September is always a watershed moment in the year. Summer ends, schools return and for many, it feels like the start of a new chapter. This year, September is also serving as a line in the sand between home working and a return to the office.

Not everyone is thrilled, however, at being asked to report back to their desks. The reluctance is taking root across the pond in the US, where Google has floated the idea of docking the wages of those who refuse to return to the office. In the UK, Whitehall has latched on to the idea, with rumours that London weighting may be scrapped for home-based civil servants. While no wages have been cut as yet, ‘no shows’ are beginning to make businesses question what type of office they are asking employees to come back to.

Derwent London, a property agent specialising in letting office space, has spoken about the rising demand for office space with ‘perk-based’ amenities, such as gyms, bars and even running tracks. The agent’s thinking? If you’re creating great buildings, more people will come back.

Even as far back as 2016, MPL has been designing and installing offices with exciting features. American diner-style staff restaurants, games zones equipped with a pool tables, air hockey and football tables, indoor forests, pick and mix sweet stations and in-house coffee shops have all featured across our projects – included not only to attract new talent but also to keep staff loyal. The same principle applies to luring staff from their homes back to their desks.

We appreciate not every business will be able to install a rooftop running track or basement bar but simply refurbishing your office, adding a coffee machine and replacing old office furniture will lift spirits, boost morale and show staff that you’re investing in their environment. Get in touch to see how MPL can help you plan a new-look workplace.