The Great Return: How to Make Your Office Worth Coming Back To

In the aftermath of the pandemic, a new challenge has emerged for business owners: convincing employees to return to the office. It’s a delicate balance, as the work-from-home revolution has revealed undeniable benefits that employees are reluctant to give up.

Understanding the Work-from-Home Appeal

Before we dive into solutions, let’s acknowledge why employees have grown so attached to remote work. The benefits are substantial and far-reaching. The time and money saved on commuting have become precious commodities in people’s lives. No more rushing for trains or sitting in traffic, and the savings on fuel, train tickets, and daily lunch purchases add up significantly over time.

The flexibility of working from home has transformed how people manage their daily lives. Being able to accept deliveries, let in maintenance workers, or handle quick personal errands without taking time off work has created a new standard for work-life balance. Even the simple pleasure of working in comfortable clothes rather than formal office attire has become a cherished part of many people’s routines.

Given these advantages, it’s no wonder that the “return to office” mandate is often met with resistance. However, there are creative ways to make the office an appealing destination rather than an obligation.

Making the Office Irresistible

Transform Your Workspace

The days of gray cubicles and sterile environments are over. Consider involving your team in an office makeover – when people help design their workspace, they develop a sense of ownership and pride. This isn’t just about superficial changes; it’s about creating an environment that people genuinely want to spend time in.

Start by bringing nature indoors with carefully selected plants.

Art can transform a space from institutional to inspirational, but presentation matters – invest in proper framing rather than tacking posters to walls.  

Consider commissioning a local artist to create a unique mural – it not only supports your local creative community but also gives your office a distinctive character that can’t be found anywhere else. 

Show your commitment to employee well-being by providing high-quality ergonomic chairs and creating varied spaces that accommodate different work styles and needs.

Maintain a Pristine Environment

A well-maintained workplace makes everyone feel better about being there. Invest in professional cleaning services to keep the space immaculate. Develop systems that make it easy for everyone to maintain order without feeling restricted. The goal is to create an environment that feels fresh and welcoming every single day.

Add an Element of Fun

Make coming to the office exciting with unexpected perks. A desk lottery, where a £50 note is hidden at a random desk each day (to be claimed by 11 am), adds an element of surprise and reward. While monetary incentives shouldn’t be the only draw, they can certainly spark interest and create positive associations with being in the office.

Create FOMO-Worthy Experiences

Develop in-office experiences that make remote workers wonder what they’re missing. This might mean bringing in engaging guest speakers, organising live music sessions, or running creative workshops. The key is to create genuine value through these events, not just schedule activities for their own sake. When done right, these experiences enable the kind of spontaneous interactions and community building that remote work can’t replicate.

Welcome Four-Legged Friends

A pet-friendly office policy can transform the workplace atmosphere entirely. Many employees acquired pets during the pandemic, and allowing dogs in the office removes a significant barrier to return. Pets often help create a more relaxed atmosphere and can spark natural conversations between colleagues who might not otherwise connect.

Listen and Adapt

Perhaps most importantly, talk with your team about what would make the office more appealing. Their insights might surprise you, and understanding their perspective is crucial for creating an environment that works for everyone. If someone mentions being more productive at home, explore why – there might be valuable lessons about how to improve the office environment.

The Path Forward

The key to successful office returns lies in creating an environment that offers unique benefits impossible to replicate at home. Rather than forcing the issue, focus on making your office a destination that enhances both work and well-being. The goal isn’t to replicate the home office experience but to create something better – a space where collaboration, creativity, and community flourish naturally.

Remember that the transition back to office work is not just about the physical space – it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, productive, and connected. When done right, employees won’t need convincing to come back; they’ll want to be there. The office should be a place that adds value to their work life in ways that working from home simply cannot match.

Photo by Pew Nguyen