How to make your office a place where employees want to be

In recent years, many companies have embraced remote working as part of the evolving work landscape. However, a growing number of organisations, including big names like Amazon, Santander, Disney, Boots and Goldman Sachs, are rolling out strict return to office (RTO) policies.

It’s understood that some of these organisations have concerns that remote working may negatively impact productivity and stifle creativity and collaboration. Some are even telling employees they’ll miss out on promotions and pay rises if they continue to work from home. Others are going so far as to threaten redundancy for non-compliance with their new RTO policies.

However, after years of embracing flexible and hybrid working models, especially since the pandemic in 2020, how easy will it be to get people back to the office?

A recent survey revealed that more than two-thirds of employees said they would start searching for a new job if they were told to spend more time in the office, proving the shift may be met with backlash.

Hybrid working

Research shows that the majority of UK office workers prefer hybrid working with the flexibility and autonomy to manage their own workload from wherever.

Forbes reported in 2024 that 63% of people in the UK worked remotely either all or at least some of the time. There are several benefits to the hybrid working model that include improved work-life balance, fewer distractions, an increase in well-being, and people finding tasks quicker to complete.

In another study, 90% of hybrid workers said they feel equally or more productive when working in a hybrid format.

Whether you’re an office embracing hybrid working or you’re aiming to get your team back in the office full-time, ultimately, you need to make the workplace attractive and comfortable. Creating a workplace environment that prioritises wellbeing and engagement is key to making this transition a positive one.

We look at just five things you can do to make your office a place your team wants to be.

1 Create social and wellness spaces

Working from home can feel isolating, which is why encouraging social interaction in the office is essential. Design community spaces where employees can connect, like a break-out area, game room, or communal kitchen. These shared spaces encourage team bonding and boost employee engagement.

Adding personal touches like artwork, photos, or plants is a simple and affordable way to make the office feel more inviting. Indoor plants not only improve air quality but can also reduce stress and boost productivity. Wellness zones provide a space where employees can relax and recharge, creating a more productive and positive work environment.

Well-being should be a priority for any office or facilities manager. Remember, it’s not just about physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Offering benefits like mental health support, gym memberships, or access to counselling services can make a huge difference. If you take good care of your team, it’ll help boost morale, increase loyalty and reduce absenteeism.

2 Support growth and development

Nobody wants to feel like they’re stuck in a dead-end job. Providing opportunities for growth and development is key to keeping your team motivated and engaged. Whether it’s through regular training, mentorship programmes, or offering clear paths for career advancement, investing in your team’s professional development helps them feel valued.

Also, remember to reward your team for their hard work. This can be through compliments, regular rewards, or company-wide celebrations. Simple gestures of recognition can go a long way towards your team’s happiness and support employee engagement.

When your team are happier in their career, they’ll see a future for themselves in the office, making them more likely to stay committed and bring their best to work every day.

3 Embrace technology

Incorporating the right technology can significantly improve people’s feelings about returning to the office more regularly. Smart office solutions like ergonomic workstations, providing two screens for multi-tasking, digital booking systems for meeting rooms, and wireless charging stations help to create a modern, efficient environment. Also, make sure employees have all the software tools they need.

To bridge the gap between in-office and remote work, things like high-quality video conferencing tools, seamless connectivity, and user-friendly collaboration platforms ensure everyone stays connected and productive.

In addition to the tech your team uses daily, update the tech around the office, too. No one wants to work while sweating or shivering. Explore smart building solutions for temperature control and lighting automation. Automating the temperature based on occupancy can help ensure a more comfortable work environment.

Ultimately by embracing technology, you create a more streamlined office experience that makes the transition back from home more appealing.

Discover More: Do undercounter water taps in the office save money?

4 Office perks

Offering the right perks can be a game-changer when it comes to employee engagement and productivity. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to elevate your office environment is by providing high-quality, barista-style coffee from a bean to cup machine. Studies prove that 87% of employees see small office perks like quality coffee as important to staff retention.

A premium coffee machine allows your team to enjoy premium-tasting coffee without stepping outside, giving them the perfect energising boost throughout the day.

Coffee breaks also provide a chance for your team to step away from their desks, reset their minds, and socialise with colleagues. These small moments of connection help forge connections and create a collaborative workplace culture. In fact, 90% of employees who regularly drink high-quality coffee feel motivated to do their best at work. Office coffee machines are much more affordable than people think, and you can get up and running with daily costs from around £3 – £7 per day. The same goes for an undercounter water tap.

We offer a wide range of innovative, state-of-the-art coffee machines that will suit the needs of any office. We also offer comprehensive service plans as standard, so you don’t have to worry about downtime.

Pair your office coffee machine with a top-tier water dispenser for chilled, sparkling, ambient, cold, or hot water on demand, and you’ve got a setup that’ll delight the team. Add healthy snacks and the occasional sweet treat. Small office perks have been proven to be valuable to employees and make them feel you value their health and well-being.

5 Open communication

Asking employees to return to the office more often or even full-time requires trust, and that starts with open communication. When people feel heard and included in decisions that affect their work lives, they’re more likely to embrace changes.

By maintaining clear, transparent communication about the reasons behind the shift, addressing any concerns, and being open to feedback, you create a culture of trust and collaboration. Regular check-ins, team discussions, and accessible leadership help your team feel supported, making the transition back to the office smoother.

Get in touch

Whilst we can’t guarantee that your team will be back in the office full-time, we can help you make your workplace more appealing by partnering with us for your office coffee and water requirements.

We’ve been in the office coffee machine business for over 40 years, so we’re experts in helping identify the perfect solution for you. Just get in touch, and a member of our friendly team will be on hand to best advise you.