Commercial real estate owners seeking office tenants can turn to technology to help make their space stand apart from the competition. Integrating technology into a space can provide better customer service and an interactive, collaborative environment.
With low unemployment rates, finding and securing top talent is challenging for employers. Offering employees a unique office experience is one way to help recruit talent.
Landlords are looking to meet high tenant expectations by offering more amenities and incorporating technology into their office space.
In fact, 92 percent of commercial real estate executives responding to a recent global survey by consulting firm Deloitte indicated that they planned to maintain or increase spending on tenant experience-related technology over the next 18 months.
Improving Customer Service
One way landlords are upgrading their tenants’ experience is by using technology to manage the tenant-owner relationship and improve customer service.
Tenant Engagement
Contacting the landlord can be made easier with tenant engagement technology. The technology can allow tenants to contact the landlord at any time via voice, text, email or social media.
This makes it convenient for tenants to submit maintenance requests electronically. Landlords can then better service tenants by handling issues in a timely manner.
Tenants also can request to book event space in the building. Landlords and property managers might even use this technology to send information such as newsletters directly to tenants. Further, it provides a simple way for landlords to conduct surveys to gauge tenant satisfaction.
Connecting tenants with each other is another benefit offered by the latest commercial real estate technology. For example, a digital homepage is a way for landlords to boost the tenant experience. The page might include information about local events. Commercial office buildings also can offer a digital bulletin board that allows tenants to connect with the community.
Further, property owners and managers can send notifications or emergency alerts using available commercial real estate applications.
Incorporating technology to offer more open communication channels works toward enhancing a feeling of community among tenants. Keeping tenants engaged offers the additional benefit of boosting the chances that a tenant will want to remain in the space and renew their lease.
Easing Daily Tasks
Technology available for commercial real estate can make workdays more efficient for owners and tenants.
Landlords can offer a workplace management platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve tenants’ daily work experience. The technology permits users to handle everyday tasks such as scheduling meetings with colleagues, reserving a workspace or ordering coffee.
The software also can be used to schedule entertainment outings for all employees or check for carpooling or public transportation options.
Placing screens in the building that offers bus or train schedules also improves the tenant experience.
Other amenities landlords can provide include keeping conference rooms equipped with the latest technology.
Tenants also want top security. Technology is available allowing for keyless access, including the option of facial recognition cameras.
Offering tenants technology that streamlines their everyday tasks can make an office stand apart from other available spaces while also providing increased tenant satisfaction.
Energy-Efficient Technology
Millennials, who make up the largest segment in the workforce, have cited corporate sustainability as a priority. Office space that includes energy-saving smart technology likely will be a plus for potential tenants while also providing savings on energy costs. Green buildings also are more efficient as they are closely monitored, which can help prevent equipment issues.
Creating environmentally friendly office space could include using technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) so employees can control lighting and air conditioning with an application on their smartphones.
Using the IoT also can make buildings more efficient with sensors, remote monitoring and predictive controls keeping landlords on top of issues. The technology can alert landlords to emerging problems before they disturb tenants.
Also, AI can be used to automatically turn thermostats on and off depending on when a room is in use. Energy-saving lighting such as dimmers or solar panels can be installed along with other building features such as solar water heating.
Tenant Experience Software
Landlords also can use technology to acquire data to help find what tenants value in a space.
The software can give insight into how a tenant uses space and amenities. With this knowledge, landlords will have a better idea of how to equip office space to suit a tenant’s needs
Incorporating the latest commercial real estate technology into properties is one way for landlords to create a unique user experience, meet rising tenant expectations and remain competitive.
.svg){kind=icon}