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How to design a workplace that attracts and retains talent
Author:
04
April 2024
3
min read
An organisation’s success hinges on being able to attract and retain top talent, but 80% of employers in the UK are struggling to find the workers they need.
Changes in technology, evolving workplace dynamics, and the impact of the pandemic have redefined the needs and expectations of both employers and employees. In this article, we’ll explore how some of these shifts are impacting on the role of the office, and how we’re helping our clients enhance their attraction and retention strategies through workplace design.
Employee expectations are on the rise
Traditional incentives, including competitive pay, good coffee, and ‘dress down Fridays’ are no longer enough to win over top talent. Employee expectations have changed, and, according to the Employee Experience Trends Report from Qualtrics, are set to rise even higher throughout 2024.
Jobseekers and staff are craving more flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for progression and are favouring socially responsible organisations. Employers that prioritise the needs and preferences of their workforce will benefit from a more productive, creative and engaged team. But in many cases, there’s a disconnect between what employees value and what employers offer.
The demand for flexibility vs the ‘remote rewind’
In today’s job market, flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s become a top priority for workers. According to research from Indeed, flexibility, remote and hybrid working options rank as the highest-valued benefits among candidates. In Britain, more than 82% of workers say they want to work flexibly in the future – this rises to 87% among female workers.
But despite the demand for flexible working arrangements, a surprising number of companies are eager to return to the old 9-to-5 grind. In fact, two in five companies are returning to five days in the office a week.
This ‘remote rewind’ is causing an employer-employee disconnect and negatively impacting on attraction and retention. So, how do we bridge this gap and align priorities?
Leaders can start by listening to their staff, understanding different work styles and adopting a more collaborative approach to workplace design. Collecting staff feedback and workplace data will help shape a purposeful, efficient and productive workspace. In doing so, organisations will provide an experience that will naturally draw people in.
Co-creating with Interflora
In partnership with Interflora, we established early on that this was fundamentally a people project. Despite the overall challenges regarding space and size, it would be people’s behaviours and their acceptance of the workplace that would define its success.
By gathering data and information through surveys, interviews and site visits, we got to understand Interflora’s brand essence, long-term business strategy and how its future office could better support work activities and processes. Together, we agreed on headline objectives, which meant putting sustainability, productivity, well-being and employee experience at the forefront of design.
The result is an inspiring, dynamic and multi-functional environment that supports moments that matter – collaborating, socialising and celebrating. This flexible and modern space works harder for the organisation and its people, accommodating different jobs, work styles and personalities.
Building an inclusive and diverse workforce
Companies with diverse workforces perform better financially, make better decisions, and enhance employee attraction and retention. Inclusive organisations value differences, encourage a sense of belonging, and enable all employees to do their best work.
To attract and retain a diverse workforce, leaders must actively challenge assumptions and understand the complex variety of needs, abilities and aspirations within their organisation. Taking a holistic design approach gives employees the freedom and flexibility to choose how and where they work.
A global workplace survey by Gensler found that providing an ideal mix of experiences in the workplace is key to attracting people back into the office, with 45% of respondents claiming they would come in one more day a week if there was a diverse range of spaces.
For our client Entain, this meant designing a fully accessible space with wheelchair access, automatic doors and Braille signage. We also introduced quiet zones, collaborative areas, wellness spaces and multi-faith rooms to support the needs and preferences of a diverse workforce.
“Building and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where employees feel a sense of belonging is not just a trend, it’s a strategic business imperative in recognising that diverse workplaces drive innovation and help organisations thrive.”
Misty Gaither, Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Indeed
You’ve got to train to retain
Employees are increasingly seeking opportunities for learning and career development. According to Colliers’ annual engagement survey, a lack of opportunities to learn and progress is a key reason why people choose to leave their job.
To help employee retention, many of our clients are introducing versatile training studios, presentation areas and collaborative zones equipped with flexible furniture and moveable technology so users can adapt the space to their requirements.
Incorporating spaces dedicated to training and knowledge-sharing shows commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation and growth.
Standing by your ethics and values
Employees and consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of business operations.
Companies that stand by their values are more likely to attract the right candidates, build trust and create a sense of togetherness in the workplace. This is particularly important when attracting the new wave of talent – 70% of Gen Z workers, for example, say they want to work for a company whose values align with their own.
Embracing sustainability goals is also crucial when considering your attraction and retention strategy. For Pluxee, this led to a 70% reduction in office space, moving from a traditional fixed-desk set-up to a more flexible, collaborative and digitally enhanced environment.
“Failure to adapt not only threatens the planet but also puts businesses at risk of losing talent, credibility and contracts.”
Jamie Richardson, Sustainability Director at TSK
In summary
To attract and retain talent and remain competitive, employers need to know what will help their current and future workforce to flourish and be willing to adapt their workspace accordingly. Those who do will be rewarded with a highly engaged, productive and energised workforce.
If you’d like to know more about how workplace design can influence your attraction and retention strategy, get in touch with our team of workplace consultants here.
