The Top 7 Tips for Getting Employees Excited About Returning to the Office

With offices reopening across the country after the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are looking for ways to get their teams excited and motivated about returning to work.

However, many companies find it difficult to lure employees back to the office with the same level of excitement and motivation that they had pre-pandemic.

If your company is struggling to get employees pumped about returning to the office, these seven tips may help. With the right strategies - and a partner in your corner - you can help your employees ease back into the office and be productive in no time.

Tip 1: Get employees excited about coming back by communicating the company’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

This may not sound exciting, but it's a great way to showcase your company's commitment to safety. Employees will be more likely to return to the office if they know that their safety is a top priority for the company.

Whether it's sharing the results of a recent deep clean or highlighting the new safety measures that have been put in place, let your team know that their safety is your number one concern.

When you can show that you are committed to keeping employees safe, they will be more likely to return to the office - and feel comfortable doing so.

Tip 2: Make returning to the office as seamless as possible.

The easier you make it for employees to return to the office, the more likely they are to do so. This means having a plan for how employees will transition back into the office.

Will there be a staggered schedule? What days will employees be required to come in? How will you handle lunch and break times?

The more you can plan, the less stressful the transition back to the office will be for employees - and the more likely they are to return.

Consider implementing hybrid options for employees that still feel uncomfortable coming into the office full-time. This way, everyone can ease back into the office at their own pace.

Tip 3: Enhance your in-office perks

One of the best ways to get employees excited about returning to the office is by enhancing your in-office perks. If your company didn't have many perks before, now is the time to start brainstorming.

In-office perks can range from free snacks and drinks to access to on-site amenities like a gym or pool. You can also offer employees flexible work hours or the ability to work from home one day a week. Don’t underestimate the power of fun in the office!

Think about what would make your team members want to come into the office and make it happen. Your employees will appreciate the extra effort - and you may find that it boosts morale and productivity in the process.

Tip 4: Encourage the company's remote working capabilities while enhancing inter-office culture

If your company offers the ability to work remotely, encourage employees to take advantage of it. However, take advantage of the opportunity to boost your in-office environment to show how office life brings social benefits! 

If you can communicate the benefits of both options, you can ensure that every employee feels heard and equipped to do their best work.

Tip 5: Introduce a new office layout

If your company is returning to the office after an extended period of working remotely, consider introducing a new office layout. This can help employees feel more comfortable in the office and boost morale.

A new office layout can also be a great way to encourage collaboration and teamwork. If you're looking for ways to get your team working together, a new office layout may be the answer.

A couple of ideas may include:

• Cubicles with low partitions to encourage collaboration

• Standing desks to increase energy levels

• Breakout areas for team bonding

Tip 6: Boost your after-hours social scene

If your company has an after-hours social scene, now is the time to boost it. After a long period of working remotely, employees may be craving social interaction.

A great way to get employees excited about returning to the office is by offering after-hours social events. This can be anything from happy hours to team building activities.

The more you can encourage social interaction, the better your inter-office culture will be. When team members enjoy one another, you'll be amazed at how much it can improve productivity.

Tip 7: Offer unique incentives for employees that return to the office

Incentives are a great way to get employees excited about returning to the office. If you offer perks like free parking or extra vacation days, you'll find that more employees are eager to come back.

You can also offer incentives for employees that reach specific goals. For example, you could offer a bonus for employees that hit their sales targets or achieve a perfect attendance record.

BONUS Tip 8: Utilize innovative team-building games

Bringing your teams together for some fun games is an excellent way to get everyone excited about being back in the office. Not only will your team have a great time, but these games will also promote teamwork and collaboration.

Team building games can include anything from escape rooms to scavenger hunts. You can also utilize in-person and online virtual games to get everyone involved.

No matter what you do, make sure that your team-building games are fun and engaging. The more your team enjoys them, the more they'll want to come back to the office.

Bring The Team Together with Bar None Games

When it comes to getting employees excited about returning to the office, these tips should help you get started. Implementing even a few of these ideas can make a big difference in how your team feels about

At Bar None Games, we know that getting back to the office after a long break can be challenging. That's why we've created a range of fun, virtual ice-breaker and team-building games that are perfect for helping employees settle back in and feel part of the team again.

Our games are live-hosted by professional entertainers, so you can be sure everyone will have a great time. Plus, our games are team-based, so players will need to work together to succeed.

And because we understand that every group is different, we create all our content ourselves to meet your specific needs. So if you're looking for a fun and easy way to welcome employees back to the office, Bar None Games is the perfect solution.

Want to learn more? Visit Bar None Games online today to learn how you can bring back your teams in style with our innovative team-building games.