How to Design an Office to Attract and Retain Top Talent

It’s no surprise that many people prefer remote or hybrid working to working in the office full time. The statistics back up - in a March 2024 People Management poll on LinkedIn, over two-thirds of employees said they’d look for a new job if they had to spend more time in the workplace.

Although the landscape may have changed slightly over the course of the year, we think today’s findings would paint a very similar picture.

But what if every organisation made their workplace more desirable? With the right amenities, design, atmosphere and culture, people’s perceptions of their workplace can shift to become much more positive. Employees are more likely to enjoy their two or three days in the office - and may even opt for more on-location days.

Around three in ten UK employees leave their jobs to join another organisation each year. The right office can attract as well as retain an organisation’s top talent, which is crucial for bringing new ideas into the business, or if staff turnover is very high.

How can an office attract and retain top talent?

A company’s employee value proposition (EPV for short) is often what compels a person to stay in their job. Of course, other mitigating factors are out of the employer’s control, such as family circumstances, but generally speaking, a solid EPV equals happier employees.

The EPV encapsulates everything from the number of holiday days offered to opportunities for upskilling through training and qualifications. It’s about the things that make an employee feel valued and engaged every day. Onboarding plays a big role in the EPV, as does the organisation’s employee recognition programme.

One thing that can get overlooked though is the office environment. A well-designed and thoughtfully curated workspace can be a powerful EPV tool for attracting and retaining the best employees. At a time when flexibility through hybrid working is the norm, companies must create a workspace that fulfils everyone’s needs.

Coworking operators are perfectly placed when it comes to fulfilling the office environment expectations of a company’s EPV. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors to consider when designing to attract coworking members - and to enable coworking members to attract and retain their own employees.

1. Design for hybrid work

First and foremost, coworking architects should keep flexibility in mind when planning the office interior. Think modular workstations - desk areas that can be quickly moved or adapted for different purposes - hotdesking and adaptable floor plans that support an in-office workforce that could expand or contract at any time.

In today’s interconnected world companies can hire top talent from anywhere. So naturally, meeting rooms must be tech-enabled and set up to facilitate video streaming to meet the needs of remote workers. While collaboration is key, it’s important to factor in quiet zones too, such as private booths or pods.

Smart desk and meeting room booking systems are a must for making people’s workplace experience seamless and streamlined. Having one, integrated system means that everyone in the company has visibility over what’s scheduled and when.

2. Create community spaces

The office can be very appealing to employees who value social interaction and in-person learning, as well as those who don’t have access to a suitable home office.

Collaborative areas that can facilitate interaction include lounges, coffee bars, or game rooms, while ‘team hub’ areas enable smaller teams to get together for brainstorming sessions. Allowing members to personalise their private spaces will help create a feeling of comfort and a sense of ownership.

Nexudus Community Board

Many coworking CRM systems have community-building functionalities. The Nexudus Community Board, for example, is designed to foster communication and collaboration within coworking communities. It’s an online hub where different members can interact, share information and engage with each other.

Working in the same building as other organisations is an exciting prospect for many people. It can pave the way for new friendships and aid professional development.

Office operators can share updates, events or important notices for everyone in the building to see. Members can start conversations, ask questions and instigate chats with others. Critically, members can find and connect with other people in the space if they want to collaborate with them or share ideas over a coffee.

3. Make room for wellbeing

Wellbeing and sustainability go hand-in-hand and are crucial for attracting and retaining talent. An office with better air quality and natural lighting is a healthier and more pleasing environment in which to work, and often more productive as a result. (Showing a commitment to sustainability also strengthens brand reputation, which attracts and retains members, clients and employees alike.)

When designing a workspace, always aim to maximise natural light with large windows and skylights. Ergonomic furniture - including chairs, desks and standing desks - will help ensure comfort throughout the working day. Biophilic design elements such as plants and natural materials can create a sense of calm.

Optimising any outdoor office space is also important, as these can act as perfect spaces for relaxation, meditation and quiet time away from the office fray.

4. Support activities

Encouraging activities in the office can break the monotony, giving employees something fun and different to look forward to. Activities that are interactive and collaborative help foster a positive and inclusive company culture, and make employees more likely to stay. Ways to support activities in the office include:

• Fitness amenities - Mini gyms, yoga rooms and access to workout spaces
• Wellness activities - Yoga, pilates, stretch breaks and walking groups
• Walking meetings - Promote walking meetings among members
• Challenges - Step count competitions, bike-to-work days, or fitness tracking
• Active furniture - Standing desks and balance ball chairs
• Partnerships - Partner with local gyms to offer discounted memberships
• Cycle facilities - Bike locks and showers to encourage cycling or running

5. Inspire with art

Creating an aesthetically interesting space can help keep members and their employees engaged in the environment. Turning areas into gallery spaces is a great way to inspire occupiers while building partnerships with local artists and galleries.

A local gallery might be up for selling or loaning pieces from emerging artists, which could be a more affordable way to source the art.

Coworking space operators can also attend local art fairs and exhibitions to meet new artists and discuss potential commissions. Another option is to organise a local art competition for members and non-members to participate in, opening up opportunities for community engagement and access to local creative talent.

The office is viewed by many as a representation of an organisation’s brand identity and values. Ultimately, a coworking space can attract and retain top talent by leading the way in inclusive design, wellbeing, sustainability and community, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and investment in all members. This, of course, trickles down to members’ employees, enabling them to work happily and confidently.