MADISON, N.J., Oct. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — As employers seek to define the workplace perks most likely to attract and retain employees, a recent Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates survey found that the physical office itself could keep staff happier.

According to the survey results, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of employed U.S. adults believe that their office could better utilize its physical space, and one-third (34 percent) say improvements can be as simple as a better floorplan.

"Over the years there have been many transformations that have shaken up the traditional office configuration," says Fred Schmidt, president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates. "These go beyond the headline-grabbing news of foosball tables and napping pods. Workers, and notably the newest members of the workforce, are demanding smart uses of office square footage, and commercial real estate professionals are taking note."

The survey, which was conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Coldwell Banker Real Estate, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates, surveyed over 2,000 adults, including Younger Millennials (18-29), Older Millennials (30-34), Gen Xers (ages 35-49) and Baby Boomers (50-69), to identify worker attitudes toward their current physical workplace and better understand how office space can be optimized to meet worker needs and comfort.

Workers Want Convenience – and a Social Scene – At The Office
The survey also uncovered which popular office amenities resonated with respondents to see how office spaces could further improve the functionality of their square footage. Overall, the survey found that ample parking, food courts and outdoor lounging space were the most coveted office amenities, signaling a desire for convenience and a sense of community.

• Ample parking is the most popular amenity: Sixty-four (64) percent of U.S. adults surveyed report that having enough parking would be helpful to have within the workplace
• More lunchtime options at the workplace: Sixty (60) percent of respondents surveyed would want to have a food court, cafeteria or restaurant onsite
• Rooftops, outdoor patios and gardens are in vogue: Forty-one (41) percent of U.S. adults surveyed would like to have outdoor lounging space available

"Younger Millennials appear to be the tastemakers when it comes to office trends. As this group continues to enter the workforce, there will be a greater demand for convenience and community within the workplace," noted Schmidt. "Workers are demonstrating that they want to eat lunch with their colleagues rather than eat alone, and they want to spend time in outdoor office lounges rather than at their desks. Offices are becoming a center for social activity, and it is important for office commercial real estate to accommodate this."

U.S. Workers Demand Private Workspace Within the Open Office

Aside from identifying the added amenities that can enhance an office, the survey sought to uncover ways to improve existing open office layouts. Open floorplans might still be the dominant choice in U.S. offices, but workers are increasingly seeking private space to temporarily withdraw from their shared workspaces, take a personal call or focus on important assignments.

• Nearly 8 in 10 U.S. adults (79 percent) report they would feel comfortable with an open floorplan if private spaces were available.
• This is especially popular among the newest generation of workers. Nearly 9 in 10 Younger Millennials (89 percent) would be comfortable working in an open floorplan if private spaces were available.

"Open floorplans can facilitate collaboration and creativity within the office, but it is also important to carve out private spaces in order to provide a break from the buzz around the office. We’ve noticed an increased demand for private space within the open office after years of conducting this survey.

It is imperative that office developers and commercial real estate professionals alike counsel clients on the wants and expectations of today’s workforce," added Schmidt.

Full survey findings are available on the Coldwell Banker Commercial website.

Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates from August 15-17, 2017 among 2,001 adults ages 18 and older, including 194 Younger Millennials (18-29), 160 Older Millennials (30-34), 479 Gen Xers (35-49), and 884 Baby Boomers (50-69). This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates is a division of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker Commercial brand has been a premier provider of franchised commercial real estate brokerage offices, recognized globally as a company that puts the client first while delivering individual, distinctly different service. Coldwell Banker Commercial affiliates cover territory throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Coldwell Banker Commercial is an industry leader in providing commercial real estate solutions that serve the needs of tenants, landlords, sellers and buyers in the leasing, acquisition, disposition and management of all property types. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker Commercial^® is a registered trademark owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. For more information, visit: www.cbcworldwide.com.

SOURCE Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates