Five workplace trends to watch out for in 2018

Corporate occupiers face a barrage of external pressures that can impact cash flow, employee wellbeing, productivity and, ultimately, their bottom line. Here, Jonathan Steel, global co-head occupier solutions, BNP Paribas Real Estate, outlines the top five things to be aware of in the workplace in 2018. 1. Digital security Technological advances are revolutionising how we live our lives, but they also bring security challenges. Corporate occupiers that don’t have large, internal digital security teams, or which haven’t perhaps moved location in a decade, will increasingly find their advisers telling them to think carefully about the security of their digital information, and to ensure they occupy buildings that have been built with this in mind. For landlords this means considering new, secure building management systems designed for the internet of things. 2. 5G or not to 5G? With 5G set to be rolled out across London by 2020, occupiers will want to be reassured that they will have access to the network. For buildings taller than 10 storeys, this will likely require boosters to be installed to ensure the higher floors can benefit. In buildings that do not retrofit these boosters or have them installed from the outset, we could see lower floors commanding premium rents compared with those that are higher – a reversal of the current situation. This is one reason it is important buildings have a WiredScore certification. This helps benchmark a building’s digital connectivity and provide assurance that it will meet occupiers’ connectivity requirements. 3. Hospitality mindset to close the deal Today’s occupiers are increasingly looking for services beyond a reception desk and a security guard. Tomorrow’s office may well look and feel more like a hotel, with many corporates now demanding a more tailored and bespoke approach to amenities and concierge-type services. They may require 24-hour cleaning services, security guards who personally engage with all visitors upon entry to the building to present the right brand image, music lessons or spa and exercise facilities. We are seeing a growing demand for “platinum-level” services as occupiers strive for new ways to attract and retain employees. This will evolve to include bespoke and tailored services per floor in multilet buildings. Occupiers are beginning to see the value beyond the additional cost, something that is key for investors searching for additional revenue streams. 4. Time is money, so lift productivity Stories about how long a lift takes to arrive are as common as complaints about the morning commute, particularly in high-footfall buildings such as serviced offices. Occupiers may be prepared to spend more on value-added services, but they are not prepared to lose money from unnecessary productivity loss or risk unhappy employees. Time is money, and occupiers are increasingly giving more intense scrutiny to seemingly prosaic issues such as lift management when choosing buildings. Beyond upgrading lift management systems, investors can think about carefully managing the different occupiers they have, choosing ones with different working hours or operating rhythms so the building as a whole runs smoothly. We see a version of this already at business parks, where occupiers stagger their start, finish and lunch times. 5. The HQ of the future? Taking a longer-term view, the headquarters of the future will look very different to those of today, when most businesses operate broadly traditional working practices. In the future, our working spaces are likely to be living, breathing brand experiences that bear very little visual resemblance internally to the average office of today. That’s not to say that every office will be filled with Tech Valley-esque slides, think pods and miniature golf courses. Paying close attention to the needs of the occupier, and to what works in their business sector, will be key. Pic credit: Simon Procter/REX/Shutterstock