It goes without saying that happy employees are more productive, but from a real-estate perspective how can this contribute to commercial property value? Technological innovation means that we are all working longer hours and often blurring the lines between home and work.
Therefore, companies are demanding even more sophisticated workplaces that provide a space with greater emphasis on health, well-being and happiness.
- From an investment point of view – a differentiating factor for buildings is something that achieves higher return
- From an employer point of view – a space that provides a superior environment for their staff than their competitors offer
Seems like a win-win situation, so how can strategies be put in place that benefit both investor/owner and occupier/tenant?
Place
Build a space with wellbeing in mind
According to Mahesh Ramanujam, CEO of US Green Buildings Council, “The key components of healthy space have everything to do with creating space not for itself, but for people”. Simply put, in order to get maximum ROI, commercial buildings need to put staff’s health and wellbeing at the forefront of building decisions. Spaces which are built to cater for and promote a healthy workforce are much more likely to obtain the highest value occupants.
People
Transform a space into a community
Building a space that has been designed with people at the centre is a great start to driving value from the best calibre occupants. However, in order to not only obtain but more importantly keep occupiers satisfied, is to create a community around the building. Many young and dynamic companies are willing to pay a higher premium for a space that has encouraged the best retailers and services to locate in the immediate area and provide a sense of community with the other occupants.
Product
Integrate services that enhance the building experience
We are making it sound simple but the truth is, creating a building experience as well as maintaining all other aspects of management is sometimes a big ask. However, according to Allsop magazine, “There’s considerable ROI in putting your staff’s health and wellbeing at the forefront” so any initiatives or plans put into place are likely to impact the value of a property in more ways than one. Getting advice from occupier engagement specialists can take the stress out of communicating and crafting a range of building services and act as a differentiator against competing spaces.
Locale Life is the new service from Locale offering occupier well-being services and initiatives, and takes the resource away from building staff to organise. Why not register here for more information?
