For many organizations, maintaining a remote or hybrid working arrangement makes the most sense for what they do.
But other organizations have learned that remote work doesn’t create the apprentice-style learning or collaboration they depend on. Many are creeping ever closer to a full return to the office for all team members.
Asking team members who have become accustomed to remote work to return to the office has proven more difficult than many leaders anticipated. Team members have come to view the flexibility of remote work as a reward and are reluctant to give it up.
Even though they may end up working more hours, many team members strongly prefer engaging on virtual calls and setting their own boundaries.
Yet many leaders and organizations believe the best way to learn, collaborate, and work effectively is to do so in person. Face-to-face. These organizations face an uphill battle to win over the hearts and minds of some of their best talent.
One way to approach this challenge is to elevate the in-office experience. By investing in the physical and social amenities of a modern workspace, leaders can make the office a destination that is commute-worthy, even a place to hang out after hours.
Consider JP Morgan’s massive $3 billion investment in their New York City Headquarters as a case in point.
The newly constructed 60-story fortress includes a Michelin-starred vegan restaurant, a café serving protein shakes from an Airstream trailer, 17 other eateries, a gym to rival anything in the marketplace, and a company store.
Team members can order food and reserve meeting rooms biometrically. An after-hours English-style pub welcomes them to commune together over a pint of European beer.
Leaders at JP Morgan believe that these and other modern amenities will help attract and retain the most talented team members and entice them to return to the office full-time.
Although very few enterprises have the resources to invest to that degree, leaders of every stripe have the opportunity to enhance the workplace to make it more attractive to team members.
While lighting, artwork, and issues of décor can make a critical difference, it is comfort and convenience that matter most.
Arranging the office space so that people can find both quiet and collaboration is what team members are looking for. Anything that facilitates wellness and comfort will make the office more attractive to team members.
Ideas to consider include coffee bars, stocked kitchenettes, on-site gym or gym subsidies, standing desks, soundproof pods, shower or changing rooms, dry-cleaning pickup, digital room booking, daycare partnerships, game areas, hydration stations, personal storage, and online delivery partnerships for food and other necessities, to name a few.
Making the office a more attractive place to work, gather, and commune is a smart way to entice team members to spend more in-person time with their colleagues. If your organization is moving toward more in-office time for team members, consider what amenities would make their return more appealing.
Even small investments in convenience can make a major difference. People like to work where they are most comfortable.
