Five Items Every Business Tends to Ignore Getting Right Away

There are things that new businesses can’t ignore getting right away, such as new inventory and replacements for key staff members who leave. Then there are the things that every business tends to ignore getting right away. Some are harmless, while others are less benign.

New Servers

Servers are expensive and, unless one happens to be failing right now, most businesses prove willing to let it go until a crisis emerges. With the wide availability of cloud-based services, which promise to make in-house servers obsolete and boost revenue, new servers can look unnecessary. Putting off server upgrades or a transition to the cloud, however common, can jeopardize your business as security vulnerabilities pile up with old hardware. Make sure you at least start out with a good secure system to keep files safe.

Recycling Bins

Recycling bins aren’t a priority for most businesses. Other things, such as keeping customers happy and making sure payroll go out on time, tend to occupy managers minds. Still, recycling bins from Toronto are a simple way to help make sure that reusable paper and plastic doesn’t get hauled away with your garbage pickup, but finds its way to recycling center. According to King Recycling and Waste Disposal Inc., when you go green you can also save a lot of money on electricity and water use. Put into place some green rewards for employees and see if you can't start saving.

Replacement Furniture

New desks and tables don’t top most business lists of important purchases. If it isn’t falling down under the weight of files and products, it’s probably fine. In some cases, though, putting off buying new furniture is detrimental. Unstable or broken chairs, particularly those used by administrative assistants and call center staff, can lead to back problems from poor posture or even speed up repetitive stress injuries. Your employees deserve more, so make sure your furniture will be good to them.

Cleaning Equipment

A broom and a dustpan can be found in a closet in just about every business, but other cleaning equipment often gets shuffled into the someday category. Items like vacuum cleaners or squeegees for the windows might seem frivolous, but poorly cleaned windows and never-vacuumed carpets can negatively affect how your customers view your business. If you don't want to do the work yourself invest in a cleaning company to do the work for you.

Uniforms

It’s inevitable that employees will spill food, coffee, or chemicals onto a uniform. It’s also inevitable that, sooner or later, you’ll get an employee who doesn’t fit into a standard size. While some wear and tear on uniforms is acceptable, you do need to replace them periodically. Ill-fitting uniforms send a message of indifference to customers that can harm your bottom line. If you don't have a standard uniform make sure there is a dress code in place for employees to go by.

There are many items that businesses can and should ignore getting right away. Sometimes, though, ignoring items like servers, furniture and uniforms proves detrimental your business. You may unintentionally expose customer information, damage your employees’ health, or leave customers with a poor impression of your business.