Creating a Workplace People Want to Return To
Nov 12, 2024
With 7 in 10 companies globally implementing return to the office measures, and many larger organisations tightening their policies and expectations around office occupancy, finding ways to improve the employee experience in the workplace has never been more important.
70% of employees state they feel more connected to their colleagues and company when they work in an office, according to the Robin Return to Office Report.
Improving the employee experience can have a huge impact on office occupancy because it addresses many of the reasons people might hesitate to come back in, especially now that so many are used to the flexibility of remote work.
Here’s how a great employee experience can help make the office a place people actually want to be:
One of the greatest advantages of the office is the opportunity for face-to-face collaboration. However, simply setting up meeting rooms, adding a few comfy chairs, and equipping spaces with whiteboards doesn’t always do enough to break down the natural silos that can develop between different teams and departments. It’s all too easy for people to stay within their usual circles, and when this happens, it can stifle innovation and limit cross-functional insights.
This is where building a genuine sense of community in the workplace can truly make a difference. Hosting regular in-office events and activities gives employees a real reason to come in and get to know one another beyond the occasional nod at the coffee machine. Whether it’s a team breakfast, a lunchtime workshop, or an informal after-work gathering, these shared experiences help create connections that go deeper than the day-to-day tasks.
By nurturing a vibrant, inclusive office culture, you can unlock the full potential of collaboration and create a space where everyone feels inspired to contribute.
Personalisation isn’t a new concept; for years, firms have been using the data they hold on their customers to enhance those customers’ experiences but, until now, personalisation is not something that’s ever been associated with work. These specialists get to know their clients, and can deliver a personal service in much the same way as a hotel concierge or personal assistant can.
Making personalisation personal for every colleague
As with wellness, personalisation means different things to different people. So, a part of this trend is concierge and broader workplace hospitality services, both physical and virtual. These specialists get to know their clients and can deliver a personal service in much the same way as a hotel concierge or personal assistant can.
Examples of this can include running errands, like collecting dry cleaning or arranging car valeting. But it also extends to community management, bringing colleagues together to build meaningful connections via events that tally with their interests, as well as providing a front-of-house service that ensures that colleagues find a friendly greeting whenever they walk through reception.
Evidence suggests that doing this well can see sustained, meaningful engagement with this trend, and create genuine love for the services on offer, and the employer providing them.
Take a look at this case study to see personalised services in action.
A hospitality driven transforms the workplace into a desirable destination for employees and visitors alike. Through generating commute-worthy spaces, centring staff at the core of business operations and functionality, companies can enjoy the benefits that come from good engagement and collaboration.
Ultimately, it comes down to experience. For employers, a shift in mindset – from viewing employees as individuals transactionally provided with a space to work, to valued guests, for whom the on-site experience is curated to their benefit.
Making the office experience better isn’t just about the physical space. It’s about meeting employees’ needs and giving them reasons to feel engaged, comfortable, and motivated. When people feel valued and supported, they’re much more likely to show up regularly, making the office a lively, collaborative space.
In a world where flexibility and remote options are now standard, bringing employees back to the office requires a fresh approach.
By prioritising an exceptional employee experience—through fostering real connections, offering personalised services, and incorporating hospitality-inspired influences—organisations can create a workplace that people genuinely want to be part of. When employees feel valued, supported, and engaged, they’re not only more likely to come into the office but also to collaborate and contribute at their best. It’s about transforming the office from just a place to work into a destination that enhances daily life and career growth alike.
