10 Key Features to Look for in a Suburban Office Space

 

 

Suburban offices are a growing market in commercial real estate. So, it’s essential to implement features that make them desirable for tenants. From intercom systems for businesses to sustainability initiatives and community dynamics, there are plenty of key features that can transform an ordinary suburban office space into a thriving business hub.

Read on to discover the top ten features to look for in suburban office buildings and how to implement them.

 

10 key features to look for in a suburban office

From budding startups to established corporations, the workplace is more than just a location; it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration, and productivity.

Let’s dive into 10 elements to look for in a suburban office:

1. Location
2. Space layout
3. Community engagement
4. Smart building technology
5. Sustainability initiatives
6. Access control
7. Visitor management systems
8. Office amenities
9. Parking facilities
10. Package room

 

 

1. Location

A prime location is a central factor for commercial real estate, and suburban offices are no exception.

What’s more, location is a strategic asset that can profoundly influence a company’s productivity, employee satisfaction, and market presence.

Additionally, a prime location in a suburban setting ensures:

• Accessibility. An ideal location offers accessibility for both employees and clients, reducing commuting stress and improving convenience.
• Amenities. A great location provides proximity to essential amenities, like restaurants, banks, and gyms. As a result, they foster a vibrant work-life balance and enhance the overall quality of professional life.
• Networking opportunities. Presence in areas with a concentration of businesses encourages collaboration and networking among professionals.
• Future development. Locations that are situated in areas with desirable markets increase property value over time.

For property managers and owners, a well-chosen location translates into higher demand, lower vacancy rates, and increased property value, ensuring sustainable returns on investment.

Moreover, a strategic location in a bustling suburban area not only attracts top talent but also places businesses within the sphere of influence of other thriving enterprises, encouraging collaboration and networking.

So, location is not just about where you are but where your business can go.

 

2. Space layout

Creating an inviting and inspiring workplace with a smart space layout helps shape the very essence of a company’s culture. It’s more than just the arrangement of desks and meeting rooms; it’s the blueprint for creativity, collaboration, and productivity.

A smart space layout offers:

• Collaborative areas. Break rooms and communal spaces boost teamwork and idea sharing, fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment.
• A well-designed layout. A smart space layout optimizes workflow, minimizes distractions, and fosters a sense of community among employees.
• Thoughtful space planning. Planning out a space ensures that every square foot is utilized effectively, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Ergonomic design. Thoughtfully designed ergonomic furniture and layouts promote healthy posture, reduce strain, and minimize the risk of repetitive stress injuries among employees who spend long hours at their desks.

What’s more, flexible and adaptable spaces allow for easy reconfiguration as the company grows or as project needs change.

So, when seeking a suburban office building, considering the layout isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about nurturing a workspace where businesses can thrive and employees can flourish.

 

3. Community engagement

A vibrant workplace culture can transform an ordinary office space into a thriving hub of creativity and collaboration. So, promoting events that strengthen community engagement is a great way to attract talent.

What’s more, suburban offices that actively engage with their local communities can:

• Contribute positively to the neighborhood by providing businesses with invaluable networking opportunities.
• Promote community events, shared spaces, and collaborative initiatives that create a sense of belonging among employees.
• Engaging with the local community elevates the brand’s reputation and fosters trust among clients and partners.

In a suburban setting, where businesses often have a more profound impact on the local community, this engagement is particularly significant.

So, when selecting a suburban office space, considering the potential for community engagement is a strategic decision that can profoundly influence a company’s culture, growth, and long-term success.

 

4. Smart building technology

Intelligent building technology offers a strategic way to optimize energy consumption, reduce costs, and positively impact the environment in suburban areas where available resources might be more limited than in urban centers.

Here are some ways to implement smart building technology at your suburban office:

• Energy management systems. Smart energy management systems optimize energy usage. Further, they reduce costs by regulating lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy and natural light levels.
• Automated lighting. Automated lighting systems adjust brightness based on time of day, enhancing energy efficiency while providing a comfortable work environment.
• Smart HVAC systems. Intelligent HVAC systems ensure employee comfort while minimizing energy consumption through predictive climate control algorithms.
• IoT devices. Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like smart thermostats, environmental sensors, and smart locks, enable real-time data collection of energy usage.
• Collaborative tools. Interactive whiteboards, video conferencing systems, and virtual collaboration tools facilitate seamless communication among employees and clients.

