Seductive Places to Live and Work
By Peter Scott | Staff Retention | Wednesday 2nd April 2008I often wonder how often a business really means it when they say, “Our staff are our greatest asset” in their values statement or marketing.
It’s a bit like answerphones which have the message, “Your call is important to us” I don’t think many people really believe that.
It is so important to really walk your talk, especially with staff. And especially in today’s market where young professionals pick and choose their employer.
So what does that have to do with leasing commercial property? Well, plenty.
The other day I heard a top presentation called City Dating from architect Anthony Flannery. He says cities must really compete to be desirable for a highly mobile, choosey and talented professional class. The location and character of your premises, inside and out, is going to count a whole lot. These days we have to have workplaces that are seductive to attract and retain the best. A people-friendly place, close to home and other attractive city destinations is a must to attract the ‘bright young things’ currently heading overseas in droves.
I heard the other day how a very talented young lawyer in his 30s refused an offer from a firm because they didn’t have a sustainability policy!
A strategy to find the right place for your business, fit it out well and ensure it is attractive and environmentally friendly will make all the difference.
So how can we put Auckland on the map as a desirable destination? Commercial tenants can have a real say by demanding better conditions; to put pressure on the city fathers and property developers to have the city be well designed, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sustainable and ultimately a great place to work and hang out!
Monday 19th May 2008 at 1:54 pm
Peter you raise two interesting points – firstly that potential staff are placing more emphasis on the work environment. In order to attract and retain good staff (particularly those from Generations X and Y), the workplace environment and even the sustainablity culture are becoming increasingly important.
The other issue is that we’re all going to have to address issues of sustainability in our own businesses just to stay competitive when trying to win new business (as well as win the services of good staff). This is clearly not a fad or trend, and is here to stay. How we adapt and react to these requirements, and recognise the opportunities they create, will play a part in our success or otherwise. We all have to face the challenges (and spot the opportunities) of the global realisation that environmental sustainability is no longer an option – it is mandatory.