Signe leads a global team of 200 Experience Managers – all experts at creating a sense of workplace community. They design workplace experiences for a wide range of companies, from international banks to IT firms and local food brands. Signe defines a workplace experience as a carefully crafted experience that promotes an emotional connection with the workplace and colleagues. These experiences can be big or small – from giving out hot chocolate in reception on a cold day to Food Truck Fridays, free fitness classes or intercompany sports events. The best workplace experiences are fun, promote a sense of community among employees, and link to the company’s values and business strategy.

For a company with a strong local profile, for example, a relevant workplace experience could be a farmer’s market in the carpark or a volunteering day at a nearby charity. Companies that value inclusion and diversity could celebrate different cultures and cuisines in the office canteen. Workplace experiences could also be more directly connected to work, such as a workshop on social media for companies that are developing or pushing a new social media strategy.

“The key is to think strategically,” says Signe. “You don’t just make an experience for the sake of it; you have to ensure that it fits your company culture and strategic priorities.” Signe suggests creating a yearly calendar, including both regular events and one-offs, to make sure your workplace experiences match your company’s business cycle. She also recommends linking events to the world outside the office, such as local sports events or International Women’s Day, to expand the feeling of community into the wider world.

These experiences make a big difference. In employee surveys, workplace experience is directly connected to a sense of belonging and recommendation. An employee who values the workplace experience, therefore, will not just come into the office more often, but will also be more likely to recommend the company as a place of work to others.

Getting employees back into the office after two years of working from home calls for more than just new social experiences. It requires creating a fully inclusive workplace, where hygiene, safety and wellbeing are all strong, where air quality is high and technology works smoothly, and where employees can work, meet and collaborate in a space designed to accommodate a variety of work styles.

But emotionally, the sense of community may yet prove the biggest draw.

“It’s the emotional connection that creates the strongest bonds to colleagues, the company and the company culture,” says Signe. “If companies can create a strong sense of belonging, they will get more value out of their investment in places. They will also increase employee wellbeing, engagement and productivity – and create a work culture that attracts and retains the best talent.”

If your company would like help designing inspiring workplace experiences that attract colleagues back to the office and help them reconnect, we’d be more than happy to assist. Please contact your local ISS office for more information.