CREJ

Page 24 — Office & Industrial Quarterly — March 2022 www.crej.com INDUSTRIAL — WORKPLACE TRENDS Building Industrial Since 1964 Design-Build . Architecture . Construction Pre-Construction Services Hybrid Structural Systems Integration Planning & Entitlements Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Build-to-Suit Site-Cast Tilt Construction dcb1.com 303 287 5525 P rior to the worldwide COVID- 19 pandemic, the indus- trial sector faced challenges brought on by the rapid growth of e-commerce, a tightening labor market and high levels of employee turnover. But today, more than two years into the biggest global health crisis in a century, those existing chal- lenges are compounded by the evolving impacts of a rapidly mutat- ing respiratory virus. Economic decline, poor infrastruc- ture, ongoing supply chain disrup- tions due to COVID-19 outbreaks across warehouse sites, climate change and high turnover rates have highlighted a new reality. While a greater sense of urgency among real estate developers and a willingness among real estate owners to optimize industrial work- spaces certainly has emerged, total market transformation – with an emphasis on healthier, human-cen- tric building practices in the indus- trial sector – is the way to ensure workers return and stay on the job. With new research showing 87% of employees consider health and wellness when choosing an employ- er, and widespread calls for work- place improvements in everything from air ventilation standards to sick leave policies, there is a signifi- cant disparity between employee expectations and current workplace conditions. In A Better Box: Optimizing Indus- trial Spaces for Employee Health and Wellness, a January 2022 report co-authored by QuadReal Prop- erty Group and the Center for Active Design, the orga- nization behind the Fitwel healthy building certifica- tion program, we set out to deter- mine what actions are most effective when it comes to bridging that gap and supporting health and well- ness in the indus- trial sector – a sec- tor that, in 2020, saw a whopping 60% turnover rate. With three areas of impact, the report revealed a necessity for maximizing location and site acces- sibility, designing functional and supportive interiors, and establish- ing resilient spaces that promote productivity and preparedness. n Maximize location and site acces- sibility. Capitalizing on connectivity and desirable amenities benefits employees, tenants and asset man- agers alike. One way to do this is by connecting the site to surrounding areas by facilitating public transit access, providing bike infrastructure and creating a pedestrian-oriented environment. It’s also important to make space for health-promoting services and facilities. Irregular hours at industrial spaces can lead to chronic illness. We need to consider ways to counteract this and not only create a productive work environment but a healthy one as well. Fitness facilities, effi- cient parking practices, communal spaces, opportunities to connect to nature, and access to healthy food can make a substantial difference in creating a positive workplace experience. There’s no shortage of nature here in Colorado, and it’s time that industrial spaces find ways to promote natural elements in their design. n Design functional and support- ive interiors. Manufacturing floors, warehouses, and other storage and distribution facilities are vital assets within the industrial sector. By thinking holistically about building design, landlords and owners are able to optimize industrial interiors for occupant health. In doing so, they can provide access to essen- tial facilities, support safe use of spaces and promote high-quality indoor environments – all of which translate to maximized efficiency, reduced sickness and stress, and greater employee productivity. n Establish resilient spaces to pro- mote productivity and preparedness. Future-proofing the workplace helps ensure longevity and success for real estate owners, tenants and employees. This includes emer- gency preparedness and preven- tion, promoting transparency and inclusivity in communication, and supporting employee retention. Being prepared is good for people, productivity and profits; inclusivity Why a healthy economy relies on healthy spaces Sonja Trierweiler Vice president of marketing and communications, Fitwel Capitalizing on connectivity and desirable amenities benefits employees, tenants and asset managers alike. One way to do this is by connecting the site to surrounding areas by facilitating public transit access, providing bike infrastructure and creating a pedestrian-oriented environment. Please see Trierweiler, Page 27