Research suggests three out of four (74%) UK businesses feel hiring has become harder in the past five years. As many organisations reconsider their spatial requirements, understanding how office space location influences recruitment success has never been more relevant. Let’s take a closer look.

The commute conundrum: balancing distance to home

The daily journey to work ranks amongst employees’ top considerations when evaluating career opportunities. With the average British worker now spending 59 minutes travelling to and from work daily, this represents nearly 221 hours annually, effectively eliminating 27 working days from their year.

“Commutes can have a major impact on morale and, ultimately, an employee’s decision to stay with or leave a job. In today’s candidate-driven market, skilled workers can have multiple offers on the table. Professionals may not need to put up with a lengthy or stressful trip to the office if there are better options available,” explains Paul McDonald, Senior Executive Director for Robert Half.

The perception of ‘reasonable distance’ has changed dramatically, with many professionals now considering anything beyond 45 minutes one-way as excessive. This growing reluctance to endure lengthy commutes has created geographical boundaries around talent pools that savvy employers must acknowledge in their location planning.

Transport network access for expanding your talent pool

Easy access to reliable public transportation is crucial for candidates who don’t drive or prefer sustainable commuting options. Offices well-served by trains, buses, or trams broaden the talent pool you can attract. 

Offices strategically positioned near transport networks like Farnborough Business Park, demonstrate a marked advantage in recruitment efforts. Well-connected locations accessible via multiple transport modes appeal particularly to environmentally-conscious professionals and those without personal vehicles.

By selecting locations with comprehensive transport links, organisations effectively expand their recruitment radius, tapping into diverse talent pools that might otherwise remain inaccessible. This proves especially valuable when seeking specialised skills in competitive sectors.

Creating spaces worth travelling to

Physical offices are central hubs where teams meet for collaboration, problem-solving and cultural reinforcement. The key lies in creating destinations compelling enough to justify travel time.

Well-positioned offices offering exceptional facilities and collaboration spaces generate pull that remote-only alternatives struggle to match. 

Amenity-rich environments and the lifestyle factor

Today’s professionals increasingly seek workplaces embedded within communities offering comprehensive lifestyle amenities. Access to dining options, fitness facilities and green spaces transforms the office experience into a more holistic proposition.

Organisations situated in amenity-rich environments often find improved work-life integration. Mixed-use developments combining workplace, residential and leisure facilities are particularly attractive propositions for talent recruitment. This integration of work within broader lifestyle considerations proves especially powerful when targeting younger demographics who prioritise lifestyle factors alongside traditional employment benefits.

Future-proofing: location flexibility in changing work models 

The most successful employers communicate with their teams about location preferences rather than imposing rigid arrangements, recognising that needs evolve alongside personal and professional circumstances. Even with the rise of hybrid work models, a strategically located office can serve as a central hub for team collaboration, meetings, and company culture building. A convenient location makes it much easier for remote employees to come into the office when needed.

Grade-A office space in the perfect working environment

Farnborough Business Park offers exceptional transport connectivity and modern facilities that perfectly balance accessibility with professional ambience. Whether your team works remotely or on-site, our prime location ensures seamless transitions between work arrangements. To learn more, get in touch with us today.