Many businesses find there is better communication and increased productivity when staff are together in the workplace, but despite Covid restrictions ending long ago, employers are still struggling to get staff back in the office.

If you are keen to encourage staff to return to your workplace, here are some of the top tried and tested incentives businesses are using to lure staff back into the office:

Social activities

A big benefit of going into the office is the social side. Arranging lunch time or after work socials, or creating a special day of the week, for instance “free pizza Wednesday”, are great ways to get people back in the office.

Company activities, such as hosting a bake off, wine tasting event or running escape rooms are also becoming increasingly popular.

Better workplace experiences

Creating an environment where staff want to be is really important for enticing employees back to the office.

Many businesses are transforming their offices by adding a breakout area for staff to relax and socialise on their lunch breaks, having comfortable furniture, a TV on the wall and activities like table football to enjoy. Creating casual meeting spaces or collaboration areas, with inspiring colours and artwork, is another good draw.

Investing in new technology can also be a great way to improve the experience at work, with faster broadband, new software or cutting-edge machines to boost productivity.

Help with expenses

Commuting can be a big factor putting staff off returning to the office. The added expense, and the thought of sitting bumper to bumper, or on packed public transport, is less than appealing.

Compensating staff for travel costs, offering fuel discount programmes or fuel gift cards, free parking spaces or public transport passes, are good ways to lower employees’ outgoings and encourage them into the office.

With the cost of living crisis, many businesses are finding that providing a warm office is persuading staff to come in and reduce their energy bills at home.

Extra perks

Some businesses are offering free lunches, hosting a catered breakfast, or providing a snack station with sweet treats and healthy bites.

Again, it’s another great chance to stop and have a chat with colleagues and enjoy the more social side of being in the office, whilst helping to reduce employees’ costs, which can be another big factor in preventing people from making the commute.

Wellness incentives

Arranging wellness sessions, for instance, yoga, or mental health workshops are great reasons for employees to visit the office.

Offering other workplace benefits like a gym onsite, or offering employee discounts at a local gym, can also motivate staff to come in more regularly.

Regular meetings

Travelling into the office can often seem a bit pointless if no one is going to be there. It’s a good idea to set up a regular team meeting, so employees have a reason to come into the office.

One-to-ones, or chances to interact with leadership, will also persuade employees that it is worth making the trip.

Childcare benefits

Having an onsite childcare facility is a great benefit for working parents. It will help to decrease staff absences linked with childcare issues and encourage regular working from the office.

Offering childcare vouchers is another way to help parents or guardians save money, making it easier to afford more regular commutes.

Allow dogs at work

As the pandemic meant more time spent at home, many people decided it was an ideal time to get a dog, but now leaving them on their own, or having to arrange a dog sitter to be able to head into the office, can be tricky and expensive.

Allowing dogs in the office, or selecting days employees can bring their pooches in, will make life easier for dog owners and also boost morale within the office. Some companies are also investing in therapy dogs to improve mental and physical health.

Help run errands

One perk associated with working from home is being able to run errands during lunch breaks. This is less practical when in the office, so offering a car washing or laundry service, or having a catering van visit, can save time and make life easier whilst at the office.

Adopt a casual dress code

Adopting a casual dress code can help to make employees feel more relaxed when in the office. If your business requires a stricter dress code, you could select certain days to dress casually, like dress down Fridays.

Offer flexible work arrangements

Another fantastic way to avoid busy commuting times or help to restore a good work-life balance is to offer flexible start times.

LeavePlanner can help businesses manage work timetables, to effectively manage hybrid work schedules and differing shift patterns.

Take the stress out of managing work timetables. Call Steve to arrange your free trial on 01252 636 070 or email support@leaveplanner.com.

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