In today’s competitive corporate real estate market, landlords are rethinking the office experience by incorporating innovative amenities that go beyond the basics. As the world of work evolves, office buildings are transforming into lifestyle hubs, complete with wellness zones, collaborative spaces, and advanced technologies. These changes reflect a broader trend: employees increasingly seek work environments that support their professional needs while enhancing their overall wellbeing.
Understanding tenant preferences is crucial for landlords looking to provide spaces that attract and retain top tenants. The challenge is even greater in Boston, a city known for its competitive corporate real estate market. By analyzing Leesman’s workplace data alongside HqO XM booking trends, a clear correlation emerges between the features employees value most and the resources they actively use.
Lounge spaces: fostering connection and relaxation
Leesman data reveals a significant demand for informal and social spaces in the workplace, with over 54% of employees valuing informal, unplanned meetings. Similarly, 44.3% place importance on spaces for relaxing or taking a break, and physical features like informal work areas are also important to 40.8% of employees.
HqO XM data highlights this trend, with outdoor spaces ranking as the second most booked resource in the past year (14% of bookings). These areas offer tenants a refreshing environment for breaks or informal gatherings. Such as the new rooftop courtyard at One Lincoln in Boston, which offers more than just areas for informal meetings, but a 1/8th mile walking path to get steps in, this outdoor area offers a unique outdoor experience.
Investing in well-designed lounge spaces that incorporate comfort, accessibility, and adaptability can transform lounges into hubs of productivity and tenant satisfaction. Looking at a space like the Atrium Library Lounge at One Financial Centre in Boston it offers tenants comfortable spaces for informal meetings and breakout sessions, giving people the opportunity to socialize and relax, while also including private quiet and focus areas. Spaces like the Atrium Library Lounge are not just add-ons but essential components of a modern office that meets evolving tenant needs.
Source: One Financial Center
Outdoor spaces and employee wellbeing
Outdoor spaces are increasingly valued by employees, with Leesman data showing that 41.9% consider plants and greenery important in the workplace. These features contribute to relaxation, creativity, and overall well-being, making them a sought-after amenity.
HqO XM data highlights this trend, with outdoor spaces ranking as the second most booked resource in the past year (14% of bookings). These areas offer tenants a refreshing environment for breaks or informal gatherings. Such as the new rooftop courtyard at One Lincoln in Boston, which offers more than just areas for informal meetings, but a 1/8th mile walking path to get steps in, this outdoor area offers a unique outdoor experience.
Tenants increasingly seek opportunities to work or unwind in refreshing, natural settings, making outdoor areas a critical component of the modern office experience. Offering outdoor spaces with greenery can meet this demand, enhancing tenant satisfaction and positioning properties as wellness-focused and desirable in a competitive market.
Source: One Lincoln Street Boston
Specialized spaces: a mixed picture
Leesman insights emphasize the need for tailored spaces like those for confidential discussions or hosting clients, yet HqO XM data across Boston reveals lower bookings for small and large conference rooms, only 7% of all bookings. This discrepancy may indicate that while tenants recognize the importance of these spaces, current workplaces in Boston are not offering the right spaces for employee needs.
Similarly, recreational game rooms, gyms, and nap pods, amenities designed for lifestyle enhancement, saw less usage, suggesting that these features, while appealing, may function more as differentiators that enhance a property’s perception than as high-demand resources.
Take action: assess your property
The patterns between Leesman and HqO data highlight an important principle within the Boston market: spaces that support a broad range of high-value activities tend to see higher utilization. For example, lounges and outdoor areas cater to focused and creative collaboration while also addressing wellness needs. Tenants often perceive these multi-functional spaces as essential and, therefore, use them more frequently.
Conversely, niche amenities like game rooms or sleep pods, while enhancing a property’s appeal, serve specific tenant segments or use cases, highlighting the importance of prioritizing versatility and adaptability in workplaces.
By aligning your amenities with tenant priorities, you can maximize satisfaction, retention, and overall value.
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