Office Amenities and the Modern Employee
The landscape of the job market has been changing for some time now. Nowadays, companies are not just interviewing their candidates, but those candidates are also researching their prospective employers. Of course, they are interested to learn their salaries, benefits, and daily schedules, but office amenities are now also playing a significant role. Engaged and retained employees are at the top of every company’s wishlist, and amenities are quickly becoming necessary tools to achieve this.
Today’s workforce is looking for offices that can offer more than desk space. In fact, one survey even divulged that more employees would rather be able to personalize their offices than have unlimited vacation time. Research also suggests that employees who like their workspaces are 30% more likely to prefer their company over a competing business. After all, employees are spending the majority of their time each week “on the clock.” The office space is an extension of employees’ lives, which means the office should benefit their quality of life. If a company is looking to attract and retain dedicated employees, they may need to make some vital improvements to their commercial real estate workspaces.
What Amenities Should a Company Add to Its Facility?
The previously mentioned survey of 1,600 employees yielded some intriguing results. The top four most important office environment elements were air quality, lighting, water quality, and temperature. And 58% of survey respondents admitted that there would be an improvement in their wellness if they had allergen-free, fresh air.
A Fellowes Workplace Wellness Trend Report revealed that 87% of employees want their employers to offer health elements to the workplace. They are looking for fitness rooms, standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and healthier food options. The Department of Design and Environment Analysis at Cornell also had significant results in research involving natural light. Employees who worked in offices with the optimal amount of natural daylight had an 84% decrease in blurry vision, headaches, and eye strain. Additional offerings could include quiet spaces or outdoor seating areas for employees to take breaks. While these seem like simple improvements, they go a long way to raise employee morale.
Teem, by WeWork, actually explains that one of the more common reasons an employee resigns is the company’s lack of adequate workspace. This can include collaborative, open areas within the office as well as private areas. Collaboration is an important element in a successful company culture, and there are a few ways to add spaces that encourage social interaction and connectivity. Office lounges or comfortable conference rooms, equipped with proper technology, are ideal and functional office additions.
If you are interested in learning more about investing in commercial real estate, or if you have questions about buying, selling, or leasing a commercial property, please contact an HBRE advisor. Our team of experienced CRE professionals have the skills and insight to assist with all property transactions. To reach out to us directly, email [email protected] or call 615-564-4133.
