The best business parks represent a microcosm of community, collaboration, and culture. Far more than hubs for commerce, innovation, and enterprise, these establishments also play a pivotal role in the broader community.

It’s about the proactive involvement of businesses, park management, and other stakeholders in their local community’s welfare, development, and inclusivity. It involves establishing mutual relationships, understanding community needs, and initiating activities or programs that foster a sense of belonging.
Why is community engagement so pivotal to the success of business parks? Firstly, a business park isn’t an isolated entity; it’s intricately interwoven with its surrounding community. Engaging with this community doesn’t just enhance the park’s reputation but also nurtures a conducive environment for business growth, employee well-being, and societal progress. Now, let’s look at the benefits.

Benefits of community engagement in business parks

When business parks and the organisations based in them get active in their local communities, it is a win for everyone involved. Such parks are not just seen as commercial zones but become recognised as responsible entities that care about the well-being of their surroundings. This boosts the park’s image, which can lead to attracting more businesses and drive economic growth.

Community engagement can also help businesses within the park to understand local nuances, allowing them to tailor their products or services more effectively. A good relationship with the community can also lead to better security, cooperation, and a more motivated workforce, as employees often appreciate working for businesses that contribute positively to society.

Activities to promote community engagement in business parks

Designing business parks with spaces for social interaction is a great way to boost community engagement. These spaces can be used for informal gatherings, brainstorming sessions, or relaxation, fostering unity and shared purpose.

Engaging the community is not just about goodwill; it requires actionable efforts. For example, organising business park events or activities can be a great way to foster this engagement. Some examples include:

Local community fairs: where local artisans and businesses can showcase their products.

Educational workshops: tailored for both business employees and the community, focusing on shared challenges or skills.

Fitness and wellness events: encouraging a healthy lifestyle for all park attendees and the surrounding community.

Cultural celebrations: embracing the diversity of the community and the business park employees.

Maxis Business Park in Bracknell is a prime example of what can be achieved when a park actively engages with its community. We’ve organised events ranging from tech workshops and charity fundraisers to eco-friendly drives, promoting a harmonious blend of business and community welfare.
For example, our summer party this year gave a chance for visitors and the business community to connect, meet the neighbours and even have fun trying out a surf simulator! Our annual Christmas Giving Tree Appeal is a great way to give back at Christmas, donating brand-new toys and gifts last winter to Sebastian’s Action Trust, a local charity.

Initiatives to enhance community engagement in business parks

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) isn’t just a managerial buzzword. When integrated authentically, it ensures that businesses in the park operate in ways that benefit society. This might involve philanthropy, volunteering, or ensuring ethical business practices. Business parks can encourage tenant businesses to adopt CSR initiatives, which, when combined, can lead to large-scale community development.

Another vital aspect is sustainability. With growing concerns about environmental degradation, business parks can play a significant role in promoting eco-friendly practices. Initiatives like green building certifications, waste management drives, or community gardening can elevate the park’s reputation and foster a sense of responsibility and unity among all stakeholders.

Community involvement isn’t an optional extra

Ultimately, business parks are more than just a home to organisations; they are pivotal members of their local communities. As such, community engagement isn’t merely an optional extra; it’s an imperative.

Business parks can remain relevant, respected, and integral to their surrounding environments through events, activities, shared spaces, partnerships, and sustainable initiatives. Engaging with the community is not just about building a brand; it’s about building a legacy.

Grade-A office space in the perfect working environment

Maxis is proud to be rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’, representing best practice for sustainability performance. At the end of 2022, we successfully installed 46,444 sq ft of solar PV at Maxis, saving 238 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent of planting 10,914 trees. By the end of 2023, we aim for both buildings to be fully electric. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Incorporating wellness features in the office environment is a rapidly growing trend. These features aim to promote a healthier, more productive and more comfortable working experience for employees. Read on to discover some of the most effective office wellness strategies.

Creating a calming oasis: the importance of natural elements in office design

Integrating natural elements into an office setting not only gives aesthetic pleasure but also significantly contributes to the well-being of employees. It’s a concept known as biophilic design, which strives to create work environments that connect people more closely to nature.

