The Destination Office ✨
Bringing back that one team feeling
During Covid, most of us who weren’t key workers had to work from home. When the world got back to “normal” more companies allowed their employees to work flexibly. This brought about the rise of hybrid working.
There are lots of benefits for work-life balance. But it can result in team spirit dropping, and employees losing out on face-to-face social interaction.
A destination office isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling
It’s a fun and functional space that makes everyone want to be there. Offering a range of benefits not only for the employees, but for the business. It’s a place that encourages people to leave their home working set ups and come into the office more.
Not just a happy, healthy team, but a high performing team
Having everyone in the office helps to build and preserve your company culture, both socially and professionally. Team members work together more easily on projects and everyone benefits from sharing ideas. It also helps to improve the overall well-being of employees, which is good for everyone.
Having a destination office can future proof your business. When recruiting, it helps to attract and retain the best talent within your industry. It helps your employees to work in an environment that encourages productivity as well as health and happiness – winning!
Design for your business
Destination Offices need to be created with your own team and culture in mind. This will look different for every business. It needs to be a space that’s not only fun, but functional. Keep in mind that the space won’t necessarily be used only for internal teams. Potentially clients and visitors too, so you still need it to look professional.
Things to consider when planning your own Destination Office:
Comfy & ergonomic office furniture
If you want people to spend a significant amount of time in the office, make it as comfortable as possible. Consider ergonomic chairs, which will also help avoid employee injuries such as back pain and reduce absenteeism due to this. Sit-stand desks are a great addition to help employees stay active in more sedentary jobs.
Office décor that showcases your brand
Inject some personality into your workplace. Plants are known to contribute to overall well-being. Certain colours contribute to more positive feelings so you could paint a feature wall. Lighting can either energise people or put them to sleep so consider how and where you light carefully. Team photos on the walls create a sense of “togetherness”. You could frame some artwork that reflects your company values.
Fun & functional breakout areas
Some people like to catch up with colleagues during their break or read a book or catch up on their favourite show. Try to create a space that caters to all these things. Why not include some games areas, like a Foosball table, ping pong table, or similar. “Work hard, play hard” is our motto.
Create a space for “awkward” calls in the office
Sometimes more uncomfortable conversations are needed and you’d rather do this without an audience. Ever heard of a hide booth? Well, it’s exactly what it says – a little booth that you can stand in, along with your laptop and phone system, and have private conversation.
Office snacks
Making sure everyone is fuelled with healthy snacks helps people stay focused and productive. Great when that mid-afternoon slump hits. We also provide a fruit bowl for our team to help us reach for healthy options.
Kitchen appliances
Depending on the size of your office and kitchen area, making it easy for people to prepare healthy breakfasts or lunches helps. Instead of grabbing a sausage roll it can make all the difference to employee well-being, and help reduce absences. Consider cool additions like smoothie makers, sandwich presses, or egg boilers. And don’t forget about that state-of-the-art coffee machine to keep everyone awake through long meetings!
Commute in style
We have a Bike to Work scheme. This is where your employer/the government subsidises the purchase of a bicycle via several means, for use commuting to work. Your team gets healthier and saves money. For those that use a bike, secure and safe bike storage will help encourage this.
Shower facilities
If you have the space, why not install a shower cubicle for after cycling or the morning gym session.
It doesn’t all need to be work, work, work
Plan after-work social gatherings within the office space. Creating an atmosphere that encourages fun, as well as hard work, will make people to want to be there. We’ve planned a games night in our office. We’ll include things like card and board games with snacks and drinks.
Recent Comments