Meeting your goals for recruitment and retention
The workplace landscape has shifted significantly, posing new challenges in recruiting and retaining top talent. For example, did you know 78% of people would apply for a job if it mentioned perks like subsidised food and drinks in the office?
Mandating a return to the office is proving insufficient; understanding employees' needs is crucial. Here, we explore how companies can create inviting office environments to meet evolving recruitment and retention goals.
Rethinking the office mandate
Many companies initially believed that mandating a return to the office would boost engagement and productivity. However, this overlooks the evolving needs and desires of today’s workforce.
Remote work has demonstrated its advantages - flexibility, a better work-life balance - leading employees to be hesitant about giving these up without compelling reasons. Offering collaborative social spaces and encouraging interaction with colleagues can be more effective than mandates.
Your workplace as an extension of your employer brand
A job shapes your daily life and income, so it should reflect your core values. Our sister brand, Eurest, commissioned a Global Eating at Work survey that revealed 64% of employees prefer workplaces that align with their beliefs.
In today’s competitive job market, 60% of employees scrutinise benefits, and 70% of Gen Z prioritise value alignment when job hunting. This includes:
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- Environmental consciousness
- Socialisation, fostering a sense of belonging
Generational office preferences
Contrary to stereotypes, a 2023 FlexJobs report highlights that Gen X and millennials are the most significant champions of remote work - 42% and 27% work remotely full-time, while only 11% of Gen Z do the same.
Interestingly, Gen Z is embracing office life, forming workplace friendships, enjoying breakfast on the go, and climbing the corporate ladder. They are returning to the office by choice, not by force.
The power of socialisation in the workplace
According to McKinsey & Co., employee disengagement and attrition can cost top companies millions annually. Workplace socialisation can be transformative—it boosts collaboration, creativity, and efficiency. When colleagues build personal connections, it enhances engagement and drives the organisation forward. Companies should explore every possible way to foster workplace socialisation to maximize their team’s potential.
The 'hotelisation' of the workplace
As the lines between work and home life blur, businesses are creating inspiring office environments that blend the comforts of home with appealing food options to draw teams back. Adopting a hospitality mindset is essential to making the commute worthwhile and offering perks that rival the benefits of remote work. This is where we come in.
Leveraging hospitality expertise
As facilities management experts, we specialise in creating spaces people love. Together, let’s transform your offices into environments that energise and inspire. The future of work is about adapting to meet your employees’ needs, and we believe that starts with a spotless setting, great food, and safe and secure premises.
By prioritising health, well-being, sustainability, and socialisation through a hospitality approach, you can attract and retain top talent while fostering a positive and productive work culture. Make the office experience not just worthwhile but exciting, with benefits that remote work can’t match.
To find out more, email enquiries@14forty.co.uk, call us on 0121 457 5207 or fill in the form below.
