Ever walk into the office, look around, and think, where is everyone? Maybe your go-to lunch buddy is missing, your brainstorm partner is working remotely, and suddenly, the office feels a little… blah.
It’s not just you, office attendance has changed dramatically! So, how do you bring back the fun, the energy, and yes – the people – without making it feel forced? Let’s dive into what’s keeping them away and how to create an office they actually want to be in.
A 2023 study by McKinsey & Company found that 87% of workers now prefer some level of remote work, with only 13% wanting to be in the office full-time.But here’s the catch: even though people love flexibility, they also miss social connections at work. According to a report by Owl Labs, 73% of employees say they would be more likely to return to the office if they had stronger relationships with coworkers.
Why Aren’t People Coming In the Office?
It’s not just about the commute. Employees skip the office when they don’t see enough value in being there. According to a 2023 Gallup workplace trends report, the top reasons people avoid the office include:
- No Real Incentive – If they can do the same work at home, why commute?
- A Lackluster Work Environment – An empty office with bad coffee and no perks isn’t motivating.
- Weakened Social Bonds – Remote work made it easy to lose touch with office friendships.
And here’s a stat that might surprise you: 89% of employees say a well-stocked breakroom and great coffee would improve their office experience (Peapod for Business). That’s right, office snacks and coffee could be the key to getting people back.
How to Get Your Work Friends Back in the Office
If you want to make the office breakroom appealing again, you don’t need mandatory attendance policies, you need to create an environment people want to be in. Here’s how:
1. Make the Office Breakroom the Hot Spot
A breakroom is not just a place to grab a coffee, it’s a social hub. If yours is outdated or uninspiring, you’re missing a huge opportunity.
- Stock the Office Pantry with Variety – A study by Staples Workplace Index found that 53% of employees feel more engaged when their office provides healthy snacks. Keep things fresh by rotating options regularly.
- Offer High-Quality Coffee Service – 65% of employees say they would be more likely to come into the office if they had premium coffee available (Workplace Trends Survey, 2022). Think beyond the standard coffee pot – bring in locally roasted beans, espresso machines, or even cold brew taps.
- Create a Lounge Feel Office Breakroom – Comfortable seating, plants, and a welcoming layout encourage employees to linger and connect, instead of just grabbing a snack and leaving.
2. Offer Experiences They Can’t Get at Home
Employees come in when the office provides something different than their home setup.
- Social Events Work Wonders – 81% of employees say they feel more connected when their workplace offers social opportunities (APA Workplace Well-Being Report, 2023). Think coffee tastings, snack samplings, or even themed office happy hours.
- Exclusive Office Perks – A well-equipped breakroom with premium beverages, meal options, and comfortable workspaces makes the office experience more enjoyable.
- Gamify the Workweek – Introduce “In-Office Perks” like first dibs on limited-edition snacks, surprise giveaways, or even a fun Product of the Month to keep things fresh.
3. Recognize & Reward In-Office Days
Appreciation drives attendance. A report by O.C. Tanner found that 79% of employees who leave their jobs say a lack of recognition was a major reason. Show them that being in the office is worth it.
- Celebrate Office Days – Even simple gestures like a “Thanks for Coming In” coffee voucher or shoutout in a team meeting make a difference.
- Give Incentives That Matter – Gift cards, extra PTO, or even a VIP snack stash for employees who come in regularly can boost motivation.
- Make It a Habit – Encourage employees to create routines that make coming in feel natural, like Friday Coffee Club or Lunch & Learn Thursdays.
Office Culture Starts in the Breakroom
At the end of the day, getting people back in the office isn’t about rules, it’s about culture. A stocked office breakroom, premium coffee service, and fun office perks create the kind of workplace people want to show up to.
At Office Libations, we make it easy to design a breakroom experience that brings your team together. From custom snack and beverage plans to state-of-the-art breakroom equipment, we help turn your office into a space employees actually want to be in.
Let’s build an office your team loves! Contact us today at: sales@officelibations.com