Offices for your talents

Posted on July 31, 2024February 27, 2025 by charlotte

offices for your talents

A LEVER FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

July 31, 2024

Recruiting and retaining talent are key HR challenges.

The job market is tight, and talent is demanding.
They have a choice, and their expectations are changing. All talent management processes generate significant costs for companies.

Provalliance project by Parella

Recruitment, training, integration...

What levers can companies use to face up to this challenge?

75%

of employees say that the layout of their work space plays a key role in their desire to stay with the company.

58%

of employees consider a company's premises to be an important criterion when choosing a job.
(Baromètre Parella Group x CSA 2022).

1980

Les Jardins d'Arcadie (Hervé Picot)

A solution for every situation

At Rémy Cointreau, the new head office has been designed to facilitate the introduction of new ways of working. The project was co-constructed with employees. We set up various participative workshops for each stage of the project: study of specific needs, design of the plans, drafting of the life rules charter.

Offices as a performance driver

Offices are a performance driver when they meet business needs. In fact, when workspaces are designed with business uses in mind, they meet the needs of employees. Hence the importance of sizing spaces and their equipment at the design stage: number of workstations, types of seating (high, low, armchairs, benches), standing tables, meeting rooms of different sizes, etc.

In the age of telecommuting, corporate offices are first and foremost a place for socializing. They are the foundation of collaboration and collective intelligence. This is why meeting rooms equipped for hybrid exchange between present and remote collaborators, and brainstorming rooms designed to encourage creativity and collaboration, have become essential.

Correctly dimensioning office spaces and their degree of partitioning is also a performance lever. This provides good working conditions and encourages serendipity.

Interview Business Immo

Posted on June 12, 2024February 27, 2025 by Sixtine Epitalon

Interview Business Immo

June 12, 2024

"We are not subject to real estate market cycles.

Parella has placed the end-user at the heart of its business model.

Through its three divisions - Real Estate Services, Workspace and People & Transformation - the 200-strong company intends to pursue its international expansion over the coming years.

Michael Kaplan and Olivier Neuman, two of his associates, shed light on the subject.

Olivier Neuman

Associate

Michael Kaplan

Associate

"This positioning enables us to address most corporate real estate issues without any conflict of interest. Today, 70% of our customers are tenants, while the remaining 30% are owner-users. Over the years, we have built up our expertise in three main areas.

Michael Kaplan, Partner

What is Parella's current position?

Michael Kaplan /

We're celebrating our 15th anniversary this year, which is no mean feat. Since our creation, we have remained true to our credo: to advise only the end-user. This is what all our associates have in common. Even though we come from a variety of backgrounds (architect, broker, management consultant, ex-lawyer, etc.), what we have in common is that we have all worked for international brokers, and in the end, we have chosen our camp - that of the end-user.

This positioning enables us to address most corporate real estate issues without any conflict of interest. Today, 70% of our customers are tenants, while the remaining 30% are owner-users. Over the years, we have built up our expertise in three main areas.

Olivier Neuman /

To add real value to a real estate project, we need to have a 360° vision, so that our multi-disciplinary teams can work together. This is our priority.

Could you explain these 3 "business worlds" to us?

Michael Kaplan /

There's the Real Estate Services division, which provides real estate appraisal services, real estate strategy and support for real estate research and transactions: taking on leases, renegotiating leases, selling and buying real estate assets, CPI, Vefa and Befa.

Olivier Neuman /

In 2023, this real estate consultancy division had its best year since our creation! In the Île-de-France region, we are close to the 80,000 m² mark for our end-user customers.

While the macroeconomic context is not favorable...

Olivier Neuman /

We are not subject to real estate market cycles. Whether they are growing or not, our customers are always faced with real estate choices and challenges: renegotiating a lease, relocating, downsizing or upsizing, buying a site, selling it, upgrading technical equipment, adopting new ways of working... Parella Group provides solutions to a wide variety of issues.

Michael Kaplan /

Our business is not subject to the dynamics of any particular real estate sub-market. Whether our customers position themselves in La Défense or central Paris, it makes no difference to our teams, who are not geographically sectorized and do not engage in rental marketing.

Rising interest rates, which have a major impact on investment volumes, do not affect us, as we do not engage in capital marketing. On the other hand, as Olivier says, our end-user customers always have issues to deal with: an approaching lease expiry date, changes in headcount that impact surface requirements upwards or downwards, discussions on the sharing of individual workstations, etc.

