Office buildings that have been newly constructed or recently rehabilitated are fielding the greatest demand from large companies, which are banking on the idea that lifestyle-enriching amenities and a vibrant surrounding neighborhood create advantages in attracting and retaining talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the 12-month period ending in July, the four major office markets of Texas added more than 200,000 new jobs combined. The state’s unemployment rate was 3.4 percent at the time of this writing, 30 basis points below the national average. The job market clearly favors applicants, and the competition between major office-using companies to secure the best applicants is fierce. Of course, some job seekers still base their employment decisions based on traditional factors like salary and commute time. But all other factors being held equal, employees with multiple job offers are placing greater emphasis on what kind of working environment they can get with one employer versus another. “It’s all about what amenities a building can offer to its tenants,” says Jackie Marshall, first vice president in CBRE’s Dallas office. “Many tenants are willing to pay more to be in buildings that help them recruit and retain talent, and amenities that make …
