It is no secret that employees like working from home. Since companies took the bold step to redefine how employees work, many have since grown accustomed to the comforts that come with flexible and remote working. Yet, remote working is not possible for all employees or for all employers.
If that is the case, there are a number of other benefits that you could consider extending that would perk up those employees who might resent having to commute to the office. Other benefits could also set your company apart from its competitors and help you to attract and retain talent in today’s tight talent market.
Pet-friendly offices
One of the biggest rewards to working from home for those employees with pets was the ability to spend more time with them. If your building’s management allows it, why not turn your office into a pet-friendly environment?
Bringing pets into the office has a number of benefits. Having pets in the office can counteract unnecessary stress and remind people to take temporary mental breaks which can be helpful in combatting fatigue, burnout and stress. Pets also come with the benefit of improved morale and improved communication amongst colleagues and studies have shown that they have a calming effect, reduce blood pressure and make employees more cordial and productive.
Better communication leads to more trust—a key component in a successful work environment. Both of these rival stress and promote productivity which in turn cause improved morale and reduced absenteeism. Reduced stress means less stress-related ailments and the healthcare costs that accompany them.
Here at HR Magazine, we have regular ‘bring your pet to work days’ which are enjoyed by both employees and pooches alike. Though, before you make a paw-sitive change, there are a few important things to consider.
Ensure that all employees are comfortable with the idea of sharing their space with pets and that no one is afraid or has fatal allergies. It is also important to lay ground rules and proper procedures for handling misbehaving pets. You may also want to limit the number of pets that can be on-site at any given time so that the office does not become too crowded.
Improved flexibility
If you are unable to offer remote working, how about offering employees greater flexibility. This could be as simple as swapping shifts, allowing people to attend doctor’s appointments or attend their kids’ school play or anything else that helps employees achieve a better work-life balance.
If flexible working is also not an option, try offering on-site benefits that make coming into the office as attractive as possible. Catered lunches and premium snacks can go a long way as can offering more generous amounts of leave and employee appreciation programmes. If you are unsure which benefits are most wanted, go ahead and ask your people but be sure to listen!
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
