How to Entice Staff Back to the Office
Polls suggest that more than two thirds of companies are using incentives to entice staff back to the workplace. As working from home has now become the norm for many, what will it take to get your people back in the office? Changes to the work environment with a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing seem to be enjoying the most success. Below are some tried and tested ideas when it comes to making office improvements your staff will love.
Quiet areas
Creating a quiet place for people who don’t feel they want to be engaged for the entire day can offer a calming oasis. Anything from beanbags and comfy chairs to simply enjoy some time out.
Plants
Provided you have enough natural light, plants are a good way to purify the air and improve concentration, allegedly. Also appreciated by workers because they bring joy and improve the look of the office. Just be sure someone remembers to water them!
Get an office drinks dispenser
Hydration is important when it comes to concentration, an office drinks station can also work as a meeting hub where staff from different departments get to cross paths. Previously known as “The Water Cooler Moment”, when staff would often be inspired when informally meeting at the bottled water machine. This opportunity for interaction is a bonus for the company and a big advantage over working from home. As we have moved on and are more sustainable, those “Moments” can now be re-created around a Smart Soda healthier drinks system. Very much the low maintenance and high reward option for valued staff.
Ergonomic seating
Interestingly, it seems that working from home has had a negative effect on spine health, most commonly due to so many people working on the sofa or at a kitchen table. Investing in new ergonomic office seating for your staff could pay benefits in the long term by reducing back pain and ultimately time off work. When people are comfortable and have good, seated posture they tend to be more productive too.
Food
Luncheon vouchers were incredibly successful in their day and let’s face it, who says no to free food? Free lunches and snacks are without doubt considered among the most popular employee perks. Keeping a fresh fruit bowl in the office or having protein bars can be a godsend for staff leaving the house without time to eat breakfast. Knowing nourishment is available can make a morning routine much less stressful. If your budget allows, shouting lunch once a week is a great way to get people together and will be hugely appreciated by your team.
There are plenty of other incentives from bonuses to mentoring schemes that require a higher level of planning, negotiation and investment. The above simply provides more affordable options that can make a big difference. Not sure which of these simple but effective ideas to implement? Why not go for all, as none of them are unlikely to get complaints from your employees!
