Many businesses offer working from home solutions, and hybrid working solutions are widely sought after in many office environments. Adopting flexible work arrangements that offer a better work-life balance are fantastic for many employees, but WFH is not always all it’s cracked up to be. Many businesses have found that overall productivity has dropped, and office culture has declined. It’s also crucial that you ensure your employees are mature enough to complete their daily workload without supervision, as often many people can be distracted with ongoings found at home.
There’s also the impact it can have on workplace culture. While many people might not be looking to build relationships in the workplace, learning how to interact professionally within a business environment are skills that will become invaluable as you extend your network over years of employment.
So it’s quite important to incentivize your staff to return to the office, and employers can implement a thoughtful combination of perks and amenities to enhance the workplace experience and generate the culture your company deserves. Here’s a more detailed look at some effective incentives:
Workspace Revamps:
Enhancing the office environment with modern upgrades—like sleek office coffee machines, ergonomic furniture, better lighting, and inviting lounge areas—can make the workspace more comfortable and enjoyable. These improvements help create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages employees to spend more time in the office and boosts overall morale.
Free or Subsidized Meals and Refreshments:
Offering complimentary food and beverages, such as daily breakfast, catered lunches, or fully stocked snack stations, can create a more enjoyable and convenient environment. These small perks not only enhance the daily experience but also encourage employees to connect and collaborate in a relaxed setting.
Social Events and Activities: Hosting team-building activities, happy hours, or other social events can strengthen workplace relationships and build a sense of community and collaboration. These gatherings make the office feel more dynamic and enjoyable, encouraging employees to engage with one another beyond just standard day to day work tasks.
Professional Development Opportunities:
Offering access to training programs, workshops, or mentorship opportunities supports employee development and career growth. These initiatives not only enhance individual skills but also show a company’s commitment to investing in its people and developing it’s culture.
Commuter Benefits: Offering subsidized public transportation, parking assistance, or secure bike storage can make commuting to the office easier and more appealing. These practical benefits help reduce the stress and cost of daily travel, encouraging more employees to return to the workplace.
Childcare or Pet Daycare: For families, offering childcare or pet care support can lighten daily responsibilities, making the transition back to the office more manageable and stress-free.
Employee Recognition and Awards: Recognizing employee contributions through awards or bonuses can significantly boost morale, fostering a positive work environment and motivating continued excellence. Depending on the industry, size and structure of your businesses these bonuses can come in different forms, such as a company car, allotments of shares in the business, or even heavily discounted or free access to inventory.
While not every business is beyond in-office perks, companies can also adopt schemes such as those providing commuter benefits, like subsidised transit passes or parking reimbursements. These can ease the burden of travel and make the return more feasible for those with long or costly commutes. For employees with families, childcare stipends or on-site daycare options can significantly reduce stress and logistical challenges.
All in all there’s no perfect balance but by addressing both practical needs of your business and work life balance concerns of your staff, some of the strategies mentioned can help you make the transition back to in-person work more attractive, sustainable, and beneficial for all involved.
