While remote and hybrid work arrangements have gained traction, recent research highlights the distinct benefits of in-person work for fostering collaboration, creativity and professional growth.
A recent study from Stanford revealed that, when compared to remote environments, hybrid work models — which incorporate regular in-office interactions — significantly enhance mentorship and teamwork, key components for innovation and career development. Meanwhile, Gartner reports that in-person settings are better suited for conflict resolution and cultivating strong organizational culture, tasks that can be challenging in remote environments.
Beyond these benefits, many companies enhance the in-office experience with enticing amenities that encourage employee engagement and well-being.
Amenities like stunning city views, collaborative work spaces, coffee and fitness facilities are accessible at many Chicago companies, and some also provide additional perks that fit into the company’s mission, like bicycle component manufacturer SRAM’s secure bike storage and indoor cycling studio.
These amenities, combined with the natural advantages of face-to-face interactions, reinforce the value of in-person work. For job seekers in search of a great office environment in Chicago, these five local companies offer in-person work experiences worthy of the commute.
SRAM is a leading manufacturer of high-performance bicycle components and accessories, designed for cyclists of all levels.
Tell us about your company’s office space and how frequently your team uses it.
Our office space was one of the reasons I applied for a job at SRAM — it's got a vibe that's part bike shop and part mad scientist's laboratory, all tied together with a loop of test track that frequently has team members rolling by on bikes or scooters.
We are somewhat hybrid, but unless you're travelling, most folks are in the office between three to five days a week. I appreciate the flexibility of having a weekday to work from home and usually don't come in on Fridays.
Generally, I work from my desk, as I like people to be able to find me easily with questions, but we've also got a great library space that I like to use for focus work.
What types of amenities does your company offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
I think probably the most important amenities to me are those that make bike commuting easy — we have secure bike storage, lockers, showers and laundry service. It's so incredibly nice as a commuter to be able to bike in through any kind of weather and know I can still be presentable for a 9 a.m. meeting!
“It’s so incredibly nice as a commuter to be able to bike in through any kind of weather and know I can still be presentable for a 9 a.m. meeting!”
We also have a terrific indoor cycling studio, lovingly referred to as “the pain cave,” where employees can ride a Peloton or Wahoo KIKCR.
But as much as I appreciate the cycling amenities, I think my personal favorite thing in the office is our La Marzocca espresso machine. I can't reckon up how much money I’ve probably saved getting an americano in the cafe every day over the last year!
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
For me personally, a big part of managing health and safety is getting quick feedback from our team. When we're in the office together, I get to see and talk to people when they're not experiencing a safety issue or injury. I think being able to build those relationships in person makes people feel more comfortable reaching out when they do have a problem or concern. Getting coffee, going on lunch rides, using our common work bench together — all these things help build the kind of trust and familiarity that I need to successfully support the safety and well-being of our team.
GoHealth is a health insurance marketplace and technology platform connecting individuals and families with affordable insurance plans tailored to their needs.
Tell us about your company’s office space and how frequently your team uses it.
GoHealth has a large and open office space at the Merchandise Mart right in the heart of Chicago. Each corporate employee local to Chicago has a personal workspace and access to a variety of shared spaces such as conference rooms, phone booths and break areas. We also enjoy all the building amenities we have access to, including a rooftop.
As a hybrid team, we have the flexibility to work both remotely and in the office. My team comes into the office three times a week, Tuesday through Thursday, which allows us to maintain a balance between in-person collaboration and the convenience of remote work.
I personally come in up to four days a week because I love the office environment. I enjoy having my personal workspace, especially the standing desk and large dual monitors, which I do not have at home.
What types of amenities does your company offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
One of my favorite things about the office is the location. Within the building alone we have access to a variety of amazing food options. Whether we’re stepping out for a quick lunch or are enjoying a happy hour, there are also so many places to try around The Mart. Within the office we have plenty of conference spaces, which I love to use for in-person meetings. My favorite part of working at GoHealth is the people, and I always learn so much from my peers. Being in a room with my peers helps me feel more connected to the company and adds a sense of community and camaraderie. The social aspect of working in-office makes my work experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
As someone who works on the financial reporting team, it is critical in my role to have detailed knowledge of the company, its products and services, markets and its internal organization to understand financial results. Working in the office and embracing the culture of collaboration, even just having ad-hoc conversations in the hallways, has allowed me to develop this level of awareness.
Working in our office has also given me structure and routine, something that I struggle with when working remotely. I like the clear divide between work and home life, and I find myself more productive and focused in an office environment. This has come into play recently, as I have a new baby at home. When I returned from maternity leave, my biggest concern was being able to continue to progress and succeed at work while having the ability to disconnect and enjoy as much time as possible with my son.
“Working in our office has also given me structure and routine, something that I struggle with when working remotely.”
The in-office collaboration and teamwork has truly allowed me to do just that. I can interact face-to-face with my coworkers, better communicate, problem-solve faster and have more casual chats and brainstorming sessions. All of this allows me to work smarter and more efficiently, which gives me more time to enjoy my personal life.
ABN AMRO Clearing USA LLC is a global financial services provider offering clearing, execution and financing solutions for various asset classes.
