Bernd Lönner, Real I.S. AG, Deputy Chief Executive Officer
‘New work’ and hybrid working have long since become the new reality. Further development of the modern working environment is nevertheless continuing. At Real I.S., we are working on taking the office to the next level. ‘Working next level’ is not just a few buzzwords to make office investments palatable, but a philosophy that we also apply to our own office space. And we have been successful in this, as the remodelling of our headquarters and our latest awards demonstrate.
A lot of companies across all industries are now talking about new work so that they can be perceived as ‘with it’ in times of major digital progress through artificial text and image generation. But in many cases, this only refers to the use of online conferencing tools that bring employees from their remote workstations at home into the round of talks. More ambitious new workers may move to smaller office areas to make hybrid working more cost-efficient, with the aid of tools for reserving an office workstation. Yet this often marks the end of efforts to actively develop the modern workplace and discover new possibilities. So at Real I.S., we have made it our mission to go one step further. Our motto, working next level, is intended to express exactly that: the workplace of tomorrow is far from being found, but is constantly evolving.
Taking an even wider approach to concepts
Exploring new forms of work is not a bad path to take. Many of the approaches that have already become established as standard, such as hybrid working or the dynamic use of space, point to employee needs that give an idea of the working world of tomorrow. Flexibility, for example, is a need that is wonderfully met by hybrid working and the dynamic use of space. Modern office space requirements are also taken into account in many cases when moving to smaller office areas. Bright rooms motivate the workforce and noticeably lift the mood. Open spaces with meeting points are an invitation to exchange ideas while also promoting collaboration. Appealing retreat zones such as a roof terrace or quieter rooms for focused work offer silence for concentrating on work or for effective relaxation. What is missing, however, are even broader concepts that bring all parameters together in a useful way. Overall concepts that consider not only the functions of the space, but also room for inspiration and collaboration as well as the wishes of the employees, are essential for taking the office to the next level.
Making a permanent change to ways of thinking and working
A good example of how to go one step further and make next-level work concepts a reality is the remodelling of our Munich headquarters. The motto of the transformation project spanning around three years, ‘we combine real estate and future’, expresses the fact that a state-of the-art office does not need a modern new building. Instead, our office space in the traditional building has been combined with the future, as demonstrated by the combination of the façade’s arched windows and skylights to let in light. In addition to the conventional areas for focused work and retreat zones as well as meeting points and meeting spaces that are part of new work, there are also separate areas for project work in the form of a creative lab, a library and special co-working spaces. This was possible thanks to the intensive input of our employees. They were fully involved in the planning process and drove forward initiatives such as the project workspaces.
The result is an office of which we are more than proud. The bright areas are not only agreeable, but really inviting. Through the open-plan kitchen and quiet areas, we have managed to bring a cosy atmosphere into the office and noticeably improve the well-being of staff members. All in all, we have created a headquarters that we believe can support our thought processes and work procedures. We are particularly proud that we are not alone in this viewpoint: our new headquarters was also recognised at the Mindshift Awards in the flexible working models category, receiving an excellent rating. The jury praised the successful fusion of original Bavarian tradition with state-of-the-art office technology and design as well as the special consideration given to the needs of employees. This proves that our understanding of the modern office can hold its own against the competition.
On the way to a modern European office
To modernise the world of work across the board, it is crucial to present particularly innovative office concepts to the outside world. Asset managers in particular have a special responsibility in this regard: they are the ones who can deliver modern workspaces by skilfully restructuring their assets and can set an example for other asset managers. As an example, our extensive experience with next-level workspaces was also incorporated into the complete core refurbishment and restructuring of the office building at 53 Avenue Hoche in Paris for one of our institutional investors. In that case, too, the concept combines the historical authenticity of the building's architecture with the demands of a modern working environment, while providing 1,445 square metres of light-flooded Parisian charm.
Our asset management achievements were also recognised, this time even on two occasions. The Scope award for Best Asset Manager Institutional Real Estate Europe and the AA+ rating from Scope for asset management acknowledge our outstanding quality and special expertise in asset management. These accolades also encourage us on our mission to take the working environment to the next level and create forward-looking properties that shape everyday life.