A new workplace trend has taken flight – and more and more companies are hopping on board. It’s called office peacocking, a strategic workplace redesign that helps make the office feel more home-like and inviting. The goal is to incentivize in-person work – and create an office environment that complements (rather than competes with) remote work. But is office peacocking worth the investment?

Showing Off the Office: What is Office Peacocking?

Just like a peacock displays its brightly coloured feathers to grab attention, companies are jazzing up their physical work environments so that’s more appealing to their workforce. For some companies, office peacocking could include outfitting the office with new plush sofas, nap pods, state-of-the-art technologies, wellness facilities, game rooms, ample natural light, fully stocked kitchens and more. It may seem like it’s just about aesthetics, but office peacocking is actually a calculated move to rival the convenience and comfort of remote work – and make the office a place that’s people-centric, encouraging more frequent in-person collaboration, ideation sessions, connectedness and networking.

Office Peacocking May Counter Coffee Badging

Coffee badging, a new trend in response to returning to the office, allows employees to balance on-site requirements with the flexibility they cherish. This practice involves a quick visit to the office, usually for a morning coffee, symbolizing an employee’s presence before heading back home to continue their workday. It serves as a compromise between employer expectations for in-person work and employee yearnings for independence. Surging in popularity, statistics reveal that 58% of hybrid workers are embracing this trend, reflecting a widespread desire for work flexibility.

Some companies decided to invest in an office makeover to counteract the coffee badging trend. Employers are realizing that to entice employees back, they must offer more than just a caffeine fix. This is where the trend of luxurious lounges, trendy break rooms, and laid-back atmospheres comes into play. The goal is to create a workplace so inviting that employees will want to spend their time there, not just pop in for a quick coffee and head back home.

Is an Office Glow up Enough for Employees to Show up?

The answer is no. Of course, a beautifully designed workplace can be attractive and entice employees and new hires. But superficial changes are not worth the cost if workplaces don’t meet deeper employee needs such as flexibility, purposeful work, career growth, company culture, inclusion, equity, diversity and trust.

Pushing Past the Peacocking Phenomenon

Transforming the traditional workplace to foster a more engaging and people-centric environment can greatly benefit both organizations and employees alike. However, placing emphasis on upgrades that align with employees’ desires to return to the office can lead to more sustainable outcomes in the long term. This entails taking a comprehensive approach in office design, where HR and employers prioritize aspects like ergonomic comfort, health and safety protocols, and technology that supports seamless hybrid work arrangements.

Furthermore, it is crucial for HR and businesses to embrace a people-centric mindset when considering office enhancements. By actively seeking and integrating employee feedback into the design and policies of the workspace, organizations can ensure that the office environment empowers employees. For example, this could look like installing soundproof phone booths for privacy, creating cozy spaces for social interactions and/or implementing flexible scheduling options.

Companies are realizing the financial viability of elevating the office. By revamping the workspace, focusing on functionality and addressing employee needs in the office design, HR and companies demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ well-being and professional journeys, ultimately making the office a great place to work.