Don’t forget the Restrooms and Kitchen areas

When beginning a business there are a lot of things to do. You’ve filed the proper documentation with your state, you’ve gotten the proper insurances and you’ve secured an office or workspace. With all these things out of the way there are still so many things to do. There is office or workspace furniture and equipment, lunch or kitchen areas and restrooms. These areas are often an after thought when planning a new work-space. Office furniture and equipment is, largely dictated by the amount of space, your business functions and safety. Kitchen and restrooms are often last on the list but have a big impact on your employees and an even bigger impact if you have public restroom. If your business serves serves food or beverages, your kitchen and restrooms are even more important.

Here are some things to think about when planning and budgeting for your kitchen and restroom areas.

• hand dryers – hand dryers are more sanitary than paper towels and they save your money on buying papers towels. Having hand dryers also makes clean up easier. Air hand dryers are good in kitchens and bathrooms
• soap dispensers – soap dispensers are much more sanitary that bars of soap! You need these in both the kitchen and bathrooms.
• toilet paper dispensers – Again, being sanitary is the key. I know I have been in bathrooms that have the roll of toilet paper sitting on the back of the toilet. I am already not fond of using public bathrooms and the thought of using that ‘naked’ roll of toilet paper … makes me cringe!
• seat covers – My personal favorite. If you provide seat covers you will save money on toilet paper because most people are going to put some on the seat to cover it. You ma also prevent a clogged toilet because people use a lot of extra toilet paper to line the toilet seat and when they are done they attempt to flush it all.
• automated air freshener – A smelly area is just unpleasant. Get air fresheners that work, periodically throughout the day. These are mainly used in bathrooms but are great in kitchen areas as well.
• hands free trash cans – Have plenty of trash receptacles. Make them easily accessible. Trash can without lids or with foot controlled lids are best.More trash cans equals less of the wrong stuff being flushed. You need these in bathroom and kitchen areas.