An inviting office environment that beats the appeal of working from home

In a world where the home office has gained popularity, many companies face a challenge: how do you create an office environment that is not only functional, but also inviting enough for employees to prefer to come in person?

It's a problem we've encountered in our own office, but it's also something many of our customers navigate on a daily basis.

We had an inspiring conversation with Line Lindebjerg Jensen and Gitte Nielsen from Secomea, who have taken active steps towards a more attractive office environment that both moves with the times and speaks to employees' needs and well-being.

Collaborating on a specific goal

Secomea has set an ambitious goal:

"Employees should show up at least 50% of the time."

This goal reflects a trend we see across our customer portfolio: a growing interest in designing office environments that not only attract employees, but also facilitate collaboration in the most optimal way. Gone are the days when the physical office environment was primarily about individual desk spaces that complied with legislation.

Secomea works strategically to ensure that the office environment supports the dynamic nature of the new ways of working, while creating both comfort and peace of mind. To achieve the goal of getting 50% of employees to choose the office, they have formed an "Office & Community" team that represents the organization broadly and ensures that all employee groups are heard. This ensures that the initiative doesn't just end up as a management echo chamber.

From our many conversations with Office Managers, Facility Managers and Administration Managers among our nearly 500 customers, we see a clear trend: the forum for office design has moved up in management priorities. How the strategy is executed varies; in some organizations there is a split with a "health and safety" committee and a "social committee". Common to all, however, is that the development and design of the office is high on the agenda at the moment. Particular emphasis is being placed on creating environments that better facilitate collaboration, whether it's through more formal and informal meeting spaces or common areas.

Small steps, big difference: Innovation creates a vibrant office environment

In addition to workspaces, Secomea has also created common areas that are ideal for respite. Here, of course, you'll find an old classic, the foosball table - which may soon be joined by a table tennis table.

"We bought a Playstation so you can have fun during breaks with colleagues"

One of the things that seems to work at Secomea is their approach to office design and innovation. It is clear that they have taken extra care of the office surroundings and environment through the special cozy areas. Great emphasis is placed on meeting the employees' need to be able to do other things in the office besides work, which younger colleagues find particularly attractive.

It's the little things that count when it comes to creating a welcoming office environment. From providing delicious snacks, drinks and cozy areas to investing in a PlayStation and foosball, these elements contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere. However, it's not a game of chance. Secomea sees it as an investment in the well-being of its employees, which ultimately creates an optimal environment for good results, which, with the admirable growth rate within the company, they have achieved.

An environment that promotes brand loyalty

Colors and branding also play a crucial role in the Secomea office. The brand's green color is used throughout the office, as is the logo, which is of course also found on the coffee cups.

The green colors are also reflected in the many living plants that adorn the office landscape. A lot of care is taken to ensure that the work environment is not only pleasant, but also reflects the company's identity:

"I have no doubt that I'm at Secomea"

This helps create a sense of belonging and pride among employees - they are not only reminded ofwhere they are at work, but also howgood it is.

Conclusion: An office that feels like an investment in employees

Secomea's approach to office design and environment is a shining example of how a company can not only satisfy functional needs, but also promote happiness, well-being and productivity among employees. By investing in a welcoming and adaptable office environment, they show a dedication to their employees' wellbeing, which ultimately contributes to the company's overall success in drawing employees out of the home office and back into the workplace.