When choice meets perk, empty offices bloom into bustling hubs.
Superhuman Sees 57% Boost in Office Attendance with Incentive Program
After struggling with mandatory return-to-office rules, Superhuman, the AI-driven productivity software company, has seen a surge in office attendance by offering employees incentives to work on-site. The approach, dubbed the “Ways of Working Programme,” allows staff to opt into 2–5 days per week in the office, with perks scaling to encourage participation.
How the Programme Works
- Employees in the U.S. who come in two days per week receive $500 per quarter in wellness-related support.
- Those choosing five days can get up to $2,000 quarterly.
- Benefits can cover commuting, childcare, groceries, gym memberships, meal services, and home cleaning.
- The programme also includes redesigned workspaces, structured social hours, and daily lunches to improve the in-office experience.
Why This Shift Succeeded
- A previous mandatory policy requiring two office days per week failed due to low uptake and disengaged environments.
- Leadership consulted staff and a behavioral scientist to remove barriers like commuting difficulties and unsatisfactory office setups.
- By making attendance appealing rather than compulsory, Superhuman achieved a 57% increase in daily attendance across its global offices.
Impact and Participation
- About 75% of employees near company hubs have opted into attendance plans.
- Roughly one-third of those choose four or five days per week.
- Adherence is high, with around 85% of participants following their selected schedules.
“I’ve been really shocked at how well it’s working,” said Kenny Mendes, Chief People Officer.
The Bigger Picture
While many companies are tightening return-to-office rules, some linking attendance to promotions or equity, Superhuman demonstrates that voluntary participation, combined with incentives and better workplace experiences, can produce stronger engagement and productivity.
Incentives and thoughtful spaces turn reluctant desks into vibrant centres of collaboration.
Summary
Superhuman’s “Ways of Working Programme” offers employees 2–5 days in-office with wellness and lifestyle incentives, resulting in a 57% rise in attendance. By removing barriers and improving the workspace, about 75% of nearby staff participate, with strong adherence. Unlike mandatory policies elsewhere, the company shows that voluntary, incentive-driven models can boost engagement and productivity effectively.