Download for free now
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
How to design a workplace that attracts and retains talent
Author:
04
April 2024
3
min read
An organisation’s success hinges on being able to attract and retain top talent, but 80% of employers in the UK are struggling to find the workers they need.
Changes in technology, evolving workplace dynamics, and the impact of the pandemic have redefined the needs and expectations of both employers and employees. In this article, we’ll explore how some of these shifts are impacting on the role of the office, and how we’re helping our clients enhance their attraction and retention strategies through workplace design.
Employee expectations are on the rise
Traditional incentives, including competitive pay, good coffee, and ‘dress down Fridays’ are no longer enough to win over top talent. Employee expectations have changed, and, according to the Employee Experience Trends Report from Qualtrics, are set to rise even higher throughout 2024.
Jobseekers and staff are craving more flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for progression and are favouring socially responsible organisations. Employers that prioritise the needs and preferences of their workforce will benefit from a more productive, creative and engaged team. But in many cases, there’s a disconnect between what employees value and what employers offer.
The demand for flexibility vs the ‘remote rewind’
In today’s job market, flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s become a top priority for workers. According to research from Indeed, flexibility, remote and hybrid working options rank as the highest-valued benefits among candidates. In Britain, more than 82% of workers say they want to work flexibly in the future – this rises to 87% among female workers.
But despite the demand for flexible working arrangements, a surprising number of companies are eager to return to the old 9-to-5 grind. In fact, two in five companies are returning to five days in the office a week.
This ‘remote rewind’ is causing an employer-employee disconnect and negatively impacting on attraction and retention. So, how do we bridge this gap and align priorities?
Leaders can start by listening to their staff, understanding different work styles and adopting a more collaborative approach to workplace design. Collecting staff feedback and workplace data will help shape a purposeful, efficient and productive workspace. In doing so, organisations will provide an experience that will naturally draw people in.
Co-creating with Interflora
In partnership with Interflora, we established early on that this was fundamentally a people project. Despite the overall challenges regarding space and size, it would be people’s behaviours and their acceptance of the workplace that would define its success.
By gathering data and information through surveys, interviews and site visits, we got to understand Interflora’s brand essence, long-term business strategy and how its future office could better support work activities and processes. Together, we agreed on headline objectives, which meant putting sustainability, productivity, well-being and employee experience at the forefront of design.
The result is an inspiring, dynamic and multi-functional environment that supports moments that matter – collaborating, socialising and celebrating. This flexible and modern space works harder for the organisation and its people, accommodating different jobs, work styles and personalities.
Building an inclusive and diverse workforce
Companies with diverse workforces perform better financially, make better decisions, and enhance employee attraction and retention. Inclusive organisations value differences, encourage a sense of belonging, and enable all employees to do their best work.
To attract and retain a diverse workforce, leaders must actively challenge assumptions and understand the complex variety of needs, abilities and aspirations within their organisation. Taking a holistic design approach gives employees the freedom and flexibility to choose how and where they work.
A global workplace survey by Gensler found that providing an ideal mix of experiences in the workplace is key to attracting people back into the office, with 45% of respondents claiming they would come in one more day a week if there was a diverse range of spaces.
For our client Entain, this meant designing a fully accessible space with wheelchair access, automatic doors and Braille signage. We also introduced quiet zones, collaborative areas, wellness spaces and multi-faith rooms to support the needs and preferences of a diverse workforce.
“Building and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where employees feel a sense of belonging is not just a trend, it’s a strategic business imperative in recognising that diverse workplaces drive innovation and help organisations thrive.”
Misty Gaither, Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Indeed
You’ve got to train to retain
Employees are increasingly seeking opportunities for learning and career development. According to Colliers’ annual engagement survey, a lack of opportunities to learn and progress is a key reason why people choose to leave their job.
To help employee retention, many of our clients are introducing versatile training studios, presentation areas and collaborative zones equipped with flexible furniture and moveable technology so users can adapt the space to their requirements.
Incorporating spaces dedicated to training and knowledge-sharing shows commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation and growth.
Standing by your ethics and values
Employees and consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of business operations.
Companies that stand by their values are more likely to attract the right candidates, build trust and create a sense of togetherness in the workplace. This is particularly important when attracting the new wave of talent – 70% of Gen Z workers, for example, say they want to work for a company whose values align with their own.
Embracing sustainability goals is also crucial when considering your attraction and retention strategy. For Pluxee, this led to a 70% reduction in office space, moving from a traditional fixed-desk set-up to a more flexible, collaborative and digitally enhanced environment.
“Failure to adapt not only threatens the planet but also puts businesses at risk of losing talent, credibility and contracts.”
Jamie Richardson, Sustainability Director at TSK
In summary
To attract and retain talent and remain competitive, employers need to know what will help their current and future workforce to flourish and be willing to adapt their workspace accordingly. Those who do will be rewarded with a highly engaged, productive and energised workforce.
