Attracting and retaining talent has probably always been a challenge in the free market, but since the great resignation after the COVID pandemic, organizations (HR professionals to be precise) have truly been scrambling to understand how to attract and retain talent.
In fact, according to recent research from PwC, even more people are considering resigning now than during the peak of the mass resignations we saw in 2022.
This is alarming, especially given that high turnover rates not only disrupt workplace dynamics but also burden companies with steep financial and productivity losses.
To help solve this issue and drive employee retention, organizations need to know what employees want and expect to be satisfied and happy at work, but they also need to create cultures that foster a sense of community and belonging. Addressing issues around culture is everything.
What employees want might surprise you, though, and it’s no longer just about competitive salaries and benefits or more supportive and empathetic management.
In both in-office and hybrid setups, employees now expect more from their workplace experiences. If and when they do commute, they want to work frictionlessly in offices that:
Outperform home: offering amenities and conveniences they can’t replicate remotely. Collaborative and productive: with tools and spaces designed for effective in-person teamwork.
Enhance Collaboration: providing tools and spaces designed for effective in-person teamwork.
Supportive of well-being and health: through enhanced environmental and ergonomic conditions.
Reflect their employers' culture and identity: fostering a shared sense of purpose and brand.
In today’s terminology, these work environments are referred to as smart offices or intelligent workplaces, and they can have a profound impact on workplace culture and a company's ability to compete in the job market.
According to Gallup 2024, employees who feel connected to their organizational culture are four times as likely to be engaged at work, 62% less likely to feel burned out, and 43% less likely to seek new job opportunities elsewhere.
Six Steps to Build a Retention-Focused Smart Workplace
So, how can organizations create smart workplaces that ultimately attract and retain talent? Here are six strategies to consider:
Invest in tools that make teamwork seamless, both in-person and remotely.
Offer flexible work solutions (a no-brainer).
Listen to your team and allow them to provide structured feedback.
Eliminate barriers to resources and training.
Leverage real-time and historical data to keep your places adaptive and forward-thinking.
Deliver safe, secure, and high-performing buildings that cater to the needs of all staff, from front-of-house to operations.
ICONICS: Powering Smart Workplaces
ICONICS Intelligent Buildings Software Stack (IBSS) coupled with GENESIS, provides a suite of workplace apps and operational applications that optimize workplace experiences and improve the performance of commercial buildings.
ICONICS Integrated Workplace Management Tool, IBSS, can make your smart office a reality by delivering unmatched flexibility, proactive notifications, enhanced comfort control, and a seamless digital experience for staff. ICONICS can support:
Flexibility & Convenience:
Help employees work without delays – Find and book spaces and resources that suit their tasks at hand (either in the office or remotely).
Collaborate with colleagues in spaces that are easy to find and inspiring. This might mean allowing staff to find team members, or guiding departments to certain zones, or notifying them of events.
Offer seamless, secure entry/exit into the building through mobile app-based entry.
Support catering and resources being added to workplace bookings.
Community Buildings:
Notify teams and foster a sense of community with live building announcements and on-brand offers to keep the office buzz alive.
Improve the visitor experience through streamlined visitor management– from personalized building invites to frictionless check-in and check-out experiences, ensure that all visitors are welcomed, hassle-free.
Occupant Comfort:
Enable employees to control and customize their environment and working preferences via an app
Ensure building services run optimally and sustainably to meet the demands of the occupants
Future-proof Your Workplace Experience
Provide your workplace and real estate teams with the data they need to make data-driven decisions about space allocations, resources and equipment, and fit-out projects.
Gather structured feedback and service requests to continuously refine the workplace experience.
Hopefully, the employee benefits of such a personalized work experience are evident. But I’ll list a few just to be sure.
ICONICS IBSS Transforms How Employees Interact with Their Work Environment
ICONICS IBSS doesn’t just streamline workplace operations and efficiency; it’s about creating a work environment where employees thrive. Here’s how smart workplace technology drives employee satisfaction, well-being, and happiness:
1. Employee Satisfaction
Personalized comfort settings ensure employees feel at ease and focused.
Frictionless access to tools and resources minimizes frustrations and streamlines daily workflows.
Seamless technology integrations improves the overall work experience.
2. Employee Well-Being
Monitored air quality and lighting creates a healthier workspace.
Stress is reduced through automation and reduced distractions.
Flexibility and work and life balance are supported through hybrid-friendly features.
3. Employee Happiness
Smart tools foster positive work experiences, boosting morale and engagement.
Enhanced collaboration tools build stronger connections among teams.
Data-driven recognition allows organizations to proactively address employee needs.
When employees feel supported, they’re more productive, happy, and much more likely to stay.
Why Retention Starts with Smart Workplaces
Retaining top talent today goes beyond competitive salaries and traditional perks—it requires addressing the evolving needs of the modern workforce. Employees now seek workplaces that are responsive to their needs, prioritize their well-being, and elevate their daily experiences. When these needs are met, employees are more engaged, productive, and loyal, creating a ripple effect where thriving employees drive thriving businesses.
Smart workplace technology, such as ICONICS IBSS, empowers organizations to meet these heightened expectations. By transforming traditional offices into dynamic, intelligent environments, IBSS places employees at the center of workplace design. It seamlessly integrates advanced tools that enhance comfort, streamline workflows, and foster collaboration, creating spaces where employees can excel and feel valued thereby driving employee retention.
Ready to make your workplace a hub of innovation and engagement?
Explore the ICONICS IBSS suite or connect with our experts today—we’re here to help you build the smart workplace your employees deserve.
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