Hybrid Work Model: How to Attract Employees Back to the Office
The hybrid work model is a new way of working that combines the best elements of remote and co-located teams. It allows employees to work from home or at a local office while also allowing them to collaborate in the same space with their colleagues. According to a report, 8 out of 10 workers say they will stick to a hybrid work model.
The hybrid model can help employers attract top talent, reduce turnover rates and improve employee engagement. Here are some tips for successfully implementing this type of flexible workplace program and attracting employees back to the office.
Improve the Office Space
If you're looking to attract employees back to the office, consider improving your office space. According to Gallup, employees who work in positive environments tend to be more engaged and productive than those who don't. Additionally, they are less likely to be absent or leave their jobs prematurely.
In other words, improving the office space will directly impact your bottom line by increasing productivity and reducing employee turnover. According to the JLL Regenerative Workplace report, employees want healthy food options, relaxation and wellness, and green spaces.
A well-designed office can help give employees a sense of pride in their company that is difficult for remote workers to replicate. If a remote employee takes pride in her job because they see the results of their hard work every day (and can easily share them), then it's more likely that they'll stay with your organization longer than if they didn't have this sense of belongingness.
Upgrade Your Conference Rooms With the Latest Tech
You can also upgrade your conference rooms. They might be putting off potential employees if you have many outdated or unappealing conference rooms. Upgrading your conference rooms could make them more attractive to potential hires and help them feel the right fit for your company culture.
One way to do this is by ensuring that all of the technology in your meeting rooms is up-to-date, including projectors and screens. You should also ensure that any presentation software is compatible with whatever device people use most often when conducting business remotely, be it laptops, smartphones, or tablets. So that no one feels like they need an extra device to participate in meetings held in the office space itself.
Add More Communal Areas in the Office
A workspace is not a place to work. It's a place where you can do all your work, but it also needs to be where employees can socialize and unwind. These communal spaces allow teams to bond over shared hobbies or interests, creating stronger office relationships.
To attract employees back into the office, consider adding more communal areas like lounges and kitchens. They allow workers to relax during breaks or hours without leaving the building. Communal areas are also great for hosting company events like happy hour or team-building activities that get people out of their chairs and interact face-to-face rather than through email or Slack messages.
Host Happy Hours Weekly
While remote workers can be productive at home, fostering a sense of community and collaboration often takes more than that. Hosting regular happy hours at the office can be one way to do this. In addition to providing an opportunity for team members located in different cities or states to connect face-to-face, these events also help you build rapport with your employees outside work hours, so they feel closer to one another on the job.
Happy hours can be held in the office through a happy hour catering or at a nearby restaurant, depending on how many people show up and what kind of space you have available. If possible, keep them consistent, so everyone knows when they're happening each week. It will make it easier for new hires who join later on down the road. It is backed by the latest report, which suggests office happy hours improve employee happiness by 66%.
Themed Lunches
Themed lunches are a great way to bring people together and give them a chance to bond over something other than their daily tasks. It's also easy to show your team that you care about them as individuals, and they'll appreciate it more than some simple gifts. The best part is that themed lunches don't have to be extravagant or expensive; they can even be as simple as a sandwich and chips.
If you want to encourage team building within your office, try having themed picnics where everyone brings their contribution for lunch. It allows employees who normally wouldn't interact much with each other to get out of the office once and enjoy some good company while eating delicious food together in the park or at home on the patio.
Rebuild the Office Culture
Office culture is vital for the success of an organization. It's easy to forget about this aspect of your business, but it's one of your most valuable assets. How you treat your employees and create an office environment will determine whether they enjoy coming to work, affecting productivity and overall employee satisfaction.
To build positive office culture, focus on creating an environment where employees can be themselves without feeling judged or pressured by others. Encourage them to collaborate and get out of their comfort zone by attending events outside the office together. Finally, encourage teamwork by allowing employees to take on new responsibilities within your organization while still being able to give back to those who helped them along the way when they were first starting at their job.
Charitable Events
Charitable events are a great way to bring people back to the office. The office can be a fun place to have a good time and also an excellent place to help people. Many people would agree that volunteering is one of the most rewarding things they've ever done. It doesn't matter if you're working with animals at an animal shelter or helping out in some other way. Volunteering is always worth it. You can set up a customised donor recognition wall from Donor Signs to your office so your employees or visitors can see.
It's also important for companies and employees alike to participate in charitable events because there are so many ways that companies can give back through their fundraising efforts. For example, if someone has been diagnosed with cancer but cannot afford treatment costs, then this person may need some assistance from others around them who want nothing more than their best friend or loved one not only to survive but thrive during such difficult times as well.
Conclusion
The work environment is an important part of the company, and it's important to keep employees engaged in their jobs. Many people are getting into remote work because they want to take control of their lives and have more freedom. But this isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone, so we believe that companies should find a happy medium between remote work and office life so they can attract employees back into the office.