The quality and location of commercial properties sways a large number of people on whether to take a job, analysis from real estate investment firm Castleforge shows.
Almost a third (32%) for 18 – 24-year-olds want a high-quality office environment fit for their age, while a third (32%) of London-based workers have turned down a role due to an office’s surroundings.
Michael Kovacs, founding partner at Castleforge, said: “In the last few years, the role of the office has constantly evolved, transforming from a five-day-a-week destination, to being empty spaces during the height of the pandemic.
“Now as most businesses settle into a hybrid workplace offering, our research shows the importance that high quality spaces have taken on for employees – both current and prospective.
“In an increasingly competitive market for the best talent, companies with best-in-class office environments in desirable locations will stand out from the crowd.
“Those planning new real estate in the office market must be mindful of this, looking for ways their developments can stand out to potential occupiers and the talent those firms will seek to attract.”
Amenities are important, both near the office and within it.
The majority (51%) of respondents say that they value socialising at the restaurants, bars and gyms near to their office, whilst almost half (46%) say offices with their own amenities such as gyms, cafés, and showers improve their experience of coming into work.
The role of the office has come into focus after Amazon insisted that its employees work at the office five days a week.
While Amazon’s move seems controversial, some do miss being in the office.
One third (30%) of remote workers claim working from home regularly negatively affects them, rising to more than two in five (44%) of 18–24-year-olds.
Meanwhile over half (55%) of 18-24-year-olds reckon they get more done if they commute in.