17 office facilities and amenities to make a difference
July 26, 2024
September 27, 2024
By elevating your workspace, you provide your staff with an enhanced setup and show your commitment to their well-being, happiness, and satisfaction. Making your office more attractive with the proper installations can be a pivotal move to encourage more in-person work and collaboration. Knowing that finding the balance between meeting employees’ expectations regarding remote work and making them come on-site more often can be a real challenge, this article is a key piece to read and share.
Here are 17 office facilities and amenities that enable you to do so.
What are office facilities, and what is the difference between them and workplace amenities?
Description of office facilities
Office facilities are the basic components of a workspace that enable employees to perform their jobs effectively. These include physical spaces like workstations, meeting rooms, and toilets and infrastructure elements such as lighting, heating, and ventilation systems. Computers, printers, and phones are also part of workplace facilities. These fundamental elements create a functional work environment that supports daily operations and productivity.
Difference between workplace facilities and amenities
Office facilities are the necessary spaces, equipment, or services for a workplace’s basic functioning. At the same time, amenities are often perceived as additional features that provide comfort, convenience, and enjoyment beyond the fundamentals. In other words, facilities would fulfill practical needs while amenities would aim to boost morale and satisfaction. Yet, it is not always that crystal clear. For example, if you value inclusivity, do you consider having an on-site childcare center nice, or do you believe it is crucial for parents to do their jobs in optimal conditions?
Examples of office facilities and amenities
As these two terms are often used interchangeably, here are concrete examples of office facilities vs. amenities.
Workplace facilities include:
- chairs;
- desks;
- restrooms;
- parking lots;
- WIFI;
- ventilation;
- lighting system;
- waste containers;
- areas to rest and eat;
- access to drinking water.
Office amenities include:
- hot desking;
- huddle spaces
- bike storage;
- roof terrace;
- complimentary snacks and drinks;
- ergonomic furniture;
- dog-friendly areas;
- childcare centers;
- on-site fitness center;
- lockers and showers.
🎬 Learn how we can support your hybrid work environment in this less than two-minute video about the features of the deskbird app!
Which office facilities and amenities can genuinely make a difference for your employees?
1. Multiple workspace types
Providing single desks and chairs is the bare minimum for workplace facilities. However, you can elevate your layout game by creating an agile office design with multiple workspaces. Therefore, your facilities adapt to your employees’ requirements, not vice versa. Your team members can pick the workspace they need according to the tasks they have to accomplish and their imperatives on the day.
2. Recording and content creation space
Modern businesses can also consider dedicating some space for video recording or content creation. This is incredibly convenient for asynchronous work setups, for example. They have a private room to record meetings and then share them with the rest of the team that wasn’t attending. They can use this room instead of anywhere in the office with people and noise. This space is also convenient for marketing departments that regularly need to create content.
3. Phone booths
When your hybrid workforce comes to the office, they must get everything they need to operate in optimal conditions. They don’t have to isolate themselves at home to take an important call (except if family members are around). On-site, they must also have some privacy to make confidential calls. Phone booths are the perfect solution. Their compact design minimizes valuable office space while providing dedicated areas for individual work and concentration.
4. Digital room signage
Another game-changing facility to install in your workspace is digital room signage. This technology streamlines the utilization of meeting spaces and provides real-time availability. It allows employees to book and manage rooms successfully while reducing scheduling conflicts and downtime. Visual displays help with navigation and identification of locations for both your team members and guests. Moreover, their integration with your calendar systems ensures more efficient usage and adaptability to dynamic needs.
💜 Discover why you should name your meeting rooms!
5. Childcare center
Dropping off kids at the nursery and picking them up after work can be a natural source of stress for both parents and children. Imagine that the moms and dads on your team no longer have to do a logistic marathon before and after work and can just bring their little ones to the office. This is one of the best office facilities you can provide if you have the means to do it. By removing this source of stress, your staff arrive at work more relaxed and ready to tackle the day effectively! This also boosts employee satisfaction and morale as it helps them juggle better between parenthood and their career.
