Article: Are your employees reluctant to return to the office? 10 ideas to attract them

Leadership

By Gabriela Paz Y MiñoAug, 06 2024 @1:53pm IST

It is not easy to give up the convenience of not commuting to an office every day and work from home. The time and energy spent commuting, the money spent on petrol or public transport, the basic formality involved in working in an office (from dress code to less flexible hours) - all these things weigh heavily when it comes to getting out of the habit of working at home.

That's why, in the post-pandemic world, employers are stepping up their game by offering creative perks to lure staff back to the office. As telecommuting became the norm during the pandemic, many employees have become accustomed to the flexibility and convenience of working from home. This shift has led companies to rethink how to make the office environment more attractive and appealing. From gourmet lunches to additional leave, companies are finding innovative ways to attract employees.

Globally, people are still interested in flexible working, regardless of location, gender or sector. This preference has posed a major challenge to employers who argue that face-to-face work fosters collaboration and drives innovation. However, around a third of these workplaces reported that at least one person had quit because of office mandates. Similarly, studies in the US have shown that the imposition of office days can reduce job satisfaction.

In Australia, according to a survey conducted last year, almost 90% of companies have established weekly office days. The return to office in this country will continue gathering pace after reaching 71 percent of 2019 levels in 2023, well above the 54 percent recorded in the prior period, according to CBRE’s 2024 Pacific Market Outlook report.

In response to these challenges, companies are upping the ante by offering a range of benefits designed to make the office more attractive. Measures being introduced include such diverse measures as gourmet lunches, kombucha on tap and additional annual leave. Some companies have gone further and offer free food, a virtual golf course and tennis lessons. The aim of these incentives is to create a more pleasant and attractive working environment, encouraging employees to return to the office.

Employers are also focusing on improving the overall workplace experience to foster a sense of belonging and community. The power of workplace experiences lies in their ability to create emotional connections with the workplace and colleagues. This can range from small gestures, such as offering a Friday cake, to larger events, such as interdepartmental sporting activities. By creating these shared experiences, companies can encourage employees to return to the office, even if only a few days a week.

A key strategy is to make the office environment fun and relevant to the business. For example, innovation-driven companies can hold a Team Innovation Day, where employees come up with new ideas and compete for prizes. Those with a strong green profile could create a Swap Market, allowing employees to exchange items they no longer use. These activities not only align with company values, but also foster engagement and creativity among employees.

Feeding the mind and body is another effective approach. Lunch is a natural time for socialising, and companies can take advantage of this by offering appetising fresh dining experiences. Promoting diversity through different cultural cuisines or organising cooking classes can make the office lunch break an expected part of the day. In addition, offering services, such as taking home a family dinner from the canteen or repairing bicycles on the spot, can make the office more comfortable and attractive.

In addition, companies can break down silos and increase innovation by organising events that bring employees from all teams and management levels together. Weekly "Meet the Director" or team lunches can foster a sense of community and inspire new ideas. Creating a calendar of regular and timely workplace experiences ensures that employees have something to look forward to, increasing their sense of belonging and engagement.

By prioritizing employee needs and preferences, businesses can successfully entice their teams back to the office while promoting a healthy and engaged workforce.

Here are 10 Innovative Ways to Entice Employees Back to the Office

1. Gourmet Lunches

One of the most popular perks companies are offering is gourmet lunches. By providing high-quality, delicious meals, businesses can make the office a more attractive place to spend the day. Some companies are partnering with top local restaurants or hiring in-house chefs to prepare a variety of meals catering to different dietary preferences. This not only saves employees time and money but also fosters a sense of community as colleagues gather to enjoy meals together.

2. Extra Leave

Offering additional leave days is another effective strategy. Extra paid time off can be a significant incentive for employees to return to the office. This perk acknowledges the importance of work-life balance and provides employees with more opportunities to recharge, ultimately boosting their productivity and morale.

3. Flexible Working Hours

Flexibility remains a top priority for many employees, even when returning to the office. Companies are offering flexible working hours to accommodate different schedules and personal commitments. This might include options like staggered start times, compressed workweeks, or hybrid models that blend in-office and remote work. By respecting employees' need for flexibility, companies can make the transition back to the office smoother.

4. Enhanced Office Spaces

To make the office more appealing, businesses are investing in enhanced office spaces. This can include ergonomic furniture, state-of-the-art technology, and aesthetically pleasing environments. Some companies are redesigning their spaces to include areas for relaxation, socialization, and collaboration. The goal is to create a workspace that employees look forward to being in, which can enhance creativity and teamwork.

5. Wellness Programs

Wellness programs are increasingly popular as companies recognize the importance of supporting their employees' health and well-being. These programs can include on-site fitness classes, mental health resources, and wellness challenges. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, companies can help reduce stress and increase overall job satisfaction.

6. Professional Development Opportunities

Offering opportunities for professional growth and development is another way to attract employees back to the office. Companies can provide access to training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. By investing in their employees' futures, businesses can foster loyalty and encourage a return to the office for continued learning and career advancement.

7. Social Events and Networking Opportunities

Organizing social events and networking opportunities can help rebuild the sense of community that many employees miss about office life. This can include team-building activities, happy hours, and company retreats. These events provide employees with the chance to reconnect with colleagues and build stronger working relationships.

8. Childcare Support

For working parents, childcare support can be a game-changer. Companies are offering on-site daycare, childcare subsidies, or partnerships with local childcare providers. By alleviating the stress of finding reliable childcare, businesses can make the office a more feasible option for parents.

9. Transportation Benefits

To ease the commute, some companies are providing transportation benefits. This can include subsidized public transit passes, carpool programs, or even company shuttles. By reducing the hassle and cost of commuting, businesses can make the prospect of returning to the office more attractive.

10. Recognition and Rewards

Finally, recognizing and rewarding employees' hard work can go a long way in encouraging a return to the office. Companies can implement recognition programs that celebrate achievements and milestones. Whether through bonuses, public acknowledgment, or other incentives, showing appreciation for employees' efforts can foster a positive work environment.