Physical Office Space Is an Often-Overlooked Factor in Employee Retention

Employee retention is on the minds of many executives and managers, and for good reason. Hiring and training a replacement employee is an expensive prospect, and there is no guarantee the new employee will pan out, especially if they are replacing a top performer. Employee retention is tied to many factors, including compensation, engagement levels, personal and professional goals, as well as many tangible and intangible perks; however, physical workspaces are also a major factor in the equation—and one that is often overlooked. When thinking about the places we do our work, managers should be striving to build an environment that entices and inspires would-be employees to join the company and motivates current employees to stay. This doesn’t mean simply putting a ping-pong table in the break room and calling it a day. Management should think about what their office means, and how it reflects the company’s identity. It’s difficult for employees to feel an attachment to a business without a distinct personality, so consider how the physical workspace communicates who you are and what you value. Additionally, the location of an office should be designed to adapt to the businesses growth. Having adequate space for expansion gives room to breathe, and allows employees to find the type of environment that best suits them.