Slowly but surely, workers are making their way back to offices across the nation and the Triangle. As companies begin to implement “return to office” policies within their workforce, employees are reacquainting themselves with commuting and coworking in office environments.
Though hybrid work schedules are still popular, many companies are reckoning with strategic challenges that originated during pandemic-era financial cutbacks. Some corporations are discovering that they no longer have the infrastructure or office environment to support their workforce. Office amenities, long considered extra “perks” to recruit and entice workers into the office, have become necessities to ensure employees can transition smoothly from fully remote to hybrid and in-person work.
Though golf simulators and speakeasies are trending with commercial developers, these five non-negotiable office amenities have become necessary elements for an engaged and happy workforce.
NCSU’s Center for Technology & Innovation features an interconnected parking garage for employees and visitors.
Parking
It seems obvious, but employees need guaranteed parking spaces if commuting to work in a suburban or urban area without widespread public transportation. Companies that leased parking from city-owned lots and garages often let their contracts lapse during the pandemic and are now struggling to find available spots within a few blocks of their office buildings. Older buildings in suburban areas that experienced growth during the last few years are now finding that their adjacent lots don’t have enough space for everyone, forcing some workers to park in the street or on the grounds near the building. Companies must ensure that their workers can park near the office in secure and safe lots or garages and can implement paid parking as part of their amenity package.
Parexel RTP implemented a fully equipped gym on campus for employees to use before, during or after work hours.
Wellness Areas
Whether it’s a dedicated room or a fully equipped gym, employees appreciate a space where they can take a break from their desk and have a moment to themselves. Wellness areas offer a private and calm space where workers can answer a personal call, stretch out on a yoga mat, or spend a few minutes recentering themselves during a hectic workday. Having a dedicated space where employees can reduce stress, mental fatigue and decompress helps the overall health of a company. Wellness rooms are easy to implement in existing office space – simply add furniture that promotes relaxation, indirect lighting and tranquil color schemes, and install an “Available/Unavailable” sign on the door.
KCI’s hot desk setup can be easily customized for the comfort of each employee.
Ergonomic Furniture
Giving an old and tired interior space a fresh look is fine, but ergonomic furniture is the key to keeping workers happy and healthy while in the office. Standing desks and high-quality office chairs are must-haves for keeping sore muscles, poor circulation and bad posture at bay. By investing in furniture that sustains the physical health of employees, companies are creating pain-free workstations that can be tailored to fit individual physical needs. Nothing decreases productivity or willingness to commute to the office more than an uncomfortable and inflexible work environment.
The full-service café inside of Syneos Health offers fresh selections as well as pastries and drinks for employees on break.
Dining Options
If employees forget their lunch at home, how easy is it for them to find food near their office building? Though more of a problem for suburban workers than urban, it’s important to make sure that your people have nearby options for grabbing a snack or a quick lunch. Established office buildings can solve this problem by implementing a small kiosk or café in the lobby of their building, or even installing basic snack and drink machines in the office. The ability to take a coffee break can help a company’s culture overall, creating a less-formal meeting ground and opportunities to connect person-to-person.
The verdant lawn and walking path outside Capital Center infuses natural beauty into the built environment.
Green Space
Forget the neglected office plant in the corner and embrace biophilia! Whether it’s a nearby walking path or outdoor sitting area, increasing access to nature in the work environment boosts morale and aligns with many companies’ sustainability initiatives. It is well established that nature makes us feel better — our emotions, thinking, connection to others, and physical well-being are all enhanced by being in and around nature. Companies that invest in exterior amenities and in-office micro-nature see high returns in employee creativity, higher task performance and increased well-being.
As businesses continue to grow, the necessity of office amenities will only become more pronounced. By thoughtfully integrating these amenities, organizations can create environments that resonate with employees, attract top talent, and elevate the workplace experience. HagerSmith Design can help employers and companies assess current workspace needs and find solutions that can fit any budget and space. Take the first step towards your optimized workspace here.