10 Amenities to Consider When Your Lease Expires

The expiration of your company’s lease should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a hassle. Small to mid-size tenants can make their working life a more pleasant experience by finding a location with plentiful amenities, or larger ones may even use their leverage to get amenities added to their current site.

If you’re relocating, you should tour the market to evaluate amenities; companies new to the real estate search process, because they have been locked into leases for the past 5-to-10 years, may be surprised at what today’s market offers. You can then compare locations, amenities and rental rates with your current building and make a fully informed decision. In fact, this market offers so many concessions, free rent may offset the cost of the move itself.

Here are some common amenities you may wish to seek:

1. Shuttle to Train Station

If your office is located far away from major transportation hubs, you may wish to relocate. Employees appreciate any gesture to make their daily commute less strenuous. Larger tenants can even negotiate with their current landlord to provide a connection to the nearest train station instead of requiring their workers to take a taxi or the bus.

2. Concierge / Building Security

Professional concierges can assist with questions about the local neighborhood, provide a touch of class for your visiting clients and make arrangements for after-hour access to your office space. In today’s tumultuous times, their ability to provide building security will make everyone feel more comfortable.

3. Redundant systems

Business continuity represents an essential consideration for many financial companies. Whether it’s back-up generators for redundant power or fail-safe communications through sophisticated fiber optics, many organizations seek redundant systems to verify customer transactions and ensure protection from liability.

4. Cafeteria

Food conquers all. A gourmet cafeteria gives you a chance to show off your building, and by extension your company, to visiting clients; it offers a pleasant atmosphere to improve intra-company relationships; and it provides a place to unwind after a tense morning or afternoon at work.

5. Building Conference Room

Building conference rooms can be used for larger gatherings, seminars or training sessions. They can often be equipped with videoconferencing, potentially saving you from the expense and inconveniences inherent in business travel.

6. Child Daycare

In today’s working environment, child daycare is often considered a necessity for workers with young offspring. This amenity can make the difference between attracting or losing promising employees.

7. Covered Parking

For employees who drive to work, covered parking provides a nice perk during those cold winter months.

8. Dry Cleaner

Dry cleaning can be arranged through the concierge or conducted on the premises depending on the building’s facilities. It can increase the productivity of your business since your staff can focus on their core capabilities rather than picking up the laundry.

9. Barber

Typically found in ritzy hotels such as the Waldorf, a professional barber can generate a loyal following and contribute to employee retention in a subtle manner. Similar to prominent neighboring tenants, just the existence of a barber in your building can create an atmosphere of opulence and success.

10. Car Wash

People care about their cars. While a car wash may seem like an unusual amenity, it helps to differentiate your building’s amenities from almost any other location.

Any service people want, any convenience, any perk can affect your company’s image, operations and success. They should be given proper weight in your final evaluation of any location.