Improve the workplace experience: best practices and top benefits
Nov 19, 2024
Circles recently conducted a LinkedIn poll of our 7,600+ followers asking which workplace benefit is most attractive to you. The choices were:
The most attractive workplace experience benefit for professionals, with an overwhelming 44% of the votes, was errand running. This result comes as no surprise, as today’s workforce is constantly seeking ways to streamline their daily tasks and achieve a better work-life balance. The convenience of having someone take care of your to-do list while you focus on your professional responsibilities is a game-changer in optimizing productivity and reducing stress.
But in reality, there are hundreds of ways that business leaders and HR professionals can improve their workplace experience — employee benefits are just the start. This blog post is a teaser of what's packed inside our newest free eBook: Six Best Practices to Improve the Workplace Experience. Download 26 pages of best practices, Circles’ own “Best Practices in Action”, as well as practical tips and strategies to help you deliver a more fulfilling and sought-after work environment.
Creating a welcoming and comfortable workplace environment is essential for employee satisfaction and productivity. We refer to this as “workplace hospitality”, a trending approach that borrows principles from luxury hotels to create a workspace that supports efficiency, connectivity, and comfort, whether employees are working on-site, remotely, or through a hybrid model. To implement this approach, companies can start by assessing their current workplace, gathering employee feedback, and personalizing the workspace experience. Strategies may include offering a variety of workspaces, personalized employee touchpoints, a designated point of contact for support, and on-site perks and amenities to alleviate personal stressors. By prioritizing employee comfort and providing necessary resources, organizations can foster a supportive environment that enhances employee satisfaction and engagement.
Fostering social connection in the workplace is crucial for employee engagement and mental health. Establishing a strong sense of community through relationships and meaningful interactions can significantly impact job satisfaction and productivity. Organizations can facilitate social connections by offering various opportunities for employees to engage with each other, participate in CSR and DEI initiatives, attend events, join employee resource groups, and prioritize mental health support. By recognizing the importance of social connections and community building, employers can create a supportive and inclusive work environment that enhances employee well-being and performance. (Shameless plug: Our eBook Creating the Workplace of the Future, explores this concept in detail.)
The recent global pandemic elevated the importance of work-life balance for employees, with many being willing to accept lower wages in exchange for a better balance. Employers and employees alike benefit from a healthy work-life balance, as it leads to increased productivity, higher job satisfaction, and improved retention rates. Employers can support work-life balance in a whole host of different ways: by offering amenities, wellness events, and personal development programs, providing tools and resources that support well-being, promoting mental health and stress management, coordinating events to connect employees, setting clear boundaries to prevent overworking, leading by example, and regularly assessing and adapting policies to ensure employees are getting the support they need. Prioritizing work-life balance can reduce stress, improve job satisfaction, increase productivity, and foster greater loyalty and commitment among employees.
The blending of work and personal life has alarmingly become the norm, particularly with the shift to remote and hybrid work models, presenting challenges for employees both in their professional and personal lives. Employers can support their employees by implementing workplace resources and training, such as amenities, events, workshops, and seminars, to help them navigate these challenges. By meeting employees where they are and providing access to additional resources like employee assistance programs, offering personalized experiences, promoting work-life balance, demonstrating empathy, and providing policies and benefits that support employees throughout their journey, employers can cultivate a compassionate and empathetic work environment that contributes to overall well-being and job satisfaction, ultimately creating a rewarding workplace experience for their employees.
Valuing employee well-being is crucial as it directly impacts employee performance and overall satisfaction. Employers who think holistically, and prioritize their employees' physical, mental, emotional, and financial health through initiatives like wellness programs, mental health resources, and personalized amenities, show that they care about their people beyond just their roles. By offering resources that cater to diverse generational needs and promoting work-life balance, employers can create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that fosters trust and morale. Communication, appreciation, and prioritizing employee well-being, including offering sabbaticals and supporting work-life balance, contribute to a nurturing environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported, ultimately resulting in increased morale, productivity, job satisfaction, and an enhanced overall employee experience.
Creating a positive work culture is critical for enhancing employee engagement, productivity, well-being, and retention rates. Job seekers and current employees seek a positive workplace culture when considering career opportunities. Business leaders must deliberately cultivate a positive culture aligned with the company's brand values and mission, recognizing that a strong culture does not happen by chance. The Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) emphasizes the significance of a positive workplace culture in driving employee engagement and performance. Strategies such as defining brand values, aligning benefits, collecting employee feedback, promoting corporate social responsibility, encouraging collaboration, recognizing excellence, supporting growth and development, fostering open communication, and embracing diversity and inclusion can help organizations build a cohesive and supportive work environment. By prioritizing these initiatives, organizations can create a connected workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and engaged, ultimately leading to increased job satisfaction, loyalty, collaboration, and an enhanced overall employee experience.
At Circles, our services guide organizations to provide a stellar workplace experience. We’re determined to make a difference in employees' lives and transform the workplace.
