Rebuilding Workplace Engagement and Productivity

Client: Large-Scale Employer Managing Workplace Transition

As remote work reshaped workplace dynamics, a leading employer faced a critical decline in employee engagement, collaboration, and retention. With in-office attendance at an all-time low, employees felt disconnected from their teams, leading to decreased innovation, weakened culture, and higher turnover. The challenge wasn’t just about bringing employees back—it was about making the workplace a destination employees wanted to return to.

The organization sought a human behavior-driven solution to understand employee hesitancy, shift perceptions of the workplace, and create an environment that fostered engagement, productivity, and long-term retention.

Key Highlights

• 20% Reduction in Employee Churn – Behavioral strategies improved retention rates significantly.
• Voluntary Return-to-Office – In-office attendance increased to 3+ days per week.
• Enhanced Workplace Engagement – Redesigned spaces fostered collaboration and team connection.
• Workplace Satisfaction Boost – Amenities and behavioral programs aligned with employee needs.

Before Implementation

Employer-tenants were dealing with:

1. Low In-Office Attendance – Employees felt offices lacked convenience and relevance.
2. Disengagement – Outdated amenities led to dissatisfaction and low morale.
3. High Turnover – Employees sought more flexible and supportive environments.
4. Reduced Collaboration – Virtual work reduced opportunities for team innovation and connection.

After Implementation

1. Employee Retention Improved by 20%, reducing turnover costs and stabilizing teams.
2. Voluntary Return-to-Office Rates Increased, with over 75% employees returning to the office 3+ days per week.
3. Collaboration Reinvigorated, supported by enhanced shared spaces and community-building efforts.
4. Workplace Satisfaction Increased, with employees reporting a renewed interest in workplace engagement.

Research, Perception, and Experience Program

1. Research: Understanding the Wokforce

BMG began with an in-depth study of employee behaviors, workplace trends, and engagement barriers. Through surveys, interviews, and observational analysis, the program uncovered key findings:

• Employees desired greater work-life balance, particularly support for families.
• Collaborative opportunities were highly valued but underutilized in the current setup.
• Perceived workplace inconvenience significantly impacted attendance rates.

2. Perception: Reframing the Office

Behavioral science techniques were used to reshape how employees viewed the workplace. Messaging emphasized the office as:

• A hub for collaboration and innovation, offering benefits that remote work could not replicate.
• A flexible, employee-centric environment, tailored to modern workforce needs.
• A key driver of team connection and professional growth.

3. Experience: Transforming the Workplace

BMG implemented targeted interventions to elevate employee experiences:

• Daycare Facility: A unique amenity that addressed the needs of working parents, making the office more convenient and supportive.
• Redesigned Collaborative Spaces: Vibrant and thoughtfully designed areas encouraged spontaneous interaction and teamwork.
• Flexible Workplace Features: Updated layouts and resources reduced barriers to in-office attendance, offering both productivity and comfort.

Transformations

1. Work-Life Balance Enhancements

A daycare facility was introduced to support employees with families, addressing one of the biggest barriers to returning to the office. This unique amenity increased both attendance and employee satisfaction.

2. Redesigned Collaboration Spaces

Updated common areas into vibrant hubs for teamwork and innovation, fostering a renewed sense of connection and creativity among employees.

3. Behavioral Nudges for Return-to-Office

Launched programs and messaging campaigns to highlight the value of in-person collaboration and the improved workplace experience.

4. Long-Term Productivity Tools

Integrated flexibility and convenience features, such as modernized designs and employee-centric programming, to ensure sustained engagement.

Key Takeaway

By applying behavioral science principles to address the needs of modern employees, BMG empowered employers to create a workplace culture that fosters loyalty, collaboration, and long-term engagement. This transformation demonstrates the power of aligning workplace strategy with human behavior.