The power of seductive workspaces

Once upon a time, there were a group of mysterious creatures known as the Sirens. They had the ability to seduce sailors with their enchanting voices. Those who heard the Sirens' song were invariably drawn towards the rocks, crash against them and perish.

What can managers learn from the myth of Sirens?

After the pandemic, many people keep on working from home, and those supervisors who disagree struggle to persuade them to return to the office, sometimes even forcing them to. But does this make sense?

The Sirens of ancient Greek mythology used their seductive power to attract sailors, but this had adverse effects. How can modern businesses employ seductive tactics to attract employees while avoiding the pitfalls of the sirens' song?

The idea of seduction as a strategy to attract and build relationships with employees is gaining traction. In a competitive environment, where talents can be fickle and difficult to retain, companies must be innovative to create and sustain relationships. Seduction provides an opportunity to do this in an effective and engaging manner. By using seductive tactics, indeed, companies can create a sense of familiarity and trust, which can lead to improved loyalty and employee engagement.

What seduction tools can companies use?

Typically, what companies do is use traditional methods to attract and retain employees, such as offering rewards and incentives, or providing competitive wages and benefits, and flexible working hours.

However, there are other techniques that are just as effective in helping a company gain a competitive advantage. Workspace design is one of them.

Several studies have shown that the way headquarters or offices are designed can not only communicate corporate messages and values in a powerful way but also convey pleasant sensations and well-being that make people feel emotionally connected to the company. In doing this, the workspace possesses a seduction power to attract and retain employees.  

Tips for making a workspace more attractive:

1. Embrace flexibility
   The workspace should be flexible so employees are able to choose where to work and adjust the furniture according to their needs. This can help improve employee comfort, increase productivity, and reduce stress. A flexible workspace can also help companies save money, as they don’t have to purchase large amounts of furniture or equipment and can reduce their fixed and energy costs by reducing the number of fixed positions.
2. Provide space for social interaction and relaxation
   Socializing can help coworkers bond and work together more effectively. It reduces stress, boosts morale, and job satisfaction. Relaxation spaces help employees reduce stress and recharge, improving productivity and performance. Providing a space for social interaction and relaxation can also foster creativity making employees more open to new ideas and solutions.
3. Invest in efficient and quality furniture (it doesn’t have to be costly!)
   Investing in high-quality furniture can make a workspace more inviting and comfortable. Quality furniture creates an atmosphere of professionalism and respect that can be attractive to employees alike. It also allows employees to work in a comfortable and ergonomic environment.
4. Bring nature in
   Plants and natural light add a sense of life and energy to the workplace, making it more inviting and comfortable for employees. Plants can also relieve stress, and boost concentration, productivity, and employee well-being. Natural light reduces eye strain, headaches, and fatigue while improving mood and energy levels.

Seductive workspaces can help businesses stay competitive in today's market. After all, the success of a firm lies also in its ability to create the conditions for people to perform at their best. Ultimately, the Sirens' song was one of destruction, but companies can ensure that their song is one of productivity and success.

References:

De Molli, F. (2019). An aesthetic account of space: A report on recent developments in organizational research. Studi Organizzativi, 1/2019: 38-63.

Friedman, R. (2014). The best place to work: The art and science of creating an extraordinary workplace. TarcherPerigee.