Why Healthy Workspaces Are All the Rage

Ryan: “Healthy workspaces, such as the Alexandria, serve as an important human-resources tool, offering desirable atmospheres and amenities that fulfill the primary needs of the evolving workforce.”

SAN DIEGO—Once an added bonus, today healthy and environmentally friendly offices are an essential component in the recruiting and retention process, Daniel Ryan , Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. ‘s EVP and regional market director of San Diego and strategic operations, tells GlobeSt.com. The firm’s Alexandria at Torrey Pines creative-office development here has been given the “Healthy Place for Business” award from ULI as a “cool place” and a healthy place to work in San Diego’s suburbs. We spoke exclusively with Ryan about the elements of a healthy office workplace and how tenant needs for this type of workplace are changing. GlobeSt.com: What elements are essential for a healthy office workplace? Ryan: It used to be that being able to work in a healthy and environmentally friendly office was an added bonus when looking for a job. Today, it’s an essential component in the recruiting and retention process. At Alexandria, we believe that health and fitness can be seamlessly integrated into one’s work day and daily routine. We are passionate about creating a sense of community that promotes and caters to an active lifestyle, and we’ve created just such a space at the Alexandria at Torrey Pines, more commonly known as the Alexandria. Inside our offices, our employees work at ergonomic, adjustable desks, surrounded by natural light and operable windows in an open office space. A sky lit central kitchen acts as a social hub and learning lab where healthy food options are prepared by a local nutritionist. Our company-wide aspiration to create a workplace that fosters healthy choices carries through to all of our tenant spaces as well. We recognize that every tenant has the basic need to gather, eat and exercise. Meeting and exceeding those necessities is essential for creating a healthy office workplace that improves productivity, supports wellness and reduces sick leave. GlobeSt.com: What should developers and users of this space be aware of when trying to create healthy workspaces for employees? Ryan: The Alexandria—which was developed by ARE as a unique social destination to enhance the growing life-science ecosystem in San Diego—is a great model for developers and users to consider when creating healthy workspaces. The Alexandria was built to foster cross-collaboration and growth, not only for its individual members, but also for San Diego’s greater life-science and technology communities. From its convenient location in the center of Torrey Pines to its fitness offerings, healthy dining options and collaborative, high-tech meeting spaces, every facet of the Alexandria is designed with tenant health and wellness in mind. For example, members of the Alexandria have unlimited access to an expansive, state-of-the-art health and fitness center, open seven days a week. The fitness center includes cardio and weight-training equipment, a complimentary fitness assessment by a personal coach and more than 175 group fitness classes offered each month. It also features full-court indoor basketball, a spin studio and a yoga and Pilates studio. We also hold competitive sports leagues and recreational social activities throughout the year, including dodgeball and badminton competitions and a Wednesday night basketball league for our employees and tenants. The campus’s on-site restaurant, Farmer & the Seahorse , which is open to the public, offers healthy farm-to-table options and is one of the latest projects by award-winning celebrity chef Brian Malarkey . GlobeSt.com: How have tenant needs changed in terms of health and wellness in the workplace, and how are providers responding to these changes? Ryan: For decades now, there has been a growing importance placed on employee health and wellness. With employees working longer office hours—which is all the more true for start-up companies—on-site exercise facilities and healthy dining options play a crucial role in improving today’s office environments. Outdoor space, adjustable work stations for good posture and natural lighting are equally important in ensuring employee health and happiness. In addition to longer hours, we’ve become much more health conscious as a society. As a result, we’re seeing a tremendous interest in the use of bikes and walking paths for nearby urban commuters instead of motorized transportation. It took vision to understand that building a healthy, collaborative and creative workspace for employees was a good economic model. So far, we are seeing the benefits. GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about healthy workplaces? Ryan: Healthy workspaces, such as the Alexandria, serve as an important human-resources tool, offering desirable atmospheres and amenities that fulfill the primary needs of the evolving workforce. It is easier to make healthy choices when the environment itself is a champion for health and includes features that are proven to improve productivity and health and promote happiness.