Global property technology company, Equiem, has published the results of its most comprehensive UK/Ireland office occupier survey to date, at industry conference MIPIM, with over 1,100 respondents from across the firm’s 8 million sq ft UK and Irish portfolio taking part.
Hosted via Equiem’s world-leading tenant experience app, which is used by more than 137,000 people worldwide, the survey provides a unique insight into occupier expectations and the impact places of work can have on those that work within them. Highlights from the survey include:
- 85% of respondents say that their physical workplace is very or extremely important to their overall happiness and wellbeing in life
- 95% of respondents say that enjoyment of their physical workplace is important to them when it comes to choosing a company to work for
- 65% say enjoyment of their physical workplace is very or extremely important to them when it comes to choosing a company to work for
- 94% of respondents believe that the average UK/Irish office should place a greater emphasis on people’s enjoyment and comfort
- 91% of respondents believe that the average UK/Irish office should place a greater emphasis on providing better on-site amenities and community events
- 89% of respondents say the average UK/Irish office should place a greater emphasis on providing convenience to people working there eg. order lunch/coffee to desks; have dry cleaning picked up etc.
- 67% of respondents say the opportunity to meet other people (not from their company) and create community in a workplace is important to them
- 86% of respondents say the opportunity to pursue hobbies/activities at or near their workplace is important to them
With over 8,900 companies registered, more occupiers use Equiem’s tenant engagement platform than any other in the market. A key element is the data analytics stream which provides clients such as Blackstone, M&G Real Estate and Knight Frank with unique, current information about how users are interacting with their buildings.
Commenting on the research, Bronny Wilson, Equiem’s General Manager for the UK and Ireland, said:
“As occupiers fight to attract and retain the very best talent out there, workplaces and working environments have become crucial tools in the recruitment process. Effectively then, it’s those landlords that are able to appeal to the individual worker, who will ultimately satisfy occupiers and get ahead in the leasing game.
That’s where data like our latest occupier report becomes absolutely vital to better understand occupier preferences and respond accordingly. In many ways, the results make for sobering reading. 91% of respondents believe that the average UK/Irish office should place a greater emphasis on providing better on-site amenities and community events, whilst 94% believe there should be a greater emphasis on people’s enjoyment and comfort. With such stark numbers, it’s clear that owners who work hard to meet these criteria and ultimately satisfy the end user will be the ones that win the leasing battle in the long-term.”