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4 Ways Amenities Have Changed the Office Landscape




While one-size-fits-all office spaces have ruled the landscape in the past, the trend is shifting away from cookie-cutter and moving toward a different kind of workspace with unique amenities. 

These amenities represent a much more flexible and activity-based design approach to the workplace which, when incorporated, can both attract and retain employees -- an obvious benefit to employers.

It’s no secret that “location, location, location” applies to commercial real estate as much, if not more than, residential real estate. But a good location and fun coworkers simply isn’t enough to keep your employees happy -- office amenities (or the lack thereof, in some cases) can truly make or break their day. And smart employers are not only taking notice, but they’re also making the changes necessary to promote a great corporate culture within their walls.

Read on for 4 ways amenities have changed the office landscape…

1. Space for socializing

Buildings and suites with a good amount of unused or undedicated space, regardless of location, can have a significant impact on the overall dynamic of the space by implementing space for socializing, such as a lounge. 

Add in some basics, such as simple furniture, a wifi connection, some snacks and a coffee machine, and you have instantly transformed this space into the perfect place for collaborative working, impromptu meetings, and more.

2. Workspaces with a view

Long gone are the days of staring at walls in a closed up office or your coworkers in rows or pods of cubicles. Today’s workers are looking for a desk or a workspace with a view -- and for good reason. Studies have reported a direct correlation between employee’s exposure to natural daylight and their overall quality of life. 

Want to help keep your employees happy? Give them something to look at!

3. Top-notch kitchen spaces

Dynamics in the office are shifting. With a focus on healthy eating and meal prepping, more and more employees are choosing to eat lunch in the office, rather than running out for fast food or a sit-down lunch. But that doesn’t mean they want to eat cold leftovers at their desks! 

Wow, your CRE clients and tenants with a fully stocked kitchen with enough space for common tables. You’d be surprised at the camaraderie that this can create. 


4. Smart technology

One of the most attractive features in CRE is smart technology built-in throughout the space. Today’s offices boast smartboards, automated AV equipment, and even smart thermostats. Take, for instance, the Comfy thermostat. 

Ask anyone who’s ever worked in an office, and they’ll tell you that one of the biggest disagreements is over the temperature. It seems that someone is always freezing, and someone is always complaining of the heat. 

A smart thermostat can change all that. Comfy even has an app that employees can download and then suggest their ideal temperature. The app then generates an “average” temperature, making everyone happy (well, almost everyone).

These design trends and amenities seem to be here to stay. Adapting and updating today’s office spaces is key to CRE success.


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