FACILITIES AT WORK, NECESSITIES AT WORK?
FACILITIES AT WORK, NECESSITIES AT WORK?
ABOUT IRONING AND FITNESS AT WORK
Employee needs are changing. We’re not only seeing this in terms of work organization, for example, due to increased teleworking. We’re also seeing employees’ expectations, and consequently their employers’, shift in the framework of the work environment. Facilities like shared meeting rooms and a company restaurant are becoming increasingly important. The fact that multinationals offer such services and amenities as standard largely explains these shifts in expectations. “If the neighbors who work at Coca-Cola have a gym at work, why shouldn’t we?” Furthermore, we’re increasingly seeking a better work-life balance. Additional facilities can be a helpful tool in achieving this. Ironing service at work? Check!
The benefits for tenants and their employees are numerous. Offices with available facilities often offer companies a complete package (office space + support) through coffee corners, car washes, and more. The result? An all-in-one solution for the tenant.
Moreover, facilities allow for flexible use of meeting rooms and workspaces. For example, multiple tenants in a building can share meeting rooms based on a reservation system. An added benefit: this way of organizing allows for more efficient use of space, which can reduce rental costs.
Office building owners are therefore facing increasing pressure to keep pace with changing customer demand. This means incurring additional costs, costs often automatically assumed to be borne by the owner. Furthermore, owners must be vigilant that adding facilities is only profitable for larger spaces. Furthermore, vacancy carries a greater burden in this new reality. Let’s examine the example of a company restaurant. When a company restaurant is used by only a small group, revenue may be insufficient to offset overhead costs. If such a restaurant is located in a building with few employees (for example, due to limited space or high vacancy rates), this can be a significant burden for the owner.
Of course, not all companies are looking for such extra services. Some owners don’t have much to worry about just yet. But for those companies that are sensitive to these extras, owners can create a competitive advantage in this way. It can also lead to differentiation in the offering in certain regions. Our research from late 2017 showed, for example, that there is little new construction in the Brussels periphery. An office building is a standard product: many look the same. The solution? It goes beyond a lick of paint. By differentiating through amenities and paying attention to market needs, owners can outpace their neighbors. This can make a significant difference in the speed of the leasing process.
Do you have any further questions or are you looking for advice? Don’t hesitate to contact Structura.biz. Our Office team is happy to assist you!