15 Ways to Get Employees to Come to work

There are plenty of direct advantages involved in creating a more social office environment.

Right at the top of the list, when you have a workforce that is happier and more content in their roles, they are much more likely to perform their duties successfully and your bottom line should start to grow.

One of the ways that you can encourage happiness is by creating a more social office environment.

While you can’t force people to get along, the environment that they are spending a great deal of their time in can truly make all the difference.

So, here are just a few of the means that you have available to create a more social office environment.

1. Add a fully equipped break room 

Your break room can be such an important environment as it is the place where a lot of different bonds are going to be formed and people can create the connections that may well sustain them for a long period of time during their working lives.

In terms of what you need to add to the space, you should certainly start off with some high-quality office breakroom furnishings.

This will give the maximum opportunity for people to relax and unwind as needed. You should also think about how you can add some perks to the space such as free hot drinks or fresh fruit.

This can all be instrumental in ensuring that your break room is a space that people react positively towards.

2. Think about the positioning of furniture 

If you simply have rows of desks and cubicles with closing doors, it is a lot less likely that people are going to have the relaxing break room environment that they are looking for.

Instead, you should think about how you can put in areas that allow them to branch off and have social interaction with one another.

Creating these different zones can prove to be invaluable in making the office environment as social as it possibly can be.

3. Add in some green space 

If you are lucky enough to have any outdoor space at your office, it is certainly going to be worth making the most of it. This could mean that you hire a gardener to take care of it for you.

Again, it could involve putting in some seating and encouraging people to sit around and talk with one another.

If you don’t have any outdoor space, another option that you have available is to add in some more houseplants and indoor greenery. This can have a positive socialising effect on the people around you.

Read 20 Best Practices for Meaningful Employee Engagement Survey

4. Create a positive working culture 

This may well be more of a vague concept, but it is certainly one that is worth paying attention to.

Ultimately, it comes down to creating a more positive working culture where people feel like they are fully free and able to express themselves properly.

This can be harder to get to grips with as your company starts to grow and develop.

However, you should always use tools such as employee surveys as a way of making sure that you are keeping one eye on the culture and how best you can set about making it as positive as possible.

You should get in the habit of celebrating employee successes in a group setting that helps everyone to feel fully happy and motivated.

5. Book in some employee team building

One of the other main methods that you have available for creating the social office environment that you are looking for is by booking in some team building days for the different departments to take part in.

If you have the right size of team, you could even have an entire company retreat.

These have a couple of major advantages, but the first is making sure that everyone knows that your organization cares about them as individuals.

At the same time, it may well help to foster more of a positive attitude towards people who didn’t necessarily know each other or get on as well as they otherwise could have done.

These are just a few of the main methods that you have available for creating a more social office environment.

Ultimately, it is more than worth doing this as you can help people to get along and boost the fortunes of your company at the same time.

Of course, it takes some real and sustained effort to keep it up, so make sure that you commit to it in the long run as much as you can.

Read 5 Ways Employers Can Improve Employee Productivity

6. Offer Flexible Working Hours

One of the most effective ways to encourage employees to come into work is by offering flexible working hours.

This doesn’t mean abandoning structure entirely, but rather allowing staff to choose start and finish times that suit their lifestyle.

Flexibility helps employees avoid peak-hour traffic, manage personal responsibilities better, and feel more trusted and respected in their roles.

When employees are given the freedom to tailor their schedules, it can significantly boost morale and reduce burnout.

A rigid 9-to-5 model may not suit everyone, especially parents or those with caregiving responsibilities.

Flexibility supports a healthier work-life balance, and when employees feel accommodated, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to showing up.

Moreover, flexible hours can increase productivity. People work best at different times of the day. Some are morning-focused, others hit their stride in the afternoon.

By allowing flexibility, employers harness each individual’s peak performance window. It also sends a clear message that management values outcomes over micromanagement, which fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.

7. Recognise and Reward Contributions

Recognition plays a vital role in employee engagement and attendance. When employees feel that their efforts are noticed and appreciated, they are more likely to remain committed to their roles.

