How to encourage employees back to the office

23rd March 2020 marked a significant day in the UK, as the country was put into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant many workplaces, including yours, had to adapt to remote working or put staff members onto the Furlough scheme. While some found this to be a comfortable lifestyle or a more relaxing way to work, others may have discovered a preference for working from home, avoiding the daily commute and concerns about their safety in the workplace. As businesses face the challenge of transitioning employees back to the office, there are several helpful tips to ease the process.

Effective Communication 

Effective communication is crucial in helping employers and employees navigate unprecedented situations like the pandemic. It’s important to ensure that your employees are aware of any changes that may occur in the workplace, as this will boost their confidence and help them prepare for returning to the office. Clear communication channels should be established, and regular updates should be provided to employees.

Creating a Comfortable Space for Feedback

Creating a comfortable space for employees to share feedback and ideas can help maintain high morale throughout the transition. Employees may have concerns or suggestions that they wish to share, and by providing an outlet for them to do so, employers can demonstrate that they value their employees’ opinions and are committed to creating a positive work environment.

Listening to Employee Feedback 

Listening to your employees and implementing positive changes based on their feedback can help create a better work environment. It can also help improve safety operations, which is currently a top concern for many employees. Employers should actively seek out employee feedback and make changes where possible to create a work environment that meets their employees’ needs.

Adapting the Sick Day Policy

Health and safety are on everyone’s minds, and adapting your sick day policy to accommodate employees who may feel unwell or are concerned about their wellbeing will help make them feel more at ease about returning to the office. Employers should be flexible with their sick day policy, allowing employees to take time off when necessary without fear of retribution.

Getting to Know Your Employees

Each employee is unique, and it’s important to understand their preferences and needs to help them feel comfortable in the workplace. Some may require extra guidance, while others may prefer to work independently. Taking the time to get to know your employees and what motivates them can help you create an environment that caters to their needs. This can be done through one-on-one meetings, surveys, or focus groups.

Creating an Awe-Inspiring Work Environment

When it comes to creating an office space that encourages employees to return to work, office fit-out is an essential consideration. An office fit-out refers to the process of designing and refurbishing an office space to create an environment that maximises employee productivity, engagement, and wellbeing.

An office fit-out involves a range of factors such as lighting, flooring, furniture, wall finishes, and room layout. It’s important to ensure that the office space is designed in a way that maximises natural light and creates an open and welcoming atmosphere. This can be achieved by using transparent materials for walls and doors, which will allow light to flow freely throughout the space.

Open layouts are also important in creating an environment that encourages interaction and collaboration among employees. They create a sense of unity and promote a positive working environment. Collaborative spaces, such as breakout areas or informal meeting spaces, can also foster creativity and enhance communication between team members.

In addition to the physical layout of the office, it’s important to consider the furniture and finishes used. Ergonomic furniture can help prevent work-related injuries and improve employee comfort, which in turn can boost productivity. The use of colours and textures in wall finishes and flooring can also create a welcoming atmosphere and boost mood.

Transitioning employees back to the office can be challenging, but with effective communication, a willingness to listen to employees, an adaptable sick day policy, an understanding of employees’ needs, and a comfortable work environment, it can be made easier. At Estilo Interiors, we understand these challenges and through our workplace consultancy, can provide guidance and support to help businesses create a safe, comfortable, and motivating work environment for their employees.

To find out more about how we can help, get in touch with us here