The office landscape has changed completely over the past few years thanks to Covid-19 and other longer-term trends. More people than ever before are working from home, and many industries which retain offices have switched to some form of hybrid working.
In many cases, workers are spending less time in offices, and that has made it clear how crucial the that a good office can play for a business. Factors such as flexibility, sustainability, health and wellbeing, and location have become vital.
If you want to make your employees happy, it pays to provide an office that is something more than a place to sit all day. Consequently, the best offices are seeing increased demand from conscientious employers.
Is UK office space demand growing?
The latest figures from CBRE show that office take-up in the final quarter of 2022 was 5.4m sqft – a fall of 6% when compared to the five-year average. However, when looked at annually, it is a 12% rise over the same period in 2021 and 39% over 2020, showing that demand is accelerating.
This is especially the case for new and refurbished buildings offering modern spaces which are fresh on the market. Nine of the top 15 deals in the quarter were for space in the early stages of marketing, and this shows no sign of stopping in 2023.
There is 3.4m sqft of new office space due to arrive on the market this year, and CBRE reports that the biggest build in Q1 – totalling 280,000 sqft – is already pre-let. Demand is clearly high, and the fact it appears to favour the newer buildings is a clear sign that organisations are most interested in the newer, more modern spaces where available.
A healthier working environment
Most 21st century office buildings are designed with a philosophy that maximises health and wellbeing. They enhance their environments and provide a healthier work atmosphere. In turn, this drives productivity.
Spaces which emphasise collaboration, cooperation and community are the norm now, as people hold social interaction at work on the same level as professional interaction. This is a modern, forward-thinking view of what an office can be, and demand is highest for those spaces which provide it.
How this is achieved differs from place to place. It can be done by designing co-working or hot-desk areas into the building, or it could mean a range of private rooms for when quiet and concentration is required. A mix of both – plus amenities such as lounges, roof gardens and technological innovations – can be the perfect recipe for a comfortable, desirable workspace.
Wellbeing and sustainability
The best office spaces now come with a whole range of amenities to promote wellbeing. This is a key part of creating that healthy working environment mentioned above, and the most desirable spaces will include the best amenities.
If employees are to start spending more time in the office, it makes sense that they would rather work for companies who can provide them with spaces that improve their lives. This could take the form of cycle storage and gym facilities to assist with the commute and their physical health.
It could mean improved lunch facilities or spaces to relax including lounges, gardens and breakout rooms. Alternatively, it could mean a focus on smart, sustainable technologies which improve air quality or reduce the building’s carbon footprint – a factor which is the most important of all for a new generation of climate-conscious workers.
Many new buildings now will meet exacting BREEAM or WELL standards which show exactly how much energy the building uses and demonstrate in detail how they are environmentally friendly. Studies from around the world show that buildings with higher environmental accreditation enjoy improved occupant satisfaction, especially among younger generations.
In the age of climate emergency, choosing an office which is good to the environment could make all the difference when it comes to finding and retaining the staff who will make your business a success.
The future of offices
All of the above shows that there is so much more to offices than just being a place to sit and do work. In the age of hybrid working, an office needs to contribute positively to the lives of the people who occupy it on a daily basis.
This goes beyond getting the lighting right. It means looking after people’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as being a sustainable space which is friendly to the environment.
Offices which fulfil these criteria are in higher demand than ever because businesses know that they are the key to keeping the best staff and running a productive, successful business.
Dom Knowles, Head of Offices at FIREM, says: “The role which the office plays in the success of a business has never been clearer.
“Demand for offices is growing fast, and the most successful businesses are securing flexible, modern spaces earlier than ever. If you want an office which will help you retain the best staff and meet your business goals, the time to act is now.”
If you are interested in viewing the office space we have available for let or need help finding what is right for you, please contact us on 0845 500 6161
