Experts agree that real estate can be a profitable investment if it is not just a commodity but an experience. To compete with eCommerce disruption, retail stores create customer experiences. Likewise, technology firms insist on a seamless user experience. To retain and attract talent in a competitive market, companies must focus on their employee experience and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, productivity, and excellence.

An employee's experience is more than what their supervisor or HR department decides. It also depends on the quality and location of the office, building, neighborhood, and workspace. Occupants are increasingly adopting the "real estate as service" mentality. They focus on their employees and consider landlords partners in creating attractive environments for today's workers. Both landlords and occupiers seek to provide the best environment for their workers.

What amenities are the most in-demand today? Let's look at each category.

Creative Offerings

Media buzz is focused on entertainment (for example, bowling alleys or golf simulators) and high-end food options such as coffee bars and wine lounges. These can certainly generate energy and impress tenants. However, tenants are increasingly looking for more than just the basic amenity options at their offices.

Traditional Amenities

Employees expect office buildings to integrate personal amenities or at least be close to them during work hours. This is because work and personal life are increasingly intertwined. Access to personal care services and food options in the office is key to determining whether a job opportunity is right for you. These could include:

• There are many food options available at various price points.

• Fitness centers

• Other retail (e.g., drugstores, financial services).

• Parking

These are not all the same as the top section's creative offerings, but they meet the basic needs of corporate occupiers.

Technology Amenities ("PropTech")

This group is increasing in importance and prevalence. Technology is a part of our lives, and young adults were raised in a world that was surrounded by it. Workers of all ages can now use tech solutions to solve their personal and professional problems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things allowed for a better understanding of the workplace. Sensors were used to measure air quality, energy consumption, mobility patterns, and space usage. Technology can be used for preventative maintenance, task automation, and direct access to partners/services. Technology can be integrated into buildings through:

• Phone apps providing directions, building calendars, special discounts

• Reservations for common area and conference rooms

• Automated check-in, security, and lights

Employee Wellness

Employee wellness has become a more important focus in the workplace due to the increasing understanding of the relationship between productivity and health. The physical amenities offer a break from the desk and add a touch of nature to the workday. You might consider providing:

• Terrasses and outdoor courtyards

• Yoga and other fitness classes

It is still very early days for the "amenitization" of the workplace. Most headlines are from tech companies, coworking space, or high-end submarkets that target young talent and companies. But, the market is changing, and there will be more demand for office products and other types of occupiers. Therefore, occupants and investors should take the initiative to differentiate themselves by choosing the right mix of amenities.