We get it. Finding a solution that works for everyone on the team is a challenge. As businesses continue to rethink traditional office setups and explore new ways to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction, one trend gaining traction is the shift from city-centric offices to suburban workspaces. Not to brag, but we saw this coming years ago and started opening suburban locations in 2014. At Workbar, working from the suburbs offers numerous advantages for both companies and their employees. We often see companies touring our Boston locations, initially convinced that relocating to the suburbs is not an option. However, after giving it some thought, many discover that this move is actually the best decision for their team. As one Workbar member recently wrote said, “Workbar has literally saved me from working from home but allows me to have a short commute and be close to my 5-month-old. I can't imagine having to take the train into the city and be so far away from her, but I can't work from home when she is there with the nanny.” Channeling our inner David Letterman, here are the top 10 reasons a company should consider making the move.
1. Enhanced Work-Life Balance
Imagine swapping the daily grind of bumper-to-bumper traffic for a serene drive, and when you get to your destination, there’s ample free parking, onsite. For many employees, the daily commute to a bustling city center can be a source of stress and a waste of time. It’s no wonder that in Boston the average commute is 32.6 minutes each way, with 15.6% of commuters spending over an hour stuck in gridlock. By opting for suburban workspaces, employees can significantly reduce their commute times, allowing them more time to spend with family, pursue personal interests, and maintain a healthier work-life balance. Shorter commutes also reduce stress levels, leading to happier and more productive employees. Spend more time doing what you love with the people you love instead of sitting in traffic or on a slow train.
2. Cost Savings
No matter how you crunch the numbers, city offices often come with a hefty price tag, from high rents per square foot to expensive amenities and services. Suburban locations, on the other hand, offer more affordable real estate options. By relocating or expanding to the suburbs, companies can enjoy substantial cost savings on office space and related expenses, freeing up resources to invest in other areas of the business. All of Workbar’s suburban locations have all-in pricing that includes a long list of premium amenities. Plus, they’re located near some of the best restaurants outside of the city and by awesome outdoor spaces. More access, lower cost. Hard to beat, right?
3. Access to a Diverse Talent Pool
In Massachusetts, the tight labor market is witnessing a historic high of over two job openings for every employed individual. This stat is likely to continue for a while as the population is aging and the birth rates are declining. Suburban areas are home to a vast and diverse talent pool that might not be willing to commute to the city. Hybrid working has encouraged large numbers of professionally educated women to move to full time work – particularly mothers because of the flexibility to work closer to home. By establishing a presence in the suburbs, companies can tap into this talent pool, attracting skilled professionals who prefer to work closer to home. This not only broadens the range of potential employees but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse workplace. We love seeing access increase in the workplace!
4. Improved Employee Wellbeing
Suburban environments often provide a more relaxed and scenic setting compared to the hustle and bustle of city life. Access to green spaces (hello Cutler Park Reservation, Minuteman Bike Path, etc), parks, and quieter surroundings can contribute to improved mental health and overall well-being for employees. A serene work environment can enhance creativity, focus, and job satisfaction, ultimately benefiting the company. If you need more convincing, Boston made the top five most flexible metros, meaning our people place a higher value on location flexibility than nearly any other city.
5. Flexibility and Hybrid Work Strategy
As the office morphs into a network of spaces, the majority of our time will be spent closer to where we live. Workbar’s hub and spoke model blends perfectly with the optimal hybrid strategy. Employees can split their time between working from home, a suburban Workbar, and the occasional city visit. This flexibility caters to individual preferences and ensures business continuity and resilience in the face of unforeseen disruptions. Plus, at Workbar, our suburban locations offer more spacious environments, giving you a wider range of options to suit your needs.
6. Community and Networking Opportunities
The suburbs foster a strong sense of connectivity and community, which is why you see so many work-play-live communities popping up everywhere. Businesses can benefit from networking opportunities with local professionals and other companies in the area. These interactions can lead to valuable partnerships, collaborations, and a sense of belonging within the local business ecosystem. Not to mention, the warm and fuzzies you feel when everyone knows your name when you walk into your neighborhood coworking space.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Reducing the need for long commutes to the city has a positive impact on the environment. Suburban workspaces contribute to decreased traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions, supporting corporate sustainability goals. By choosing a suburban location, you’re playing a part in creating a greener future. We take sustainability seriously at Workbar! So much so that our Back Bay location is WELL Certified, and many of our other suburban locations meet the same standards.
8. Downtown Presence
You don’t have to give up your downtown address when you head to the ‘burbs! Workbar offers open reciprocity for all locations, so you can have an office in Needham, and only head into the city when you really need to. Have colleagues or clients flying into Logan? No problem, use Workbar Downtown, Back Bay or Cambridge. We also offer Virtual Office options at our city locations so you can even use a Boston address for your business.
9. Building Amenities
When it comes to building amenities, the suburbs are where it’s at. Think state-of-the-art fitness centers, on-site Cafes, beer gardens, outdoor terraces, you name it. It’s basically a Goldilocks scenario. The city is so hot in the summer, and covered in snow in the winter. What’s just right? Avoiding it altogether by sticking to the suburbs.
10. You don’t have to choose!
The best part about being a Workbar member is that you can use the entire network of locations. Pick a permanent spot out in the suburbs (we promise, they’re all conveniently located) and use the network for your diverse workforce. Workbar works for everyone, we promise.