6. Wellness room
What about creating a wellness room in the modern workplace equipped with a first aid kit and amenities? It emphasizes a commitment to your employee’s health and well-being. Such a space offers a sanctuary for medical emergencies, stress relief, or a quiet reprieve during the workday. It also supports working moms, providing a private area for breastfeeding or pumping milk, which is essential for those with on-site childcare or balancing work with motherhood. Thus, it fosters inclusivity and demonstrates care for your workers’ diverse needs.
7. Fitness center
The benefits of sports on mental and physical health are no longer to be proven. If you want to promote a people-centric workplace and are looking for ideas for office facilities that support this aspect, on-site fitness centers are a great solution. Regular use reduces stress and can increase productivity, fostering a healthier workforce and potentially decreasing healthcare costs. Additionally, office gyms enhance work-life balance by saving your employees time otherwise spent commuting to a fitness club.
👉 Learn how focusing on employee well-being benefits the workplace.
8. Storage and shower rooms
Whether you create an on-site fitness center or not, having storage and showers in the office is always a highly appreciated facility. For example, if your coworkers come to the workplace by bike, they might enjoy showering before starting their work day. Plus, we were just talking about the benefits of doing sports. Having showers can motivate your staff to run at their lunch break instead of sitting and scrolling their phone, waiting to return to their desks.
9. Food corner with kitchen facilities
When your team members come to work in the office, they might not all want to go to restaurants for lunch or eat sandwiches. Installing a food corner with kitchen facilities gives them a space to prepare and enjoy their meals. Plus, it encourages a sense of community as they can sit at a table with colleagues they haven’t seen for a while and catch up. This amenity promotes healthier eating habits by allowing your employees to bring and cook fresh food.
10. 24h access
With the latest trends in the world of work, providing 24-hour access to the office might be the next step you want to take. From hybrid working to flexitime and asynchronous work, the workplace keeps gaining flexibility. 24-hour access lets employees work when they want and are most productive, accommodating different schedules and time zones. This perk also allows for better work-life balance, as staff can manage personal responsibilities while meeting deadlines. Your team members can tailor their work environment to suit their needs without the constraints of traditional office hours.
🗓️ Read our article about asynchronous schedules!
11. Mailing address
Do your team members need a mailing address at work? A mailing address system can be helpful, especially in a hybrid work setup. It communicates a professional image for remote employees or those in client-facing roles who require a formal business address, helping strengthen credibility and trust. It also enhances organizational efficiency and privacy by allowing for the secure and accurate distribution of personal and work correspondence. Lastly, setting professional mailing addresses streamlines delivery processes and ensures the timely receipt of essential documents. In case of doubt, ask your staff what they think about this extra facility.
12. Greener mobility options
Implementing green mobility options like electric car charging stations and bike parking through office facilities signals a company’s commitment to sustainability and fosters a modern corporate image. It encourages employees to embrace eco-friendly transportation methods and reduces their carbon footprint. On top of improving your image, these facilities can also yield financial benefits, such as tax advantages and lower commuting costs, and help you attract environmentally conscious talent.
13. Outdoor areas
Incorporating open-air zones into office facilities is vital as they offer a refreshing change of scenery. Being around nature reduces stress, promotes mental well-being, and fosters creativity. Spaces like gardens, rooftops, terraces, patios, etc., encourage spontaneous conversations, enhancing team cohesion. Moreover, a dose of fresh air and sunshine can increase productivity and focus. Your outdoor areas are no longer a nice-to-have but a strategic asset to boost your staff’s performance.
14. Social corners and breakout spaces
Today, more than ever, social corners and breakout spaces are key elements to consider when improving office facilities. With the rise of hybrid work, the office’s role has changed, becoming a place to gather, interact with colleagues, and connect. Employees can use them to switch off for a few minutes, relax, and recharge, and they can also meet there for informal discussions and team bonding moments.
