Critical Site Selection Factor #3: Quality of Life
What constitutes quality of life depends largely on the eye of the beholder, and that eye may gaze through different lenses at different times.
Q4 2016
These days, though, the definition is a lot more broad and situational, according to Gene DePrez, managing partner, Global Innovation Partners Ltd. “It’s not just ‘traditional’ quality of life — golf courses and sailing. It’s the quality of life that is attractive to the kinds of talent that you’re looking for, or that is already there.”
With that in mind, quality of life for a technology company is more likely to cater to the lifestyle of the younger demographic that will likely be on the payroll. These are workers who tend to appreciate urban living, esoteric shops, coffeehouses, and outdoor recreation with a bit more edge. Need millennials on your payroll? Don’t neglect the amenities this generation perceives as important.
Quality of Life for the Long Term
But even that’s not as simple as it might seem, points out Christopher D. Lloyd, senior vice president, Infrastructure and Economic Development, at McGuireWoods Consulting LLC. “It’s not just about having a culture that is sexy for millennials. Eventually they’re going to grab that minivan and have kids in school and move to the suburbs.” It’s not just ‘traditional’ quality of life — golf courses and sailing. It’s the quality of life that is attractive to the kinds of talent that you’re looking for, or that is already there. Gene DePrez, Managing Partner, Global Innovation Partners Ltd.
In other words, quality of life needs to focus not just on attracting a particular demographic — it’s also about retaining people as their lives evolve. “It’s not just about tattoo parlors and indie rock bank venues,” Lloyd says. “It’s about retaining the good people you have.”
That, of course, assumes that you’re planning on retaining workers for the long term. That’s not going to be a critical factor for every development. For example, says Richard H. Thompson, international director, Supply Chain and Logistics Solutions for JLL, a manufacturing facility may put a high priority on long-term retention of qualified workers, and the ability to retain workers is going to hinge to a certain extent on quality-of-life factors. But while no one wants a sky-high turnover rate, those running a distribution center aren’t as likely to expect workers to settle in for a super-long stay.
But even if it’s not a deal-breaker for certain types of facilities, quality of life is a factor that can’t be overlooked, says Lloyd. No matter what business you’re in, no matter what type of workforce you’re building, your employees are going to want a life beyond the workplace. “Quality of life matters to every work group and age cohort,” he concludes.
Project Announcements
Kikkoman Foods Plans Jefferson, Wisconsin, Operations
04/26/2024
BWX Technologies Expands Cambridge, Ontario, Nuclear Production Operations
04/26/2024
Greenheck Group Plans Knoxville, Tennessee, Operations
04/26/2024
Local Bounti Plans Pasco, Washington, Indoor Agricultural Operations
04/26/2024
Innovative Construction Group Plans Siler City, North Carolina, Production Operations
04/26/2024
Crystal Window and Door Systems Plans Mansfield, Texas, Headquarters-Production Operations
04/25/2024
Most Read
-
2023's Leading Metro Locations: Hotspots of Economic Growth
Q4 2023
-
2023 Top States for Doing Business Meet the Needs of Site Selectors
Q3 2023
-
38th Annual Corporate Survey: Are Unrealized Predictions of an Economic Slump Leading Small to Mid-Size Companies to Put Off Expansion Plans?
Q1 2024
-
Making Hybrid More Human in 2024
Q1 2024
-
Manufacturing Momentum Is Building
Q1 2024
-
20th Annual Consultants Survey: Clients Prioritize Access to Skilled Labor, Responsive State & Local Government
Q1 2024
-
Public-Private Partnerships Incentivize Industrial Development
Q1 2024