The business world is changing and evolving. The nature of work is different from what it was a generation ago. The workforce is different and diverse and it will continue to change even further as we move into the future. Their dreams and aspirations are different, their demographic and cultural characteristics are different and consequently their requirements, attitudes, expectations from the workplace are also different. Add to this the fierce competition all around in the world of business and you have a situation where you have to scramble and fight to attract and retain the right talent for your organization.

In order to do this you have to create an environment that will make employees want to work with you and not with the competition. In this article we will discuss how the right combination of ambience, culture, space, design and workplace amenities can add to the charm and lure of your organization as an inspiring place to work in.

Every worker is different

Every organization is different, every worker is different – there is no one-size-fits-all collection of amenities in the workplace of the future. Workers need a workplace experience that is in sync with their specific requirements and expectations. This has to be done so as to also reflect the philosophy, values and culture of the organization. This will create an emotional bonding and engagement with employees and inspire them to contribute positively to the company.

Organizations need to promote connectivity and collaboration among workers – human interaction is known to enhance health and well-being, it creates a sense of belonging and induces teamwork and sharing. Advanced technology and remote working are reducing the chances of social interaction. Hence a community center, a food court, lounges, coffee shops, hangouts, informal break-rooms, sit-outs become essential to nurture and sustain human interactions, be it for meetings, exchange of ideas, discussions, counseling, relaxation, or just an informal tete-a-tete between colleagues.

Adding wings to the workforce of the future

Technology is adding wings to the workforce of the future. It has changed the way the world communicates, shares, creates, executes, implements, reacts and provides feedback or appreciation. Millennials use technology for their every need 24 hours a day – they cannot live without these gizmos for a minute. So if organizations beef up on the technology they provide to employees they are more likely to remain engaged and loyal and committed to you.
Health and well-being of the workforce.

Given the importance allocated to health and well-being by the workforce, it makes sense to provide a working area that is well-designed and planned with the employees comforts in mind – be it chairs, work stations, layout, colour scheme or just space and seating arrangements. In-house medical support, gyms, nutritionists, massage rooms, on-site exercise classes, crèches for children of working parents etc all improve the comfort level of employees and result in higher productivity and efficiency.

Thus if you are to attract, hire and retain the best workforce of the future, you have to invest, among other things, in the amenities and facilities you provide for them. While this will depend on your worker profile and their needs and expectations, your objectives and plans and the economic scenario around you, you need to select those that will motivate and inspire workers, that are convenient, that give employee satisfaction, that add to employee delight, that boost employee engagement and achieve a work-life balance. All these factors add up to higher organizational productivity and success.