requirement is to deliver that percentage now. Our advice is to phase
that approach so you meet demand now while using the additional
space for other wellness o erings or short term tenant storage and
later increasing bike parking or other amenity (such as showers and
lockers) as demand requires.
Create space
With so many developers complaining about a lack of space, it is
incredibly important to save space where possible, especially in high
density areas like London where space is charged at a premium.
There are a number of ways to save and create space but some of
our favourite “tricks” include;
• Using dual purpose products like timber fencing that serves to
create a secure enclosure but can also hold vertical bicycle parking
• Repurposing underutilised car parking spaces and transforming
them into wellness areas or bicycling parking lots that service a far
greater audience
• Considering gender neutral spaces
Take a seasonal approach
If your facility allows for seasonal changes, this can really boost the
usage of a space. Switching bicycle parking in the colder months for
a wellness area where tenants can exercise, meditate or stretch is an
excellent way to operationalise your facility and meet the demands
of your tenants.
Go the extra mile
Most are aware of the benefits of active travel to work – it increases
productivity and engagement and helps tenants build the work/life
balance they want to achieve but o en going the extra mile makes
all the di erence. A facility might o er bicycling parking and change
room facilities but by further enhancing this service to include an
ironing and airing station, a stretching zone, a towel service and
bicycling maintenance station, the facility suddenly goes from good
to great. O en building managers are put o these added benefits
due to viewing them as unnecessary additional costs when in
reality, these fairly inexpensive extras can increase utilisation quite
considerably.
CORPORATE OFFICE FM SPECIALIST’S VIEW
JEAN-PATRICK JUDSON, ACCOUNT MANANGER, ANABAS
Wellbeing in the workplace was a hot topic throughout 2019 and is
most certainly set to continue this year. FM’s can help support clients
to create environments that support wellbeing, inspire creativity,
make people feel comfortable, and promote the notion of being
able to flourish in a safe environment, all of which can help to build
resilience, increase focus, productivity and e iciency.
There are a number of ways we can support wellbeing in the
workplace and these include;
Air Quality: Be sure to monitor air temperatures, filtration systems
and consider the quality of air in the workplace. There are multiple
choices including the use of natural sources for air and ventilation
and a move towards chemical-free cleaning. The quality of the air we
breathe can remove the lethargic feel within the o ice. Likewise, FMs
must also consider where to place centralised bins to combat the
issue of odour a ecting workers.
22 FEBRUARY 2020
Water Sources: Staying
hydrated is great for
physical, emotional
and mental health. Are
you providing adequate
filtered drinking water
for sta and visitors
and are they easily
accessible and well
maintained?
Lighting: Lighting can
directly a ect mood
and energy levels. FMs
need to monitor the Flux
levels on site, and have
the right balance of artificial and natural light to create inviting and
productive working environments. In workspaces without natural
light, encourage sta to move around and be agile to ensure a
positive sense of wellbeing.
Noise Levels: Noise in the workplace can act as a de-motivator. FMs
need to ensure there are procedures in place to monitor motorised
items. Consider o ice layout and where sta are placed. Being
situated next to a constantly open door, a busy walkway or in earshot
of the hand-dryers in the washrooms, is bound to cause disruption,
irritation and distraction.
Fitness: Budgets dependent, Facilities may be able to provide
exercise facilities. However, if this is not possible, then the FM
teams can work with other functions in the organisation to create
campaigns that encourage employees to be active and eat healthier.
Comfort: The rise in agile workspaces creates and encourages
the opportunity for sta to work in di erent areas. This provides
the chance for the FM function to design the workspace with
collaborative areas, enabling open thought and the creation of
ideas. O en, a modern and agile workspace will provide comfortable
seating options which are ideal for encouraging relaxation during the
working day, helping to put workers at ease.
Mind: Imagine dreading coming to your workplace every day
especially when faced with dingy decor, dreadful lighting, broken
li s, empty water coolers, toilets out of order and not so much as
a smile from Reception. Would you feel productive? Would you
be productive? The FM function is responsible for creating an
environment in which people can thrive. The most engaged workers
are those who have autonomy over where they work to suit their
needs as it leads to more satisfaction.
Being aware of the environment and corporate culture will enable
processes to be put in place that will positively a ect the individuals
working within it, and will support positive wellbeing in the
workplace.
Do you have a question that you’d like
answered by the FMJ Clinic?
Email: sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk
FM CLINIC
Jean-Patrick Judson
ADVICE & OPINION
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