Essential Amenities Shaping the Modern Office

In this article:

• Amenities that simplify commuting, including transit access and EV charging.
• Productivity boosters like smart technology and reserved meeting spaces.
• Health-focused features such as fitness centers and improved air quality.
• Flexibility for hybrid work with versatile spaces for meetings and events.

Obviously, we are in a different working world than we were several years ago. While some aspects of the workplace remain timeless, the shift towards remote work has necessitated a reassessment of what is truly essential in a modern office.

Traditional amenities such as spacious workstations, well-equipped meeting rooms, and recreational spaces have always been important, but a new emphasis on flexibility and comfort has come to the forefront.

Employees now expect a workspace that accommodates different work styles and provides a level of comfort that rivals the convenience of working from home. Generally, new amenities can be boiled down to several categories:

• Features that simplify the commute
• Productivity-boosting amenities for a hybrid-friendly workforce
• Health and wellness-centered offerings

Evolving amenities are one of many trends shaping the modern office space. Subscribe to our blog to get exclusive access to insider trends and tips to streamline your CRE portfolio. 

Amenities to Simplify the Commute

How do you compete with a commute from the bedroom to the living room? Well, this is the riddle faced by most organizations urging employees to return to work.

For many, the solution appears to be making the trip to the office as painless as possible. So new tenant-favored amenities not only enhance the in-office experience but also simplify the often bemoaned daily commute.

Recognizing that a streamlined journey to and from work can be a powerful motivator for employees, the focus has shifted towards amenities that prioritize ease and convenience.

One of the key aspects of this shift is ensuring that the office is within walking distance to public transit, especially for businesses located in metropolitan areas. Proximity to metro stations and bus stops has become a highly sought-after feature, as it allows employees to forgo the stress of traffic and parking, promoting a more sustainable and stress-free commute.

Similarly, parking facilities, including well-designed and easily accessible parking garages, address the needs of employees who choose to drive to work.

Offering ample and secure parking spaces not only reduces the hassle of finding parking but also provides freedom for those who rely on personal transportation. And with the increasing popularity of eco-friendly commuting options, modern offices are also incorporating amenities such as dedicated bike storage and e-bike storage facilities.

Furthermore, offices are recognizing the growing trend of electric vehicles, incorporating EV charging stations to accommodate employees who choose to drive greener. To further alleviate the challenges of commuting, some forward-thinking companies are introducing shuttle services and ride-share programs.

Productivity-Boosting Features

The push for a more productive office is not only about physical changes but also about integrating technology seamlessly into the workspace. Smart offices with state-of-the-art connectivity and collaborative tools are becoming the norm.

This strategy aims not only to facilitate a seamless transition between remote and in-office work but also to empower employees with the tools they need to thrive in a hybrid environment.

Reserved Meeting Spaces

In response to the evolving needs of a hybrid workforce, offices are prioritizing reserved meeting spaces. These dedicated areas ensure that teams can easily collaborate, whether they are working on-site or remotely. With advanced booking systems, employees can secure meeting rooms efficiently, minimizing the disruptions caused by scheduling conflicts.

Comfortable Lounges for Focused Work

Modern offices now feature quiet and comfortable lounges. These spaces allow employees to engage in focused, individual work away from the hustle and bustle of traditional areas, fostering a balance between collaboration and concentration. Providing comfortable features also seeks to compete with the appeal of working from one's own home.

IT Services

To support the technological demands of hybrid work, offices are investing in robust IT services. Because now, if companies want people in the office, they need to provide services that people simply cannot access at home.

This includes ensuring high-speed WiFi connectivity that allows workers to be mobile within the office. Also efficient troubleshooting support and access to the latest technology tools draw in prospective employees. A well-supported IT infrastructure is crucial for maintaining productivity and minimizing disruptions during remote and in-office work.

Similarly, the sophistication of tenant improvement software has become a cornerstone in the modern workplace. This includes digital solutions for space management, mobile building access, and real-time space booking. These tools not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to a more user-friendly and streamlined experience for employees.

