Office
Accessibility
Accessibility as a trump card: why employers and property owners should pay attention
Imagine this: you have just found a fantastic candidate for that open vacancy. There is a connection, the terms are good, but then comes the question: “How is your office actually accessible?” A simple answer like “we are located in the city center” or “we have ample parking” is no longer sufficient. The way employees travel to work, where they park, and whether they can charge their electric cars has become a crucial factor in both employership and real estate value.
What do you achieve with good accessibility?
Employee satisfaction and productivity
An easily accessible office reduces travel time and stress, which contributes to a better work-life balance and higher employee satisfaction.
Attracting and retaining talent
A location with good public transport connections, parking facilities, and cycling infrastructure makes a company more attractive to potential employees.
Lower absenteeism and travel costs
Long and arduous commutes can contribute to stress and fatigue, which can lead to higher absenteeism.
Sustainability
and CSR
An office that is easily accessible by public transport and bicycle encourages more sustainable travel behavior. This reduces CO₂ emissions and contributes to the company's sustainability goals.
Public transport: the invisible employment condition
An office that is easily accessible by train, bus, or metro has a huge advantage. Employees do not want endless traffic jams or expensive parking fees. Research shows that 76% of employees are willing to travel longer distances if it can be done comfortably using public transport (source: Institute for Mobility Policy). Therefore, an office in a strategic location not only ensures satisfied employees but also increases the potential talent you can attract.
The parking paradox: scarcity and frustration
For employees who cannot or do not wish to travel by public transport, the day often begins with another problem: parking. Offices in urban areas struggle with a severe shortage of parking spaces. In cities like Amsterdam, the cost of a parking space can run up to as much as €500 per month, and even then, there is a good chance you will have to walk a considerable distance. This leads to frustration and wasted time. Employers who invest in parking management, such as reserved spaces, shared cars, or partnerships with nearby garages, gain in attractiveness.
Electric charging: a must, not a luxury
With the growing number of electric cars, charging capacity at the office is becoming a decisive factor. Employees do not want to arrive with 10% battery and then hope that a charging station happens to be available. Companies that invest in sufficient charging stations, possibly coupled with dynamic charging systems, make a sustainable statement and attract forward-thinking employees. Figures from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency show that there are already more than 600,000 electric cars on the road in the Netherlands, and that number is growing exponentially. Office buildings without charging infrastructure are simply falling behind.
Employership and real estate value:
the new mobility factors
The impact of accessibility on employership is crystal clear: the easier and more sustainable the workplace is to reach, the more satisfied employees are and the easier it is for companies to retain talent. However, the real estate value of office buildings is also increasingly determined by mobility options. An office with excellent public transport connections, ample parking, and charging stations is simply worth more. Real estate agents and investors no longer look solely at square footage and rental prices, but also at mobility scorecards and sustainable mobility solutions.
Conclusion: mobility is worth its weight in gold
In a time when working in the office is no longer a given, employers and property owners must prioritize mobility. Accessibility by public transport, parking facilities, and electric charging options determine not only how attractive an office is to employees but also how much the property will be worth in the future. Mobility is not just a practical matter but a strategic asset. Those who understand this will win the future.
Jeroen Peters
Director of Marketing & Communications
D&B The Facility Group
Jeroen
