Office Space News
When Zen Hits Executive Office Suites
Published February 24th, 2009 by Jennifer LeClaire
I often talk about how the messaging from executive office suite providers is fairly similar. After all, there’s office space, virtual office and administrative services, high-tech features and plenty of benefits – and typically they are fairly standard.
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Sure, some companies have a stronger value proposition, some greater brand recognition, and some find ways to put an interesting spin on the marketing messaging. But at the end of the day, office space and amenities are office space and amenities – until now.
Recently, we’ve been reporting on serviced office companies breaking out of the box, to use yet another cliché, with differentiating products, services and approaches to renting office space. Pacific Business Centers comes to mind with its eco-friendly initiatives and executive outplacement services. Techspace in Chelsea, New York is another with its hyper-focus on technology.
But this next story may just take the serviced office cake.
Ballantyne Business Center in Charlotte, North Carolina has launched the “Zen Den” concept to address workplace stress in an uncertain economy. Yes, you read me right. Ballantyne has even trademarked the term Zen Den, clearly betting its moniker for a relaxation room will be a hit with its customers and prospects.
As Ballantyne sees it, managing workplace stress has never been more important than it is in today’s economic climate. The Zen Den aims to help tenants find the balance with a room in which they can relax, reflect and rejuvenate. The room has been created to provide a soothing environment with soft lighting, comfy seating and even a water feature.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve the work lives of our clients,” says Amanda Schüss, general manager of Ballantyne Business Centers. “The Zen Den provides a place for them to escape their e-mail and ringing phones and sit and relax for a few peaceful moments.”
Ballantyne Business Center is a Class A serviced-office facility and conference center located on the fifth floor of the Hixon Building in Ballantyne Corporate Park in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s a member of the Office Business Center Association International (OBCAI). Schuss is currently serving as the Committee Chair for the OBCAI marketing/PR group.
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Elizabeth Sanchez February 25th, 2009 at 4:36 am
This sort of reminds me of the napping room trend in New York City. The Zen Den is very timely. It’s interesting how this small executive service suite operator is innovating in their local market of Charlotte. I am not sure how this would scale if the company had serviced offices across the state or the country. You think anybody will copy this?
Rob Zeus February 25th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Hmm. This is right on time. I haven’t seen anything like this in any other office building, much less a serviced office building. You can bet somebody will copy this — if they have the available space. I’m not sure how much space Ballantyne Business Center devoted to this, but it sounds like a cozy atmosphere to decompress. I can imagine a waiting list, LOL.
Maggie Correta February 26th, 2009 at 4:47 am
Now this is unique! I almost wish my office was in Charlotte so I could opt for this relaxation room. I could see other serviced office providers doing something similar. I think we will see some copy it, especially the smaller operators who have more flexibility in their model. This is a brilliant differentiator among executive office suites.
Melanie Jones February 26th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Managing workplace stress has never been more important than it is in today’s economic climate. Bingo. This serviced office amenity may actually have some health benefits. If folks can stop and breathe deeply for a few minutes, it can relieve the tension, clear the head and get you back in the right frame of mind.
Think of it this way, if the executive office tenants are too stressed out to be on top of their game, they may have to eventually give up their office. This serviced office company in Charlotte is trying to help its tenants maintain their edge
Raleigh’s Research Triangle Offers Luxury Serviced Offices March 6th, 2009 at 7:00 am
[...] a preserve of beech trees that have been standing for more than 100 years. It may not be a Zen Den, but it’s a relaxing environment at break [...]
E.D. March 21st, 2009 at 8:19 am
What a terrific approach – truly making an effort to show the tenants that they realize these are difficult times. Way to go Zen!