5 ways to evolve your available space
When “Mad Men” first aired, many viewers looked at it with an eye toward the nostalgia of office design. The show had cubicles and corner offices, executive bathrooms and gobs of square footage to fill. But modern office design and open plans happened, and—well – this isn’t Don Draper’s office anymore.
And while some people find it easy to blame Millennials for practically everything, there is plenty for which to thank them. Their place in the workforce and in executive and decision-making positions is certainly keeping the current office marketplace interesting. As work has often changed from a destination to an experience, property managers, owners, and developers are coming up with more and more creative ways to keep office space current and competitive.
1. Flexibility is at the forefront
The office space pendulum appears to be swinging toward a happy balance of open space and cubicles. One way to avoid expensive overhauls and re-dos that change with the design trend of the moment is to provide and market flexibility. Some properties have started to provide space-planning services to help potential tenants envision a floor plan that works and to help successful tenants adapt the space rather than seek a lease somewhere else.
2. Consolidate some areas
Part of that flexibility is reconfiguring floor plans to create common spaces. Because of technology and working remotely, many potential tenants do not require an abundance of square footage of their own, but they are willing to share space and services with other tenants.
3. Provide services and amenities
Many people wonder what happened to the 40-hour workweek. As a result, basics to everyday living—from picking up dry-cleaning to scheduling some gym time—often get squeezed out. That’s why some landlords are now offering a wide assortment of amenities, including concierge-type services, food options in the lobby, bike racks, rooms with showers and lockers, weekly or on-premises health and wellness experiences, and shuttle services to help bring tenants to public transportation centers. Creativity mixed with a tenant-interest inventory can go a long way.
4. Keeping people and place connected
It goes without saying—and yet, must be said over and over again—tenants require greater connectivity, especially as their dependence on technology grows, both in-house and remotely. Beyond speed and secure connections, connectivity also requires owners, managers, and developers to move the property toward smart technologies, and often green technology is part of this overall trend.
5. Maintaining a secure, safe, and clean environment
These basic items made the list because they’re the things few people ever mention on an office-space wish list—but they can be the first ones noticed when not done well. Common areas, including restrooms and stairwells, should be well maintained. At the same time, we also live in a time of workplace shootings, so steps can be made to ensure tenants and their employees are safe without feeling as if they’re imprisoned. This means lobby security and visitor protocols, as well as employee key card entrance for parking and building access.
The strength of working relationships
When it comes to marketing your building in order to attract a new and dynamic pool of tenants, a lot more can be said—such as the importance of a property’s first impression, as well as the availability and transparency of the landlord/owner. Because at the end of the day, tenant satisfaction comes down to strong relationships and the quality of the product.
The Morris Southeast Group team knows a lot about those things, because it’s how we conduct business. Our professionals can help you evolve your property to meet the challenges of a changing workforce.
To learn more about property investment opportunities, property management, and/or other services, call Morris Southeast Group at 954.474.1776. You can also reach Ken Morris directly at 954.240.4400 or via email at kenmorris@morrissegroup.com.
Tags: market flexibility, office tenants, property investment, property marketable, strength of working relationships
