being of their employees is by installing a smoking canopy. A canopy is, at its core, a smocking shelter for garden, meaning that it is built to withstand the harsh weather conditions. There are multiple types of such shelters one can chose from:

• Wall mounted shelter: this simple yet efficient option does exactly what is says it does: it shelters, primarily from rain, as there are no additional walls to secure extended protection. This is the perfect option for spaces that lack the logistics needed for a larger or more complex canopy, as it can provide the necessary shelter without much intervention.

• Barrel roof shelter: this is probably the most encountered type of shelters. With roof and backdrop protection as well as the possibility to add chairs, this canopy is sure to shelter your employees from rain and cold winds. And make no mistake, you can choose this type of shelter to have the length you desire. Consult your supplier for more information on the sizing and capacity of this very popular option. 

• Partitioned: this type of shelter provides additional security as it comes with dividing coated pet to ensure privacy and an increased level of protection against weather elements.

3. It Can Improve the Aspect of Your Building Facade 

Before the invention of the smoking canopy, employees were often left to smoke around the corners or in hidden places. That is no longer the case. Built with durable and rust-free materials, these types of spaces are designed with both utility and aesthetics in mind. Not only do you employees now have a designated space where they can smoke, which by default looks better than having them gather around the corners, but the constructions themselves are visually appealing and modern, fitting in just right in the space of any company.

4. It Can Aid You in Compliance with National Regulations  

According to the UK Government, people are not allowed to smoke in any enclosed workspace, regardless of it being a public or a private one, under no circumstance. Employees who do not adhere to this rule risks having to pay fines of up to 200 pounds. Businesses, on the other hand, risk fines of up to 2,500 pounds if they fail to deter people from smoking inside. This being said, it is important that companies take the necessary steps to ensure their employees have the means to comply with the law and smoke outside, in a specially designated area. According to the legislation, the two mandatory things businesses should do is display ‘no smoking’ signs in all workplace related areas (including vehicles) and make sure that their employees do not smoke in enclosed workspaces. The best way to deter employees from engaging in smoking activities within the enclosed premise of the business is to provide them with suitable smoking areas outside.

5. It Encourages Socialization

Last but not least comes the aspect of socialisation, an aspect that is often forgotten when addressing the needs of the smoking community. Before the popularization of the smoking canopy or of the smoking shelter for garden, employees who wanted to take a smoke break were often singled out. This often led to feeling of exclusion. A smoking canopy, however, is believed to resolve this issue, as it promotes inclusivity among smokers and fosters a sense of understanding. By breaking down hierarchies, it can also encourage collaboration and a better communication between employees from different departments. 

Conclusion:

The need for a smoking canopy or for a smoking shelter for garden might not be obvious at first, especially to those who do not smoke. However, for other people, the need is immediate and companies should waste no time in providing their employees with accommodation in this regard. Creating such a space can increase employee’s level of satisfaction and work, it can boost cooperation and improve the overall working environment. Installing a smoking canopy will not only provide benefits for the employees, but it will also make it easier for you to comply with the legislation, as smoking inside working areas is forbidden in the UK. 

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