Creating a WFH atmosphere that makes work a home from home
We all know about working from home. It has even got its own abbreviation – WFH – a trend which continues to be embraced by more and more office workers and white-collar professionals. But all of this might be about to change in the other direction and it could be thanks to the demands some of the world’s wealthiest people.
A rewarding environment makes work fun
To understand the connection, we must first look at a few of the issues created by the WFH culture. While most employers have welcomed these changes, a move which was dramatically accelerated by the Covid pandemic, there is now a growing number of companies who are beginning to believe that this new work-life balance may have gone a little too far.
There are numerous reports from some of the big blue-chip and multinational companies in particular, who are claiming that younger staff may not be benefitting as much from the presence of older and more experienced colleagues. It has also been claimed that there have been issues where teams of people are needed to deliver vital projects, which have stalled due to absent staff.
Not all businesses can create a home atmosphere, but where they can it can make all the difference
That said, WFH is here to stay, which means that we may soon see another trend where offices become much more attractive and welcoming, to such an extent that workers no longer want to stay at home but prefer instead to enjoy a whole new range of quality facilities, courtesy of a benevolent employer – a move designed to bring home back to the workplace.
At Lees Associates, we work exclusively with demanding high-end wealthy clients, and we know that swimming pools, spas, cinema rooms, barista standard coffee, gymnasiums and more recently – golf simulators – are commonplace requirements for any high-end refurbishment or new build project.
Games rooms and breakout rooms give employees essential thinking time that can benefit business
While such facilities are beyond the reach of most people, the aspiration still exists to enjoy the affluent lifestyle, so why not introduce it to the workplace; not only a big reason to remain in the office, but a further incentive to remain loyal to that company rather than look elsewhere.
Such a move can demand significant investment to create a more user-friendly environment, possibly developing a new basement facility where none had previously existed, or perhaps adding another floor: the kind of challenge that high-end architects such as we at Lees Associates handle every day.
It’s a move which will give an office a real wow factor. It will also separate companies from the competition when it comes to attracting top people because it will become a place that people want to spend time and work in to enjoy what they are doing.
Some companies even install spa and meditations rooms
Many would argue that there should already be enough perks to keep staff happy. Bonuses, good pensions, generous sick pay, discount vouchers and many other such schemes have been around for years, but of course they still have not prevented the drift to WFH.
So perhaps it is time to consider bringing into the work place the kind of perks regularly enjoyed at home by the super wealthy - it has the potential to be a game changer. There is also good anecdotal evidence to suggest that companies that play together stay together, and are more profitable and productive, so that any investment can be quickly recouped.
Relaxed minds can think clearer and can be more productive
Large companies in particular have the power to change the lives of their employees in a really positive way. At the very top end the best talent is attracted by the premium facilities and décor that they have at home – the best demand the best and maybe that is all we need to know.