Relationship building

Despite the rise of remote work and online shopping, physical offices and retail stores are now an even more important part of commercial environments.

Modern business district construction increasingly integrates retail and entertainment facilities, placing even greater emphasis on these spaces than ever before.

There are three main reasons for this:

Networking
F&B outlets are ideal for networking, providing a relaxed atmosphere that fosters meaningful business connections. The informal setting encourages deeper conversations, helping to build stronger relationships. Business people understand the value of taking a client for lunch, or for a coffee, where they can have a more informal and open conversation.

For example, Nova Victoria, an office quarter in central London, offers a variety of F&B formats to cater to different business needs:

• Fine dining options work for elevated meetings to impress clients in a memorable way – Sticks’n’Sushi (high-quality sushi restaurant).
• For casual dining, there are upper-mid market concepts for laid-back yet productive gatherings: Casa do Frango (Portuguese restaurant), The Palm House (a vibrant bar and restaurant), Rail House (brasserie with modern European & Asian dishes).
• Sophisticated coffee shops are ideal for quick, engaging communication, offering an informal setting with an upscale vibe: Ole & Steen, and Notes Coffee.

Team building
With remote work now the norm, fostering strong communication among team members is more crucial than ever. One effective way to enhance collaboration and build relationships is through easy-going, face-to-face interactions, whether it is sharing a meal, grabbing coffee, or enjoying after-work drinks.

Another essential factor in fostering team spirit is organising team-building events. These activities are vital in building warm relationships and helping new team members integrate smoothly.

For example, Hudson Yards in New York offers 'Taste of Hudson Yards,' where restaurants create special tastings and classes, which can be a great option for colleague gatherings.

Work-life balance
As awareness of well-being grows, achieving a healthy work-life balance has become increasingly important. Having retail amenities nearby allows office employees to pursue personal interests and leisure activities both during the workday and in the evening.

A diverse array of dining options enhances lunch breaks by offering a variety of cuisines and price points, helping to break the monotony of a repetitive routine. Nearby banks and shops further facilitate day-to-day tasks.

Retail facilities also enable staff to enjoy non work-related activities more easily after hours, reducing the need to travel for leisure and simplifying engagement in personal interests in the evening, whether it is dinner out or window shopping.

For example, DIFC, a business district in Dubai, offers cultural amenities such as exhibitions (AWC Art Gallery, Boccara Art Gallery), as well as sports amenities (BR Performance Studios, Fitness First). Suntec Tower, an office complex in Singapore, presents a range of options for after-work activities: Golden Village (cinema), HaveFun Karaoke (karaoke chain), Zero Latency (virtual reality gaming arena).


In the post-pandemic landscape with remote work and online communication, it is more important than ever for companies to cultivate direct relationships. F&B and entertainment spaces provide the perfect environment for this.

By integrating retail into the workday, businesses not only revitalise urban areas but also cater to the emerging "workday consumer". The vibrant energy and dynamic atmosphere of a thriving retail district can transform the work environment, making it more stimulating and enjoyable for professionals while fostering in-person connections. Ultimately, this integration fosters workspace success, the primary goal of all development projects.

Ksenia Chernulich