As many employees started working from home instead of the office, the need for connection grew, but it required more than just a Zoom call. There was an emphasis on face-to-face meetings to not only brainstorm and collaborate but also build on working relationships. As we see a shift back to the office, there is also a shift in what employees hope to gain from the office and their employer.
The ability to attend meetings in person, access to technology, and having a more functional workspace are some of the things employees are eager to have access to in the office. The pandemic has drastically changed the landscape of work and shifted the needs of employees—one of those changes being flexibility in where they work. Commuting time consuming for many, and employees are no longer willing to make that drive without a purpose.
Another expectation that is more commonly seen is the ability to work in different environments. People thrive in all types of environments, so by offering these different spaces, it caters to all kinds of employees. Social settings can help facilitate conversation, focus areas allow people to work distraction-free, and cafes can give employees that little break in the day.
Health and wellness is another crucial aspect that should be considered in the office. By making health and wellness a priority, it allows for employees to take care of themselves. For some, working from home allowed health to be a top priority, whether that be the ability to work out at home or cook a healthy meal at lunchtime. Offering workout spaces in the office can help employees maintain the healthy habits they had when they worked from home.
We expect to see more companies continue offering these types of perks and benefits as they start moving towards a hybrid work model. With that, employers hope to eagerly incorporate more office days into their schedule.