Since the first wave of COVID-19, businesses have had to explore new ways of managing their teams. This includes investing in proper office finishes that enforce social distancing, creating new procedures that enable employees to work efficiently.
Many companies are taking an interest in leasing an office in a more suburban neighbourhood as opposed to urban cores, and here are some of the benefits:
Free Parking Available
Suburban offices may be closer to employee homes and offer spaces for parking, which allows them to take their morning commute into their own hands, as opposed to relying on the public transit schedule, or riding with others. If your company is conscious about their carbon footprint, you can implement blended work schedules between the office and lower the carbon footprint of your employees with shorter commutes or with them riding their bicycles to work.
Limited Touch Points
Larger office towers often have shared spaces such as the elevator, bathroom, etc. Having an office in a suburban neighbourhood allows you to own these spaces. Not only will you save time not having to wait for the elevator, but you will have the option to limit access to these parts of the office to only your team and stakeholders. Suburban office spaces also often have their own independent HVAC, providing more control to your team and direct access to fresh air.
Outdoor Spaces
One of the benefits of having a suburban office space is you are likely to be near parks and gardens. Employees have the pleasure of enjoying the outdoors. In some instances, you may also be able to create your own office outdoor space with benches, picnic tables, and more.
Social Distancing
Since operating costs in suburban offices are generally lower, you have the liberty to invest that money in other office improvements. This includes dividers, break room essentials, and even overall space expansion, which can make social distancing much easier for you and your team.
These are just a few of the many reasons why you may want to consider moving your team into a suburban office space. If you believe your team would benefit from this environment or if you’re looking to explore new locations outside of the downtown area, take a look at a sampling of our properties and see why our tenants love working there.
Properties:
1355 Taylor Avenue
This suburban office space offers limited touch points and has ample parking to accommodate a large team. Not only does it have plenty of room for social distancing, but it’s also surrounded by numerous amenities including several restaurants, grocery stores, medical services, and retail stores.
Moray Plaza
Moray Plaza is in the heart of St. James at the northwest corner of Ness Avenue and Moray Street. This property features limited touch points with secure entrances, and restrooms are exclusive for tenant use. It is surrounded by several restaurants, schools, and residential communities.
Crestview Place
This property has a new façade. Crestview Place is located on Portage Avenue and Cavalier Drive. Not only does it have great exposure from a busy thoroughfare, but the property also has a private and secure entrance, a private boardroom, lunchroom, and restroom with no public access.
Garden City Plaza
This office is in Northwest Winnipeg and is near the Garden City Shopping Centre, Seven Oaks General Hospital and Sportsplex. There is plenty of parking available, and several restaurants and medical services just a few steps away from the office.
Grant Park Festival
Your business will thrive at Grant Park Festival, Winnipeg’s Premier Lifestyle Centre, featuring great exposure to the busy thoroughfare and ample parking. The area also has a fantastic tenant mix including Boston Pizza, Starbucks, Sobeys, OhDoughnuts, Chosabi, and Dalat.
Grant Park Pavilions
This development is well on its way to becoming Winnipeg’s most walkable community. There are number of amenities in the area from a Walmart and Scotiabank on site, and Sobeys next door. The Pan Am Pool Complex, Taylor Tennis Club, and Reh-Fit Centre, and many other services within walking distance.
Sandy G. Shindleman, CCIM, SIOR, CRE, FRICS
President
