July Office Trends: Boosting Employee Engagement and Productivity

Exploring the Latest in Workplace Culture and Office Snacking

As we approach the end of July 2024, it's the perfect time to reflect on the evolving trends in workplace culture and how enhancing office snacking can boost employee satisfaction and engagement. Navigating this landscape can be challenging, but at To Go MK, we delve into the data to extract key insights and practical applications for creating a better workplace. In this month's Insights, we explore:

  1. Understanding Gen Z in the Workplace
  2. How Coffee Affects Workplace Productivity
  3. Strategies for a Successful Return-to-Office

 

Discover how these insights can empower your organization for future success.

Gen Z: Misunderstood but Motivated

Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, are often misunderstood. New research reveals they value career achievements, purpose, and wellness benefits. According to Deloitte, 82% of Gen Z employees see career achievements as part of their identity and prioritize roles that offer clear development paths and align with their values.

Key insights from Deloitte’s survey include:

  • Purpose: 86% of Gen Z employees say that having a sense of purpose drives job satisfaction and well-being. Organizations should offer clear career paths and outline how roles impact the broader company and world.
  • Economic Optimism: While 32% of Gen Z employees believe the economy will improve, financial security remains a concern, with many living paycheck to paycheck. Transparency about company health and pay structures can build trust.
  • Environmental Sustainability: 62% of Gen Z employees are anxious about climate change, and many have changed jobs to align with their environmental values. Creating a sustainable workplace, starting with the office pantry, can attract and retain these employees.

 

How Coffee Boosts Workplace Productivity

In the UK, coffee culture is thriving. According to the British Coffee Association, 95 million cups of coffee are consumed daily. Coffee not only has numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease, but it also enhances work performance by improving task recall and problem-solving skills. Studies have shown that caffeine boosts team collaboration and task-relevant participation.

Leading workplaces are investing in various coffee options to tap into this coffee culture. While drip coffee remains popular, options like lattes, bean-to-cup machines, and innovative choices like London Nootropics' adaptogenic blends are gaining traction. London Nootropics offers mushroom coffee with adaptogens such as Lion's Mane for mental clarity, Rhodiola for stress reduction, and Cordyceps for energy and stamina. These healthier alternatives cater to different preferences and keep employees energised and focused.

The Magnetic Approach to Encouraging Office Attendance

Return-to-office mandates often fail due to their presentation rather than the mandate itself. A survey by Great Places To Work found that employees are more likely to stay when they have a say in where they work. This doesn’t mean remote work is always preferred; it means employees want a choice. It’s crucial for workplace teams (and partners like To Go MK) to make the office an attractive option.

Cisco, for example, has adopted a 'magnet' versus 'mandate' strategy, using town halls, team gatherings, hackathons, and career coaching sessions to attract workers to the office. This approach provides valuable experiences in exchange for employees' presence on-site.

Building office culture and camaraderie is essential to making commuting into the office an enjoyable experience rather than an obligation. McKinsey identified six drivers of a healthy workplace: social interaction, mindset and beliefs, productive activity, stress, economic security, and sleep. Positive experiences in these areas enhance employee well-being and job satisfaction.

Social Interaction: This is a significant driver of employee happiness, which in turn impacts a company’s bottom line. Casual moments, such as grabbing a coffee or taking a snack break, create opportunities for employees to connect beyond their work roles. Harvard Business Review highlights that the most innovative companies provide in-office incentives that boost productivity, collaboration, and morale.

"Food makes people happy and brings them together. Growing up, family barbeques were the highlight of my family life, filled with great discussions, banter, and laughter. These moments built some of the best relationships, and the same goes for office experiences." - Brandon Beyers, Sales & Marketing Manager at To Go Group

Conclusion

As organisations strive to bring people back to the office and strengthen team bonds, it's clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every company is on a unique journey to enhance employee happiness and productivity, guided by valuable insights and trends.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prioritising employee satisfaction is crucial.
  • Gen Z is redefining workplace trends and expectations.
  • Coffee plays a significant role in enhancing the office experience.