CREJ

Page 8 — Office Properties Quarterly — September 2019 www.crej.com Market Trends A s the line between personal life and business life contin- ues to blur, new real estate developments increasingly emphasize alternative work- space designs to accommodate dif- ferent styles of working and provide options for employees to remain pro- ductive even while they step away from their desks throughout the workday. These designs mimick liv- ing spaces and include social spaces that feature modern office connec- tivity and functionality – blurring and blending the aesthetic and spa- tial boundaries between work and social spaces. On a fundamental level, technology is driving this trend – and has been the key to unlocking new design and space planning approaches. Laptops, smartphones and Wi-Fi all have con- tributed to changing the way people communicate, stay connected and do business. These technologies increase flexibility to work where and when we prefer, and have dis- rupted the traditional desk culture in ways that more and more companies are respecting and even encouraging. With connectivity at our fingertips, spatial programming and on-site amenities are evolving to reflect organizational culture shifts. As a result of changes in commu- nication and the rise of specialized fields, more and more organizations have the opportunity to let employ- ees work from home. This trend poses the question: “Why go into an office in the first place?” Developers, employers and end users have begun to answer that question by recognizing employees want more than just an office; employees want to work in an environment that gives them access to amenities in combination with advantages to aid in their productiv- ity. Beyond having a place to sit down and conduct work each day, work- ers want the ability to use advanced technology, state-of-the-art ameni- ties, opportunities for face-to-face interaction and collaboration, and environmental qualities that out- weigh working from the comfort of their own homes. While employees may enjoy work- ing in more relaxed and socially minded settings, these design trends are not gaining acceptance purely on the basis of that enjoyment. Employ- ers place emphasis on spatial design and proximity to amenities to ensure employees stay on site and work lon- ger hours. Such environments provide more opportunities for collaboration and flexibility by building a sense of com- munity and creating an openness that is optimal for sharing ideas. Design features and finishes reflect these trends, with the use of green- ery, wood, mixed materials and col- ors to create warmth and comfort. Beer in the fridge, coffee on tap and complimentary snacks are becoming the new normal for office workers. While such spaces look and feel different than a traditional office set- up, functionality of individual and group working environments is not sacrificed. Ensuring functionality and productivity is critical to the appeal of successful coworking brands throughout the industry that have embraced these trends. Employees generally work best when they observe their natural ten- dencies for intense activity followed by periods of rest. The secret to retaining the highest level of produc- tivity throughout the workday is not working for long stretches at a time, but working efficiently with regular breaks to stay deeply focused and fully engaged. Studies have shown that taking breaks based on one’s own natural rhythms and working in differ- ent settings increases productiv- ity. According to the time-tracking app Desktime, the most productive people typically work (hard) for an average of 52 minutes, and then take a break to recharge and refocus, with average break times of 17 minutes following periods of focused work. Recognizing this reinforces the value and importance of integrating ame- nities in close proximity to the work- place. Addressing these factors through real estate selection can be hugely important for companies when sign- ing a lease. The challenge is to not just wedge workers more tightly together, but to make the office a place where workers want to be. Being in close proximity to ameni- ties leads to benefits beyond work Increasing productivity and work-life balance David Haltom Vice president, Patrinely Group Please see Haltom, Page 27 Patrinely Group’s Block 162 office tower in downtown Denver features a unique, elevated amenity package.