By Chaim Grunfeld, Founder and Director of connectivity experts, Prime Connect.

At the start of this year, Amazon implemented a somewhat controversial policy requiring corporate employees to work on site five days a week – emphasising the benefits of in-person collaboration and innovation. Companies like Dell and JPMorgan Chase have since followed suit, mandating full-time office attendance.

It’s all part of a wider trend of companies emphasising the significance of in-person productivity, with a marked return-to-office (RTO) shift across the business landscape presenting property managers with a unique opportunity to boost their profits. That is, provided they are able to compete. A critical factor in attracting and retaining tenants looking for new space in the RTO move is ensuring that buildings have all the necessary amenities pre-installed, such that those moving in don’t have to deal with sourcing services on their own. Managed spaces are all about convenience, so it’s vital to ensure that this is exactly what you offer. 

Instant connection

It’s not just nicely decorated rooms and ready-to-use meeting rooms that capture attention, however. In the digital age, a fast, reliable internet connection is essential – serving as the fourth utility in that it is just as vital to modern business as electricity and clean running water. Without seamless connection, companies would simply fail to deal with their daily operations, which is why pre-connecting office buildings with fibre is so important. Tenants want to be sure they can access high-speed internet from day one, without delays and without the hassle of installations and complex wayleave agreements. 

For property managers, this is an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. So many office spaces have sprung up recently, all vying to sign contracts with prospective tenants. Spaces that deliver a “plug and play” experience will naturally be among the most attractive offers, as modern businesses seek speed – not just from their internet but in every aspect of their operations, including their office move. The last thing tenants want to do is waste time dealing with providers, digging up ground and arranging installations or waiting on approvals from building owners. By removing these barriers, you make your space the obvious option. 

What tenants expect

Whilst not limited to internet connection, the seamless experience sought out by tenants is truly enhanced by pre-connected fibre services, which, in turn, improve all aspects of the tenant journey. From simplified leasing agreements to pre-installed utilities, Wi-Fi in communal areas to support external meetings, and the safety of building CCTV to the flexible terms that come with not dealing with their own internet contracts – in-built connectivity is the foundation upon which every other amenity lies. 

Whether it’s hosting video conferences with international partners, running cloud-based operations or supporting a hybrid team where some workers remain remote, tenants need uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity. And your marketing materials must spell out this benefit. Offering pre-installed fibre from day one not only enhances tenant satisfaction but also reduces the likelihood of complaints being received – with such disruptions potentially damaging your property management reputation. 

Pre-connection demonstrates care and foresight. You show that you understand the needs of the businesses and tenants you serve, giving them trust in your offices as their destination of choice. With more and more companies using existing RTOs as the grounds for their own move back into the office – be it a private room or shared work area – you need to ensure it’s your property that’s setting the gold standard. Remember, tenants need those additional extras to justify opting for managed properties over coping alone – and internet is the one area where there’s simply no room for compromise. 

https://primeconnect.co.uk