Training Rooms/Shared Spaces for Events

Hybrid work models often involve virtual events, training sessions, and team-building activities. Offices are now equipped with dedicated training rooms and versatile shared spaces that can host both in-person and virtual events. This allows organizations to seamlessly integrate remote team members into various collaborative activities.

By combining physical spaces with sophisticated tenant improvement software and digital offerings, companies are creating a holistic approach to supporting their workforce in both in-office and remote settings.

Health and Wellness Amenities

The office post-covid has shifted the most important amenities towards health, wellness, and lifestyle-based offerings.

Beyond traditional fitness centers, companies are recognizing the importance of simplifying the work-life balance. This includes the emergence of on-site daycare facilities, improved indoor air quality measures, and a focus on ergonomic workspaces like standing desks to enhance physical health.

Daycare

Offering daycare services within or near the workplace has emerged as a highly appealing gesture to attract and retain talent. It is a feature that maintains the work-life balance inherited from remote work. 

Not only are daycare centers overwhelmingly appreciated by employees, but they prove to be a top facilitator to moving employees back into the office. Parents who take advantage of onsite childcare facilities tend to be the earliest adopters of coming back to the office. And because of this alone, they are likely to be in the spotlight from businesses looking to return to physical collaboration.

Air Quality

The pandemic has indeed accelerated the focus on air quality and filtration amenities in the modern workplace. With a heightened awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy and safe work environment, companies are now investing in advanced air filtration systems and improved ventilation to mitigate the spread of airborne contaminants, including viruses.

So, there has been a growing focus on HEPA filters, UVGI technology, and tools that inform employees about the air quality of their shared spaces. In a study conducted by Allwork, nine out of ten employees want to be kept informed about their building's air quality. Give them the ability to do this. 

Wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and a commitment to green spaces contribute to a holistic approach that supports the overall well-being of the workforce. This evolution reflects a dedication to creating a workplace that not only values employees' professional contributions but also prioritizes their health and quality of life.

Fitness Centers

Fitness centers in offices cater to the increasing health consciousness among employees. As people become more aware of the benefits of regular exercise, they seek opportunities to integrate fitness into their daily routines. Having a gym on-site makes it convenient for employees to prioritize their health during or after working hours.

With demanding work schedules, maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging. On-site fitness centers provide a solution by allowing employees to incorporate exercise into their daily routines without the need for additional travel time.

Cafeterias / Access to Food

The way to your employees' hearts is through their stomachs. Access to quality food services is a significant factor in employee satisfaction. When employees have enjoyable and convenient food options, they are more likely to feel valued and content in their workplace. This, in turn, can positively impact morale and reduce stress levels. Cafeterias serve as common spaces where employees from different departments and levels can come together, fostering socialization and informal interactions. This can contribute to a positive work culture, strengthen team relationships, and encourage collaboration outside of formal work settings.

In this context, we want to focus on both internal and external amenities. Are there options for food or lunch nearby the office? What is the quality of restaurants and even shopping centers? An abundance of positive external amenities is also key to the quality of life of your employees who visit the office. 

Takeaways for Tenants

The evolving landscape of tenant-favored amenities reflects a dynamic shift in the modern workplace. Companies are now investing significantly in enhancing the office experience through strategic space planning, innovative design, and advanced tools geared towards boosting productivity.

Recognizing that attracting and retaining top talent is contingent on a workplace's adaptability and commitment to employee well-being, businesses are not merely competing with remote work flexibility but actively creating environments that prioritize the comfort and convenience of their workforce. This progressive approach not only addresses the immediate needs of employees but also positions companies to thrive in a future where the integration of technology, flexibility, and well-being is paramount in defining the standard for the modern office.

Office tenants that join these trends have quite a competitive edge when attracting top talent. Never miss a trend that will give you an edge. Subscribe to the blog to get exclusive, first access to CRE trends delivered to your inbox.