40261398 - fire extinguisherEach year, tens of thousands of small businesses cope with damage from fires. Sadly, a number of these companies never re-open. That’s why taking steps to reduce the risk of fire at your business is such a smart thing to do. But it also can save you money.

Fire risk is one of a number of factors that plays a role in how much you’ll pay to insure your enterprise. And fire-prevention efforts can pay off in lower insurance premiums. The good news? Reducing your company’s risk of fire isn’t as time-consuming or expensive as you may think. Here are some of the best steps a business can take:

Install and maintain fire safety equipment. Many small business owners and managers are too busy to think much about fire prevention. At a minimum, you’ll want smoke alarms with batteries that are changed twice yearly. You’ll also want fire extinguishers on hand. (Make sure you and your employees know how to use them.) Your insurance agent can help you determine whether additional fire-prevention measures, such as sprinklers, are needed or if optional upgrades that can earn you a discount on your policy are worth the upfront investment.

Store chemicals carefully. Make sure you’re storing all chemicals, including the flammable variety, carefully. Did you know that gas cans can explode in certain situations?

De-clutter. Dispose of boxes and trash promptly. A pile of boxes can provide the fuel for a fast-moving fire. Remove clutter from hallways and exits.

Have an electrician review your wiring. If you have purchased or are leasing an older building, it may be wise to have an electrician inspect it for any faulty wiring or other potential fire hazards.

While having fire drills may be the last thing on your mind, they can help increase the likelihood that everyone makes it outside your building safely in the event of a fire. Do your employees know what they should do if there’s a fire? Which exit should they use? Periodic reminders can help make sure everyone knows what to do — and that they get out safely — in the event of a fire.

Ask questions. We can help identify a number of risks your business can face each day and make sure you’re adequately insured. Have any questions? We would be glad to answer them!

CEO owner leader company staff member portrait, possibly finance, accountant, managerIt’s estimated that on-the-job stress costs U.S. companies more than $300 billion annually in increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, increased health care costs and employee turnover. Stress, however, is a very individualized phenomenon — what causes stress in one person may not cause stress in another. The good news is that research has identified a number of stressors that often affect large groups of employees — and the ways employers can help address them.

Surveys show that probably the biggest source of stress for workers is balancing work and family demands. That’s why telecommuting and flextime are sought-after options for a growing number of workers nationwide. Studies show allowing workers the option of working just one day of each week at home can dramatically reduce their stress levels. Telecommuting isn’t the only answer, however. Ask your employees how you can help them meet the demands of work and family life. A bit of flexibility in how they get their job done can make all the difference.

Some other ways to reduce stress at the office:

Let the sick stay home. At many companies, it’s a badge of honor to go into work sick. Leaders often set the example by doing it themselves. Create a culture where people do not feel guilty staying home when they are ill. Even more important, encourage your employees to take all of their vacation days each year. One study showed that 52 percent of American workers did not use all of their allotted vacation time last year.

Create an after-hours work policy. Another big stressor? After-hours e-mails. Studies show that many employees feel like they have to answer e-mails and solve client problems after-hours. Simply put, it is stressing workers out. France even passed a law addressing the issue.

Be a good communicator. When was the last time you simply talked with your employees about the changes happening in your company? Sometimes not knowing what is happening or why changes are being made can affect stress levels. It doesn’t mean your employees need to know the sensitive information; but basic information can calm their nerves.

Offer food. Do you order in food for your employees occasionally? How about breakfast during a morning meeting and offering some bagels, fruit, yogurt and coffee? Need to have a training meeting? How about incorporating it over the lunch hour and have lunch catered? It’s a proven way to raise morale at the office.

Have a sense of humor. Humor can be a powerful tool for relieving stress. Share a laugh with your employees. It’s a great way to help diffuse a stressful situation.