What are your customers' expectations today?

Olivier Neuman /

Most of our customers are redefining their post-Covid real estate strategy to take account of the impact of teleworking. In particular, they are looking at the right mix of flex office options to be implemented, the steps to be taken to strengthen collaboration and team cohesion, the impact of digital on physical and digital workspaces, and their location and attractiveness.

Overall, they are therefore moving towards a reduction in floor space for the same number of employees. The creation of collaborative spaces is another strong trend. It's a case-by-case approach. We're very agile.

What are your other two "universes"?

Michael Kaplan /

There's the Workspace division, where you'll find an interior design studio, a technical design office for all trades, which we've beefed up enormously in recent years, and a project management team for construction and interior design projects. This division is often involved in the continuity of a project in the real estate division, but also in stand-alone assignments. Mainly for offices, but increasingly for retail and hotel-restaurant projects.

We can act as project manager, as in the case of Total Energies' The Link tower in La Défense, or as prime contractor or general contractor, in design & build, as in the case of Samsung's new headquarters in Saint-Ouen.

The People & Transformation division is the last of these, made up of consultants from management consultancies and the transformation departments of major groups.

Against a backdrop of projects that are increasingly focused on people and teamwork, this team supports change, facilitates social dialogue and deploys original, high-impact communication tools. Listening, co-creation, communication, onboarding, gamification, training and coaching hold no secrets for them.

How much of your business comes from the Paris region?

Michael Kaplan /

In France, we generate 70% of our business in the Île-de-France region and 30% in other regions. The proportion of regional business is growing steadily. Internationally, some ten years ago we created Exis Global, a worldwide network of partners sharing the same 100% user-dedicated positioning.

Since 2019, with the support of our financial partner (the Qualium Investissement investment fund), we have bought out a number of our European partners. As a result, we now have our own offices in Madrid, Milan, Berlin, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, London and Brussels.

How does Publicis' leasehold interest in Gecina's Mondo illustrate your business model?

Michael Kaplan /

Publicis was looking for a consultancy that was both expert and objective, able to mobilize in a short space of time and implement its recommendations.

Olivier Neuman /

Publicis' strategic thinking had already begun before we started working together. The company was planning to consolidate several sites, and was looking for a new building adapted to the deployment of new ways of working; a building that would be more central and more in line with its environmental strategy. We helped Publicis with a multi-dimensional analysis of different buildings, scenario modeling and negotiations. For Mondo, in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, we carried out spatial and technical analyses, studied the overall cost of the operation and negotiated all the rental conditions with Gecina. Today, we are continuing to work with Publicis on the Mondo development.

What are Parella Group's objectives for the coming years?

Michael Kaplan /

We want to continue our internationalization - which means strengthening our range of businesses in certain countries. We want to bring new associates on board. We want to continue to grow while remaining agile, listening to our customers' expectations and challenges, because that's the key to our business.

THE UNYCK HOUSE

Posted on May 24, 2024February 27, 2025 by Sixtine Epitalon

THE UNYCK HOUSE

New home for top executives

May 24, 2024

A few weeks ago, Maison Unyck opened its doors on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré to welcome its community of leaders.

On the 8th floor, with views over the rooftops of Paris, these spaces invite you to let go and get inspired.

Michael Kaplan

Associate

"Managers, never alone again".

Living spaces imagined, designed and built by Parella to embody Unyck's promise: "Managers, never alone again".

When you walk through the doors of Maison Unyck, you might think you were in an apartment. Yet this is where the most beautiful transformations take place. Because Unyck is not a traditional consulting firm, the company wanted to mark this break with the past in its premises.

To create an environment conducive to conversation and confidence, the layout has been designed to make customers feel right at home.

To achieve this, Maison Unyck has adopted the codes of "home from home". No offices as we know them, but an apartment full of warm, antique objects.

A dining table where you can discuss the most strategic subjects over tea, a library where everyone can help themselves, becoming a part of the place... Proximity is the key word. Customers feel at home at Unyck.

Conclusion

Creating the right conditions for successful support requires a place where change can take place. The Maison Unyck was designed with this in mind.

Active Design

Posted on May 6, 2024February 24, 2025 by Sixtine Epitalon

Active Design

Environment, health or pleasure : how does active design engage employees?

May 6, 2024

In the run-up to the Olympic Games, some of our customers are wondering about the benefits of Active Design in their workspaces, a method that encourages people to act naturally.

