_Waterfront View 2017: Why we should all work by the water

In his book Blue Mind, marine biologist Wallace Nichols looks at the remarkable effect of being ‘near, in, on or under’ water has on our happiness, health, relationships and performance at work.

He finds that the positive effects of a watery outlook can be compared to that of green space, giving our minds breathing space that reaps rewards in every part of our lives.

With wellbeing high on so many corporate agendas today, employers are paying attention to Nichols and other researchers and realising that their choice of office location can play a big part in reducing stress levels in the workplace.

As a result, Knight Frank’s Commercial team is reporting that more and more clients searching for offices are adding ‘waterside location’ to their wishlist.

In central London, the Thames is obviously the number one choice for a water view. Recent years have seen flagship commercial developments reshaping the South Bank skyline in particular – from the Shard, across the river from the City, to the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station where Apple is signed up as one of the first tenants.

Whether staff can see the river from their desk or can simply stroll along it during their lunch break, employers know that it’s a big positive for their people in terms of the quality of their working life.

Beyond the river, London also has a number of canals and marinas that have proved a magnet for businesses over the years, typically with high-end conversions of former warehouses creating new waterside communities.

Developers are equally aware of the draw, and often incorporate water features in their public realm areas.

Tellingly, the water factor is evident in the way landlords are marketing property. For example, Blackstone recently re-branded Cannon Bridge House as The River Building and when UBS redeveloped their office next to Cannon Street on the banks of the Thames, they changed the name from Mondial House to Watermark Place.

So the positive effects of working beside water seem to be universally accepted and the growing popularity of waterside properties looks as unstoppable as the Thames itself.

It’s clear that whether you are perched high in an office tower by the Thames or enjoying canal views from your home office in Little Venice, there’s nothing like a little water therapy to soothe away the stress of the working day.