In today’s climate where businesses are competing globally for resource and talent, there’s an increasing need to focus on the entire working environment in order to attract and retain talented individuals.
People no longer see workspaces as providing a singular function as a place to work at a desk but a place that also caters for the social and physical wellbeing of those that work there.
With employers increasingly providing employees with the necessary technology to empower remote and flexible work (from home or third spaces such as cafés and co-working locations), the challenge for businesses is to create a workplace that is seen by employees as a clearly superior place for work than any third space alternative.
Amenity rich environments are not just seen as nice to haves but essential elements of the workplace. Much of this is being led by a millennial generation who take a more flexible attitude towards work, who are willing to work long hours provided their other needs are met.
In recognition of this the new development Commercial Bay in the heart of the Auckland CBD is set to offer a new way of working, marketing itself as a complete lifestyle district, with over 100 retail and hospitality experiences and the Intercontinental Hotel.
Above: Tower Lobby, Level 7
This more holistic approach to creating a future workspace has been driven by demand with 83% of pre-committed clients to Commercial Bay wanting to be part of a community.
To encourage a sense of community the Sky Lobby in the new PwC Tower is set to offer a hotel style environment creating an extension of occupiers working space.
Offering a seamlessly digital experience, it is positioned as the ideal place to meet clients or colleagues while beyond the lobby the Sky Terrace provides an urban rooftop landscape set to be an adaptable space suitable for events from morning to night.
These social venues also complemented by a carefully curated retail mix of local favourites and first-to-market global brands will sit alongside world class food and beverage experiences
Precinct CEO Scott Pritchard says Commercial Bay has always been about providing seamless access to range of amenities whether it’s shopping, dining or catching up with clients or mates in a social setting such as the lobby.
“We’re seeing occupiers benefit in the form of productivity, levels of happiness and attachment to a place.”
While the ability to socialise and be part of a community are key, equally important is convenience and connectivity as part of the assessment of the value of a workplace.
The ability to get to work without hassle with easy after-hours access is destined to be a part of the future workplace. It’s not just about the length of commute but driven by the socially-conscious millennials it is the broad social and environmental cost of transport that is considered.
For this reason and given 53% of those travelling to the CBD in morning rush hour use public transport, workplaces close to public transport hubs are certain to have a strategic advantage.
Commercial Bay is ideally placed to leverage this trend being located at the nexus of the new City Rail Loop and the hub of transport network with easy access to the bus, train and ferry terminals.
For the growing number of people walking and cycling to work, on-site bike storage, lockers, and showers, make these an easy alternative.
Pritchard says the proximity of Commercial Bay to Britomart transport hub makes it a highly attractive in terms of hassle-free commute to work but this connectivity benefit extends beyond that.
“An advantage which is largely overlooked at present with the CRL is ability to get around the CBD during the work day. With stations such as Aotea, ability to get uptown and around the CBD regardless of weather conditions will be highly attractive to employees that work there.”
As noted in a 2017 survey by CBRE on how millennials live, work and play, the workforce of the future assess the entire workplace environment when they are considering a new employer. To attract and retain this growing segment of the workforce, employers will have to ensure that they are creating a complex, and complete work environment, not relying too heavily on any particular factor, but providing a more holistic approach.
Into this backdrop, the PwC Tower at Commercial Bay represents the most significant evolution in premium workspace that Auckland has seen in decades and is destined to recalibrate how businesses think about work in the city.