While this practice has been commonplace on our streets for some years now, as a way of combating sedentary lifestyles, it is now taking root on the premises of some companies.

Can it, beyond mobility, move the lines and instill new, more virtuous practices?

For the environment, health or just for fun, how can premises help to carry the environmental commitments, QWL or values of organizations, while taking care of their employees?

Eric Vermande, Image and Style Director and Diane Mendes, People & Transformation Manager, took an interest in the subject.

Éric Vermande

Image & Style Director

Diane Mendes

People & Transformation Manager

Active Design, the path to new uses (at full speed)

Who hasn't preferred to climb the stairs in the metro, rather than take the escalator, seduced by a fun, colorful or interactive challenge? These messages of calories burned, rewarding or educational, even if they make us smile, encourage us to take action.

Active Design will support companies' key messages on a day-to-day basis. It can help all organizations in their practices. CSR implementation, for example. Active Design can help in this respect.

Beyond this, we can imagine pathways contributing to well-being (QCVT), instilling values (employer branding), or new ways of working (flex-office).

Active Design is all about the natural adoption of practices, whatever they may be.

To combat sedentary lifestyles, Active Design has mainly developed around solutions encouraging sport. However, although athletics tracks are appearing in corridors, their role is to create routes, designed to activate employees in a natural way.

However, the aim is not to get them to run around in suits and arrive at meetings with wet shirts. Physical activity is one of the levers, but not the only one. Brain activity is just as important.

Induce to act, from path to experience, everything has to be created

The notion of a journey is important for creating an experience and initiating new habits.

It must be self-supporting and desirable.

Every user must be able to use it at any time of day, without explanation.
Everything is done to induce and create an incentive environment that will become part of everyday life. The message is positive, educational, consistent with values and rewarding for those who follow it.

Create a new playground where employees can play together

We start with values and semantics. We get away from counting calories to play with the employee, projecting him or her into a dynamic.

Graphic design is a real lever : explicit or implicit, it creates flows. Paths with active and directional phases... Beyond physical exertion, the important thing is to encourage contact with as many people as possible.

Posters, signage, frescoes, hijacking of objects, all avenues can be explored.

Follow a blue thread that guides you to activities, for example. Or rearranging objects so that you don't see the same message depending on your position (sitting, standing), to encourage open-mindedness.

It's also important to work on branding to create a sense of belonging.

While the use of color helps create a sense of discovery, the ideal is to create pathways that integrate naturally into the space.

Induce a perennial positioning as well as a more ephemeral perception of events.

Steps to long-term commitment

A habit is created after 21 days. In addition, studies carried out by cities show the importance of designing evolving routes, to avoid abandoning the practice once the discovery phase is over.

Step 1: Understanding the objectives and issues

The first step is to identify the objectives. You don't do active design for active design's sake. Are we creating one or more pathways? Are we going to act on CSR, values, QWL?

-Step 2: Analysis of uses and employee needs

It is necessary to adapt to the audience and the corporate culture in order to raise awareness.

This requires an understanding of what affects them. In the same way as for an employee journey, we're going to look at habits. As experts in space planning, the Parella Group teams analyze the sequencing of the day, needs and movements. This enables us to create active, directional phases. It's important to think through uses carefully, to avoid over-solicitation, which would be counter-productive.

But also perhaps to identify those that can be diverted and give meaning, by involving employees in dynamic, unifying and fun workshops.

Step 3: Usage phase and development

Experimentation could be a first step to understanding the maturity peak and seeing how employees react.

Depending on the issues and needs detected, managerial support will enable employees to allow themselves more playful moments. The course can also be punctuated with activities (sports coaching, for example).

It is also possible to bring the courses to life in line with important events for the company.

We can also imagine a change of color for Breast Cancer Week. Or a launch with the Olympic Games.

Scalable for lasting change

It must be easy and inexpensive to set up and take down courses, so as to be able to offer new experiences that adapt to the different maturity levels of users.

Relying on change management specialists enables us to create evolving courses that anchor change in the corporate world over the long term.

La Bonne Bulle® (The Good Bubble)

Posted on April 17, 2024February 18, 2025 by Sixtine Epitalon

La Bonne Bulle® (The Good Bubble)

a game for flexible workspaces

April 17, 2024

Playing music or taking a call at your workstation in a shared space: acceptable or not?

Beware: the melody of hybrid workspaces is not always the melody of happiness.

What if all it took was to co-construct and define, together, the rules of life in your workspaces?

La Bonne Bulle® session

Parella

Matthis Petrovick

Expert Parella Valuation

Discover "La Bonne Bulle®", a game designed and developed by Parella to provide companies with a playful way of learning about flexible workspaces and building new rules for living in them.

Gamification is a powerful lever for transformation. Co-constructing one's own rules of life in the workspace in a playful way with one's colleagues ensures a much greater sense of ownership.

"La Bonne Bulle" is a workshop offered as part of the Parella Academy® training catalog.

Discover the page dedicated to the game in the first edition of our Office Paper.

Real estate trends 2024

Posted on April 11, 2024February 18, 2025 by damien

Real estate trends 2024

What companies need to anticipate

April 11, 2024

The commercial real estate market is undergoing radical change. Between changing working patterns, environmental demands and economic fluctuations, companies need to adapt to stay competitive. Here are the main trends to watch in 2024.

Flexibility is the watchword

The traditional model of long-term leases is gradually giving way to more adaptable solutions, such as flexible leases, coworking spaces and flex office. Companies are looking for solutions that enable them to adjust their floor space in line with their growth and the needs of their employees. This flexibility is accompanied by an increase in demand for shorter contracts and shared services, offering companies greater flexibility.

Sustainable real estate and the impact of telecommuting

With the French Climate and Resilience Act and carbon neutrality objectives, companies must integrate ecological criteria into their real estate strategy. Certified buildings (HQE, BREEAM, LEED) and eco-responsible developments are becoming a must. The optimization of energy consumption, the use of sustainable materials and green technologies are now key factors in the valuation of real estate assets.

The spread of telecommuting is prompting companies to rethink the design of their workspaces. Offices need to be more collaborative, modular and focused on employee well-being. Demand for coworking spaces and third places is exploding, offering an alternative to traditional offices. The new design solutions incorporate relaxation areas, green spaces and facilities to promote creativity and employee well-being.

Rising costs and their impact on decision-making

With rising interest rates and inflation, companies need to optimize their real estate strategy to cut costs. Renegotiating leases and optimizing floor space are becoming strategic levers. What's more, companies are turning to hybrid solutions, combining physical presence and remote working, to keep their fixed costs under control.

How to negotiate a commercial lease in 2024?

Posted on April 10, 2024February 18, 2025 by damien

negotiate your lease

How to negotiate a commercial lease in 2024?

April 10, 2024

In an economic context marked by rising interest rates, changing work patterns and new business expectations, negotiating a commercial lease is becoming a strategic challenge. In 2024, companies must anticipate these changes to obtain more flexible and advantageous conditions. Here are the key points to bear in mind.

Greater flexibility in commercial leases

The traditional 3/6/9 lease model is increasingly being called into question. Companies are looking for solutions adapted to their activity and to economic uncertainty. Negotiations must incorporate a number of levers, such as lease duration and termination conditions, adaptability of space, or shared offices.

Needs fluctuate more rapidly than ever before, and so shorter leases, early exit clauses, the possibility of extending surface areas or coworking offices are emerging options that facilitate not only the rapid growth of companies and the consequent impact on their offices, but also unforeseen events that reduce budgets.

But it's also important to keep a close eye on rent review conditions, and on less visible factors such as building energy performance, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Securing your commercial lease: essential clauses and new obligations to anticipate

A good negotiation is based on a careful analysis of the contract. Certain points are essential to prevent exorbitant hidden costs, whether due to excessive rent increases, charges that should fall to the lessor, or renovations to bring the property up to standard. It is therefore essential to analyze the rent and its indexation, as well as the breakdown of charges, works and maintenance obligations.

With regulatory changes, companies need to pay close attention to environmental and contractual obligations:
-The Climate and Resilience Act: check that the building complies with new energy standards and that the lessor is committed to environmental improvements.
-Green Lease: Certain clauses impose commitments in terms of energy management and sustainable development.
-Compliance with new safety and accessibility standards: Check obligations relating to public access and health regulations.

Effective negotiation: best practices

To optimize your commercial lease, it's essential to prepare the discussion with the lessor - by conducting a market study to compare to compare competing offers and determine whether the proposed conditions are advantageous, by anticipating future needs and thus foreseeing the company's evolution and ensuring that the lease will be able to meet them. It's also a good idea to enlist the help of an expert: a legal advisor or real estate specialist can provide a strategic perspective and identify any areas of concern.

