_Leeds wakes up to appetite for hipster offices to cater for growing tech sectors
Whilst enhanced communication 24/7 can make our lives easier, we can equally fall prey to the “digital leash”, a leash which ties us permanently to our job.
Some enlightened firms are already putting measures in place to ensure that their employees can escape this treadmill.
No emails out of working hours or on holiday; no staying at the office outside normal hours, unless absolutely necessary; no video-conferencing outside 9-5; and work-sharing, ensuring employees have a healthy and productive work-life balance.
We forget, far too often, that we need proper downtime – for ourselves, our family and our friends.
The blurring of the lines between work and life is well illustrated by a new generation of “digital nomads”, who have no office or who work from a bedroom at home.
Just visit some of the trendier bars and coffee shops in Leeds and you will see these nomads at work. Their virtual offices have no or very limited overheads and technology enables them to work where they want, when they want.
"Cool office spaces tend to be more common among tech companies. Why? It’s a part of the industry’s culture."
If you aren’t a “nomad”, but work in an office instead, it is reassuring to learn that the more adventurous employers, especially cutting-edge digital firms, are creating space which is exciting, different and fun, thereby making the workplace stimulating and productive and, at the same time, clearly differentiating it from home.
That puts the work-life balance into sharper perspective.
We have clients in Leeds who are actively considering installing music rooms, some are considering allowing employees to bring pets to work and some are installing pool tables, table football and even pinball machines.
"We forget, far too often, that we need proper downtime – for ourselves, our family and our friends."
Cool office spaces tend to be more common among tech companies. Why? It’s a part of the industry’s culture. And, given the intensity around recruiting, tech companies often come up with a myriad of ways to attract top talent to their company.
One way is by creating an aesthetically inviting workplace. This is happening in Leeds; with the demand for trendy offices in Leeds is increasing sharply. Here are some of the best examples of modern work spaces.
1 The Round Foundry
Recruitment and retention of talented staff is not just about the benefits package. Having an office that is both an inspiring and enjoyable place to work is now a critical, cost-effective way to successfully attract the most talented employees.
Our future offices must break the mould of the past two decades. If organisations want to attract the best and keep their workforce, they need to create spaces that their staff will want to work in.
The Round Foundry, with its ground-breaking mix of the ancient and modern, has led the way in Leeds.
2 Concordia Works
Now the newly-refurbished Concordia Works in Sovereign Street, close to Sovereign Square on the banks of the River Aire.
Concordia Works is a unique and striking property, set over five floors and situated just a short walk from Leeds City Station and the main retail heart of the city. Built in the early 20th century, this former yarn and cord warehouse has been refurbished by London-based developers Boultbee Brooks with modern businesses in mind, whilst maintaining its existing structure and original period features.
The refurbishment, now complete, is a fusion of original features and modern design, creating a dynamic hi-spec loft-style workspace. The interior design respects the integrity of the warehouse’s industrial past.
Exposed brickwork, trusses and cast iron columns will play a major part in the building’s new look. The result is a contemporary working environment for dynamic and creative businesses.
3 Platform
Located above Leeds Rail Station, Bruntwood’s 120,000 sq. ft redevelopment of Platform will complete in 2017. Platform is an expression of Bruntwood’s wider vision for the future of workspace, incorporating the needs of both large businesses and smaller, growing companies across a shared building.
As part of Bruntwood's evolving offer in the Leeds market, Platform will look to incorporate principles of a diverse community of likeminded people shaping a place together, connected environments: digitally, physically, socially, but within a design-led, tech-savvy quality space for occupiers to work in.
Productivity in the workplace is key to supporting a firms balance sheet, that is why we are all in the jobs we are in, doing our bit to make a difference; what is very clear however is the way we are going to have to approach creating a balance between nurturing success with happy employees.
Flexible, fluid and customisable exciting workplaces which offer the comfort we know at home are going to be at the forefront.
To find out more about inspiring Leeds offices contact Knight Frank’s office experts in Leeds.