10 Ways to Make All Your Employees WANT to return to the Office

For many employers, returning to in-person work is seen as an opportunity to reclaim the advantages of on-site collaboration, more fluid communication, and the ability to build and reinforce company culture which is simply lost when people work from home.

Recent studies reveal a shift away from the once-widespread support for remote work. According to the CBRE New Zealand Office Occupier Survey (2024), 42% of employers are “re-evaluating” hybrid models as they consider the long-term impacts on productivity and team cohesion. Several government departments have already mandated office attendance, in the US, Amazon has done the same – raising the question: Will private sector businesses in NZ continue to follow suit?

The balancing act

Striking the right balance between organisational productivity and employee well-being is crucial (and challenging). The Gensler Workplace Survey (2023) found that only 12% of employees feel their current office setup is optimised for productivity.

Employees want an environment that supports focused work, fosters collaboration, and—crucially—offers flexibility. The onus is on employers to create spaces that address the diverse neurological needs of their workforce, accommodating everyone from extroverts who thrive on social interaction, introverts who need quieter focussed spaces and individual with neurodiverse needs such as those with ADAD, autism, or sensory sensitivities. Finding this balance can be complex, but it’s doable—and essential.

Are today’s workplaces inclusive enough?

It’s time to question how we define “productive” and “comfortable” in the workplace. Traditional office designs often prioritise efficiency over inclusivity, overlooking the reality that different brains function and respond to environments in varied ways. For neurodivergent employees, open-plan spaces can be overwhelming, with noise, unpredictable interactions, and bright lighting creating barriers to focus. This isn’t about prioritising neurodiverse needs over neurotypical ones; it’s about recognising that everyone’s brain functions differently and that should be celebrated.

Diverse ways of thinking bring unique perspectives that drive innovation, creativity, and adaptability within a business. In fact, studies show that companies with high diversity are 36% more likely to outperform their less diverse competitors, as varied thinking fuels problem-solving and helps teams approach challenges from fresh angles. When workplaces embrace neurodiversity, they’re not just helping some employees thrive; they’re unlocking the potential of diverse minds and building a more resilient, innovative culture that benefits all.

Our guide.

Our guide outlines 10 actionable strategies—ranging from physical space enhancements to minor tweaks to operational adjustments—to create a workplace that draws people back in and benefits everyone. Through these steps, companies can foster a stronger, more connected, and adaptable culture, driving the success of both the organisation and its people.

10 steps to a Magnetic Office for all.


1. Flexi Workstations
Offer diverse workstations—quiet zones, standing desks, and collaborative areas—so employees can choose what suits their tasks and mood, boosting productivity and performance.

2. Sensory Spaces / Quiet Rooms / Library
Noise disrupts 55% of employees’ productivity (Leesman Index, 2024). Create quiet spaces for focus and recharging, free from interruptions, to enhance concentration and productivity.


3. Bookable Desks
Implement an easy booking system for workspaces, giving employees control over their setup and reducing the stress of securing a spot, so they can ease into their day smoothly.

4. Home Comforts

Creating a comfortable, welcoming environment helps employees feel more at home and supports overall well-being.  These might include premium coffee machines, snack bars, wellness rooms, and cosy relaxation areas.


5. Seamless Technology
Invest in high-quality tech, from smart screens to noise-cancelling headphones and soundproof booths, making hybrid meetings and remote connections smooth and frustration-free.

6. Health & Wellness Initiatives
Provide meditation rooms, mental health resources, ergonomic support, wellness workshops, and end-of-trip facilities. Small perks like free fruit or sleep pods can also boost well-being.

7. Social Spaces and Initiatives
Design inviting lounge areas and café-style seating to encourage casual interactions, allowing employees to connect naturally. Regular social events or lunch-and-learn sessions can further build community, foster collaboration, and create a more cohesive workplace.

8. Team ‘Neighbourhoods’

Designate specific areas for each team, giving employees a predictable, dedicated space to work alongside colleagues. This stability can be particularly comforting for neurodiverse employees, and it encourages team bonding, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

9. Biophilic & Sustainable Elements
Incorporate natural elements like greenery, natural light, and sustainably sourced materials. These biophilic designs not only improve comfort and air quality but also enhance employee mood, supporting well-being and aligning with environmental values.

10. Clear Hybrid Work Policies
Designate specific areas for each team, giving employees a predictable, dedicated space to work alongside colleagues. This stability can be particularly comforting for neurodiverse employees, and it encourages team bonding, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

Finding the
sweet spot.

The productivity perspective.

At the end of the day, every business must remain productive to be successful. Work is called “work” for a reason, and while it’s not an employer’s responsibility to make it fun, creating a supportive, engaging environment can elevate productivity. Studies show that a happy, engaged workforce is more likely to perform at its best. According to the Leesman Index, employees who rate their workplace highly are nearly 20% more likely to feel positively about company culture – a factor directly tied to productivity and loyalty.

Achieving this balance, considering productivity alongside employee well-being and inclusivity, isn’t just idealistic; it’s practical and essential.

Not one size fits all.

From comfort to connection: Making the office worth the commute.
To make the office worth the commute, it must offer more than home comforts. An engaging space fosters collaboration, real-time feedback, and shared learning, creating value that enhances productivity, growth, and connection—earning its place as a preferred workplace.

The 3 C’s: Culture, Collaboration, and Connection.
A thriving office builds culture, fosters collaboration, and strengthens connections. Dedicated spaces like lounges and team areas create belonging, drive innovation, and support productivity and loyalty, even in hybrid work models.

Getting it right for your business.

Every company has unique needs, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to building a productive, engaging workplace. Crafting a “magnetic” office means listening to employees and making intentional design choices that align with the team’s roles, personalities, and work styles. Sometimes, small adjustments—like converting an underused meeting room into a quiet library space—can have a significant impact. This isn’t about making work “cosy and fun”; it’s about creating an environment that supports productivity, fosters genuine connection, and respects diverse work preferences. When employees feel understood and empowered to work at their best, the office becomes a place they want to be—a resilient, adaptable space that drives both satisfaction and business success. You can have both.

Let’s start the conversation.

Contact Jana Stringer, Commercial Manager, today to discuss how we can help your business create a magnetic workplace that works for everyone. Phone: 021 021 021 or
email: jana@spaceworks.co.nz