How does well-being at work boost productivity and talent retention?

Posted on April 5, 2024March 10, 2025 by charlotte

well-being at work?

How does well-being at work boost productivity and talent retention?

April 5, 2024

Quote or short catchphrase, short sentence or paragraph (> Always end sentences, even subheadings, with a period).

In a world where innovation and competitiveness are essential, well-being at work should not be a mere option.

We have made it a priority, convinced that a healthy and fulfilling environment is the key to a successful and sustainable company. We firmly believe that a happy employee is a committed employee.

Michael Kaplan

Associate

Well-being boosts motivation and productivity

Well-being at work is not just about stress reduction or flexible working hours. It's a global commitment to providing our employees with an environment where they feel good, listened to and valued. A caring environment reduces absenteeism and prevents burnout. Fulfilled employees are naturally more involved and committed. This translates into communicative energy, better quality of work and greater capacity for innovation. A climate of trust and respect fosters harmonious working relationships and fluid collaboration, essential for moving forward together.

Retaining talent through personal development

Attracting top talent is great. Keeping them over the long term is even better. We are convinced that a happy employee is a loyal employee. A stimulating, well-balanced working environment enables everyone to flourish and look to the future with confidence. The opportunity to develop professionally, acquire new skills and maintain a good work-life balance all contribute to this fulfillment.

Investing in the well-being of our teams is not just a question of goodwill, it's a genuine corporate strategy. By cultivating a positive dynamic, we strengthen our performance and our collective success.

Real estate and sustainable development: how can you make your offices greener?

Posted on April 5, 2024February 18, 2025 by damien

Real estate and sustainable development

How can you make your offices greener?

April 05, 2024

Faced with new regulations and growing employee expectations, companies need to rethink their workspaces to reduce their environmental footprint. Energy optimization, choice of materials and responsible resource management: making offices greener is both an imperative and a performance driver.

Sustainable real estate: a regulatory necessity and an economic asset

Under the French Climate and Resilience Act, companies must improve the energy performance of their offices or risk seeing their value fall. Improved insulation, reduced consumption and the use of renewable energies are therefore essential to comply with the various certifications and standards in force, such as the HQE (High Environmental Quality) - which focuses on the management of energy, water, waste and the materials used - or the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) international certification.

But beyond the regulatory aspect, an eco-responsible office also optimizes operating costs and improves quality of life at work. A healthy, sustainable environment promotes employee well-being, strengthens commitment and enhances the company's brand image.

Concrete ways to reduce the carbon footprint of offices

Improving energy efficiency is a priority. Optimizing lighting, air-conditioning and heating helps to cut costs while limiting environmental impact. The choice of materials also plays a key role: favouring eco-friendly paints, durable furniture and recycled coverings contributes to a working environment that is more respectful of health and the environment.

Waste management is another area for improvement. Sorting waste, limiting the use of disposable consumables and encouraging the re-use of equipment considerably reduce our ecological footprint. Last but not least, the greening of workspaces improves air quality and thermal comfort, while adding a touch of well-being for employees.

Towards more responsible commercial real estate

Committing to a sustainable approach means making your offices a lever for optimization and differentiation. By integrating more environmentally-friendly practices, companies can combine performance, attractiveness and responsibility. To meet strict regulations and the high expectations of employees, eco-responsible offices, with sustainable furniture, are seen as a positive development, providing a more pleasant, healthy and motivating workspace.

offices for your talents

A LEVER FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

Recruitment, training, integration...

A solution for every situation

You may also like...

Interview Business Immo

Interview Business Immo

You may also like...

THE UNYCK HOUSE

New home for top executives

Conclusion

You may also like...

Active Design

Environment, health or pleasure : how does active design engage employees?

Scalable for lasting change

You may also like...

La Bonne Bulle® (The Good Bubble)

a game for flexible workspaces

You may also like...

Real estate trends 2024

What companies need to anticipate

You may also like...

negotiate your lease

How to negotiate a commercial lease in 2024?

You may also like...

well-being at work?

How does well-being at work boost productivity and talent retention?

Well-being boosts motivation and productivity

Retaining talent through personal development

You may also like...

Real estate and sustainable development

How can you make your offices greener?

You may also like...

More than offices...

Address

OFFICE PAPERS