How can workplaces benefit from the ‘15-minute city’ concept?

The concept of the 15-minute city was developed by urban scientist and researcher Carlos Moreno. There are many benefits to people if they can live within 15 minutes of work, shops, healthcare, entertainment and other daily services. Workplace design and fit-out company Evoke Projects explores how the concept can help businesses, even if the 15-minute city is not part of your local government plans. 

What are the benefits of the 15-minute city?

Benefits to people: 

• Less time spent commuting 

• Reduced stress 

• Better quality of life 

• Improved physical health because people are more likely to walk and cycle 

• Easier access to recreation and exercise facilities 

• Better well-being 

• Community engagement

• Benefits to businesses: 

• Higher productivity and motivation from staff enjoying the above benefits 

• Reduced real estate / lease costs as building use is shared and optimised with day / evening use 

• Opens up access to skilled people who do not live within commuting distance 

• Loyalty and retention  

• Stronger local economies because people are around to spend money 

• Revitalised local areas attracting more customers 

• Flexibility to adapt to change when not located in one building. 

Benefits to the environment: 

• Lower emissions from car use 

• Improved air quality 

• Prioritised green spaces for community use

How can businesses use the concept if it’s not part of local government planning?

In an ideal world, the local government area will be planning a 15-minute city because the benefits to people, businesses and the environment are so strong. This makes life a whole lot easier for businesses who can effectively piggyback on the work already under way. However, even if that’s not the case, the concept holds true. People love convenience. They will be drawn to workplaces where their lives are easier. 

Quite simply, an employer that provides easy access to daily services and needs will have the pick of talent. 

What conveniences can employers consider?

Surveying your workers will allow you to focus your efforts on services that will give your business the best return on investment. Find out what is important to people. The workplace design team at Evoke Projects can help you refurbish your business to incorporate many of the ideas below. 

• Catering – While most offices offer kitchen facilities, they are often purely functional, such as a fridge, kettle and microwave. Employees need to bring all their own food. Larger businesses could consider an on-site café. Smaller businesses could share the cost with other tenants or organise mobile food trucks. Provision of basic foods like fruit, bread, butter, cheese and salad would also make the work kitchen feel more like home. 

• Dry cleaning / laundry / barber / beauty / massage / snack services – Support other local businesses by allowing them to provide services your employees want on site. This can be done without disruption to work tasks with regular scheduling, including before and after work. If someone can go straight from their desk at the end of the day and into a meeting room for a hair trim or manicure, they are saving travel time and feel happier about their workplace experience. 

• Fitness classes, personal training or a multi-gym – A real time-saver if fitness can be improved at the office! Even more importantly, you will have a healthier team.  

• Childcare – An on-site creche will be invaluable to working parents with young children. 

• Education and self-development – Find out what employees want. You could arrange courses in nutrition, mindfulness, gardening, budgeting or learning a new language. Focus on non-work subjects for recreation and fun.  

• End of trip facilities – Provide convenience for people who walk or cycle to the office. Showers, lockers, bicycle racks, mirrors, hairdryers, hair straighteners, iron, ironing board and toiletries will be welcomed.  

As you can see, there are many ways you can incorporate the concept of the 15-minute city into your workplace. To discuss workplace design and fit-outs to support this concept, please call Evoke Projects on 1300 720 692.