10 Incentives to Make a Return to Office Exciting
The return to office (RTO) movement is in full swing, but let’s be honest—getting employees excited about leaving the comfort of their home offices isn’t always easy. After years of remote work, many employees have grown accustomed to the flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance that comes with working from home. So, how do you make the office a place people want to be?
The answer lies in creative incentives. From social perks to professional development opportunities, there are plenty of ways to make the office feel less like an obligation and more like a destination. Let’s dive into 10 incentives that can make returning to the office exciting—and maybe even something your team looks forward to.
1. Focus on Social Connections
Let’s face it: one of the biggest things people miss about the office is the camaraderie. According to a Harvard Business Review article, 84% of employees would be motivated to go into the office if they could socialize with coworkers.
Team-building activities: Organize regular events like “Team Thursdays” for socializing or group problem-solving.
Work friends: Encourage employees to reconnect with their “work besties” by scheduling in-office days when their favorite colleagues will be there.
Office celebrations: Host monthly get-togethers, like happy hours or themed lunches, to foster a sense of community.
2. Make Commuting Easier
Commuting is often cited as one of the biggest pain points of returning to the office. Help ease the burden by offering:
Commuting stipends: Cover transportation costs or provide parking reimbursements.
Flexible hours: Allow employees to avoid peak traffic times.
Shuttle services: Offer company-sponsored shuttles or carpool programs.
By making the journey to work less stressful, you’ll make the office feel more accessible—and less like a chore.
3. Offer Childcare and Petcare Benefits
For many employees, returning to the office means figuring out what to do with their kids or pets. Ease this transition by offering:
On-site childcare: Partner with local daycare providers to offer discounted rates or on-site facilities.
Pet-friendly policies: Allow employees to bring their pets to work or provide stipends for pet care.
These benefits show that you understand and care about your employees’ personal lives, making the office a more welcoming place.
4. Reimagine the Office Space
Nobody wants to return to a drab, outdated office. Make the workspace more inviting by:
Optimizing office layouts: Create collaborative spaces, quiet zones, and comfortable lounges.
Adding greenery: Plants can improve air quality and boost morale.
Upgrading amenities: Think standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and high-tech meeting rooms.
A well-designed office can make employees feel valued and inspired.
5. Provide Learning and Development Opportunities
One of the best ways to incentivize a return to the office is by offering opportunities for growth. Consider:
In-person workshops: Host training sessions or guest speaker events that are only available in the office.
Mentorship programs: Pair employees with mentors who can help them advance their careers.
Skill-building activities: Offer classes or certifications that align with employees’ professional goals.
By investing in your employees’ development, you’ll not only motivate them to come in but also help them grow within the company.
6. Adopt a Flexible Hybrid Schedule
A rigid 9-to-5 schedule is a tough sell in today’s world. Instead, offer:
Hybrid options: Allow employees to split their time between home and the office.
Flexible hours: Let employees choose their start and end times based on their personal needs.
Remote Fridays: Give employees the option to work from home on Fridays to ease the transition.
Flexibility shows that you trust your employees to manage their time effectively, which can boost morale and productivity.
7. Introduce New Perks and Benefits
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Consider adding perks like:
Free lunches: Who doesn’t love a free meal?
Wellness programs: Offer gym memberships, yoga classes, or mental health resources.
Commuter benefits: Provide subsidies for public transportation or rideshare services.
These small gestures can go a long way in making the office feel like a perk rather than a punishment.
8. Encourage Regular Office Attendance with Rewards
Create a system that rewards employees for coming into the office. For example:
Attendance challenges: Offer prizes for employees who come in a certain number of days per month.
Recognition programs: Publicly acknowledge employees who consistently show up.
Incentive programs: Provide bonuses or gift cards for meeting attendance goals.
Rewards can turn office attendance into a fun and competitive activity.
9. Foster Collaboration and Creativity
The office is a great place for brainstorming and teamwork. Encourage collaboration by:
Hosting brainstorming sessions: Schedule regular meetings where employees can share ideas and solve problems together.
Creating collaborative spaces: Designate areas for group work and creative thinking.
Encouraging cross-departmental projects: Bring teams together to work on exciting new initiatives.
When employees see the office as a hub for innovation, they’ll be more motivated to come in.
10. Communicate the “Why” Behind RTO
Finally, make sure employees understand the purpose of returning to the office. Whether it’s to strengthen company culture, improve collaboration, or enhance onboarding for new hires, clearly communicate the benefits of in-person work.
Hold town halls: Share the company’s vision and goals for RTO.
Solicit feedback: Ask employees what would make the office more appealing to them.
Be transparent: Address concerns and be open to making adjustments based on employee input.
When employees feel heard and understand the bigger picture, they’re more likely to embrace the change.
Conclusion: Make the Office a Place People Want to Be
Returning to the office doesn’t have to feel like a step backward. By offering the right incentives—whether it’s social opportunities, professional development, or flexible schedules—you can make the office a place employees are excited to return to.
So, what’s your next move? Start by implementing one or two of these incentives and see how your team responds. And remember, the key to a successful RTO strategy is listening to your employees and adapting to their needs.
Ready to make your office the place to be? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us for more tips on creating a workplace people love.
