Business leaders, here’s what your office needs to attract employees

Return-to-office mandates are increasingly common, with Amazon being the latest company to require employees to work from the office five days a week. But instead of expecting employees to return, what else can businesses focus on to incentivise them to come in?

To find out, Peldon Rose, a leader in office design and workplace strategy, has surveyed 1,000 UK adults who work from the office at least one day per week, asking how they feel about office working and what employers can do to make the office more appealing.

Survey: Free snacks, coffee and parking are the most desired office perks

The top desired office feature for UK employees is refreshments, such as snacks, coffee machines, and free soft drinks, with 37% saying it would boost productivity. Employees in marketing, advertising, and PR value this the most.

Many areas of the UK outside of London value car parking, with 37% of employees wanting this perk. Physical office features are also highly valued, with just under a third (31%) of employees wishing for more meeting rooms, and 38% of employees saying they don’t have these at all, despite being essential for in-person collaboration.

Plants and personal storage are also popular, with 29% and 28% of employees wanting them, respectively. Greenery boosts mood and makes office spaces a more pleasant place to be, while personal storage makes employees feel more valued—though 65% lack access to it.

Around 27% of employees desire allocated desks and breakout spaces, and 30% say they’d be more comfortable if these spaces were available. Ergonomic office setups, including second screens and comfortable chairs, are on the wishlist for 27% of employees. Other popular features include private kitchens (27%), access to a gym (25%), and outdoor working spaces (25%).

Leeson Medhurst, Head of Strategy at Peldon Rose shares tips on how to make an office environment more appealing for employees 

With 53% of UK employees finding their current office uninspiring, Leeson Medhurst, Head of Strategy at Peldon Rose offers expert advice on how to create a more inviting workspace:

1. Utilise Space. “Effective office space planning is key to creating an inspiring environment. Vibrant colours, comfortable seating areas, and greenery can liven up the space. Creating areas for both collaboration and relaxation is essential.”

2.  Boost convenience. “Personalised workspaces are crucial. Providing secure storage, ergonomic furniture, and the ability to personalise workstations can make the office more appealing.”

3. Ask Your Employees. “The best way to understand what will motivate employees to come into the office is to ask them directly. Gathering feedback through surveys or conversations and incorporating common themes into the office design can create a space where employees genuinely want to spend their time.”

The post Business leaders, here’s what your office needs to attract employees first appeared on HR News.