Encourage your employees to return to the office - 5 top tips

With the pandemic now seemingly a thing of the past, many employers are looking for their workforce to return to the office for the majority of the working week.

Of course, some people jump for joy at the thought of returning to the office, free from the distractions of the washing and whining children. Others though, are far more reluctant. And, who can blame them? Having worked at home for the last two years, most employees have established work-from-home routines, that are actually quite convenient. Many people will have become quite comfortable at home, with their pets, plants, coffee on tap and without having to think about what they must wear each day. The thought of having to return to the office can feel like a real drag.

As an employer, you might be feeling frustrated at the resistance of your employees to return to the workplace. You might be wondering how on earth you might change this. The key, we believe is NOT to drag employees back, but instead remind them of the benefits of being in an office and make them WANT to come back…

We’ve compiled a list of 5 ways that you can return your office to full capacity, no enticing required!

1. Be clear on ‘why’

Clearly explaining the reasons why, as an employer you expect your workforce to return to the office will likely yield a far more positive reaction from your employees. People are more likely to respond positively and comply with requests if they understand why they are being asked to do something.

2. Prioritise safety

Though for most, COVID feels like a thing of the past, for some, understandably, COVID can still feel extremely worrying. As an employer, make sure that you are following all relevant safety procedures around the virus, as knowing the office is as safe as it can possibly be, will encourage employees to return to the workplace. If your surfaces are a little dated, and you are considering updating them, we supply and install 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes PS Series, which have antibacterial preservatives that protect the products from degradation from microbes such as mould and fungus. In our opinion, wrapping your interior surfaces is better than painting for this reason and it has a number of other benefits beyond safety.

3. Freshen up your workspace

Home is where the heart is or so they say and isn’t it true? We make our home a place where we feel comfortable, safe and happy. Why would employees want to move away from their place of comfort? As an employer, there are ways that you can make the office a more inviting place, which will entice employees out of their homes to work. Why not consider ways that you could re-vamp your workspace to make it more inviting and fresh? For example, you could purchase some new (pre-loved!) furniture, lighting or artwork. If your surfaces are looking tired, you could consider using an interior wrap technique to re-vamp them. It’s quick, reasonably priced and can make a real impact! Check out these examples over on our website.

Take a look at Avery Dennison’s range of Interior Vinyl in collaboration with Organoid, a new 100% natural interior film, and see how Organoid can revolutionise your design ideas. ‘Using natural raw materials, the Organoid products provide a one of a kind experience, engaging almost all of your senses.

4. Bring life in

Did you know, that plants and greenery are proven to improve mental wellbeing? Adding plants to the workplace can make a real difference in how your employees feel. Why not add some greenery to boost the mood?! Other ways that you could incentivise employees to come back include playing quiet music in the background, adding a games corner for social opportunities and bookshelves for employees to take a proper break during their lunchtime.

5. Make coffee time fun again

Introduce times when your team can come together informally. Offering break-out times allows your employees to talk, laugh, and build strong relationships with their peers. Having a positive work culture where employees feel supported as part of a strong close-knit inclusive group will make people want to come to work each day. If you really want to add impact, you could jazz up the drinks area. Wrapping the table or worktop in interior film can make a real difference to the feel of a space. For example, our client used interior vinyl to wrap their coffee bar, adding vibrancy to the space.

Clearly, after a sustained period at home, for some employees, returning to the office fills them with dread. There are though, ways that you as an employer and encourage your staff back in a gentle way. If your office could do with a re-vamp please do get in touch, we’d love to hear more about it!