5 Office Amenities That Boost Productivity And Employee Satisfaction

Crunkleton Marketing March 13, 2018 Huntsville Commercial Real Estate Insider 0 Comment

Many people are familiar with the perks that come your way when working for a company like Google. The unique office amenities offered to employees have been the topic of much discussion on respected websites like Business Insider, Forbes, and many others.

Let’s face it. Who doesn’t love the idea of adding relaxation rooms, breakfast bars, on-site gyms, and a team of massage therapists ready to relieve the daily stress of office life?

But adding amenities like these may not work in every business setting. While some companies may benefit from incorporating an arcade room—like at the LinkedIn headquarters—others only need to focus on the amenities that will have a positive impact on their bottom line. This is different for every office, and something a broker can help you determine.

Many of these “transformational office amenities”, as Emerging Trends In Real Estate calls them, can be key to boosting office morale, retaining existing employees, attracting new talent, and lowering the overall stress within your organization.

When considering updates to your own office space, or when searching for a new one, be sure to take a moment and ask yourself what amenities you will need in order for you and your team to perform their best.

To help with your brainstorming, here are some of the most requested office amenities according to National Real Estate Investor, Emerging Trends In Real Estate, and the brokers at Crunkleton.

1) The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things refers to the network of physical devices, electronics, software, and connectivity options within an office environment. In the commercial real estate world, the availability of efficiently operating systems is greatly affecting the leasing game and will continue to do so in the future.

It’s no surprise that access to fast, reliable Wi-Fi made it to the list of most requested amenities. Simply put, employees are looking for the freedom to walk about the office space/building and be able to complete their work in a number of settings—like the break room, cafeteria, or rooftop lounge. Offering reliable Internet means providing more freedom and convenience.

Technology such as energy efficient glass that adjusts for heat, glare, and daylight is considered a part of this category. Streaming music and mobile device connectivity to office tools are also important components to consider when deciding on your own Internet of Things for the office.

2) Dedicated Creative/Brainstorming Spaces

In today’s society, many jobs can be intellectually taxing and/or require high amounts of attention and creative energy. We saw the demand for additional creative spaces come along when Millennials began to enter the workforce, and this trend isn’t going anywhere for a while.

Companies like Beats Electronics headquartered in Culver City, California took brainstorming to the next level by creating entire rooms with whiteboard walls. AppNexus also came up with a unique way to get its employees’ creative juices flowing by incorporating a “poetry room.”

Some businesses even introduce elements like hammocks, basketball hoops, or video game systems for employees to use when on break or stuck in a creative slump. There’s no set way to execute the perfect creative/brainstorming space. The possibilities are endless.

3) On-Site Fitness Centers

Perhaps one of the most effective tools used to retain and attract new talent is the incorporation of on-site fitness centers. According to Athletic Business, a 40-year old publication dedicated to the sports and fitness industry, corporate fitness facilities “increase productivity, improve employee morale, and decrease absenteeism.”

Many large companies such as Unilever went so far as to create a “Wellbeing Zone” where employees can opt for activities like yoga, massages, and stretching. Google, on the other hand, added its famous “nap pods” as a place for employees to recharge.

Whether it’s in the form of adding a treadmill and some equipment in a dedicated area or creating a space that encourages mental wellbeing, investing in employees’ health and wellness is a highly requested amenity that has been shown to provide numerous benefits.

4) Access To Food Options

According to National Real Estate Investor, many employees are requesting access to better food options when at the workplace.

When searching for an office space, it’s always important to consider what food/coffee/beverages your company will have quick access to. This need for convenient food options has led businesses to relocate to areas where food choices are more plentiful. In some cases, companies are adding “dedicated food truck days” where employees can try out lots of local grub near the office.

With the rise of multi-use developments that incorporate office spaces, it’s becoming easier for tenants to provide their employees the food options that they desire.

Rooftop lounge at 315 Franklin Street in Downtown Huntsville.

5) Rooftop Lounges And Outdoor Areas

Recent studies have been conducted that seek to determine the impact that physical office environment has on employees’ wellbeing.

The Human Spaces report into The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace stated in 2015 that “employees who work in environments with natural elements report a 15 percent higher level of well-being, are 6 percent more productive, and 15 percent more creative overall.”

Click here to read the official press release on the study.

This may be the reason so many workers are seeking office spaces with dedicated rooftop spaces and outdoor areas where they can decompress and reconnect with nature.

What office amenities do you find the most helpful and/or necessary? Let us know in the comments below! If you have questions about office amenities, call Eric St. John at 256-536-8809, or email eric@crunkletonassociates.com.

Make sure you’re staying on top of the latest trends, newest developments and hottest new stores in Huntsville by subscribing to our weekly blog updates!