Most businesses benefit from making employees feel at home. When employees are more comfortable, more familiar, and more engaged with each other in their environment, they tend to be more productive and happier. They collaborate more efficiently, they have less stress, and they’re more genuinely interested in positively contributing to the company.
The question is, how can you make employees feel more at home when working?
Consider Your Culture
Before you brace for any major changes, think carefully about your unique organizational culture. Different businesses operate in different ways, and that’s perfectly acceptable; changes that could help one organization thrive could be devastating to a different organization with a different philosophy.Â
Accordingly, you’ll need to understand the core values of your business, the alignment of your employees, and the ecosystem you’re trying to create before you commit to any major changes.
For example, do you want this to be an open, flexible, and laid-back environment? A colorful couch in the middle of the office could be a valuable new fixture. The same can’t be said if you want this to be a more focused, diligent, and formal environment.
Provide More Individual Spaces and Autonomy
In most cases, your employees will feel more at home and working if you provide them more individual spaces and autonomy to make their own work environment decisions. You may not be able to give every employee their own private office, but you can at least give them enough space and enough flexibility that they can optimize their own work areas as they see fit.
Even simple changes, like putting up framed family photos or decorating for the holidays, can make a big difference in your team’s morale.
Offer an Interesting Break Room
The break room is one of the most important rooms of your office, since it’s where your employees will frequently meet up and chat with each other. Think of it like a living room or family room for your business. The more interesting and desirable this room is, the more it’s going to attract employees, and the more likely those employees will be to open up to each other. Include some recreational activities, like a dartboard, if you want employees to relax and have fun. Otherwise, keep the refrigerator stocked and make sure the break room is comfortable.
Upgrade the Bathroom
Every employee will use the bathroom on a daily basis, so it’s one of the most valuable areas to upgrade.
·    Install a bidet. Installing a bidet could fundamentally change your employees’ bathroom experiences for the better. Bidets are more efficient than toilet paper, getting people cleaner while reducing their reliance on toilet paper. It may take an adjustment if your employees aren’t used to this type of device, but soon, they’ll see the incredible benefits for themselves.
· Splurge on paper products. For employees who insist on using paper products, consider splurging on this item. Thicker, more absorbent toilet paper and paper towels aren’t much more expensive than their thin, rough counterparts, but they provide a much more comfortable experience.
· Invest in frequent cleaning. Make sure the bathroom stays as clean as possible throughout the day. If employees feel the bathroom is neglected, messy, or smelly, they’re going to be put off. Add some deodorizers and pleasant scents for good measure.
Get Some Comfortable Furniture
Consider investing in more comfortable furniture for the office. A handful of couches, comfy chairs, and other pieces of furniture can make employees feel more welcome – and even give them an opportunity to take a nap if they need one after a particularly difficult shift.
Host Teambuilding Events and Parties
Teambuilding is a practically necessary investment if you want your employees to bond with each other and work together as a team. That’s why you should plan more teambuilding events and parties in this shared space.Â
As your team members get to know each other better and spend more time collectively, they’ll gradually warm up to this environment and build stronger bonds.
Interact With Friendliness and Respect
It’s not just about the design of your workspace; it’s also about the interactions within it. Make sure all your employees, especially your leaders, interact with each other with friendliness and respect. Even the best office upgrades in the world aren’t going to make up for lousy interpersonal experiences.
Change Things Up
Finally, consider experimenting and changing things from time to time. Even if your office is awesome, it’s going to get boring if it stays the same.
You can never make an office truly feel like home – but you can get much closer with these effective strategies. Find what works best for your organization and your employees, then commit to updating the environment at least periodically.