Work.life are flexible working spaces based in London, Manchester and Reading - whether you’re a team of one or a business of 40, their workspaces are created with happiness at their core. Because going to work shouldn’t feel like a chore.
Let’s face it: in a world where remote working, hybrid setups, and people deciding that the office is “just not for today” are all the rage, keeping your office-based team engaged can feel a bit like herding cats. But don’t worry! You don’t need to resort to bribes (well, maybe just a few) or force everyone to do team-building exercises involving trust falls (please, no). Instead, let’s dive into some fun, easy ways to keep your five-day-a-week office crew motivated, excited, and not counting the minutes until the weekend.
Build a company culture that people actually want to be a part of
Look, we’ve all seen those corporate videos where the team is “living their best life” with smiles that look a little too wide. The trick? Make your company culture the real deal! When your team feels like they’re part of something bigger than just the next deadline, they’re far more likely to stay engaged.
Create a culture where values are more than just buzzwords and where everyone’s excited to work together. Think team lunches that actually go beyond the “order pizza” phase and team events that don’t feel like they were planned by HR on a Monday morning. And don’t forget: regular communication is key. No one likes being out of the loop, unless they’re getting an extra day off (we get it, we’ve all been there). A Gallup study shows that employees who understand their company’s mission and values are more engaged – so get chatting!
Create a space that’s more “oasis” than “office”
Let’s talk about the office. It’s more than just a desk and a chair – it’s your team’s creative playground! If your office is a grey, fluorescent-lit dungeon, no amount of motivational posters will save you. You need a space that sparks creativity and makes people actually want to come in. And that's where places like Work.Life come in. Their spaces are designed not just for work but for fostering collaboration, creativity, and a sense of community. With flexible layouts, cosy break areas, and design elements that put people first, Work.Life spaces are designed to keep employees engaged and energised.
Studies from Office Vibe show that employees who love where they work are more productive. So, grab some plants, comfy chairs, and maybe even a foosball table (if you’ve got the space and the budget), and watch your office turn into a hub of happy, engaged employees. A great workspace doesn’t just boost morale – it transforms the entire work experience. After all, happy employees work harder and better!
Celebrate wins, big and small
Nothing boosts morale like a high-five, or in the case of a modern office, an emoji high-five. Don’t let your team’s achievements go unnoticed. Whether they’ve nailed a project or just survived another Monday, recognising hard work is a surefire way to keep engagement levels up. Whether it’s a shout-out in the weekly meeting, an impromptu “You rock” email, or a “Star Employee” award (no, it doesn’t have to be a gold star, though if you want to get fancy with it, go ahead), recognition matters.
According to TINYpulse, employees who feel recognised at work are 30% more likely to be engaged. So, go ahead, throw in some well-deserved praise and maybe a cheeky reward – your team will thank you (and probably start working even harder to get that next shout-out).
Promote well-being and the “no guilt” coffee break
You know what’s better than a 3pm slump? A well-timed coffee break where no one’s watching the clock. Encouraging work-life balance is key, especially when your team is in the office five days a week. Employees who feel supported in maintaining balance between work and their personal lives are more likely to stick around and be happy doing it.
Offer wellness programmes that don’t involve running marathons (unless your team is into that, in which case, go for it), promote taking breaks (and mean it!), and let your team know that mental health is as important as meeting deadlines. Hubstaff even found that 73% of employees value work-life balance when choosing an employer – so this one’s a biggie. Also, who’s turning down an extra-long lunch break now and then? Not us.
Encourage teamwork – without the “mandatory fun” vibes
In-office teams are like a band – when they play well together, the performance is a hit. And just like any good band, they need to work together to make sweet harmony happen. Encourage collaboration but avoid making it feel like some cheesy icebreaker activity. The goal is to bring people together, whether it’s through group projects, mentorship, or those fantastic after-work socials where “networking” takes on a whole new, less stressful meaning.
A Harvard Business Review study found that employees who collaborate regularly feel more committed and satisfied with their jobs. So, think about ways to bring people together without forcing it. No one wants to play "Two Truths and a Lie" on a Friday afternoon – unless they’re really desperate for conversation topics.
Get feedback and actually do something with it
So, you’ve tried all the things to boost engagement, but is your team actually happy? Don’t just guess – ask them! Regular feedback shows that you care and that you’re listening. Use surveys, one-on-one check-ins, or even a suggestion box (yes, they’re still a thing!) to find out what’s working and what could use some tweaking.
According to Gallup, employees who believe their feedback is acted upon are three times more likely to be engaged at work. So, keep the feedback loop going and make sure you act on what you hear. Trust us, your team will appreciate it, and your engagement levels will thank you.
Keeping your in-office team engaged doesn’t have to be hard work – it’s all about creating a culture that people want to be part of, offering them a space that’s more “productive retreat” than “cubicle prison”, and making sure they know their hard work is valued. Oh, and throwing in some well-timed breaks and fun activities doesn’t hurt either. After all, a happy team is an engaged team – and a happy, engaged team is a productive one.
