In the early days of the tech startup era, all sorts of gimmicks were used to tempt talent to join booming companies. In-house coffee bars, gaming and activity rooms, chillout zones and other ideas were tried as lures to out-do typical juice and donut table.
In the chaos since work from home (WFH) and return to office (RTO) shuffle, many workers expect more if they are called back to their desks. Therefore, the trend is making a comeback as part of employee engagement efforts, with a more nuanced HR approach. Making the office a more engaging place should, in theory, tempt many workers back, keep some from quitting for remote roles, as well as lure new hires.
A City AM report shows how modern London offices are becoming more like hotels, with gyms, rooftop bars, proper shower and changing facilities, and more. With links to local amenities, and a greater sense of socially-engaged working, the approach could bring life back to town and city centres.
Any business RTO should be a fun one
While enterprises can throw some of their budget at these ideas, across their vast offices, the idea is not their exclusive territory. Smaller companies can set up shop within many of the modern and stylish office-for-rent blocks or co-sharing hubs to get a piece of the “fun” action. Gone are the grey open-plan dividers and the corporate approach. In are warm colours, comfortable furniture and a sense of camaraderie and fun across companies.
Take Patch in Bournemouth, offering space to the town’s entrepreneurs, creatives and community builders. It looks out over the impressive gardens and is yards from the gorgeous beach. Wherever you are based, locations like this can encourage smaller firms to reunite or build together.
However your business plans its RTO efforts, the approach should be employee-focused and led. Otherwise, it will feel like a false lure as part of the RTO mandate. One that no matter how softly it is delivered, is still tearing workers away from the comforts of home.