Incorporating plants in the workspace has multiple benefits. For one, they purify the air by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels. This contributes to a healthier environment and boosts employee productivity. Offices like Maxis are designed with glazed floor to ceiling windows and triple aspect windows to let in sSunlight, another crucial natural element., which Natural light  aids in regulating employees’ circadian rhythms – improving sleep quality and reducing stress.

Creating green spaces, whether inside with living walls and indoor gardens or outside with designated outdoor work or break areas, can profoundly affect mental well-being. Exposure to nature helps reduce stress levels, enhances mood, and fosters creativity, all leading to higher job satisfaction and increased productivity. It’s a win-win-win!

Incorporating Wellness Features in the Office Environment

Finding balance: strategies for promoting physical activity in the workplace

Sedentary work can harm employees’ health, a factor that businesses can no longer afford to overlook. Encouraging physical activity at work is a proactive step towards creating healthier and happier employees.

Standing desks provide a straightforward solution to the problem of prolonged sitting. They reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease and can help lessen back pain. Walking meetings, too, serve dual purposes: facilitating physical activity and fostering a change in an environment that can stimulate creativity and problem-solving.

Fitness challenges, such as company-wide step-count contests or inter-departmental sports competitions, can be fun, team-building ways to promote wellness. They contribute to a sense of community, encourage healthy competition, and promote overall wellness.

At Maxis business park, office occupiers have free access to bike hire, promoting an active lifestyle for workers.

Designing for mental health: the role of mindfulness spaces in offices

With increasing awareness of mental health, many companies are now incorporating dedicated mindfulness spaces into their office designs. These spaces provide employees with a place for quiet contemplation, away from the noise and bustle of the typical office environment.

Mindfulness spaces can include simple features like comfortable seating, dimmable lights, and noise-cancelling technology. Their purpose is to promote relaxation and stress reduction. By providing such a space, companies demonstrate their commitment to employee mental health, which in turn can lead to increased loyalty, reduced burnout, and 

improved productivity.

Healthy fuel for productivity: nurturing nutrition in the office

Nutrition is crucial in maintaining energy levels and focus throughout the day. By providing nutritious food options, companies can ensure their teams are well-fueled and able to perform at their best.

Hydration stations are an easy way to promote regular fluid intake. Communal dining areas encourage socialisation and can make it easier for employees to take proper meal breaks, which is essential for maintaining energy levels and productivity.

Encouraging healthy eating habits at work can have a ripple effect, influencing employees’ overall lifestyle choices and well-being.

Fostering connections: building social support systems at work

Human beings are social creatures, and the workplace is no exception. Building a strong social support system within the workplace can significantly enhance employees’ happiness and job satisfaction.

Collaborative spaces within the office can facilitate formal and informal interactions, fostering stronger bonds among team members. Regular team-building activities can also enhance cohesion, improve teamwork, stimulate better communication, and create a more positive work culture.

Happier, healthier employees

Wellness in the office is no longer an afterthought but a necessity in today’s work culture. From integrating natural elements to promoting physical activity, mindfulness, proper nutrition, and social interaction, businesses can do a lot to foster a healthy work environment.

Incorporating wellness features into office design makes for happier, healthier employees and drives productivity, ensuring the company and its people can thrive. Here are some of the most effective ways to do it:

Ergonomic furniture: Ensure workspaces are comfortable and promote good posture. Adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, footrests, and ergonomic keyboards and mice can all contribute to reduced musculoskeletal strain.

Natural light and views: maximise natural light, which helps regulate sleep cycles and mood. You can use open office designs, glass walls, skylights, etc. Also, providing views of nature has been shown to reduce stress.

Indoor air quality: poor air quality can lead to health issues and affect productivity. Regular maintenance of air conditioning and heating systems and using air purifiers or plants can improve air quality.

Physical activity: encourage physical activity to reduce sedentary behaviour. This could include standing desks, onsite fitness facilities, and promoting stairs over elevators.

Healthy eating: encourage employees to eat healthily by providing nutritious food and snacks in the cafeteria or vending machines.

Quiet spaces: provide areas where employees can take breaks, relax, or meditate. This can improve mental health and productivity.

