For building owners and operators, the gold standard for office buildings has shifted. Companies now want to occupy buildings that are part of vibrant communities. Mixed-use developments add energy and variety that enrich lives and connect people, and they are magnets for attracting new talent. Office building owners and operators are also aware that to keep the best people, they have to offer the right mix of amenities in workspaces to improve people’s effectiveness at work and help build company culture.
It’s been nearly two decades since “talent” was identified as the spark for 24-hour city growth. The agglomerative power of talent is the key to productivity, profits, and urban vitality.
—Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2019, PwC and the Urban Land Institute
HIGH-PERFORMING PEOPLE WANT HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS
The cost of unwell workers represents 10% to 15% of annual global economic output, according to the Global Wellness Institute. But a high-performing, healthy workplace can boost engagement and productivity. Access to fresh air and daylight, including outdoor work environments, can alleviate stress and other ailments. Intelligent building controls can lower energy and water costs and make buildings safer and healthier. The next generation of smart buildings will leverage sensor technology and IoT-enabled devices so that individuals can adjust temperature, air, lighting, and acoustics to their own liking.
