The Most Wanted Office Amenities Requested by Employees in 2024

Taking a human-centric approach is a must for companies aiming to attract (and retain) top talent and remain competitive in a job market directly impacted by rapid technological advancements. From the employee perspective, finding fulfillment and feeling valued at work has remained a top priority and, not surprisingly, correlates directly with their tenure at a workplace.

When it comes to employee fulfillment, money talks — but flexible working arrangements and office amenities also have a say. As a result, coworking spaces (which offer flexible work environments like hot desking and employee perks) have become increasingly popular, and business owners are seeking more creative ways to meet employee needs. 

Below, we explore the most wanted office amenities in 2024 and why it continues to be crucial for businesses to listen — and adapt —to the needs of potential and existing employees. 

What’s the Difference Between Office “Facilities” and “Amenities”?

Before we unpack the most employee-requested office perks, it’s important to understand that these “perks” or amenities differ from office facilities. You can think of facilities as the must-have items you need — much like the personal ID and boarding pass that are essential in order to get to your next travel destination. For example, restrooms, meeting rooms, HVAC systems, and basic utilities like electricity and water are all facilities that keep an office functional. 

On the other hand, amenities are the “nice to have” items that increase comfort and enhance employee well-being. While you don’t need those noise-canceling headphones for your trip, they undoubtedly make the travel time more enjoyable. 

If you want to create a work environment that fosters productivity and improves employee satisfaction, it’s worth going the extra mile to provide the amenities that matter most. 

Top Office Amenities Requested by Employees in 2024

The trending office amenities in 2024 revolve around three key areas: Flexibility, convenience, and overall well-being. The pandemic made remote work the norm for many employees — and with that came the freedom of working in an environment best suited for an individual’s needs. Now, in-office work is back on the rise, increasing from around one day a week in 2021 to three days a week in 2024. However, the desire for flexibility hasn’t disappeared and has extended into the in-office environment. 

As a result, coworking spaces have risen in popularity by offering several different types of work environments under one roof, including collaborative spaces as well as private desks and offices. In addition, these types of office spaces often provide luxury amenities like on-site gyms and outdoor spaces, leaning into the employee’s desire for a work environment that prioritizes an individual’s physical and mental well-being. We all love things that make life a little easier. Amenities that make the work day more enjoyable, comfortable, and productive will always be welcomed by employees — and increase the chances of them sticking around for the long haul. 

Wellness and Health Amenities

How you feel has a direct impact on everything in your life — and that includes your productivity at work. Office perks for employee well-being and flexible work accommodations are at the top of the “most requested” list. As an employer, providing a healthier work environment is a great way to increase employee focus and foster a company culture that puts its people first. 

On-site gyms and fitness centers

For maintaining physical health, on-site gyms make it easy to get a great workout in before jumping into the work day (or on your lunch break!). Many coworking spaces (like Mindspace Williamsburg in Brooklyn) are located in areas surrounded by gyms, dining options, and shopping areas. However, providing the advantage of an on-site gym for employees is just one more way to add convenience to the workday and increase employee satisfaction with office amenities.  

Wellness rooms and meditation spaces

Overall well-being isn’t just about physical health — it’s about mental health, too. Thanks to Millennials and Gen Zers, talking about mental health in the workplace has become far less taboo. As a result, employers are finding more creative ways to provide employee wellness offerings and support mental health — which include dedicated spaces that encourage employees to step away from their desks to recharge. 

Collaboration and Social Spaces

While in-office work is back on the rise, hybrid and remote work are still more popular than they ever were before the pandemic. As a result, employees often use in-person office time for more collaborative work that can be more challenging to do remotely. With that shift in work culture comes new types of spaces to support the desire for socialization and collaboration.  

Open-plan workspaces and collaborative areas

Areas designed to promote collaboration naturally facilitate more open communication and encourage teamwork, which often leads to increased innovation, new ideas, and solutions. Employees feel a greater sense of purpose and community, and employers benefit from a team that’s engaged with one another and ready to solve complex problems.