Simple gestures such as saying thank you, praising someone publicly during a meeting, or sending a personalised note can make a big difference in how valued a person feels.

Reward systems can go a step further. These don’t have to be grand or expensive things like “Employee of the Month,” small bonuses, gift cards, or even a preferred parking spot can be meaningful.

When employees see a tangible reward linked to their consistent effort or innovation, it creates a strong incentive to show up, contribute, and excel.

It’s also important to ensure that recognition is fair and inclusive. A transparent system where achievements are celebrated openly fosters a culture of appreciation.

It prevents resentment and builds a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition among employees, making the workplace a place they want to be, not avoid.

Read 7 Simple Steps To Boost Employee Engagement & Productivity

8. Provide Career Development Opportunities

Employees are more likely to show up and engage when they feel their workplace is helping them grow.

Career development opportunities signal that a company is invested in its people. Offering training sessions, certifications, mentorship programmes, or even just regular one-on-one career chats can go a long way in boosting morale and attendance.

Professional growth fuels motivation. When employees know there’s a path to advancement or skill enhancement, they are more inclined to commit to the company and its goals.

The workplace becomes more than just a job. It becomes a stepping stone to a better version of themselves.

This forward momentum keeps employees engaged and eager to contribute.

Furthermore, career development fosters loyalty. Employees are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere when they see they can achieve their goals within their current workplace.

They feel seen not just as workers, but as individuals with ambition and potential.

This sense of purpose can increase their sense of responsibility and drive to be present and involved.

Read 20 Ways To Keep Your Company Safe From Employee Negligence

9. Encourage Open Communication

A transparent and open communication culture builds trust, and trust makes people want to be present. Employees want to feel that their voices matter and that they can speak openly without fear of backlash.

When communication flows both ways top-down and bottom-up, it creates a healthy, respectful environment where employees feel safe and heard.

Creating regular opportunities for open dialogue is crucial. Town hall meetings, suggestion boxes, or anonymous feedback forms give employees a platform to share ideas or express concerns.

More importantly, management must act on this feedback to show that employee input is genuinely valued. When people see that their opinions can influence change, they feel more connected to their workplace.

Strong communication also prevents misunderstandings and frustration that can lead to absenteeism. Clear expectations, shared goals, and timely updates help employees stay informed and confident in their roles.

When they understand what’s happening in the organisation and where they fit in, they’re more inclined to turn up and engage meaningfully.

Read 5 Creative Ways To Build An Employee Centric Culture

10. Offer Wellness and Mental Health Support

Wellbeing is closely tied to workplace attendance. If employees are mentally or physically struggling and don’t feel supported, they may avoid coming to work.

Employers who provide resources for mental health, such as access to counselling, wellness workshops, or stress management programmes, show they care about the holistic wellbeing of their team.

A proactive wellness strategy can also include offering gym memberships, promoting mindfulness or yoga sessions, and encouraging regular breaks. These initiatives can reduce stress and prevent burnout, which is a major cause of absenteeism.

When staff feel mentally and physically supported, their capacity to handle work improves and so does their desire to show up.

Moreover, promoting wellness reduces stigma. When companies normalise mental health conversations, employees are more likely to speak up and seek help early. This creates a healthier, more supportive work environment where people don’t feel like they have to hide their struggles.

A culture that truly supports wellbeing invites loyalty and consistent attendance.

Read 29 Creative Ways To Retain Employees

11. Provide Safe and Clean Working Conditions

The physical environment of a workplace has a significant impact on whether employees want to be there.

If the office or facility is dirty, unsafe, or uncomfortable, it becomes a place people want to avoid. Prioritising cleanliness, safety, and comfort sends a strong message that the health and wellbeing of employees matter.

Safety should include both physical safety such as proper lighting, ergonomic furniture, emergency protocols and emotional safety, meaning freedom from harassment or toxic behaviour.

A clean and well-maintained workplace not only prevents illness and accidents but also improves morale and focus. Employees feel respected and dignified in an environment that is cared for.

