These days, the sky’s the limit for office amenities – a phrase that rings especially true in workplaces where rock-climbing walls allow employees to reach new heights, literally.

To draw more bodies back into buildings, landlords and employers are going to great lengths to make workplaces more fun (from slides between floors to mini golf courses); accommodating (dog-friendly offices or on-site dry cleaning, anyone?); and community-oriented (e.g., ping pong tables, coffee/wine bars and common workspaces).

But while the amenities available to your tenants have the potential to make or break occupancy and rental rates, introducing a climbing wall and other flashy features isn’t particularly feasible – or worth the investment – for most. So how does a landlord or employer determine what perks and offerings will get the most usage and optimal ROI?

Here we share our thoughts on services, amenities and physical facility features that set a property apart from area competitors and offer great promise in attracting today’s tenants and employees.

An Amenities Search Strategy: Less Exciting, More Essential

As you weigh the pros and cons of various options for your office building, it’s important to go about the process in a strategic and thoughtful manner. We strongly suggest surveying your occupants or workforce to determine their specific wants and needs.

Also, focus less on the flashy, luxurious perks and put more emphasis on those that bring real value to the worker experience. Remember that while some amenities look great aesthetically, many successful offerings work behind the scenes to amplify the office experience by improving physical comfort, a worker’s ability to focus and other conditions that impact performance and well-being. (Think air purification systems and soundproofing, for instance.)

Finally, keep spatial constraints in mind, and consider how your location (or potential location) might already aid in meeting workers’ needs. For instance, if you don’t have the square footage to incorporate a fitness facility within your building footprint, a nearby gym presents an equally if not more valuable solution. Drug store next door or around the corner? Another big plus.

What Workers Want Now

In light of the needs, priorities and preferences of today’s unique workforce, Aquila recommends honing in on amenities that promote the following specifically:

1. Interpersonal Connections. It’s well documented that home offices have dealt a major blow to mentorship and company culture. A remote-work setup offers convenience and, many argue, a better work-life balance, but it’s very isolating. Zoom calls and instant-messaging apps just can’t replace a face-to-face gathering. So a return to the office in either a full-time or hybrid arrangement often stems from the desire to be back with coworkers, collaborating and connecting in person. Use this motivation to your advantage by seeking out amenities that promote interactions among colleagues in both professional and social capacities. Examples: Common spaces for work and/or breaks; community-building events; maker labs; food halls.
2. Wellness. Health and wellness are top priorities for much of the modern  workforce. And while onsite fitness facilities are always a big draw (particularly if they include showers), wellness today extends far beyond workout routines and vital signs. In that vein, workers now expect employers to play a role in their pursuit of good financial, environmental and emotional health, among other areas that factor into well-being and happiness. Nap and meditation rooms, bike storage, sustainable building features and workshops related to finances all fit this bill.
3. Convenience. We all like to kill two birds with one stone, especially if doing so buys us additional time for personal endeavors. Today, a workplace that does nothing to foster a work-life balance will struggle to retain talent and people. But properties that offer easy access to the  daily to-dos or eliminate a commute before or after work hours will earn broader appeal. This includes on-site health and wellness services, salons, child care, dry-cleaning and car care services, and other retailers.
4. Outdoors. Are you using your rooftop or green space to its fullest advantage? Offices with enhanced outdoor gathering spaces like roof terraces and courtyards with outdoor seating command higher rents. Improvements you might consider to beef up an existing outdoor space include the addition of shade structures, fire features, fountains and gardens – anything to make the area more enticing, relaxing and functional.

Amenities have the power to make or break an office experience, and the developers, landlords and companies who prioritize the aforementioned focuses are better positioned to attract and retain occupants. For more help identifying services and offerings that will bring more tenants and workers to your own property or office, contact Aquila.