Dan Schawbel* says if the hybrid work experiment is to succeed, employers are going to have to look at ways that make the office environment more appealing.
Over the past month, companies ranging from GM to the New York Times have faced a backlash over their return-to-office policies.
While the vast majority of these businesses are permitting their staff to have hybrid work arrangements, some workers still aren’t happy.
Many want more flexibility and control over which days they go into the office.
Others simply want a clear answer from their employer as to why they’re being asked to resume in-person work, rather than some vague explanation.
Employees are demanding this partly because they suspect their organisations still don’t trust them to be productive at home.
Research from Microsoft reveals that while 87 per cent of employees report that they’re productive, just 12 per cent of leaders have full confidence that their team is productive.
Microsoft has dubbed this disconnect ‘productivity paranoia’, and so long as it continues to exist, many organisations are hesitant to do away with their offices.
If your organisation has landed on a hybrid approach, I hope you’ve been transparent with your teams about your decision-making along the way.
That doesn’t mean you should expect your employees to be thrilled about going into the office.
In fact, it’s critical that organisations take steps to make their workplace experience more appealing.
The reality is we’re still in a largely employee-driven job market, which means workers have all the power to select a job that offers them the best experience.
This means a job where people have the right tools to support them when they’re in the office, and an environment that enhances their productivity and wellbeing.
Let’s take a look at four ways employers can improve their office experience in a way that will truly move the needle on people’s satisfaction with hybrid working.
Give people the tools they need for a seamless day at the office.
For hybrid workers, going into the office could present a whole new slew of challenges, from being able to access the Wi-Fi to locating an available desk.
It’s every employee’s worst nightmare to arrive a few minutes late to work and not be able to find the type of workspace they need for the day.
This is especially true for organisations that have downsized their space because they no longer need to accommodate their entire workforce on any given day.
The answer is best-in-class workplace management software, like the platform offered by Proximity.
This solution allows employees to book desks, offices, and conference spaces.
It lets them view a map that shows which workspaces are available and for how long.
People can also use the platform for on-site check-ins, secure building and room access via digital keys, and to safely access the building’s Wi-Fi network.
Provide benefits and amenities that are actually valuable to staff.
One common complaint from employees is that their employers don’t understand which incentives will actually motivate them to go into the office.
For most workers, offering free snacks or coffee isn’t enough of a reason for them to spend time commuting (not to mention paying for fuel), or dealing with the hassle of securing childcare or pet care.
People also aren’t likely to be enticed by ‘forced fun’ events in the office like a weekly ping-pong tournament.
Workers want reasonably priced on-site childcare and pet care.
You also can’t go wrong with a fitness centre, an on-site medical clinic, or other amenities that can help people handle some of their personal needs.
When it comes to hosting events, focus on providing something employees can’t easily get somewhere else.
For example, food trucks every Friday with rotating, unique cuisine options for your workers to try.
Offer a variety of spaces for your employees.
While most workplaces offer some private offices, the trend toward open office plans means more focus on bustling open spaces designed to encourage impromptu interactions.
However, after several years of remote working, people’s expectations and needs have drastically changed.
One of the things employees enjoyed most about working from home was the peace and quiet they could find there, ideal for focused or creative work.
For some workers, readjusting to office life could have a very real impact on their ability to be productive.
So it’s important to offer a wide variety of work areas and desk options so your employees can find the right environment for what they need to accomplish.
These might include quiet rooms, privacy booths, outdoor spaces, and private offices, in addition to communal areas and meeting rooms.
Design your office to promote workers’ health and wellbeing.
Aside from providing the right spaces for your staff, it’s also critical that you create an environment that enhances (rather than detracts from) their wellbeing.
There’s a lot that goes into achieving this, but overall it is creating a space that your people will actually look forward to spending time in.
They know they will be provided with ways to move around (e.g., sit-stand desks), healthy food options, and design elements such as indoor greenery and natural light.
Just like with any other workplace trend, it may take some time for organisations and their employees to figure out how to navigate the new world of hybrid working.
While fine-tuning policies and plans is one piece of the puzzle, forward-thinking leaders know that optimising their office space also plays a key role in getting hybrid working right for their people.
I hope the four areas I’ve highlighted will help you get one step closer to creating a great hybrid experience, because I’m confident this is the future of work.
*Dan Schawbel is a bestselling author and Managing Partner of Workplace Intelligence, a research and advisory firm helping HR adapt to trends, drive performance and prepare for the future.
This article is part of his Workplace Intelligence Weekly series.
