Skip to content
Learn How KBS is Creating Safe Work Environments
kbs logo
  • Investors
    • KBS Capital Markets Group
  • Properties
  • News & Insights
  • About Us
  • Contact

    Our Offices

    Corporate Headquarters

    800 Newport Center Drive, Suite 700
    Newport Beach, CA 92660

    (949) 417-6500

    info@kbs.com

    Washington DC Office

    3003 Washington Boulevard, Suite 950
    Arlington, VA 22201

    (202) 822-1230

    Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Instagram
    Corporate Headquarters
    800 Newport Center Dr., Suite 700 Newport Beach, CA 92660
    info@kbs.com
    (949) 417-6500
    New York Office
    590 Madison Avenue, 26th Floor New York, NY 10022
    (212) 644-6662
    Washington, DC Office
    3003 Washington Boulevard, Suite 950, Arlington, VA 22201
    (202) 822-1230
    Contact Us
    KBS is an SEC-registered full-service investment adviser adept in various property and product types.
Learn How KBS is Creating Safe Work Environments
kbs logo
ArtboardCreated with Sketch.
News & Insights

How The Office Impacts Employee Recruitment and Retention

  • December 5, 2019

Author —

David Zamudio

Vice President of Human Resources

News & Insights

How The Office Impacts Employee Recruitment and Retention

  • December 5, 2019

Author —

David Zamudio

Vice President of Human Resources

40% of employers claim they are struggling to find qualified candidates. This presents companies with a unique opportunity to revamp how they recruit, onboard, and retain employees by leveraging the physical office space.

More than one million jobs have been added since the election, bringing the unemployment rate to 4.3%–a 16-year low. These strong employment figures have expedited the shift in the “war for talent”, characterized by intense competition for top and highly-skilled professionals. In fact, according to a US News article, 40% of employers claim they are struggling to find qualified candidates. This presents companies with a unique opportunity to revamp how they recruit, onboard, and retain employees by leveraging the physical office space. Here is a look-see at what companies are doing:

Employee Experience
Today’s modern employee looks at their job as more than just a paycheck. For many, it’s a lifestyle choice. Companies are taking into account employee needs beyond the job description, with amenities and programs that enrich their lives. Offices with fitness and wellness offerings, self-service options, and social opportunities are on top of the list. Buildings located in live-work-play hubs are equally in high-demand. Employees are willing to take a pay cut if the experience matches their needs, which means if a company wants to attract and retain the best talent, they need to look at the employee experience.

Empowerment
How offices are designed significantly impacts retention. Workspace with open layouts and private offices and meeting rooms give employees optionality in how they want to work. This sense of empowerment enhances employee satisfaction.

Corporate Culture
Majority of today’s workforce is comprised of Millennials who are characterized by the need for transparency, work-life balance and flexibility, connectivity, and experience. Not surprising that companies with diverse and engaging corporate cultures are in most demand. Offices with interactive collaboration areas that can serve as team building venues can add great value to a company’s corporate culture.

Blended Workforce
Technology advancements have given way to a blended workforce of full-time permanent employees, freelancers, and telecommuters working alongside one another. Looking ahead, experts predict on-demand positions to make up at least 40% of the workforce in coming years. Many of today’s modern offices are designed in include flexible work stations and desks, and high-tech conferencing systems to accommodate the blended workforce. Some companies even go as far as leasing out unused-desks to other professionals who may need a temporary work area.

Socially Responsible
Millennials are more environmentally savvy and socially responsible than their predecessors. And it is not surprising that this group seeks out companies that align with their values. Certifications like LEED are no longer enough. Today’s offices are designed with natural materials, natural light, and the latest technology efficiencies to minimize the carbon footprint.

Fun Aesthetics
Bringing pops of color and comfortable furniture into the office can go a long way. It gives a sense that the company is progressive and hip, and an overall fun place to work, which can have tremendous buy-in power from employees. Think Google. Lounge areas with couches encourage relaxation and creativity.

More Articles

Industry Trends

Underwriting the Perceived Instability of Short-Term Office Leases

  • February 16, 2021
The threat of shorter office lease terms has been looming over the commercial real estate industry for several years. Companies first braced for the potential impact of new standards from the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) recognizing all leases on the balance sheet, which took effect in January 2019. Then, the office leasing world was hit with additional challenges from COVID-19 as many companies opted to work from home and re-evaluated the role of their physical office space.
Industry Trends Insights

Envisioning the Future of the Built Environment

  • January 29, 2021
Amidst the ongoing crisis, built environments are at the front lines of change and will play a huge role in creating a more resilient world going forward. Office architects are re-envisioning the future of the workplace—where and how we work. Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball to predict exactly what the new future-oriented office will look like, but what we do know is flexibility and adaptability will be key in resilient design.
Industry Trends

Why Texas is becoming a commercial real estate powerhouse

  • January 21, 2021
It looks like 2021 will be another big year for Texas, a year when a lot of major companies will make the jump and move to the Lone Star state. Just look at these transitions:
See All

About the Author

David Zamudio

Vice President of Human Resources

Links

Downloadables

Our Company
  • Investors
  • Properties
  • News & Insights
  • About KBS
Resources
  • Premier Office Magazine
Get in Touch
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Instagram
  • Careers

© 2023 KBS

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
Investors
  • KBS Capital Markets Group
  • Properties
  • News & Insights
  • About Us
Contact Us
  • Corporate Headquarters
  • New York Office
  • Washington, DC Office