 

Discover the five best office automation products and software for your building:

 

5. Sustainability initiatives

Environmental initiatives not only appeal to tenants by saving them money, but they also reduce a suburban office building’s carbon footprint. So, embracing sustainable practices with energy-efficient lighting, smart waste management, and water conservation systems promotes a greener office environment.

Moreover, sustainability initiatives enhance a company’s reputation, attracting environmentally conscious clients, partners, and employees who align with the organization’s values.

What’s more, suburban offices, surrounded by natural landscapes, can also spearhead green initiatives such as tree planting, biodiversity programs, and community clean-up events, further fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.

 

6. Access control

Implementing access control empowers suburban offices to create a secure environment where employees can focus on their tasks without concerns about their safety or security at the workplace.

Modern access control offers robust features like:

• Seamless access. Building entry systems, like office intercoms, are designed to grant access quickly and securely.
• Detailed activity logs. Keep track of who’s coming and going with easily accessible entry records.
• Remote access management. Remote management capabilities empower administrators to control access, monitor activities, and adjust security settings from anywhere, providing real-time control and peace of mind.
• Security system integrations. Modern access control systems can be integrated with other security systems, like surveillance cameras and alarms, creating a comprehensive security network.
• Customizable access permissions. Assign different access levels to employees to ensure only authorized individuals can enter specific areas.

 

 

7. Visitor management systems

Guest management systems are a great way to automatically check in guests without compromising security at commercial offices.

Streamlining visitor management can:

• Improve efficiency. Streamline the visitor check-in process, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall efficiency of the office by automating tasks like badge printing and notification alerts.
• Enhance visitor experience. By expediting the check-in process and providing clear instructions, visitor management systems enhance the overall experience for guests.
• Data analytics. Guest management systems analyze visitor data and offer insights that can be used to improve services, security protocols, and overall visitor experience.
• Visitor tracking. Track visitor movements and ensure that guests are escorted and monitored appropriately.
• Eliminate redundant administrative tasks. By automating the visitor registration process, these systems reduce the need for manual paperwork, resulting in cost savings for the office while improving efficiency and accuracy.

 

The best visitor management system is ButterflyMX.

The ButterflyMX suite of access control hardware includes:

• Video intercoms
• Vehicle access control
• Elevator controls
• Keypads
• Package rooms

Additionally, ButterflyMX offers software like the front desk station, which empowers you to view live video feed of your property’s video intercom at any time and communicate with visitors and tenants remotely.

 

 

8. Office amenities

On-site office amenities like gyms, cozy lounges, suburban office parks, and cafeteria spaces offer staff convenience while promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Moreover, amenities like modern conference rooms, collaborative workspaces, and high-speed internet ensure that the office environment promotes creativity and collaboration amongst team members. These amenities not only contribute to a positive company culture but also serve as attractive selling points for prospective employees.

From wellness programs to recreational spaces, well-thought-out amenities not only elevate the office experience but also contribute significantly to the overall success and reputation of suburban offices.

 

 

9. Parking facilities

Implementing vehicle access control at parking facilities streamlines access for every vehicle that frequents your suburban office.

Here’s why vehicle access control is essential for suburban office spaces:

• Improve traffic management. Vehicle access control helps regulate the flow of vehicles, preventing congestion during peak hours.
• Prevent unauthorized parking. By restricting access to designated parking areas, vehicle access control prevents unauthorized vehicles from occupying valuable parking spaces, ensuring that employees have access to parking facilities.
• Create an additional stream of income. Parking access control can empower you to monetize your garage and generate an additional stream of income at your suburban corporate office.

 

10. Package room

A package room in a suburban office setting is a game-changer when it comes to effective delivery management.

Dedicated package rooms offer innovative ways to:

• Manage deliveries more effectively. A dedicated package room acts as a centralized hub for receiving and managing deliveries. What’s more, it relieves office staff from the burden of handling numerous packages, allowing them to focus on essential tasks.
• Ensure secure deliveries. Package rooms enhance security by ensuring that packages are received, signed for, and stored in a controlled environment, reducing the risk of theft or damage.
• Reduce office clutter. Keep the office space clutter-free by creating an organized, secure location for dropping off packages.