Sustainable design: using sustainable, non-toxic materials and energy-efficient appliances can help the environment, improve employees’ perception of the company, and reduce exposure to harmful substances.

Grade-A office space in the perfect working environment

Maxis is proud to be rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’, representing best practice for sustainability performance. At the end of 2022, we successfully installed 46,444 sq ft of solar PV at Maxis, saving 238 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent of planting 10,914 trees.

By the end of 2023, we are aiming for both buildings to be fully electric. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Tired of feeling like a lost sheep in the world of sustainability? Fear not, for BREEAM is here to guide you through the green pastures of environmental ratings. Don’t let the cumbersome acronym intimidate you; it’s simply a tool to help buildings to be more eco-friendly.

Deep breath, BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification can help building owners and developers demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, it can lead to cost savings over the life of the building by reducing energy and water consumption and improving the indoor environment for occupants.

Whether you’re seasoned in sustainability or a newbie to the field, this occupier’s guide will have you talking BREEAM like an expert.

How does BREEAM work?

In a nutshell, BREEAM is a certification system that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings. It considers the procurement, design, construction and operation of a development against a range of targets based on performance benchmarks to evaluate a building’s specification, design, construction and use.

BREEAM encourages sustainable building practices and provides a framework for creating more environmentally-friendly buildings. It assesses the building’s design, construction, and operation across various categories, including energy and water use, materials selection, waste management, pollution, health and wellbeing, and ecology. The system is widely used in the UK and Europe and is recognised globally as a leading sustainability assessment tool.

BREEAM assessment categories

The BREEAM assessment is divided into nine categories covering different aspects of a building’s sustainability. Buildings are scored on a scale of Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding, based on the number of credits they achieve.

Below, we explore some of these categories in detail.

Management

The Management category covers aspects of building management, including commissioning, stakeholder participation, responsible procurement, health and safety management, and building performance monitoring.

To achieve a high score in this category, a building must demonstrate effective management practices that promote sustainable operations, reduce environmental impacts, and promote occupant health and safety.

Health and wellbeing

This category aims to create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for building occupants. It looks at indoor air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, acoustic performance, and access to outdoor spaces. To score well in this category, a building must demonstrate that it provides a healthy and comfortable environment that promotes occupant well-being and productivity.

Energy

This section aims to reduce a building’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It includes energy-efficient design, efficient heating and cooling systems, renewable energy generation, and energy management systems. For a high score in this category, a building must demonstrate it has implemented effective measures to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

What does BREEAM mean for occupiers?

BREEAM is a widely recognised and respected environmental assessment method and building certification scheme. For occupiers, BREEAM certification can bring significant benefits, such as providing a healthier and more sustainable built environment, reducing energy costs, and contributing to the broader goal of mitigating climate change.

Benefits of BREEAM for occupiers

Buildings with BREEAM certification are designed and constructed to high environmental performance standards. This means they are likely to have better air quality, use safer materials for human health and have other features that can contribute to occupants’ well-being.

Certification can help reduce energy costs; certified buildings are designed to be energy-efficient, meaning they use less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. This can result in lower energy bills for the occupiers, leading to significant cost savings over the long term.

Buildings are responsible for significant global greenhouse gas emissions, and those occupying a BREEAM-certified building can play their part in reducing these emissions. Certified buildings typically have lower carbon footprints, producing fewer emissions throughout their lifecycle, from construction to demolition. Ultimately, BREEAM certification can contribute to the broader goal of mitigating climate change.

Conclusion

BREEAM has become a widely recognised and respected green building rating system, with over 2.2 million registered buildings worldwide. It has helped to drive innovation in the construction industry and promote sustainable design and construction practices.

The system constantly evolves and adapts to meet new challenges and address emerging sustainability issues. BREEAM is well-positioned to play an essential role in shaping the future of the built environment and promoting a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable world.

Grade-A office space in the perfect working environment

Maxis is proud to be rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’ representing best practice for sustainability performance. At the end of 2022, we successfully installed 46,444 sq ft of solar PV at Maxis, saving 238 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent of planting 10,914 trees. By the end of 2023, we are aiming for both buildings to be fully electric. To learn more, get in touch with us today.