A simple thank-you can go a long way to make office employees feel valued. So can small gifts or amenities at work — and they don’t have to cost a fortune.
A Gallup workplace report notes that the best managers are those who promote a recognition-rich environment, the foundation of which is knowing how employees like to receive recognition and praise. Creating a place where employees feel valued and appreciated can make a difference not just in the quality of their work, but also in how they view the workplace itself.
With this in mind, let’s explore 10 low-cost office amenities and perks that contribute to a positive work environment.
1. Personal Project Time
Taking a page from Google’s playbook, allow your employees a little time each week to work on a project they care about. This gives them a chance to demonstrate skills they might not be using in their regular duties, plus it can bring innovation to your company.
2. Charging Stations
Mobile devices are a natural part of daily life for most people. Many employees use their personal devices during work (for work and personal purposes) and need a way to charge them during the day. No one wants a low battery heading into rush hour traffic.
Charging stations not only serve a valuable purpose, but they also instill a sense of trust in employees. Companies are essentially saying they know employees are using their devices but can be trusted to do their jobs. Creating a station with a variety of charging cables is a cost-effective way to cater to employees’ needs at work.
3. Flexible Work Spaces
Work styles can vary between employees and are often based on the type of work they’re doing. Including a variety of work spaces, such as huddle rooms, group tables, solo desks, and even “phone booths” show you recognize the unique differences in work styles and personalities. This allows employees to choose how they work best so they can feel comfortable in the office.
4. Lunch with a Leader
Offering a company-sponsored “lunch with a leader” is a great form of recognition. It’s an opportunity to highlight an employee’s achievements at work. Plus, it offers the employee a chance to pick a leader’s brain, ask questions, and feel engaged with the company. Companies can offer these as prizes for a job well done, as birthday gifts, or even at random.
5. Office Snacks
More companies are focusing on employee health and wellness, and nutrition is a big part of the conversation. Offering free office snacks is more than just a perk; it’s a strategic investment in employee well-being and productivity. When companies provide easy access to snacks, they’re fostering a caring environment.
Snacks can also improve how teams collaborate and communicate. Gathering around food isn’t a new concept, plus they offer employees a chance to refuel and refocus. Include a variety of snacks to account for personal tastes and potential food allergies.
6. Bathroom Toiletries
From Zoom meetings to in-person team huddles, employees often need to freshen up during the day and feel presentable. Adding bathroom amenities like mouthwash, lotion, small combs, or feminine products speaks volumes about how much you value your employees. You can order wholesale travel size products in bulk for a low cost per item, cheaper than buying them in a retail store.
Instead of viewing the restroom as merely a functional space, turning it into a sanctuary that promotes wellness can change employees' perspectives about their work environment.
7. Busy Lights
Working side by side, office by office isn’t always a boon for productivity. Studies show that it takes 9.5 minutes on average to get back into a productive workflow after an interruption.
Busy lights can offer a viable solution. These small lights attach to the employee’s computer monitor and can light up green when the employee is open to talk or red when they’re knee-deep in a task. This gives each employee more control over how they work, allowing them to stay productive at critical times. It also shows companies care about their productivity and work preferences while trusting them to do what’s best.
8. Volunteer Days
Having a day or part of a day to volunteer for a cause is a fun way to recognize and reward employees. Companies show an interest in causes that matter to their employees and can contribute to those causes in meaningful ways.
9. Sanitizing Products
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, things like hand sanitizing stations and masks became par for the course. While the pandemic is long over, the emphasis on health and well-being still lingers.
Companies can prioritize employees’ desire for a clean workplace by continuing to provide hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. This is especially important when employees are sharing equipment like headsets, remote controls for projectors, or computers. It’s an amenity that’s still welcome and expected in the workplace.
10. Recognition Board
Employees should feel seen and valued every day, not just when they reach a goal or celebrate a birthday. Consider adding a recognition board where anyone can recognize anyone for anything, big or small. It might be an employee going the extra mile or someone making a new hire feel welcome on their first day. Publicizing good deeds can inspire a culture of positivity and encourage everyone to contribute.
Recognizing Your Employees through Office Perks
It doesn’t take much to make employees feel valued. The most important thing is that any efforts are natural and authentic. When in doubt, ask your employees what they feel would make the biggest impact – they gain the chance to share ideas while enjoying the fact you took the time to ask.
