Support the wellbeing of the individual to sustain a happy, healthy workforce

Successful businesses start with happy individuals. In fact, research conducted by Gallup indicates that companies with engaged employees outperform their competitors by as much as 202%, while reporting 22% higher profitability. Developing effective workspace is about catering to the needs of the workforce, starting with a careful consideration of what makes people feel happier and healthier every day. As workforce demographics have evolved, and the ways in which we choose to socialise, keep fit, eat and drink, educate and entertain ourselves have expanded and diversified, the needs of employees have grown and changed.

Cushman & Wakefield International Partner Alistair Brown and CBRE Executive Director Richard Howard are experts in the world of workspace, and have dedicated their careers to connecting businesses and corporations with real estate that serves their ambitions and teams. Here, Brown and Howard share some of their insights into what makes a workspace great, and what businesses — and the people that work for them — are looking for today and as they look to the future.

Amenities and connectivity that enrich the everyday life of their employees

CBRE’s Howard states that businesses are prioritising amenities and environments that will encourage their teams to return to the office in the wake of the pandemic. He explains, “The architecture needs to be excellent. Businesses are looking at developments — at what’s around the building and what’s actually in the building — and assessing whether it’s good enough to get people into the office.” He continues, “There has to be an easy and uncomplicated commute, and the surroundings when you get there have got to be enjoyable enough to make it worthwhile getting there as well. Things to do in the area need to be appealing to a diverse audience, alongside exceptional office space.”

Cushman & Wakefield’s Brown adds, “The place of work has to become the place of life. And when we say that, that’s not just the bricks and mortar real estate, that is the whole environment that the real estate sits within.”

The chance to make a positive impact on existing local communities

The regeneration of Canada Water — both by Art-Invest Real Estate at Dockside Canada Water and British Land and Australian Super’s wider masterplan — provides businesses with the opportunity to positively engage with and support people in the area, whether in work, education or other ways. As Brown explains, “There’s going to be a geography where they might be able to employ local people while putting Canada Water on the London map. Other London locations can’t necessarily offer that, and that really pushes up the value add of the location for businesses.”

Opportunities to get outside and get active, integrating sport and wellbeing into the work day

The health and happiness of individuals — both existing local people and the incoming workforce —  is at the core of Art-Invest Real Estate’s vision for Dockside. With unprecedented access to green and blue space thanks to its proximity to waterways and expertly nurtured nature areas and public parks, Canada Water is uniquely positioned to offer great active commute options and sport and leisure amenities alongside workspace designed with that in mind. Brown explains, “A lot can be encapsulated into wellbeing — mental, physical, productivity. So you’ve got to look at the architecture of Dockside. There are terraces, and therefore outdoor space as part of the office. There’s fresh air thanks to openable windows, rather than conditioned air. There’s a cycle ramp that allows people to cycle directly into the building, making that active commute so much easier and so much more straightforward. It is not an afterthought. It is at the core of the building.”

Learn more about workspace at Dockside Canada Water here.