As startup employees put in more and more time at the office, companies continue to come up with new and inventive ways to make that environment comfortable, convenient and fun. The key to creating a workspace that people want to work inside of is not an easy task. Here are 10 things employees love to have in the office:
Healthy Ergonomics
In many of today’s most popular work environments, people are discovering that the workspace does not have to be all about the business at hand. No one wants to go to the office and sit for a day in their office chair behind their computer desk. More and more offices are turning to standing desks, comfortable chairs, and laptop computers to keep their employees happier in the workspace. A new employee may also enjoy knowing that the company cares as much about their comfort as the productivity of the office.
Social Spaces
Keep your employees engaged and motivated by creating collaborative work areas. Common rooms that they can gather together as a group to work on projects can help build stronger teams while being more productive. These spaces aren’t always about tables and chairs though. Sometimes creativity flows better in a more whimsical and casual setting. Lounges with couches, bean bag chairs, and even hammocks have become standard fare these days.
Free Schwag
This may not always be a viable option, depending on the type of company that you have. Happen to be in an industry where you have access to sample products or demo gear? Sharing these perks with the whole team will be a sure fire hit. You can even offer them discounted or free access to your product/service. Even a free lunch once a week will go a long ways in making employees happier during their time at work.
Flexible Schedules
In the modern digital age, it’s not uncommon for employees to be engaged in their work nearly everywhere they go, even when at home on nights and weekends. Progressive employers that acknowledge this extra effort have implemented extremely flexible schedules and focused on a results-oriented approach. As long as your business doesn’t require regular hours of operation, you can stop watching the clock and give your team the autonomy to produce results without being micromanaged.
Time Off Work
Everyone has heard of vacations and how they are a hallmark of a great company. However, most American employees are sadly unaware of how little vacation they get compared to their counterparts abroad in the world. Most nations have 1-3 months of paid vacation as the norm, with opportunities for paid medical and family leave. Some domestic tech companies have recently upped the ante though with unlimited vacation days. One even goes so far as to required their employees to work on a personal project of their own once a week during work hours and get paid for it.
Stock a Pantry for All
Most employees rarely have time to leave the office for lunch and even if they make it out somehow, they’ll probably have to scarf their meals like a champion competitive eater to make it back to the office in time. Some will bring a light snack from home and call that a lunch to save money/time or even skip lunch entirely. Setting aside a few bucks to buy some office snacks for everyone will help take some of the pressure off during lunchtime.
Game Rooms and More
More and more employers are trying to maintain their employee’s happiness by offering a workspace that includes “fun” areas as well. Some companies choose game rooms while others stick to yoga areas and gyms. Either way, you give your employees a chance to play together and form relationships that will take their productivity and creativity to a new level.
Off Campus Fun
Offering a retreat for your employees is also a great way to encourage fun and to get to know the team. It is a day, night, or weekend that can be completely devoted to fun rather than work. You can choose how often to do it, but most companies feel that the holidays and summertime retreats are the best. Some old school employers have an awful habit of trying to cram work into every company activity, especially when they are paying for it. Not only would this defeat the purpose of a retreat, but you’re more likely to develop resentment from your team.
Encourage Opinions
Everyone feels more valued when someone asks for their opinion. This applies in companies as well. Leaving room for your team to express their feedback and supporting them in tackling projects they are passionate about will earn you major points. Studies have shown that autonomy and creative license can be stronger motivations for performance than money.
Help Your Team Grow
People rarely get a job and think, “Ahhh! I hope I never get any further in my career than this point!” Offices that incorporate support and tools to help their employees grow professionally and personally will see much higher levels of loyalty and engagement. Some businesses include higher education or training to further their career choices. Others go the extra mile and offer assistance with laundry services and housekeeping to help their employees keep up with their domestic responsibilities while pursuing night classes.
