Office Perks and Upgrades Your Employees Will Appreciate

Making your employees feel valued is one of the best ways you can invest in your company’s long-term future. Office perks don’t have to be flashy; focus instead on reducing everyday annoyances and creating an atmosphere that promotes creativity and a positive frame of mind.

Cooperative Technology

First, the basics. Having efficient and user-friendly technology is absolutely crucial; nothing is more frustrating for employees than trying to work with a company-provided device that’s buggy or too slow. Think about the busiest part of the year for your business and use it as a baseline when determining how fast your network needs to be; a speedy connection makes work more efficient even during slower periods, and you definitely don’t want hold-ups at crunch time. Keep software updated and don’t put off replacing older hardware that’s no longer up to the job. And don’t forget cybersecurity; train your employees in best practices in addition to using up-to-date security software.

Meeting room solutions also start with the basics (adequate space, adjustable lighting, low ambient noise, furniture that’s both comfortable and functional) and scale up from there. Think about all the ways your employees communicate, both onsite and off. What sort of tech will you need to handle, say, a meeting with three people in the room and four more joining by videoconference? How about when those numbers go up by a factor of ten, or 100? Do you need to invest in a better audio-visual system for making presentations to clients? If an upcoming event requires more or a different type of AV equipment than your business normally needs, companies such as Presentations Data offer short-term rentals.

Other useful technology perks for your employees can be as simple as extra chargers for mobile devices in the breakroom and wireless keyboards to reduce desk clutter, or as fancy and innovative as a touch screen that controls lighting, temperature, and even window shades.

Commuting Assistance

Free parking is a coveted perk if you can swing it, but many employees are choosing other ways of getting to work. Upgrade from a standard bike rack on the sidewalk to a dedicated indoor space for storing bicycles, and make sure the space includes hooks or shelves for helmets and outlets for recharging electric bikes. If the weather in your area is frequently hot and humid, employees who walk or bike to work may especially appreciate an on-site shower and changing area. Also, take a look at the public transit situation in your city: can you make your employees’ commute easier by, for instance, providing a shuttle directly from the light rail station to your office?

 A Welcoming Environment

Your offices should be both inviting and up-to-date. Maximize natural light and window views wherever possible; live plants also help to brighten up indoor spaces. Stay on top of cleaning and maintenance; both clients and employees will notice if the floors are dirty or the walls need a fresh coat of paint. Put loud equipment such as photocopiers behind a closed door and use carpeting and soft furnishings to help reduce ambient noise.  

You should have options for seating outside the breakroom. Comfortable chairs and benches in various spots throughout the office encourage spontaneous conversation that can lead to problem-solving or new ideas.

A private room for employees who need to pump breast milk or take a mental break is a must. Provide a cozy chair and a side table or shelf, easily accessible electrical outlets, adequate but not glaring light, and a plush rug to help deaden noise.

Make sure your employees have snacks that go beyond the standard water cooler and chips. A nearby deli or coffee shop can offer more than coffee and pastries — consider arranging regular delivery of a basket of fresh fruit or a tray of cheese. You can also support local businesses that offer specialty food products; mix it up so you have cinnamon chocolate truffles one week and cheddar-jalapeño popcorn the next. An electric tea kettle and a selection of teas and cocoas will likely be welcome in any office, regardless of the season.

Upgrading your office environment will go a long way towards keeping your company’s employees happy and productive.