Renovating a dispatch center and its benefits for morale

As a supervisor overseeing a dispatch center, you understand the crucial role your team plays in ensuring public safety. With the upcoming renovation of your PSAP center, you have a unique opportunity to upgrade the physical space but also bring your team together and boost long-term morale.

Let's explore how this renovation can go beyond aesthetics and positively influence the mindset and performance of your team, making the dispatch center a place where they truly want to continue making a difference.

Involving dispatchers in the re-design of their workspace

When embarking on the renovation for a dispatch center, it's essential to consider the impact it can have on the individuals who spend countless hours working in this environment.

When you are in the initial stages of renovating a control room, you must consult with stakeholders inside your organization. Seek their input on aspects like workstation configuration, lighting preferences, and ergonomics. By valuing their opinions and incorporating their ideas, you demonstrate that their well-being and comfort are a priority.

Start by asking them 2 simple questions:

1. What do they like about their consoles?

2. What don't they like about their consoles?

If you want to get more specific, you can ask for their feedback and fill out our Console Survey. This will help you figure out if there is anything in the control room working against them.

Fill Out Console Survey

To bring your team together and boost morale you can also ask for their insight when personalizing their dispatch consoles. Thanks to customization options and accessories, each dispatcher can feel a sense of ownership of their workspace.

Moreover, involving your team in the design and layout decisions can foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. This collaborative approach not only enhances their job satisfaction but also boosts their overall engagement and productivity.

Designing a Control Room for Collaboration

In a dispatch center, seamless communication and collaboration are crucial. A proper layout for the control center and a clutter-free workspace will empower dispatchers by improving their daily experience and reducing operator burnout.

When planning the renovation, consider how people move from one corner of the center to another. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Does the layout and console design encourage verbal communication with co-workers?

2. Can a supervisor see all operators in the control room?

3. Can the supervisors walk to the dispatchers in the most realistically direct path?

As an example, in an PSAP control room, 5-6 seconds of walk time matter. When a supervisor needs to assist a new call taker with an emergency on the line. Separating the console placement to allow walk around gives flexibility as well. It can save walking around two or 3 consoles just to get to one. Learn more about clearances for adequate foot traffic here.

By creating clear sight-lines between team members, you facilitate visual communication. Whether it's a quick glance of reassurance during a high-pressure situation or a nod of acknowledgement for a job well done, these small moments of connection can make a significant impact on team morale.

You can also improve communication by giving dispatchers more tools to work with. For example, equipping their dispatch consoles with a status light to indicate if they are occupied or not is an easy way to inform others of their activities. Likewise, you can add a special color to said status light to indicate that they require assistance.

Our ConsoleAlert® system integrates this concept letting operators request assistance from their supervisors directly from their console. ConsoleAlert® enables dispatch centers and PSAPs to streamline communication between operators and supervisors 24/7.

Health and Comfort as Key Factors in Morale Boosting

The dispatch center is a dynamic environment that operates around the clock, demanding the utmost focus and attention from its staff. To ensure dispatchers remain focused, you can equip them with dispatch consoles that integrate the following ergonomic features:

1. Double worksurfaces: they create a clutter free workspace that helps operators to mantain their focus.

2. Urethane edging: helps reduce strain related injuries when working long hours.

3. Cooling fans and heaters: to regulate the temperature at the workstation.

4. Monitor adjustments: to adapt to different workflows.

5. Height adjustability: to allow dispatchers to work sitting and standing.

6. Task lights: help operators to read documentation and take notes.

Recognizing the significance of health and comfort in such a high-stress setting is essential for creating a supportive and productive workspace.

During the renovation process, consider ergonomic principles and prioritize the well-being of your dispatchers. Ergonomically designed workstations, adjustable chairs, and proper lighting can significantly contribute to their physical comfort and help reduce the risk of strain or injuries. A comfortable and supportive workspace allows dispatchers to maintain their focus and perform their duties effectively without unnecessary distractions or discomfort.

Incorporating elements that promote mental well-being is equally important. Consider creating designated quiet areas or break rooms where dispatchers can take a moment to recharge and decompress during their shifts. Comfortable seating, calming colors, and access to natural light can all contribute to creating a soothing environment that promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

Are you renovating your control room?

By involving your team members in the process and allowing them to personalize their space, you empower them and foster a sense of ownership. Contact us to start building your new control room and empower your staff with ergonomic furniture adapts to your needs and requirements.