Creating a workplace that employees feel connected to is the only way to ensure a positive return to the office. You want employees to want to be there, not feel forced.
Employees want their workplace to feel easy and customized. That means creating offerings that they find important to have on-site and exciting events and services that will entice them to come back.
We’ve talked to hundreds of employees and heard straight from them what they’re looking for. Everything from community and connection to sustainability and workspace redesign are on the table.
Here are our Top 5 Workplace Experience Trends for 2023:
1. Experience and Enhancing Amenities
Successful experience and amenity strategies have to foster community and productivity while improving employees’ daily lives.
This is all about making the most of your space and time. Hosting themed events and team-building activities during a time when you usually host a meeting means employees aren’t spending extra time away from home and will feel engaged rather than watching the clock.
This also means hosting exciting wellness programs, live music, games, and entertainment while keeping your employees’ productivity and need for connection in mind.
In order to justify leaving the convenience of home, employees need to have everything they need in the workplace. Coffee, refresh stations and beautifully functional spaces are a must.
What type of amenities or conveniences do employees really need? What branded gift would they actually use? Thinking about the end goal will set you up for success.
*Pro-tip: Ask your employees what they want! Hearing their opinions on events, activities, and scheduling can only help in the long run.
2. Employee Well-Being and Mental Health
The focus on employee well-being has never been greater. Employees are expecting better mental health coverage in their benefits packages, and they want management to create a culture that supports well-being.
Ways to do this are creating “wellness weeks” or series of programs and workshops addressing different areas of wellness and allowing individual employees to join as they see fit. Employers can host regular fitness classes and offer healthy conveniences and nutrition coaching for employees to take advantage of when they are back in the office.
To get participation up, you can offer prizes and complementary activations like smoothie bars, healthy snacks, and branded wellness gear!
3. Work-Life Balance
Two-thirds of employees who feel they have a good work-life balance say they are willing to go above and beyond for their organization. You want employees to feel valued at work and respected for having their own time.
But how do you show them that you know their time is valuable? Giving them convenience services that make their lives easier while on-site is a great place to start. If they are offered ways to get more done while in the office, they’re more likely to want to come in and they know they’ll be more productive when in the workplace than not.
You can also add some perks in there. Spa services, haircuts, manicures, and massages. Things employees want to do but may not be able to find the time for. This makes the physical workplace their mecca of productivity.
4. Growth and Development + Value Alignment
The next generation of employees is looking to work for organizations with integrity and purpose that offer opportunities for professional growth and development, according to the Qualtrics 2023 Employee Experience Trends Report.
Companies can highlight their values by supporting charity initiatives, rewarding and recognizing team members who align with their mission, and having thorough leadership and diversity training opportunities.
5. Sustainability + Environmental, Social and Governance
Now more than ever, employees consider a company’s social and environmental commitments when deciding where to work.
It’s important to highlight programs your organization is already doing while adopting new innovations in sustainability and ESG. Make sure employees know your mission and how these elements fit into how your company runs. You can showcase your own charity initiatives or spotlight your property’s certifications and future goals.
2023 will be a great year for the office. The return of connection and on-site productivity is primed. Now we need to make sure your workspace is ready to go.
Need help applying any of these trends in your own workplace? We’re happy to help.