Bethany Clark

As the industrial market continues to grow and face increasing labor challenges, companies are determining ways to make manufacturing and warehouse jobs more attractive to workers. Cushman & Wakefield surveyed industrial real estate experts across the country to determine the amenities most desired by workers. What they found is that the amenities these workers are seeking are not too dissimilar from what you might find in an office.

They include:

• Temperature control – cooling and heating
• Onsite food options (food trucks, cafeteria, walking distance to restaurants)
• Windows for natural light and fresh air
• Electric vehicle charging
• Games (ping-pong, foosball, basketball court)
• Gym/workout facilities
• Walking trails and outdoor seating
• Daycare
• Improved restrooms, break areas, lactation rooms, privacy rooms
• Access to public transportation

“Back in the day, a ten cent increase in pay for a worker made him move to a new job. Nowadays, the labor force looks at their work environment and career paths—they want to advance and go from a distribution center front line worker to a supervisor, for example,” says Bethany Clark, Managing Director of Strategy & Operations for Cushman & Wakefield's Logistics & Industrial Services group for the Americas. “Compensation, of course, is always important and the job becomes even more attractive when married to a variety of workplace amenities,” she tells GlobeSt.com.

With the industrial market showing no signs of slowing, labor will continue to be in high demand and companies will need to continue enhancing their efforts in enticing prospective employees. Cushman & Wakefield's 2019 North American Industrial Outlook forecasts that vacancy will remain low, hovering at the 5% mark for the rest of the year. The report further concludes that a comprehensive labor study is as important as an environmental assessment to site selection experts.