It’s no secret that the Denver Metro Area is thriving. Companies big and small continue to flock here looking to tap into Colorado’s highly educated workforce and attract out-of-state talent with a desirable location that boasts the trifecta of reasonable cost of living (especially compared to the coasts), quality of life (the Rocky Mountains are, after all, in our backyard) and a great job market.

But with these amenities available to everyone, what makes certain companies stand out from the pack? Here are four must-haves to attract and retain your top talent.

1. LOCATION

The old adage about the importance of 'location, location, location' rings as true today as it did 30 years ago. Your location speaks volumes to the type of company you want to be and can help attract the type of talent you’re seeking.

If you’re seeking entry-level personnel, consider a more urban area close to public transit (parking gets expensive!). If you want to attract creatives, consider locating your company in one of the arts districts. If you’re looking for middle to upper management, consider one of the burgeoning suburbs of the metro area (many millennials in their 30s are moving outside the city to start families). While you won’t satisfy everyone in your workforce with your location, strive to please the majority.

2. AMENITIES

Amenities can make or break an office space. And we’re not just talking about an on-site gym and free coffee bar (although those don’t hurt). When you’re trying to find the best office space for your company, consider both the building’s amenities as well as the neighborhood’s. For example, if you’re in a bustling downtown area, you have restaurants and retail at your doorstep. Save the money you’d spend on amenities within the workspace, and take your team out for lunches and happy hours instead.

If you have limited on-site parking, consider providing EcoPasses for your employees. Not only does that encourage sustainable practices, it also gets them out and about in the area to take advantage of what it has to offer. If you’re in a more suburban area, make up for the lack of neighborhood liveliness with on-site socializing spaces (serve kombucha on tap and have a fully stocked beer fridge).

3. LAYOUT

No two companies are alike. And that means no two offices should have the same layout. Start with identifying how your employees work. Do they collaborate on multiple projects a week? Then an open concept could be beneficial. Do you have designers or web developers that need quiet space to focus? Consider private or at least partitioned workspaces. Your office should support how your team works to keep spirits up and minimize frustration.

As tenant representatives, Column Commercial Partners can advocate on your behalf to make sure your next space has the right infrastructure to meet your needs. A combination of collaborative spaces and heads-down work zones can accommodate multiple working styles and preferences.

4. CULTURE

You can have the greatest office space in the world, but if you don’t have a positive work culture, your employees won’t stick around. While it’s important to emphasize what you get done (after all, you’re a business), it’s equally important to consider how you get things done. Just as people have preferred working styles, they also have preferred methods of motivation. While you don’t need to bend to every whim of your employees, you should create an environment where they feel understood and respected.

A strongly defined culture can even help dictate your workspace’s location, amenities and layout to reflect who you are as a company and where you’re going. Keeping each of these factors top of mind can help you lay the foundation for attracting the talent you need and retaining them for years to come.

Need help finding your next ideal workspace? Give us a call. We’re here to help.

Melissa Krischuk | 402.301.9636 | mkrischuk@columncommercial.com