What employees are asking for from an office space in 2022
While workers have missed being around their colleagues in the office and enjoying the amenity of the CBD, they also want flexibility. Photo: Dexus

What employees are asking for from an office space in 2022

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In these post-pandemic times, as organisations move to cement hybrid working models, workers are seeking flexibility as a permanent fixture in their weekly routines.

More than a third of Australian workers told a PwC survey they prefer a mix of in-person and remote working. Part of the reason behind this stems from the level of convenience many employees enjoyed when working from home.

In equal measure, workers have missed being around their colleagues in the office and enjoying the amenity of the CBDs.

Patrick Stronell is the Victorian general manager of office leasing at Dexus and is seeing how workplace models are moving with the times.

He says both flexibility and convenience are key for today’s customers.

“Customers still have a range of different needs, but the most common and highest priority as we return to the office is flexibility,” he explains.

“On an individual level, that applies to where people feel they will be most productive and happiest.”

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More than a third of Australian workers told a PwC survey they prefer a mix of in-person and remote working. Photo: Dexus

When they come to the office, people want access to the suite of amenities that the higher quality offices already provide – the end-of-trip facilities where people can change after riding, running or scootering to work, the yoga classes and the building community events.

Convenience is also key for many workers, and what’s most appealing about a city office is the convenience of everything that’s nearby.

At Dexus’ CBD offices – at 180 Lonsdale Street and 385 Bourke Street – you’re surrounded by some of the city’s best shopping, hospitality and entertainment hubs.

The office at 180 Lonsdale Street sits above QV, a shopping precinct that’s home to a full-line supermarket, Big W, Fitness First and plenty of specialty stores. At 385 Bourke Street, you are within walking distance to Bourke Street Mall, a plethora of cafes to enjoy on your lunch break, and top restaurants and bars for a Friday night knock-off.

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Convenience is key for many workers and a major drawcard to lure them back to the CBD. Photo: Dexus

“These factors also come into play for organisations as they seek to attract the best talent by providing well-located workplaces,” Stronell says.

“Flexibility is not just for workers. For organisations, space is progressively being viewed as a flexible commodity. Flexible lease terms enable businesses to evolve their workplace as their business needs change.

“Businesses are in a transitionary phase, with many breaking traditional models, so they’re quite uncertain about how to manage their office and their teams.

“Previously, our customers would sign up for five, seven or 10-year leases and make a long-term space commitment. Now they might just commit to three years because they’re still working out the best workplace model for their business.”

Organisations are also looking at how the workplace can support a hybrid working environment.

“Now we’re heavily involved in the fit-out, so it matches their workplace aspirations, and we’re providing full-fitting solutions,” Stronell says.

“In other words, we help create a workplace together that will be a destination of choice with the convenience that is unrivalled.”

As Melbourne reopens for business, shopping, dining, exploration and, of course, coffee, workers are once again supporting local businesses and bringing back the vibrancy that the city is known for.

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Workers are starting to return to Melbourne's CBD. Photo: Eddie Jim

“With the City of Melbourne, retailers and office landlords all working together to reactivate the CBD; workers have lots to look forward to,” says Luke Harris, president of the Collins Street Precinct Group.

“They are rediscovering their city, and with life returning to the streets, businesses big and small will benefit,” Harris says.

“Every person who returns to the CBD and supports the city’s ecosystem will be making a big difference.”

This article has been created in partnership with Dexus.