Office amenities are more than just conveniences that make life at work a little easier. The amenities you offer (or don’t offer) also send a message about how much you value your workers. It may seem like a minor thing, but offering even small workplace perks can help employees feel appreciated and seen.
Today’s savvy business owner knows how important it is to invest in employee health and workplace morale. A small investment upfront could pay off in a big way by reducing turnover and boosting productivity. Here’s how modern offices are rethinking everyday amenities.
Why Modern Business Owners Are Offering More Amenities
Modern business owners are choosing to offer more amenities to their employees for various reasons. They may be looking for ways to attract top talent and foster worker loyalty. They may also recognize the value of helping employees feel cared for and appreciated.
Amenities don’t have to be dramatic and expensive, like adding on a huge workplace gym. Even simple things like plentiful snacks, a discounted gym membership, or a filtered water dispenser for office use can boost morale.
Benefits of Offering Amenities to Your Employees
It’s natural to wonder whether it’s worth the investment to add a few amenities to your office space. This is especially true when you’re working with a tight budget or going through a slow period at work. No one can answer this question for you, but many business owners are finding that treating employees right can pay off in the form of increased productivity and profits.
Investing in your employees’ happiness and well-being is a lot like investing in your home, car, or any other valuable asset you own. Maintaining them requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort on your part. However, your care and attention help your assets retain their value and functionality for years to come. Similarly, investing in your employees helps foster loyalty and greater productivity, which can ultimately lead to increased profits and success for your business. Here’s a deeper look at the specific benefits you may enjoy by offering everyday amenities to your workers.
Increased Engagement and Ownership
Employees who feel like they matter to their coworkers and bosses are more likely to feel engaged and invested in their jobs. They may go out of their way to meet difficult deadlines and fulfill responsibilities because they’re committed to their work and to their employer. When you successfully instill a sense of ownership in your employees, you don’t have to micromanage because they’re fully invested in doing their job well.
Improved Employee Retention
You know the saying about how the grass isn’t always greener on the other side? Well, this isn’t true when it comes to workplace amenities. If your business doesn’t offer workplace perks but your competitors do, your employees will likely decide to test that “green grass” theory for themselves. Even simple, everyday amenities can work wonders for employee retention and may significantly reduce your turnover rate.
Reduced Stress
Stress is a huge problem for employees working in a competitive, fast-paced economy. You may think there’s nothing you can do to help workers manage their stress better, but that simply isn’t true. In addition to adjusting workloads as needed to make sure everyone’s carrying their fair share, you can also offer stress-busting amenities. Examples include healthy snacks and water dispensers to keep workers hydrated and energetic, ergonomic furniture, “quiet zones,” and professional massage services.
Enhanced Productivity
Workplace amenities can boost productivity by improving workplace morale and giving employees the support they need to thrive. Research shows that happy employees tend to be significantly more productive than dissatisfied workers. Happy workers tend to stay on top of their schedules better and organize their time more effectively. They’re also more likely to collaborate well with coworkers, which can help increase productivity across teams and departments. If you’ve been wondering how to improve worker output, offering more amenities may be a huge portion of the puzzle.
Better Workplace Morale
Workplace morale refers to the overall satisfaction, appreciation, and attitude employees feel while at work. It’s almost like a feeling that infiltrates every aspect of the workplace for better or for worse. When morale is high, it tends to foster higher productivity, cooperation, and engagement amongst employees. On the other hand, poor morale can lead to employee discontent, disengagement, and decreased loyalty. By offering simple office amenities, you may be able to improve workplace morale and reduce employee turnover.
Reduced Sick Days
Investing in amenities that boost employee health is one of the smartest things you can do as a business owner. These days, illnesses and diseases run rampant throughout society. To keep your employees well so they have fewer sick days, it’s important to make the workplace clean, welcoming, and conducive to good health. You can do this by ensuring there’s plenty of clean water available, healthy snacks, and mental health amenities such as wellness rooms or focus pods.
Show Employees You Care With Everyday Amenities
Offering amenities is one of the most important things you can do to improve employee morale and wellness. The good news is that even simple incentives can go a long way toward helping workers feel valued and appreciated. If you’re not currently offering any amenities, consider asking your employees what types of perks they’d most appreciate. Even though you’ll need to pay money upfront to add amenities to the office, your investment will likely pay off in the long run.