15. Pet-friendly work zones
Allowing animals at work is a growing topic for many businesses. When done thoughtfully, implementing a workplace pet policy has plenty of benefits, including boosting employee morale (not just for the owners) and work-life balance. You can either accept them anywhere in the office or dedicate a part of your workspace to people who wish to bring their four-legged companions to work.
🐶 Check out our full article about dogs in the workplace!
16. Ergonomic furniture and smart equipment
How ergonomic is your workplace? Ergonomically designed chairs and desks support correct posture, reducing musculoskeletal strain and the risk of injury. Intelligent equipment, such as adjustable lighting and climate control, optimizes the work environment for employees’ needs, minimizing fatigue and boosting concentration. Ergonomic furniture and smart office hardware create a people-centric and health-conscious workspace. They play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and maintaining well-being and comfort.
17. Smart office technology
Innovative office technology is among the top office amenities for a future-ready workplace. Automated temperature control and smart ventilation systems ensure energy efficiency and comfort. Advanced conferencing tools facilitate seamless communication for global collaboration. And, as we’ve just mentioned, connected desks monitor health indicators and encourage people to move, thereby reducing health risks. These innovations enhance operational efficiency, employee health, environmental sustainability, and cost savings opportunities.
💡Important: make sure your office facilities and amenities are inclusive.
How does deskbird support you in managing your modern workplace facilities and amenities?
An interactive floor plan to easily locate office facilities and amenities
Equipping your teams with top-notch office amenities is a wise move. However, it becomes truly efficient when your workforce can find these facilities swiftly without wasting time searching for them. Thanks to our dynamic interactive floor plan, your staff can effortlessly pinpoint and reserve the nearest recording room for their upcoming meetings. For those craving fresh air to maintain concentration, our interactive floor map is the perfect tool to quickly locate the ideal space next to outdoor zones or spots that offer a tranquil view of natural surroundings.
Desk and room booking software to ensure your employees get their ideal workspace
Some of your employees might require this type of workspace and equipment to do their jobs in optimal conditions. Thanks to the deskbird workspace booking app, they can choose the desk or the room they need according to its location and the equipment it includes. For example, your colleague Dan works in front of a screen all day and has regular back pain. He might enjoy being able to reserve a desk with connected ergonomic furniture to avoid muscular strains that prevent him from staying focused.
💡 Check out our customers’ reviews to discover what our users think about the deskbird app!
Car park reservation system to reduce parking issues
Nothing more irritating than arriving on time to the workplace but being late because you couldn’t find a car spot. Not the ideal way to start the day, right? The deskbird app also lets your team members choose and book the best place to park their cars to ensure they get one when coming on-site. Before starting the day, there is no more frustration and stress because of a 20-minute search for a place to park. Your staff can make the booking from anywhere and at any time. They can finally arrive at the office relaxed and on time for their meetings.
Workplace analytics to understand your workers’ needs better
Lastly, the best way to upgrade your office facilities is to understand your employees’ needs and expectations clearly. To do this, you have to focus on two types of information. First, ask them for honest and genuine feedback about ameliorating the workplace. Second, examine your data.
deskbird provides you with real-time office analytics reports to help you understand how your workspace is used and pinpoint areas of improvement.
Providing the necessary office facilities is crucial for basic operations when setting up a workspace. Thoughtful amenities can contribute to a more appealing work environment, enhance engagement, boost productivity, and attract and retain talent. The ideal mix of facilities and amenities depends on your company’s culture, budget, and workforce needs. We hope this article gives you concrete ideas on uplifting your office and making it future-proof. Are you curious how deskbird has helped many businesses improve their hybrid workspace management, on-site employee experience, and cost optimization?
Request a free demo of the deskbird app to witness it yourself!
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