It’s still unclear what will happen in the future with COVID-19, but more and more companies are trending towards either a hybrid system or bringing their employees back into the work office. Besides feeling safer at home, many employees appreciated working remotely–they cut their commuting time to zero, had more flexibility, autonomy, and it was simply more convenient. Employers have their work cut out for them, trying to bring workers back. But they are trying various strategies. You might be considering adopting them yourself. If that’s the case, read on to see how companies are bringing employees back.
1 – Money
Cash is always king. Many employers report that more money is a major incentive in getting them back into the physical office. Surveyed workers report that they’d want almost an additional $10,000 to come back. Not every company can afford that sort of pay raise, but larger corporations might consider it for their talented employees. Many employees were also happy to accept more PTO in exchange for their physical appearance. Others have asked for a gas subsidy since working from home saves them that money.
2 – Food
It’s safe to say that everyone loves food too. It brings people together, and it can certainly bring employees back into the office. Companies have found success in paying for employees’ lunches. In some cases, they’ve brought in food trucks, other times they’ve picked up the tab at a local bar.
3 – The Hybrid Model
It’s safe to say that everyone loves food too. It brings people together, and it can certainly bring employees back into the office. Companies have found success in paying for employees’ lunches. In some cases, they’ve brought in food trucks, other times they’ve picked up the tab at a local bar.
Either way, food can bring people stampeding back to the office. Try a creative idea like catering from local businesses if your budget allows, or having an employee happy hour or potluck.
4 – Make the Office Comfortable
One of the big appeals of working remotely is the comfort it provides to employees. Except for certain situations like meetings, staff members usually don’t have a dress code. Their home offices may have larger desks or more comfortable chairs. They have quick access to snacks in their kitchens. It’s just more convenient.
Employers can apply this to their workplaces. Overhaul the office to compete with employees’ homes–install more comfortable furniture, give them the option to have standing desks, stock the company fridge with snacks or food items and buy a coffee machine if you can. Maybe even relax the company’s uniform policy if you have one. In all, make your office–and employees–more comfortable, within reason and your budget. If you make the office similarly comfortable as their homes, your staff will be more inclined to come back. The team at ChicagoBroker can help you find the right space or secure funding from your existing landlord to make upgrades and improvements to your space that will help entice your employees back to the office. Let us know how we can assist you with any of your commercial space needs.
