Home office and hybrid work have become widespread in the last couple of years. At first it was a change, but by now most employees have got used to it: the office at home is set up, one saves the way to work and it is easier to look after children and pets. Many do not want to miss the advantages of the home office, but at the same time working in the office is possible again without restrictions. For many managers, the question therefore arises as to how employees can be motivated to come back to the office more often?
List of content:
Why should employees come back to the office more often in the first place?
First of all, one should look at why people should come back to the office again in the first place. Many people have become so accustomed to the home office that they almost only see its advantages. And how can you motivate someone to come to the office if the advantages are no longer present?
A big advantage is, of course, the social contacts: In the office you meet your colleagues and can exchange professional as well as private information. Of course, this is also possible via video calls, but it is still something different to have a cup of coffee with your favourite colleagues.
Another advantage is the equipment of the workplace. Ideally, the office should have good, ergonomic furniture, all the necessary technical equipment and other necessary work utensils. In addition, working in an office makes it much easier to separate private and business matters and there are usually fewer distractions than at home.
Co-determination and flexibility instead of enforcement
Even if employees are aware of the advantages of working from the office, it does not change the advantages of working from home. So it makes sense to maintain some flexibility. Hybrid work in particular offers many advantages and employees find it hard to imagine working without such a concept. Therefore, it is highly recommended to maintain such a working model.
Furthermore, employees should be allowed to participate and share concerns and thoughts. It is important to take their needs seriously, because this is the only way to keep employees motivated. Work-life balance is an important keyword in this context. Flexible working hours also play an important role here. It is best to ask employees (anonymously if necessary) what is particularly important to them and what they value when working in the office. If it is really conveyed that each individual has a certain influence, employees usually like to participate and are more motivated.
What else should be considered?
We have summarised the most important points:
- Communication
Of course, open communication is the basis. Employees should not simply be confronted with sudden drastic changes. All plans and wishes of the management should always be communicated openly. The same should apply the other way round. Fixed appointments that can be used for exchange and problem solving are optimal.
- Teambuilding
If you get along well with your colleagues and feel part of a team, it is much more important to work in the office from time to time and to actively exchange ideas. Scheduling lunch breaks together or joint events such as game evenings, summer parties, etc. help to strengthen the team spirit.
- Office design
Another incentive is, of course, good office design. The office should be a place where employees feel comfortable. Ergonomic furniture, such as height-adjustable desks, is essential, especially for desk sharing. Inviting offices with large team rooms for meetings and smaller rooms for concentrated work are ideal. Plants increase the sense of well-being as well as lounge areas with comfortable sofas. Well-equipped kitchens with nice dining areas are also important. It also makes sense to involve the staff in this process: What equipment is needed? What is still missing? How would they feel even more comfortable?
- Work Life Balance
The topic of work-life balance should also not be ignored. Work-life balance means that professional and private life are in equilibrium. You don't live for work, but also have enough time and energy for family, friends and hobbies. Work-life balance works differently for everyone. One person needs more free time, another person is fulfilled by being at work for 10 hours a day. Here, too, individual attention should be paid to each employee.
In order to improve the work-life balance directly in the office, sports activities in the office, for example, are suitable. On a small scale, this could be a short yoga session during the lunch break. If more resources are available, one could think about an internal gym. Such compensatory opportunities increase satisfaction, performance and motivation to come to the office. You can read more about this in our blog article: The misconception behind work-life balance
- Motivation
Motivation is generally extremely important. This is best achieved by appreciation. If work is recognised and praised, employees are automatically much more motivated. Feedback, both positive and negative, is also motivating.
- Financial support
Especially due to rising petrol prices, employees think carefully about how often they travel to the office for work. Subsidies for petrol or, at best, for public transport tickets are very helpful for employees.
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