Future Offices: Welcoming Spaces for Community Interaction
First impressions make all the difference – and the image that corporate buildings portray is undergoing a dramatic transformation in the post pandemic era.
The traditional imposing facades and intimidating cold reception areas of powerful corporate headquarters are giving way to a more welcoming and inclusive feel that’s closer to a boutique hotel than an impersonal office building.
As buildings become hubs for business and also community interactions, they’re taking on a softer and more accessible personality with a variety of amenities such as coffee shops, lounging areas and outdoor spaces. In this article we look at this important design trend and highlight some ways that you can make your own premises less intimidating to visitors and building users.
Power Towers: saying goodbye to a relic of the 80s
Glittering glass and metal buildings housing powerful corporations and their cutthroat executives have almost become a stereotype of the 1980s and its “greed is good” mentality. But is the whole concept of a one-tenant office tower and an intimidating corporate address suddenly becoming obsolete?
- Employees are being lured back to the office by managers while members of the community find themselves shopping, going to the gym, and using shared office space in their local commercial buildings.
- Commercial office buildings are being reimagined as part of the fabric of the community that surrounds them and as such, they can’t afford to exclude anyone who might be a potential building user.
- Equal employee rights, freedom of thought and flexible schedules, and a commitment to sustainable development goals are shaping the mentality of young professionals, including management.
- The new generation of talent finds little to like about outdated buildings inspired by the late 20th century and its emphasis on winner-takes all success.
Commercial buildings are having to change and become more understanding of contemporary building users in order to survive and thrive. Here’s how they’re being transformed.
The building of the future needs to exude kindness and inclusivity
As workers return to the office after a prolonged period of staying at home and hybrid work, companies are competing for talent like never before.
Several months or years of being able to work from the comfort of their own home or their favourite café has made employees extremely sensitive to the atmosphere and the environment around them and they won’t settle for anything less than comfort, safety, and inclusivity.
For office buildings to remain competitive in the current rental market the needs of an increasingly socially conscious generation of tenants will need to come first.
Here’s a look at the different areas of your building and what you can do to help transform your commercial space to meet tenant expectations.
The Reception Area: goodbye sign in sheet, hello welcome wagon
When anyone walks through the front entrance, the first thing they should notice is how welcoming and modern the building is.
Removing large security sign in desks and replacing them with a reception area similar to that of a hotel – with concierge staff to meet and greet tenants and visitors – can immediately transform the perception of the building without breaking the bank.
Employee Workspaces: creating comfort for collaboration and privacy for focus
In a previous article about redesigning the office, we provided a step-by-step guide to creating a workspace that blends elements of relaxed, collaboration and laser-like focus by providing modern and comfortable work spaces that allow employees to carry out the exact task they need to.
- Re-imagining an office space for 2023 and beyond means emphasising a diversity of work styles and ways of getting the job done. This will make your premises instantly welcoming and boost productivity.
- While most buildings have moved beyond the “maze of cubicles” layout, there’s always more that can be done to make workspaces comfortable and welcoming.
Creating a balanced work area with spaces for collaboration and quiet, focused productivity is one of the best investments any building owner can make in the marketability of their office space.
Outside Areas: green spaces that are pure health and wellness
Green buildings are trending very strongly, and we don’t expect this to stop anytime soon.
Within your own building, maximising the use of green outdoor spaces with natural plants and relaxation areas is a low-cost method of boosting the perceived health and wellness commitment of your company and building.
For a small investment, you can create vibrant areas that promote good health, and work life balance while doing great things for the urban environment.
Find an office space to call home – we’re here to guide you
If you’d like to entice your workers, delight your customers, and get your business fully back on track in 2023, an innovative and modern commercial space in Cape Town is a must.
The Commercial Space team includes some of the most experienced office and industrial property agents in the Cape peninsula. We invite you to contact us today to discuss your requirements and schedule a viewing from our extensive portfolio.
