When Zoom, a paragon of the remote working boom, advised employees to resume in-office work two days a week, it marked a pivotal shift for traditional office roles. Since then, industry giants such as HSBC, Lloyds, and Amazon have revamped their hybrid work models to reinvigorate the corporate setting. Nevertheless, resistance to mandatory in-office schedules has been palpable in several quarters, exemplified by the mass exodus at LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr.
In response to these challenges, some enterprises are pioneering imaginative approaches to reframe the workplace as an enticing environment. Champions of these innovative solutions assert that their efforts are not only mitigating dissent but also yielding tangible benefits.
1. Pioneering Pet-Friendly Policies
V1CE, an innovative Manchester-based technology company who’s business cards come with integrated NFC technology, confronted the surge in lockdown puppies among its staff during the pandemic with a novel solution. The company established a dedicated doggy day care facility within its premises, complete with a full-time dog-minder. Francis Falodun, V1CE’s co-founder, affirms, “What matters to our team matters to us.” This empathic gesture acknowledges the profound role pets played during the challenging past two years, fostering a seamless transition back to the office.
Falodun credits this initiative with a transformative impact on office attendance, propelling it from entirely remote to an impressive 90% full-time occupancy. The introduction of the doggy day care program has emerged as a linchpin in this workforce shift.
2. Elevating Office Aesthetics
Artiq, a prominent agency specialising in leasing artwork to commercial clients, has undergone a substantial expansion, growing from a team of 15 to 40 since the onset of the pandemic. The agency’s strategic shift involves extending the presence of artwork beyond the foyer, now adorning various office spaces. Patrick McCrae, CEO of Artiq, notes a surge in client interest in involving employees in the art selection process, fostering a sense of ownership over the workspace.
Research by Brookfield Properties underscores the impact of artfully adorned offices, with a 42% increase in preference for the office over the home. Artiq’s services are increasingly perceived as a valued benefit akin to gym memberships or health insurance, adding a novel dimension to the company’s offerings.
Meanwhile, The Executive Group, a UK-based creative digital agency, employs a LEGO library, catering to the mental health needs of its employees. This initiative has not only bolstered staff well-being but also served as an unexpected magnet for office visits, thereby ameliorating the challenge of mandating two days in the office.
3. Culinary Experiences: Sushi Classes and Global Cuisine
Culinary incentives have emerged as a compelling lure for staff to return to the workplace, resonating with 45% of employees surveyed by Hays. Alexandra Kafka, founder of workplace wellbeing platform Oxyzn, highlights a large tech company’s successful foray into hosting a sushi cooking class on-site. Despite the investment, the impact on office attendance was deemed highly favourable.
Another client within the legal sector has diversified its culinary offerings, featuring rotating chefs preparing diverse cuisines weekly. Oxyzn’s involvement extends to arranging pottery classes, baking sessions, comedy nights, and rooftop cinemas, representing a holistic strategy to re-engage and motivate employees to embrace office life.
4. Prioritising Wellbeing
Premier Web Consultancy, a dynamic online marketing agency in Manchester, undertook a comprehensive employee survey to discern their aspirations for the office environment. The findings emphasised a desire for a workspace that nurtures both productivity and well-being. In response, the agency introduced a personal trainer during office hours on Mondays and Fridays, addressing specific wellness concerns raised by staff.
Yoga sessions, complimentary breakfasts, and mindfulness coaching sessions further underscore the commitment to holistic employee well-being. These initiatives have translated into a notable surge in office attendance, with the average number of days spent in-office increasing from one or two to a noteworthy three.
5. Flex-Forward Workspace Design
Incorporating a forward-thinking workspace design can be a powerful motivator for staff to return to the office. This entails creating an environment that seamlessly blends flexibility and functionality. Manchester-based wedding dress design company Velo Bianco provide adaptable workstations, collaborative spaces, and ergonomic amenities for their staff. This offers an atmosphere that caters to diverse work styles and preferences. Moreover, prioritising natural light, greenery, and modern amenities fosters a dynamic and inviting workplace, further incentivising employees to choose the office as their preferred work setting. This approach not only enhances productivity but also communicates a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, making the office a compelling destination for the workforce.
In conclusion, these diverse case studies exemplify the potential for innovative strategies to reinvigorate office attendance, sidestepping employee resistance. While each approach is tailored to the unique ethos of the respective companies, they all share a common goal: crafting an office experience that compels individuals to leave the comforts of home and eagerly embrace the corporate milieu.