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Due to the pandemic, many employees have worked from home for a while now. There is no doubt that they have enjoyed the benefits this has created – more time spent with the family, more flexible working arrangements and no time consuming or costly commutes to work. Companies are now trying to encourage their staff back into the office and hiring new staff – and in some cases, this has been a challenge.

In a recent survey undertaken by the CIPD, almost three-quarters (74%) of employers said they were planning to take on new staff in the next three months. But recruitment difficulties remain, with 45% saying they have hard-to-fill vacancies. 

However, businesses can overcome this challenge by creating a workplace that attracts new hires and satisfies existing employees. 

‘Employers shouldn’t necessarily assume that their office space is fit for purpose’ says Mike Sutton, GJS Dillon’s Director of Building Surveying Services ‘Over recent months I’ve been carrying out space audits for employers to help them maximise benefits for employees. In some cases it has been a question of either too much or insufficient room. Or I’ve advised them on how to use the office space more creatively to offer staff more flexible working areas’

Claire Hill, Director at Hill HR Consultancy Ltd agrees that this is a valuable exercise:

‘The physical office may be considered less important now, so it is essential to make your workplace attractive. Is it light, airy, welcoming and a place your staff (and new hires) will want to come to work? Look at the best places that your staff can sit to be comfortable; close to their colleagues or near windows. Seek the opinions and ideas of your staff as they are the ones spending time there.’

Office space aside, it’s the company core values that hold the secret to creating a strong workplace culture. A recent new recruit to GJS Dillon, Piers Thompson, was attracted by their core values of integrity, honesty and teamwork. The hard-working team has established a reputation for its local commercial property expertise but has some fun too. A recent Archery Night was deemed a great success by the staff.

‘In this environment it’s important to establish a workplace community by creating a sense of belonging, supporting colleagues and celebrating achievement’ concludes Claire ‘Team days are great way to achieve that. Unfortunately, Covid hasn’t gone away so employers must also continue to ensure the workplace is as safe as it can be to protect staff’

For further information about GJS Dillon’s Building Surveying services contact Mike Sutton, Director of Building Surveying Services, at mikesutton@gjsdillon.co.uk or call 01905 676169