How to convince a work place to install showers/dryroom/storage

[HorTs]

As with most companies, my employer isn't really interested in anything unless it saves them money.

Their are a few of us who cycle to work regularly and would like showers, drying room and clothes storage.

With these facilities I think more people would cycle too.

I think the only option would be a porta cabin and I have been quoted £2000 for a unit with 3 showers and dry room/storage.

Have any of you done this before? And been successful?

Are there any grants or benefits available?

 

[Crankarm]

What do you propose to offer your non-cycling colleagues?

 

[Crankarm]

I cycle to work. No showers just a grubby toilet/small store room to change in. Other colleagues cycle as well. Our site has very little space and installing facilities such as showers for the exclusive use of employees who cycle is not an option either on space or cost grounds. Even though I cycle and have to take 2 sets of clothes, clean dry set to ride home in I don't see why I should get preferential treatment. But good luck with your plans though.

 

[sabian92]

Can you do a deal with a local gym just to use their showers? 2 grand is a lot for a shower block - although maybe if it was installed it would encourage others as they wouldn't have to sit stinking all day.

 

[HorTs]

What do you propose to offer your non-cycling colleagues?

The opportunity to cycle with proper facilities.

 

[Crankarm]

The opportunity to cycle with proper facilities.

What if they don't want to cycle to work? They could still use the work showers I s'pose to save on water and heating costs at home. It could be viewed as a BiK.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Installation and availability of this sort of facility has many benefits which would pay for itself in many ways:

The ability for those currently cycling in will be able to freshen up before work making them more comfortable and potentially more productive, this is coupled with the potential for cycling more frequently, especially in adverse weather.
The availability of this facility could also lead to more people cycling in and/or people running in or during lunch breaks.
It could also be used by people arranging to go out straight from work would be able to bring in a change of clothing then shower/change before going out.
All this leads to a happier and fitter workforce which improves productivity, reduces absence and makes the company a better potential choice of employer for prospective new employees.

 

[Peteaud]

At my work place the smokers have a nice undercover area with seating for smoking.

The "bike rack" is a 1970's wheel wrecker, with no cover in a far corner amongst the nettles.

Showers

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Additionally, could the roof of the unit not be fitted with solar PV panels supplying renewable energy into it as we'll as possibly generating income in the firm of feed-in tariff.
You could also install a solar thermal panel/s feeding additional hot water into a tank to supplement the supply fron an immersion tank.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Added to this, it would be a great entry in the company blurb on the use of renewable energy used to help promote a healthier workforce, reduce environmental impact etc...

Sheeit, I'm on a roll here!

 

[Longshot]

As usual, it's not that simple even if you go down the Portakabin route. What you're proposing would most likely need planning permission. In addition, portakabins would attract business rates as what you're suggesting would not be of a transient nature. You'd also have the cost of supplying a water feed and drainage which could be more difficult and expensive than you might imagine.

Companies can certainly make mileage from the promotion of cycle schemes and promoting environmental friendliness. I'd be less certain about the benefits of solar/pv installations - given the uncertainty over the future of feed in tariffs, etc that's not such a clear cut win.

Still, we looked at it for our offices in Central London and the changes required to put in a single shower came to £20K! Suffice to say, it hasn't happened!

 

[Drago]

Organisations with over a certain number of staff (I can't recall the number) have to provide drying and storage facilities for clothes not worn in the workplace.

I'm very lucky as we have a huge shower and drying room. We even have a decent covered cycle rack. Ok, it's got wheel benders but at least they're spaced we'll apart, and the whole caboodle is on secure premises.

 

[Crankarm]

Added to this, it would be a great entry in the company blurb on the use of renewable energy used to help promote a healthier workforce, reduce environmental impact etc...

Sheeit, I'm on a roll here!

Maybe, but certainly cleaner employees. It might be so popular a booking system could be implemented.

You could also have sauna, sunbed, small gym, small cafe and games room. What's not to like apart from the ££££££££££££££££?

 

[Crankarm]

Added to this, it would be a great entry in the company blurb on the use of renewable energy used to help promote a healthier workforce, reduce environmental impact etc...

Sheeit, I'm on a roll here!

Maybe, but certainly cleaner employees. It might be so popular a booking system could be implemented.

You could also have sauna, sunbed, small gym, small cafe and games room. What's not to like apart from the ££££££££££££££££?

 

[marzjennings]

We got with the folks who wanted to run at lunch time and formed a small group to have management add his 'n' hers shower rooms.

The showers also benefited those who worked early and late shifts and wanted to freshen up in the office.

You could suggest that folks may work longer days if office amenities were better.