Thanks to its prime location near London and the Isle of Wight, plus an international airport and a busy cruise port, getting around is easy, whether for work or leisure. Southampton is home to world-class cultural attractions, including the Mayflower Theatre, renowned art galleries, and a lively music and nightlife scene. Football fans can cheer on the Saints at St Mary’s, while cricket lovers have the Ageas Bowl right on their doorstep. With stunning parks, waterfront views, and a rich maritime history, it’s a fantastic place to live and work.

There is just one thing missing – modern, high-quality office space that meets the needs of today’s businesses.

Despite all its growth, Southampton hasn’t seen a new prime office development in 25 years. That means many businesses are stuck in outdated workspaces that don’t really support productivity, collaboration, or employee wellbeing. With the way we work evolving, it’s time for office spaces to catch up and offer businesses the flexibility and quality they need to thrive.

Your work environment isn’t just where tasks get done—it’s a key factor in how your business performs, how your people feel, and how your company grows. Here’s why workplace design matters now more than ever:

1. Boosting Productivity

Studies show that employees working in well-lit, aesthetically pleasing, and ergonomically designed environments perform significantly better than those in outdated or uninspiring spaces. In fact, a World Green Building Council report found that improving indoor air quality alone can boost productivity by up to 11%.

For Southampton businesses looking to stay competitive, investing in a high-quality workspace is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. A well-planned office minimises distractions, reduces noise pollution, and improves focus so employees can work at their best.

At Clockwise, our offices can also support different work styles, with dedicated areas for deep work, collaborative brainstorming and informal team discussions. When employees have a workspace designed to meet their needs, engagement and output naturally increase.

2. Improving Employee Wellbeing

With the rise of hybrid work models, employees no longer see the office as just a place to complete tasks—it needs to add value to their working experience. When they come into the office, they expect a space that prioritises their mental and physical wellbeing, making them feel comfortable, supported, and motivated.

A growing body of research highlights the impact of workplace design on wellbeing. Offices that integrate natural light, greenery, and biophilic elements—such as plants, wooden textures, and natural materials—see a 15% increase in overall wellbeing and a 6% rise in productivity. Ergonomic furniture reduces strain and discomfort, while designated quiet areas support focused work and reduce stress.

To help promote a healthier lifestyle and ensure that employees feel valued by the business, Clockwise have integrated ESG-focused fit-outs into our offices, which help to reduce waste due to its energy efficiency while also ensuring that the space is effective in promoting a healthier work environment. By creating a workspace that supports wellbeing, businesses can improve job satisfaction, reduce absenteeism, and improve employee engagement.

In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just a bonus—it’s a business advantage. A 2024 Deloitte report found that 70% of Gen Z and Millennials consider a company’s environmental impact when deciding where to work. Choosing a workspace that lines up with these values improves your brand reputation and attracts top talent.

3. Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

The job market is more competitive than ever, and attracting top-tier talent requires more than just an attractive salary package. Employees today, especially Millennials and Gen Z, evaluate potential employers based on their work environment, flexibility, and company culture. A modern office is a powerful way to signal that a company values its team and is invested in their success.

Additionally, outdated, uninspiring work environments can drain productivity, make collaboration more difficult, and negatively impact employee wellbeing. In an era where businesses are competing for top talent and striving to create the best possible work experiences, the shortage of modern office space puts Southampton companies at a major disadvantage.

However, at Clockwise, we have designed our offices with the intention to inspire your staff and boost their productivity, through our collaborative design and fully equipped workspaces. Employees who are satisfied with their work environment are more likely to stay with their employer long-term, reducing turnover and recruitment costs, demonstrating the importance of having a modern and positive workspace.

At Clockwise, we know that finding high-quality office space in Southampton isn’t easy. The city has a thriving economy, a skilled workforce, and a vibrant business community, but there’s one major problem—most office spaces are outdated and uninspiring.

Clockwise Southampton is built for the future, offering fully equipped workspaces designed to boost productivity, collaboration and wellbeing. Further to this, and in comparison to traditional office leasing schemes, we offer flexible, monthly rolling contracts with immediate availability and no large initial expense. This allows you and your team to be productive from the get-go, without the risk of costly work and unnecessary delays.

Ready to transform the way you work? Experience a workspace designed for productivity, collaboration, and growth. Book a tour today, explore our flexible membership plans, or connect with our team to find the perfect space for your business. Visit our community pages for expert insights on workplace wellbeing, business success, and more!