To entice employees back to the office, companies have tried offering perks like gourmet coffee, yoga sessions, and DJ parties. However, some firms are now turning to a more traditional incentive: providing employees with their own desks, Bloomberg reports.
Hot desking, where employees use any available desk instead of having a dedicated one, became popular during the pandemic as a cost-saving measure in the new era of hybrid work.
However, some companies are now realising that the lack of personal space may have gone too far. Complaints about hot desking range from hygiene concerns to the lack of personalized spaces, giving employees more reasons to stay home.
Salesforce Inc. and other companies are now experimenting with dedicated desks to encourage more in-office attendance.
Employees' preference for a consistent workspace is more than just stubbornness; it provides psychological and physical comfort.
With 77% of employees feeling disgruntled for various reasons, according to new research from Gallup, the consistency of having the same desk each day can help alleviate some stress.
Personal touches like family photos and ergonomic chairs contribute to a more comfortable and productive work environment.
Hot desking has its drawbacks, including the "ick factor" of sharing keyboards and mice and the inconvenience of setting up a workspace every day.
On mandatory office days, hot desking can turn into a scramble for seats, sometimes leaving employees to work in break rooms due to a lack of desks.
To adapt to the evolving workplace landscape post-pandemic, companies have implemented a range of innovative strategies to encourage employees to return to the office. These measures focus on enhancing comfort, promoting health and wellness, and fostering a collaborative and engaging work environment.
Modern and aesthetically pleasing office spaces are being designed to be more inviting. Companies are investing in ergonomic workstations, providing high-quality ergonomic furniture to ensure physical comfort and reduce the risk of strain or injury.
To promote overall well-being, companies are offering a variety of health and wellness benefits, including:
On-site Fitness Classes: Yoga, Pilates, and other fitness sessions to encourage physical health.
Mental Health Resources: Access to counselling services, stress management workshops, and comprehensive wellness programs.
Healthy Snacks and Meals: Nutritious food options readily available at the workplace.
Companies provide various financial incentives and benefits to ease the transition back to the office, such as:
Commuting Assistance: Subsidizing transportation costs, offering free parking, or providing shuttle services.
Bonuses and Raises: Financial rewards for employees who return to the office regularly.
Flexible Work Hours: Allowing flexible schedules to make commuting easier and more convenient.
In addition to standard benefits, companies are offering unique office perks to make the workplace more enjoyable, such as:
On-site Entertainment: DJ parties, game rooms, and relaxation areas.
Professional Development Opportunities: Workshops, training sessions, and career development programs.
Personal Services: On-site services like dry cleaning, car washes, and childcare facilities.
Many companies have implemented hybrid work models allowing employees to split their time between the office and remote work.
Many return-to-office mandates are still less stringent than pre-pandemic norms, but companies are increasingly enforcing them. Recent surveys indicate that while a five-day workweek may not be required, office attendance will be more closely monitored in 2024.
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