As a business owner, it’s in your best interests to hire only the best people. The problem is this: your competitors are looking for the same people as well. So how do you entice top talent to join your team and, more importantly, make them stay? One way that some organisations have approached this is to provide office luxuries.

It’s not just office luxuries you have to provide, however. It’s amenities that employees actually want and look for when they’re job hunting or outright ask from their employers. What are these amenities? We provide a list of some of the most requested ones

1. A great desk and chair

Employees spend at least 40 hours a week at work. About 30 or more of those hours are spent on their desks. It’s only logical that these employees look for a great desk. Find something that’s comfortable and has ample space. Sit-stand desks have become popular over the years, and can be great choices to accommodate multiple preferences. These desks are also helpful in combating poor posture and promoting better health overall. You should also encourage the personalisation of desk spaces to help foster creativity and inspiration.

Of course, with a great desk should also come a great chair. Ergonomics should be a primary consideration because badly designed chairs can cause the aforementioned poor posture and other health problems. Think of a great chair as one of your investments for a healthier, happier workforce.

2. Refreshment facilities

A workplace survey revealed that 85% of employees want refreshment facilities in the office. Whether it’s coffee, tea, fruit juices, or just plain old water, your team will appreciate that you’re giving them easy access to beverages. Couple these drink options with a cool office bar and you have yourself a winning combination. You might even want to throw in some bottles of beer in a chilly bin to usher in the weekend or to celebrate a business milestone. Having refreshment facilities in your office can go a long way in providing your people with a much-needed break.

3. Easy access to food options

People will inevitably get hungry over the course of a working day. As such, people tend to prefer workplaces that give them easy access to a variety of dining options. This is why commercial and office spaces with restaurants nearby almost never lose tenants. If your own office isn’t in a prime location, consider a small in-house cafeteria. Working with food delivery services to make dining more accessible is also a good idea.

4. Natural light

Perhaps due to more awareness about workplace health, more employees are now asking for natural light as an added feature or amenity in the office. Aside from its importance in good health and overall wellbeing, exposure to natural light has also been proven to improve work productivity and efficiency. Besides, a space bathed in plenty of natural light simply feels more cheerful and welcoming. If your office doesn’t have a lot of windows, an option to look into are skylights.

5. Quiet meeting spaces

The open office concept has grabbed hold of many a workplace in New Zealand and all over the world. However, this popular layout has also resulted in a lack of private and quiet meeting spaces. More employees have expressed their want (perhaps even need) of small rooms where they can hold one-on-one meetings or interviews, or even just to take phone calls.

6. Breakout spaces and multi-use areas

In relation to having spaces dedicated to private meetings, another most-wanted feature by employees are breakout spaces. These could be as simple as a cosy room for taking cat naps to something like a rooftop garden. Consider your employees’ hobbies and try to include them in these breakout spaces as well. You should also think about incorporating multi-use areas in the workplace. For example, a lounge area or the aforementioned office bar could also double as collaborative workspaces.

7. Printing and scanning equipment

Businesses are already expected to have printing, copying, and scanning equipment. However, don’t just provide these facilities just to meet the demand. Make sure that the printers, copiers, and scanners are up to date. Outdated equipment can hamper efficiency and cause frustration. If you have a big office, think about investing in printing equipment with WiFi connectivity to make things easier and the workflow smoother.

8. Climate control

This is a little tricky because comfortable temperature is highly subjective. Some people run hot, while some get cold easily. The best way to ensure that everyone is happy is to not confine your people into their cubicles or desks. Let them work where they’re most comfortable (see: breakout spaces and multi-use areas).

9. Top-notch restroom facilities

Going to the restroom should not be a stressful affair. While you may not be able to provide complete privacy, you should at least strive to provide the most comfortable experience possible. Consider adding amenities like mouthwash and breath mints, hand lotions, and feminine hygiene products. Of course, a reliable supply of toilet paper is a must. If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, there are plenty of eco-friendly bathroom products available.

10. A clean office

You may be surprised that one of the most wanted office amenities is not an “amenity” in the strictest sense: cleanliness. Obviously, employees are expected to pick up after themselves. For example, when someone eats at their desk, they know that they should throw away napkins and disposable take-out food containers. Beyond these basics, however, do you have a cleaning crew to take care of what’s left behind at the end of each workday? Remember: a clean office is a happy and productive office. The less time your employees spend tidying up and wading through the clutter, the better for your bottom line.

British business mogul Sir Richard Branson is popularly quoted as saying “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your clients.” Nothing can be truer than this. When your people feel like they’re appreciated and well taken care of, they will actually want and even love to work. They’re more engaged and productive and will deliver stellar outputs and positive impact to your business.

Sources: