Making your workplace worth the commute

How to get people back

As we previously discussed, you can ask your employees to come back to the workplace through contractual changes. But it might actually be easier to create a space your employees actually want to come to.

Making your workplace worth the commute can be done through making the environment perfect for your people. This section will explore just that.

Barclays

Why Barclays? Well, in 2023 they won the ‘Best of the Best’ at the BCO Awards that honour the UK’s best workplaces.

According to the developer (Halliday Fraser Munro) Barclays Glasgow Campus will provide employees, residents, and the wider community the opportunity to enjoy café’s, a crèche, touch down areas and creative spaces throughout the day, encouraging an active and dynamic live/work environment.

It was vital that the campus offered workplace functionality, alternative work solutions, and a multitude of spaces for both meeting and social functions, while also being integrated with the local community.

In addition there was emphasis placed on creating an inclusive environment, for example:

Rest points and ‘quiet’ routes externally and internally
Neurodivergent-friendly spaces including recalibration rooms and optimal toilet design with reduced decibel washroom hand dryers
Wheelchair and ambulant accessible toilets and changing facilities
Optimal office design including biophilia

How can you improve your workspace?

In most cases you won't have the time or budget to create a 5,000 person space uniquely designed to support your employees like Barclays. But that's okay, let's look at some of the smaller changes you can consider.

A rebrand?

The idea that minimal, corporate feeling offices create productivity is out of date.

Invest in comfortable, collaborative, and inspiring equipment, furniture, and artwork. Use ergonomic chairs, diverse lighting, and appealing posters. When your workspace is warm and welcoming, employees will look forward to coming to work.

Tech

We all want seamless connectivity and the latest technology in our personal lives, so why not at work too? Fast, reliable internet is essential. Plus, workplaces with state-of-the-art computers, tablets, and projectors are highly appealing.

Collaboration

Employees who commute likely value in-person collaboration. To support this, create comfortable group workspaces. Make it easy to book different types of spaces, such as one-on-one rooms, high-tech conference rooms, and open tables in common areas, to encourage spontaneous communication. Collaboration is cited as one the main reasons for a return to the workplace mandate.

A healthy balance

Employees appreciate wellness spaces that support their mental health and provide a break from work. Cosy break rooms, attractive lunch areas, and communal spaces with plants or natural elements help them recharge during the day.