On-site health-related activities also popular with Vancouver dwellers: survey
Almost one-fifth of office workers in Vancouver bike or walk to work, according to a recent tenant satisfaction study released by GWL Realty Advisors (GWLRA).
Three in 10 respondents who do not currently cycle say they would be more likely to bike to work if they had access to end-of-trip facilities, such as personal lockers, secure bicycle storage and showers.
Twelve per cent indicated they would be more likely to cycle to work if the city’s bike commuting routes were improved.
“Sophisticated, end-of-trip facilities designed to provide sustainable commuting choices are rapidly gaining popularity,” says Wendy Waters, vice president of research services and strategy at GWLRA.
More than half of Vancouver respondents (57 per cent) say they most often commute using public transit, while 20 per cent usually drive to work.
The survey examined office design and building amenity preferences along with the commuting methods of 573 office workers at three Vancouver GWLRA-managed office buildings.
Top office amenity preferences
Vancouver office workers were asked to rank the importance of building amenities not currently available to them in their building. Their top four choices are:
- a sit-down restaurant or café (29 per cent)
- a convenience store (28 per cent)
- an outdoor seating area (22 per cent)
- a lounge where employees can mingle and socialize (21 per cent).
High preference for health-related activities
The survey also probed interest in employee events and found preferences included:
- a workplace yoga class (55 per cent)
- health and wellness presentations related to nutrition, exercise, alternative health options, mental health and parenting (46 per cent)
- guest speaker presentations about city issues and current events in Vancouver (37 per cent)
- guest speaker information-sharing sessions related to navigating technology (27 per cent).
