March 13, 2002—Almost two-thirds of companies would consider moving their headquarters to an older or refurbished building if it would save them money says a recent survey.
Of the companies questioned by GVA Grimley, 64% have their HQs in brand new or modern buildings. “This indicates a sea-change in the perception of corporate HQs,” says office agency partner John Higginbotham. “The opulence of the HQ of a decade ago is being superseded by the twin demands of cost efficiency and practicality. As use of wireless technology spreads, we may see more companies prepared to consider moving into older buildings that have previously been rendered functionally obsolete by their lack of raised floors and suspended ceilings.”
Although 70% of the property managers questioned concede that the HQ contributes to employee motivation, very few (8%) intend to offer any additional staff facilities in the future. Many already provide a staff restaurant but only 20% offer a gym. The increasing emphasis on mixed-use development may remove some of the pressure on employers to offer facilities in their HQ, says GVA Grimley.
—Richard Byatt
Reprinted with permission; copyright 2002 i-FM
