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If you want to run a successful business; one that actually makes money and enables you to live your best financial life, then you need to be hot on expenses and what you can do to keep them down. However, that really does not mean you should cut everything to the bone because, as you will see below, there are some seemingly frivolous business expenses that are anything but!
- Rocking Reception Music
The right tunes can set the right tone and the right expectations for your customers and clients from the off, so music is not something you should skimp on. For example, if you welcome hotel guests with music, then it will get them in the right mood for rest, play, or relaxation – whatever it is you offer. Plus, it’s scientifically proven that music affects mood. So, unless you want your reception area to have the charm of a dentist’s waiting room, invest in some good tunes.
- A Superior Coffee Machine
You might think that as long as you have a basic machine that lets the staff and any clients access hot coffee, then it doesn’t matter how little you spend on coffee-making facilities, but you would be dead wrong. Yes, a decent coffee machine (and the beans to match) might set you back a bit, but it will pay you back more in employee morale, and in the good first impressions you make on clients, tenfold.
- Office Plants Life
Office plants are often viewed as mere decoration, something to fill that awkward corner by the photocopier. However, these green powerhouses are actually much more than that. In fact, they are air-purifying, mood-boosting, productivity-enhancing machines, so you should definitely blow your budget on some special succulents or pretty snake plants.
- Team Building Activities
“Team building” might conjure images of trust falls and other cringe-worthy exercises. But, investing in well-thought-out team activities is like putting oil in your car – it keeps everything running smoothly. Happy teams are productive teams. Plus, it’s a chance to see Dave from Accounting finally let loose.
- Quality Office Chairs: Your Back Will Thank You
It’s easy to dismiss fancy ergonomic chairs as overpriced sitting devices. But considering the amount of time your team spends in them, a good chair is less an expense and more a necessity. Unless you fancy turning your office into a chiropractor’s dream.
- A Superior Snack Supply
A well-stocked snack cupboard might seem like a business luxury, but it’s actually a crucial tool in the fight against the mid-afternoon slump. Snacks are fuel – and not just the sugar-laden kind. Healthy options keep energy levels steady, which in turn keeps your team’s productivity from resembling a roller coaster.
- Art That Inspires
Art in the office might seem as necessary as a screen door on a submarine, but it’s all about creating an inspiring environment. Art can stimulate creativity, provoke thought, and prevent your office walls from looking as bare as Mother Hubbard’s cupboard.
So, the next time you’re pondering over the company credit card, remember – it’s not just about spending money; it’s about investing in the atmosphere, morale, and well-being of your team.
