There is a lot of discussion just now about getting back into the office and whether this should be mandatory or left to a more voluntary arrangement. One of the perspectives on this is to consider the “why”, what is the purpose of being present in the office. For many there has to be a good reason and a real benefit from making the journey and taking the time to travel into the office.
Here are my thoughts on some of the “why”
Learning particularly for those who are at an early stage in their careers, newly appointed into a post or hungry to make career progress. They will learn by osmosis just being in the office environment listening, watching and absorbing what is going on, sharing experiences and getting direct input and guidance. First hand learning, getting real time feedback and demonstrating commitment are positive markers for those wishing to grow and develop their career. That happens best in the workplace, feet on the ground and ears alert.
Wellbeing can be influenced by being in a positive workspace. Creating a space that is comfortable, even energising and allows personal concentration can be highly regarded.
Recently we have had some amazing artwork hanging on our office walls whilst we have hosted an art exhibition and it has made a real positive difference to ambience and presence in the office. I would not have believed that having something to look at would be so helpful. The artist told me that her work is like a portal to another world, an opportunity to see yourself and situations in another dimension, and to lose yourself momentarily. And it is true. I have found myself looking into the depths of the canvas and that has helped me look at circumstances from a different perspective and find a different way to navigate a problem.
I am going to miss the impact these paintings have had on our workspace and will need to find a way to recreating the impact that they have had.
Have you had a good look round your workspace? What do you really see, feel, hear, and sense? What messages do your walls tell? Is it really a space in which you want to spend time? And does it attract people to come to work? Or something that they have to endure? Is it tidy or messy? Is it loved and cared for? What does it say about you and your business?
It is not just the physical environment that can make a difference. Relationships are a major influencing factor in encouraging people back into the office. Wanting to share time with your colleagues, feeling good around each other and enjoying the company of those around you are so important. The opposite of that results in a toxic atmosphere, where people can become isolated, work against each other and make people want to stay at home to avoid a negative atmosphere.
What can you as a business owner or manager do? I believe that it is the responsibility of leaders to create the right environment, physical and emotional.
- Encourage positive behaviours
- Deal with negative behaviours – however small or trivial it may seem
- Set boundaries about what is and is not acceptable
- Provide opportunities for people to come together to socialise – perhaps a coffee meet up, a staff lunch, walking groups, volunteering, social events. Try to be inclusive so that there is a choice for all.
- Make team contribution part of individual’s objectives and talk to people about the part they play in their 1-2-1s
- Train and encourage managers to promote positive behaviours
- Talk about it – make it acceptable to call out negative experiences
I think that we need to work a bit harder to make people want to come to the office, to have a clear purpose for being in the office, to trust that they will continue to work productively when they are not in the office and to create a physical and emotional environment that supports, encourages safe and thoughtful places – places where you want to be.
We have various strategies to enhance your business as a positive place to work, if you would like to find out more you can contact Gravitate HR on 0141 459 7458 or book a 20-minute call with one of our team.
