Motivating Employees and Incentivization
In the wake of the pandemic, amenitized workspaces have gained momentum, aiming to attract employees back to the office and create a better work-life balance. However, for workers in industrial buildings, such as distribution centers, remote work is not an option. These essential workers have been at the forefront during challenging times, often facing less-than-ideal conditions. Industrial workplaces play a vital role in various industries, requiring employees to be physically present. As a result, tenants and industrial owners are amenitizing industrial buildings to acquire, motivate, and create an engaging environment for employees.
Top Amenities for Industrial Buildings
Comfortable Break rooms:
Distribution centers often operate in fast-paced and time-sensitive environments. Employees may face high workloads and strict deadlines, leading to increased stress levels. Further, the physical nature of work in distribution centers, involving lifting, moving heavy objects, and standing for extended periods, can contribute to physical fatigue and discomfort.
By providing well-designed break rooms, companies can create environments that prioritize employee well-being and foster a positive work culture. According to National Business Furniture, the average break room should consist of 75 square feet, with an additional 25 square feet per person utilizing the area. These spaces not only offer relaxation but also facilitate social connections and support, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
As highlighted in a report by KSS Architects, large break areas offer essential amenities such as restrooms, private areas for mothers, dining spaces, hydration stations, areas for relaxation, and even game spaces. These versatile rooms not only provide physical and mental rejuvenation but also foster a sense of community among colleagues.
In contrast, medium-sized break rooms focus on promoting inclusivity by creating microenvironments equipped with a single bathroom, hydration station, and protection from machinery. These spaces cater to the specific needs of employees, ensuring their well-being and comfort during breaks.
Even small, individual break areas can make a significant impact on overall employee wellness. These compact spaces offer employees a getaway from physically demanding tasks, allowing them to rest, hydrate, and recharge.
Gyms/Workout Facilities:
Fitness centers and gyms have emerged as highly sought-after amenities in industrial workplaces. Incorporating fitness facilities within industrial complexes promotes employee well-being and job satisfaction, creating a healthier and more engaged workforce. Indeed highlights the importance of implementing private locker rooms and water stations when building workplace gyms so that employees can have a designated area to change and shower. By offering convenient access to on-site fitness resources, employees can easily incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, leading to improved physical fitness, reduced stress levels, and increased productivity.
Moreover, having a fitness center on-site can enhance the overall appeal of the industrial building, making it more attractive to potential tenants. This amenity adds value to the property, increasing its market competitiveness and attracting higher-quality tenants. Additionally, industrial building owners and investors who prioritize the inclusion of fitness amenities can differentiate their properties in the market, attracting tenants who prioritize employee well-being and helping to establish their buildings as desirable and forward-thinking spaces for businesses to thrive.
Outdoor Recreational Areas:
The inclusion of outdoor recreational spaces within industrial complexes provides employees with opportunities for relaxation, rejuvenation, and improved well-being. These centers may feature walking paths, seating areas, gardens, fire pits, and other outdoor amenities that allow employees to enjoy fresh air and connect with nature during their breaks or leisure time. By creating a welcoming and engaging environment, outdoor recreation centers promote employee satisfaction, boost morale, and foster a positive work culture. Forbes further emphasizes, “outdoor spaces and gardens provide the connection to nature and fresh air that humans crave.” Additionally, buildings with outdoor recreational spaces can enhance the overall appeal and marketability of industrial properties, since they are likely to attract and retain high-quality tenants who prioritize employee well-being and work-life balance.
Why is Amenitizing Industrial Workplaces Important?
Implementing amenities in industrial workplaces has the potential to revolutionize the working environment and provide various benefits for industrial building owners. One significant advantage is the potential for higher sale volumes and increased property value. Industrial buildings with attractive amenities are more appealing to potential buyers, leading to increased interest and demand, ultimately resulting in higher sales volume and potentially higher property values. Additionally, amenities play a crucial role in tenant retention. Tenants are more likely to stay in a building that offers desirable amenities, as these amenities contribute to a positive and enjoyable work environment. This leads to higher tenant satisfaction and longer lease durations, ultimately maximizing the return on investment for building owners.
Moreover, amenitized workplaces have a competitive edge in attracting top talent. Job seekers are increasingly looking for companies that prioritize employee well-being and offer appealing work environments. According to a recent Gartner survey highlighted in Harvard Business Review, when organizations support employees in building connections, there is a fivefold increase in the likelihood of being on a high-performing team. By providing amenities that enhance the overall employee experience, industrial building owners can differentiate themselves from competitors and attract high-quality tenants that desire a positive work environment. Ultimately, amenities create spaces that foster collaboration, connection, and productivity, resulting in improved teamwork, job satisfaction, and overall success for both tenants and building owners.
Takeaways:
While amenities alone may not be the sole factor in bringing employees back to the workplace, they can play a significant role in creating an appealing environment that sets industrial properties apart from the competition. Industrial property owners and investors should recognize the value of amenities in enhancing the overall employee experience and driving tenant satisfaction. By proactively considering unique and unexpected amenities, industrial property owners can position their properties as desirable workplaces that meet the evolving needs of the workforce. Embracing innovative and tailored amenities not only attracts high-quality tenants but also fosters a sense of community, increases tenant retention, and ultimately enhances the value and profitability of industrial properties in today’s competitive market.
