It’s That Time of Year

Your work doesn’t stop because the weather is bad or the holidays are upon us. Are you ready?

By Helen Thompson

For many advisors, this is the time of year when the mercury drops, absenteeism rises and transportation can be a little dicey. Even in milder climates, winter has a parade of holidays that can disrupt workflow. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize Old Man Winter’s wrath, at least with respect to your bottom line.

Winterize your space. Most advisors rent their office space, and if you’re one of those, this isn’t your responsibility. But if you’re paying the heating bill, you should still be sure it gets done, says Don Harris, service manager at Leach and Russell Mechanical in Indianapolis.

Winterizing your office can be a delicate balancing act, and with rising fuel costs, you may be tempted to turn down the thermostat or completely seal off outside circulation. “That can be financially efficient, but you also want people to be safe and comfortable in the workplace,” Harris says. “During the energy crisis of the 1970s, we tried to seal everything up. But everything we do to tighten a building closes off outside air.” And that can lead to health issues for your employees.

As you prepare for winter—even if yours is mild—you can help maximize the efficiency of your heating and ventilation system without compromising employee comfort with an annual checkup. At the least, ensure that your equipment is operating properly with combustion and efficiency tests. “A lot of places offer a winter checkup for a special price,” Harris says. “But you need to know what you’re getting for that price. Get a checklist of services that will be provided.”

Change your filters regularly, and consider having a programmable thermostat installed. The Mechanical Contractors Association offers many tips for winterizing your workplace at www.mcaproof.com.

Eliminate transportation worries. Telecommuting is a great way to get around a dangerous drive if road conditions are bad, but not everyone has access to their work material from home. So if you know you must be at your desk, be prepared. Check out these tips for staying mobile.

• Check your battery before cold weather hits. It takes more power to start cars in cold weather, according to the Better Business Bureau, and if your battery is old, you’ll find yourself stranded unexpectedly the very day you have an 8:30 a.m. meeting.
  
• Keep your gas tank full. The Washington State Department of Transportation notes that doing so will help you avoid condensation in your gas tank, which can cause your gas line to freeze.
  
• Stock the basics. You may not get much snow but still need a scraper for frosty mornings. The farther north you are, the more you’ll want: a brush for getting snow off your windshield (and a broom clears the rest of the car easily), jumper cables in case you or a coworker need them, a shovel and a bag of cat litter for traction. Make your own checklist and share it with colleagues so they don’t get stranded, either.

Have a happy, healthy holiday season. And share it with your staff. The days are getting shorter, and people are more likely to be sick—and less productive as a result—during the upcoming colder months. Don’t miss out on morale-boosting opportunities such as holiday parties, and encourage your staff to stay healthy.

Bear these tips in mind, and Old Man Winter won’t stand a chance.