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While some employers seem indifferent about whether their employees are excited to return to the office, others are proactively implementing changes—albeit with varying degrees of success—to attract their workforce back to the workplace. This topic sparked our interest after we came across a recent article in the Wall Street Journal discussing how offices are abandoning harsh fluorescent lighting in favor of innovative solutions. The article, titled “Offices Ditch Harsh Fluorescent Lights. New Tech Is On the Way,” highlights the growing trend of creating more inviting office environments. After all, who actually enjoys those buzzing, flickering lights?

If you’ve recently transitioned from working from home (WFH) to returning to the office (RTO), whether by choice or necessity, have you noticed any changes in your office environment? Have your workplace’s layout or amenities been updated, or did your employer introduce any enticing perks to enhance the RTO experience? What improvements would you advocate for if given the opportunity?

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The Wall Street Journal article highlights several advancements aimed at enhancing typical office lighting, which not only improve comfort but also have the potential to boost employee productivity and even provide various health benefits. Below are some of the innovations they covered:

• Circadian lighting, designed to be customized to align with the body’s natural circadian rhythms, allowing for adjustments in brightness and warmth, ultimately balancing melatonin and serotonin levels.
• Faux skylights, which simulate “sunlight” during the day and “moonlight” at night to create a more pleasant atmosphere.
• Adjustable lighting options in specific areas, such as conference rooms or private focus rooms, to cater to various activities.
• AI-controlled windows that adapt to changing outdoor conditions, providing optimal lighting based on the time of day or weather.
• Decorative lighted portals that enhance transition spaces, adding an aesthetic touch to the office.

What is the lighting situation like in your office, dear readers? Have there been any other physical modifications made by your employer to encourage more employees to return to the workplace? What changes would you personally implement?

Many companies are aiming to entice employees back by significantly enhancing their office spaces with vibrant colors and appealing decor. Be sure to check out another insightful article from the Wall Street Journal that explores how color can effectively boost productivity and motivation. The term “color-drenched” is particularly interesting in this context. Additionally, a recent New York Times piece discusses the concept of creating the ultimate “Envy Office,” which combines the comfort of a living room with the allure of a luxurious vacation space.

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In addition to physical changes, companies are also considering various employee perks to make returning to the office more appealing. Some of the strategies being employed include:

• Relaxed office dress codes, often shifting to a business casual style (we have some great tips for you!).
• Commuter benefits, such as providing public transit passes, reimbursing parking fees, or even offering free parking options.
• Relocation assistance for employees who were previously working remotely.
• Salary increases, exemplified by Cameo’s notable $10,000/year incentive.
• On-site childcare facilities, or subsidies for childcare costs.
• Flexible work hours to accommodate personal schedules.
• Complimentary lunches for all employees.

Have any of your employers implemented any of these perks, and did they influence your decision to return to the office? We recognize that some of our readers may not have the option to make that choice at all.

On a less favorable note: Did your office transition to a hot-desking model (which can be quite frustrating) as employees returned to in-person work? Is the workspace now more congested than it was before the pandemic due to the influx of remote-only hires? Are there any other unwelcome changes you’ve had to manage since the shift away from remote work?

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We want to hear from you, readers! Share the changes your employer has implemented since your return to the office. If you could bring one element (like furniture, lighting, or ambiance) from your home office to your workplace, what would it be?

Stock photo via Stencil