If you’d like to know more about how workplace design can influence your attraction and retention strategy, get in touch with our team of workplace consultants here.
An organisation’s success hinges on being able to attract and retain top talent, but 80% of employers in the UK are struggling to find the workers they need.
Changes in technology, evolving workplace dynamics, and the impact of the pandemic have redefined the needs and expectations of both employers and employees. In this article, we’ll explore how some of these shifts are impacting on the role of the office, and how we’re helping our clients enhance their attraction and retention strategies through workplace design.
Employee expectations are on the rise
Traditional incentives, including competitive pay, good coffee, and ‘dress down Fridays’ are no longer enough to win over top talent. Employee expectations have changed, and, according to the Employee Experience Trends Report from Qualtrics, are set to rise even higher throughout 2024.
Jobseekers and staff are craving more flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for progression and are favouring socially responsible organisations. Employers that prioritise the needs and preferences of their workforce will benefit from a more productive, creative and engaged team. But in many cases, there’s a disconnect between what employees value and what employers offer.
The demand for flexibility vs the ‘remote rewind’
In today’s job market, flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s become a top priority for workers. According to research from Indeed, flexibility, remote and hybrid working options rank as the highest-valued benefits among candidates. In Britain, more than 82% of workers say they want to work flexibly in the future – this rises to 87% among female workers.
But despite the demand for flexible working arrangements, a surprising number of companies are eager to return to the old 9-to-5 grind. In fact, two in five companies are returning to five days in the office a week.
This ‘remote rewind’ is causing an employer-employee disconnect and negatively impacting on attraction and retention. So, how do we bridge this gap and align priorities?
Leaders can start by listening to their staff, understanding different work styles and adopting a more collaborative approach to workplace design. Collecting staff feedback and workplace data will help shape a purposeful, efficient and productive workspace. In doing so, organisations will provide an experience that will naturally draw people in.
Co-creating with Interflora
In partnership with Interflora, we established early on that this was fundamentally a people project. Despite the overall challenges regarding space and size, it would be people’s behaviours and their acceptance of the workplace that would define its success.
By gathering data and information through surveys, interviews and site visits, we got to understand Interflora’s brand essence, long-term business strategy and how its future office could better support work activities and processes. Together, we agreed on headline objectives, which meant putting sustainability, productivity, well-being and employee experience at the forefront of design.
The result is an inspiring, dynamic and multi-functional environment that supports moments that matter – collaborating, socialising and celebrating. This flexible and modern space works harder for the organisation and its people, accommodating different jobs, work styles and personalities.
Building an inclusive and diverse workforce
Companies with diverse workforces perform better financially, make better decisions, and enhance employee attraction and retention. Inclusive organisations value differences, encourage a sense of belonging, and enable all employees to do their best work.
To attract and retain a diverse workforce, leaders must actively challenge assumptions and understand the complex variety of needs, abilities and aspirations within their organisation. Taking a holistic design approach gives employees the freedom and flexibility to choose how and where they work.
A global workplace survey by Gensler found that providing an ideal mix of experiences in the workplace is key to attracting people back into the office, with 45% of respondents claiming they would come in one more day a week if there was a diverse range of spaces.
For our client Entain, this meant designing a fully accessible space with wheelchair access, automatic doors and Braille signage. We also introduced quiet zones, collaborative areas, wellness spaces and multi-faith rooms to support the needs and preferences of a diverse workforce.
“Building and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where employees feel a sense of belonging is not just a trend, it’s a strategic business imperative in recognising that diverse workplaces drive innovation and help organisations thrive.”
Misty Gaither, Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Indeed
You’ve got to train to retain
Employees are increasingly seeking opportunities for learning and career development. According to Colliers’ annual engagement survey, a lack of opportunities to learn and progress is a key reason why people choose to leave their job.
To help employee retention, many of our clients are introducing versatile training studios, presentation areas and collaborative zones equipped with flexible furniture and moveable technology so users can adapt the space to their requirements.
Incorporating spaces dedicated to training and knowledge-sharing shows commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation and growth.
Standing by your ethics and values
Employees and consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of business operations.
Companies that stand by their values are more likely to attract the right candidates, build trust and create a sense of togetherness in the workplace. This is particularly important when attracting the new wave of talent – 70% of Gen Z workers, for example, say they want to work for a company whose values align with their own.
Embracing sustainability goals is also crucial when considering your attraction and retention strategy. For Pluxee, this led to a 70% reduction in office space, moving from a traditional fixed-desk set-up to a more flexible, collaborative and digitally enhanced environment.
“Failure to adapt not only threatens the planet but also puts businesses at risk of losing talent, credibility and contracts.”
Jamie Richardson, Sustainability Director at TSK
In summary
To attract and retain talent and remain competitive, employers need to know what will help their current and future workforce to flourish and be willing to adapt their workspace accordingly. Those who do will be rewarded with a highly engaged, productive and energised workforce.
If you’d like to know more about how workplace design can influence your attraction and retention strategy, get in touch with our team of workplace consultants here.
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