In industries that involve physical labour or factory settings, even more attention is required. Regular inspections, proper equipment, and compliance with safety regulations are essential. Employees are far more likely to come to work when they feel confident they’ll return home in the same condition safe, healthy, and satisfied.

Read 5 Reasons Why Performance Reviews Are Important For Employees

12. Celebrate Milestones and Personal Events

Recognising birthdays, work anniversaries, and personal achievements helps humanise the workplace. These small yet meaningful celebrations make employees feel more than just a cog in the machine. They feel like valued members of a community.

This emotional connection encourages people to want to be at work, not just for the tasks, but for the shared experiences.

Creating a simple system to celebrate milestones, whether through a shared cake, a card from the team, or a shout-out in a meeting can uplift spirits and strengthen relationships.

It reminds employees that their presence and journey are noticed and appreciated, adding a layer of joy to the daily routine.

Involving the team in these celebrations also fosters a sense of unity and belonging. When people feel like they’re part of something bigger, with colleagues who acknowledge their highs and lows, they are more likely to feel loyal and enthusiastic about being present.

A connected workforce is a more consistent one.

13. Make Commuting Easier

Sometimes, it’s the journey to work, not the job itself that discourages attendance. Long, expensive, or stressful commutes can sap motivation before the day even begins. Employers who take steps to ease commuting challenges will likely see a rise in regular attendance and punctuality.

Solutions might include subsidising public transport costs, offering carpooling options, providing secure bike storage, or even organising a company shuttle.

For those working in urban centres, negotiating for discounted parking or working with local transit authorities can show that you’re thinking about the full employee experience, not just the hours they spend in the building.

Additionally, allowing staggered start times to avoid rush hour can significantly improve the commute experience. When employees know they won’t be penalised for arriving a little later, they feel less stress and more freedom. Removing logistical barriers to attendance helps ensure your team arrives motivated rather than exhausted.

Read 15 Best Practices for Employee Career Development Plan

14. Encourage Autonomy and Ownership

Employees are more likely to show up to a workplace where they feel a sense of autonomy and ownership over their work.

Micromanagement can drain motivation and make people feel undervalued. In contrast, when people are trusted to make decisions and manage their responsibilities, they feel empowered and respected.

Encouraging autonomy doesn’t mean leaving employees without support. It means giving them the tools and freedom to perform their roles without unnecessary interference. It includes setting clear expectations, allowing creativity, and trusting individuals to manage their time and tasks. This independence often results in higher job satisfaction and engagement.

Ownership also fosters accountability. When employees see how their contributions impact the bigger picture, they become more invested in the outcome.

They feel like an integral part of the company’s success rather than just a worker fulfilling duties. This connection increases their motivation to show up and contribute consistently.

15. Involve Employees in Decision-Making

People are more likely to commit to something they helped build. Involving employees in decision-making, whether related to projects, policies, or the work environment—can significantly boost their sense of belonging and importance.

When individuals feel that their ideas and opinions have influence, they are more likely to care deeply about their work and the organisation.

This involvement can take many forms, such as focus groups, staff surveys, brainstorming sessions, or regular feedback meetings. The key is not just to gather input but to act on it and communicate back to the team how their suggestions shaped outcomes.

This closes the feedback loop and reinforces that their voice matters.

Creating a culture of shared leadership leads to a more collaborative and inclusive workplace. Employees who feel ownership over workplace decisions tend to be more committed, more innovative, and more present. Instead of simply executing instructions, they become active contributors and that kind of engagement drives regular attendance and stronger team dynamics.

Read 30 Ways to Make Your Employees 20x More Productive

Final Thoughts

Creating a workplace where employees genuinely want to show up goes beyond just offering a paycheck.

It requires thoughtful attention to their environment, wellbeing, growth, and sense of purpose. By combining practical enhancements like flexible hours, wellness support, and a comfortable workspace with a positive culture built on trust, recognition, and inclusion, employers can foster a motivated and committed team.

When employees feel seen, valued, and supported, they are far more likely to bring their best selves to work each day. Investing in these strategies doesn’t just improve attendance, it strengthens the overall health and success of your organisation.