_How to build and sustain occupier engagement
How to build and sustain occupier engagement
Commentary
Hear from Sarah Hewett, Knight Frank Promise, the dedicated Lifestyle Manager at Kennedy Wilson, to explore how she has developed a programme of occupier engagement initiatives to create an enhanced working environment across 4 of their UK business parks.
Kennedy Wilson owns a large portfolio of out-of-town business parks across the UK. They have 4 key assets, including The Heights in Weybridge, Forum in Southampton, Ditton Park in Slough, and The Capitol Building in Bracknell.
We caught up with Sarah Hewett, Knight Frank Promise, the dedicated Lifestyle Manager for these sites, to learn more about how she created and nurtured an environment where workforce wellbeing has been able to thrive in a post-Covid era.
What was your objective for this initiative?
Our aim was to attract occupiers to spend more time on-site by creating and developing a more inclusive and fulfilling working environment. We aimed to transform routine workdays into an engaging experience. To achieve this, I worked in partnership with the Property Asset Management team and Promise, the facilities management team at Knight Frank.
How did you develop a community for occupiers?
I set up individual websites for each site to ensure occupiers could access an exciting and varied full calendar of initiatives and activities. This included health and fitness activities to foster a community, as well as boosting wellbeing. For instance, I organised sports competitions, running and walking clubs, therapeutic massages, reflexology sessions and even blood pressure checks. We wanted to ensure we offered convenience by having a holistic approach to wellness. Lunchtime food vans and huts were often on-site to tempt occupiers to take a lunch break and socialise with their colleagues and staff from other companies.
Occupiers enjoying an event at the Capitol Building, Bracknell
To bridge the gap between accessibility and convenience, I introduced a shuttle bus service at several of the sites, connecting the offices with local train stations. Cyclists had access to bike repair stations to ensure a smooth journey. The on-site car washing was a great perk for drivers too.
Our activity calendars enabled occupiers to celebrate a host of national days, often focussing on ESG matters. For example, World Water Day, Pride Month, Stress Awareness Month, and World Bee Day. I also arrange a summer and Christmas party at every site. These are always lively and well-attended, and we have received some great feedback from our client and their occupiers!
What was the outcome? How did you meet the site's ESG objectives?
The workforce has become more engaged and has embraced the more collegiate aspects of our social and community offerings. Together, we have created a workplace where employees enjoy coming to the office.
Iain Moss, Partner, Property Asset Management at Knight Frank commented, "Through Sarah’s efforts, employees found a sanctuary of wellness and community amidst the normal work routine. She championed the cause of preserving and enhancing the natural habitats around these sites, as well as underscoring Kennedy Wilson's commitment to the health and wellbeing of its customers."
How does this activity feed into ESG agendas?
Having a dedicated Lifestyle Manager enabled each site to engage their workforce, offering them greater health and wellbeing opportunities in the workplace. The environmental steps taken helped the natural habitats around the sites, increasing biodiversity and providing an attractive setting for office workers.
How did you work with your clients, colleagues and communities?
I work closely with multiple stakeholders, including the team at Kennedy Wilson, our building managers, occupiers and within Knight Frank, to ensure that everyone benefits from the enhanced offerings that Kennedy Wilson provides for its customers.
As well as supporting national events, a quarterly ESG Forum is also conducted to ensure that feedback and new objectives can be put forward. This opens up a two-way discussion on improvements and the next steps.
How can we help strengthen engagement with occupiers?
If you'd like to learn more about commercial property asset management, please reach out to our Head of Property Asset Management, Michael Lewis.
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