Outdoor terraces and rooftop gardens

Just because you’re in the office doesn’t mean you need to be stuck inside all day. More offices and coworking spaces are offering outdoor spaces. These environments provide a relaxing area for employees to socialize or switch up their work environment. Being able to get fresh air and sunshine throughout the workday is also an effective way to increase productivity and improve employee well-being. 

Event spaces and meeting rooms

For companies that conduct most of their work remotely, being able to rent out event spaces and meeting rooms for in-person employee meet-ups, networking, and brainstorming sessions is another way to foster a stronger sense of community among employees. 

Productivity and Technology Amenities

Providing an environment where your employees can work comfortably and have everything they need to do their work seamlessly is another way to increase productivity and retention. People are far less likely to leave an environment that meets all of their needs. 

Standing desks and ergonomic furniture

This type of furniture isn’t just a “nice to have” — it also supports the physical health of your employees and can increase comfort during the work day.

Quiet rooms and focus pods

Going back to the point that everyone has different needs, everyone has different preferences when it comes to the settings they feel most productive in. Quiet rooms and focus areas are a welcome amenity for employees that need to do deep focus work or simply prefer a more peaceful environment when they aren’t collaborating with their teammates. 

High-speed internet and reliable technology infrastructure

If there was a “non-negotiable” amenity on this list, having high-speed internet and a technology infrastructure you and your employees can count on is it. Most employees rely on the internet in at least some capacity to gain access to knowledge and resources, collaborate with teammates, and use cloud-based tools. The faster they can do so, the easier their jobs are. 

Tech support and IT services

If tech issues do arise, having easy access to tech support and IT services minimizes frustrating work interruptions for your employees, reduces downtime, and ensures your business stays productive — a win for both parties involved.

Personalized and Flexible Amenities

Unsurprisingly, flexible amenities are one of the most in-demand office perks. Your employees aren’t just employees; they’re people. And people have different wants and needs. The more personalized amenities you can offer to meet those different needs, the better. 

Adjustable workstations and customizable furniture

Offering these amenities empowers your employees to create a productive workspace tailored to their individual needs. Anything that reduces discomfort during the workday will be a welcome addition, and shows, once again, that your business is a place that puts the well-being of its employees first.

Nap pods and relaxation areas

No one can work productively every single moment of every workday. Recognizing that and providing areas for employees to take breaks, rest, and recharge significantly increases overall focus and productivity. 

Pet-friendly policies

One of the must-have office amenities for employee engagement and collaboration? A dog-friendly day in the office. It’s guaranteed to bring employees together — especially if there are puppies involved. In all seriousness, having a pet-friendly office, or at least designated pet-friendly office days, has proven to increase socialization and reduce stress. For those who have emotional support animals, having a pet-friendly policy in place is a great way to accommodate those individuals and set your business apart from the competition. 

The Importance of Adapting to Employee Needs

If you’re not listening and adapting to the needs of your employees, you’re already playing a losing game — and that loss will come in the form of low retention rates and increased costs. It’s far more expensive for businesses to continually have to recruit and hire new talent instead of retaining the valuable talent they already have. 

It’s also important to understand the employees that make up the current workforce. According to the Pew Research Center, Millennials make up about 35% of the workforce in the U.S. That number is set to increase as members of the Boomer generation move into retirement. On a global scale, Millennials are projected to account for 75% of the workforce in 2025. Why does all of this matter? Because the largest generation in the workforce is the one who is setting the current trends, and it’s clear that having an employer who cares about them matters to Millennials in the workplace. 

By understanding what employees need and want, employers can more easily adapt and remain competitive — making themselves more attractive to prospective talent, while ensuring they retain the talent they already have. Amenities that meet the need for flexibility, enhance employee well-being, and make the day-to-day more comfortable and convenient play an increasingly important role in employee engagement and productivity — one that’s not projected to change anytime soon.

It’s safe to say we all want the places we spend our time in to be ones that enhance our lives — and the work environment should be no exception. 

Are you looking for a coworking space offering flexible work arrangements and a long list of popular workplace amenities? Our Mindspace coworking locations have got you covered. We’re passionate about providing office space solutions that make people excited to come to work — and helping businesses like yours thrive in the process. 

Contact us today to book a tour!