The key to attracting top talent to your SME goes far beyond salary and benefits. Workspace satisfaction is high up on the agenda with candidates who are looking for their next role. Your office environment says so much about the culture of your organisation, the way you treat employees and how you communicate your values to the outside world.
Furthermore, the hybrid working model that many companies are now adopting is also making employees appreciate their office more. Many enjoy their 2-3 day stint working amongst colleagues, and look forward to working in a productive environment, so by investing in your office space you can help to attract the best talent to your organisation.
Here are five tips to creating an office space that people will want to come and work in.
- First impressions count
Consider how you can make your company values speak through the design of the space. Everything from the colours you use, the signage on your door, through to the reception area and meeting rooms should showcase your brand values and give potential employees a taste of your culture.
Consider creating your own wall-art in meeting rooms or communal areas that tell a story about your organisation and its people.
- Promote team building
The configuration and layout of your workstations need to allow for effective communication and collaboration. Desks should be configured in quadrants or small clusters so they can collaborate and easily share information.
Introduce comfortable break out areas that will encourage people to socialise with each other and share ideas in a natural way.
- Care about the wellbeing of your employees
Your office environment says a lot about how you treat your employees, and this is something that candidates are looking for when deciding on a role.
More offices are introducing standing desk workspaces so they are not tied to sitting in one workspace for the whole day.
Consider high desks with high stools close to a window so your employees can get a good “working break” and be inspired by the outside world as they work.
Introduce healthy snacks in the kitchen such as fruit, muesli and protein bars, to show employees that you care about their health and wellbeing.
- Maintain a clean environment
The last 18 months have taught us the need and appreciation for clean environments. For instance, the toilets need to be cleaned at least once during office hours, depending on how many people use them, desks need to be cleaned at the end of each day.
Introduce desk cards which indicate to cleaners whether a desk has been used and this will provide extra reassurance to employees.
- Create a homely feel
Employees appreciate things that will make them feel calm and relaxed in the office. You should consider using furniture that is ergonomic but comforting. Introduce a chill-out area with comfortable sofas and use lighting that is warm and as a natural as possible.
There’s been a great deal of research around the benefits of plants within the workplace. Plants add life, promote wellbeing and also look great.
So there you have it. Our top five tips for improving your workspace to attract great people to your organisation. If you need help implementing these, we partner with a range of organisations who can help make these things happen for you.
