Written by Nick Lee, SIOR, CCIM and Jeremy Brubaker
Many companies are experiencing higher turnover rates, making company culture essential for a business’ continued existence. While employees are now seeking better opportunities, businesses are placing their focus on employee retention. Now more than ever, companies are trying to reshape the office environment to be more inclusive and improve workplace performance. As we enter 2022, how can companies reshape their workplace environments to support a harmonious workforce that fosters a positive company culture?
Great Leadership
Success begins at the top. Therefore, it is imperative to establish great leadership in an organization as the gold standard for employees to strive for. Being a great leader requires a deep understanding of why employees are leaving, knowing what keeps them there and implementing a solid strategy to not only attract new hires but also retain current employees. A recent survey by the Gensler Research Institute concluded top performing companies had leaders who drove performance and innovation by placing precedence on in-person interactions and the physical workplace.
Flexibility
Most companies have already implemented remote work, but for those who still require an in-office appearance, some compromises must be made to stay ahead of the competition. According to Gallup, almost half of the workers in the U.S. working full time are doing so remotely. That number increases to 70% among white collar workers. By offering flexibility, it allows employees a healthy work life balance. Instead of using PTO or sick time, companies can offer “remote work” for the day to allow employees the freedom to tend to a sick child or stay home for a delivery while working and not be confined to their typical work hours, while still getting their job done.
Causal Work Environment
Why not extend “Casual Fridays” to everyday? Let’s face it, the pandemic has brought on a more casual approach to the workplace as we’ve all experienced the zoom meetings with someone’s dog barking in the background to the occasional kid running up to mom or dad for a cameo, so why not offer that flexibility to those who are in the office too and give them a feeling of personal comfort while they work? By now, most companies have already adapted policies to reflect “business casual” work attire, in addition to allowing employees to include “personal touches” such as office décor and creative space ideas for the office, which increases their sense of inclusion and feeling valued. According to The Workforce Institute, “Employees with very high senses of belonging (95%) and engagement (92%) are significantly more likely to feel heard than those with very low belonging (25%) or engagement (30%).” Overall, a happy employee equates to financial gains for the company, producing a win-win situation for all parties.
When it comes to reshaping the workplace, there are many factors that can change how employees feel. One of these is company culture. The right leadership, flexibility in work hours and structure, as well as a casual office environment can have an enormous impact on employee morale and productivity, resulting in a strong workforce for the overall success for the company.
Nick Lee, SIOR, CCIM: nlee@nairl.com, 214-256-7121
Jeremy Brubaker: jbrubaker@nairl.com, 214-256-7118