Tell us about your company’s office space and how frequently your team uses it.
ABN AMRO Clearing USA LLC has an open office layout with plenty of communal, conference and individual meeting areas available. The variety of office spaces encourages coworkers to interact while providing private workspace when necessary.
Our hybrid work policy requires employees to be in the office at least three days per week. This flexibility limits my overall weekly commute time and allows me to start and finish my work week strong. When working in-office days, I am usually at my desk or using one of the private workspaces for virtual calls with my peers, who are based in other regions.
What types of amenities does your company offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
The firm offers multiple amenities for employees to use while in-office including weekly Grubhub credit, bagels on Wednesdays, fruit and other snacks, various coffee and tea options and ping pong and foosball tables. They also provide new employees with a $500 hybrid work stipend to help set up their workspace at home.
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
As someone who is still early in their career, the hybrid model has provided me with more real-time opportunities for knowledge sharing and relationship building. My previous role was 100 percent remote and opportunities like water cooler chats, lunches, shared learnings and overall networking did not happen as easily or organically while working remotely.
“The hybrid model has provided me with more real-time opportunities for knowledge sharing and relationship building.”
Things that would require an email remotely are replaced by a slight tap on a coworker's shoulder. These interactions can add up over time and make a long-term impact.
Hireology’s hiring and talent management platform helps businesses streamline their recruiting, onboarding and employee management processes.
Tell us about your company’s office space and how frequently your team uses it.
Our office is my second home. It’s the entire floor and has an open work concept with amazing views of the city. While most of us come in three days a week, I am typically there five.
Although I have my corner desk, I spend most of my time working at random spots in the office. Whether it’s a conference room, the kitchen or with other departments, there are no real restrictions on where you can get work done, and that’s what I love about our office.
Magan Marshall, our workplace experience specialist, mentioned that we revamped the seating chart to optimize the layout and foster teamwork among all our departments. “Our layout is a spacious, open environment designed for collaboration and to maximize productivity,” she said.
The office caters to everyone — quiet spots to focus and community spots to work and socialize.
What types of amenities does your company offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
For me, it’s the stocked kitchen which has snacks and beverages galore. While I typically go for unhealthy snacks, we have plenty of options for all the health nuts out there.
The beverages are even better. Espresso (my favorite), coffee, a cold brew tap, flavored carbonated water machines, two beer taps and all your major canned Coke products. Rest assured, you’ll never go thirsty at Hireology.
Katie Glick, our digital marketing specialist, said that she loves how our company has a strong workplace culture. “I enjoy the in-office events we put on, whether it is our biannual companywide Connect weeks, our new hire lunches or our monthly Beaker Bashes, there is never a dull moment around ‘The Lab,’ as we call it!”
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
I’m in sales so for me, it’s vitally important that I’m around other people. It’s hard to get better at this job if you are siloed, working from home every day. Being in the office allows for more collaboration and lets me hear in real time how people are navigating their conversations.
“Being in the office allows for more collaboration and lets me hear in real time how people are navigating their conversations.”
More importantly, I love the people I work with and want to be around them more often than not!
Katie added, “When I started working at Hireology a few years back, I had made a career pivot from education to tech. Transitioning to a completely new field can be daunting, but I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be in the office to grow and learn from my peers.”
Also, Magan noted that working in the office has benefitted the way she works because it “enhanced how I approach my role,” she said, “because of the hands-on nature of my responsibilities. Working in the office allows me to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.”
Prosodica’s enterprise-grade voice and speech analytics engine offers insights into customer experiences, employee engagement and overall satisfaction.
Tell us about your company’s office space and how frequently your team uses it.
We follow a hybrid model, and I enjoy coming into our downtown Chicago office two or three times a week. The space is open and airy, and the large windows allow natural light to fill the office. The look and feel is modern industrial, which can give off a dry and frosty feeling at times, but I have the freedom to decorate my desk space, which brings comforting warmth and familiarity.
Our office has private work rooms and individual work stations sprinkled throughout the floor plan, but I choose to work at my desk — and it’s not just because of my personal single-cup coffee machine.
What types of amenities does your company offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
Prosodica is located in the Ogilvie Train Station, so we’re lucky to have abundant food and beverage options available without having to even leave the building. There is also a gym, and a huge perk is that we get free membership.
Within the walls of our office, the kitchen is stocked with free snacks and drinks. We get a stipend to purchase lunch and have it delivered to the office every other week, and being in the city means we have tons of options for team outings. It’s fun and convenient to be able to walk from the office to try a new place while catching up with my coworkers.
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
I thrive on human connection, so working in the office is motivating and fulfilling to me. Being able to speak to someone face-to-face, seeing them in the flesh, nourishes both my soul and my work ethic. Sharing an idea with a team member by walking to their desk or running into them as I grab a drink from the kitchen creates not only an emotional connection of belonging and empathy, but also a connection in the brain as synapses trigger positive feelings of well-being and trust.
“I thrive on human connection, so working in the office is motivating and fulfilling to me.”
A large part of my professional well-being is being able to create bonds with my teammates, and enjoying a sub sandwich from the French Market while sharing my family photos from the weekend allows me to do just this.
