Portico - Experts & Thought Leaders

As they celebrate this year’s Earth Day theme ‘Invest in our Plant’, they discuss the importance of biophilic design in the workplace. The term ‘biophilia’ is a reference to the human need and desire to connect to nature. This same principle applies when introducing biophilic design to the workplaces, through natural and sustainable materials. Elevating employee wellbeing The environmental positives of biophilic design are important for the future of workplaces and ultimately the planet. Creating green indoor spaces with water features, plants, and natural materials brings a range of benefits such as reducing a tenant's carbon footprint and regulating the temperatures of buildings. The environmental positives of biophilic design are important for the future of workplaces Biophilic design is known to also elevate employee wellbeing and engagement, by connecting building occupants more closely to nature. Green spaces are proven to reduce stress and anxiety for many. Incorporating factors like natural light, ventilation, and even landscaping features help to create a more productive and healthier environment for end-users. Dynamic air movement In fact, according to research carried out by Urban Planters, successful biophilic design can increase productivity by up to 20% as users are more relaxed and focused in a tranquil environment they take pleasure in being a part of.  They share a few simple ways to apply biophilic principles into the workplace without breaking the bank: Place easy-to-care-for indoor plants near frequently used areas. Open curtains and windows so that occupants can be guided by the daily movement of light and allow dynamic air movement and natural fluctuations in temperature. Install an air purifier to maintain healthy air quality. Incorporate auditory elements, such as using a nature sounds playlist, or natural scents.

It is no secret that businesses are operating under enormous financial pressures. Energy prices are at record highs, National Insurance contributions have risen and VAT relief has ended for hospitality firms after being hammered by the pandemic. Organisations are therefore looking for efficiencies anywhere they can be found, providing they don’t compromise on quality and service. While outsourcing reception duties may not be the first option on many bosses’ minds, it should certainly be a consideration – 80% of the clients who opt to outsource for the first time see their costs reduced by an average of 20%. Time saved deliverables It is largely down to how one can deliver time saved (around a day a week) in team management, administration, recruitment and delivery. Recruitment is a good example. Portico typically receive 75% more applicants than in-house vacancies and on top of that around 15% of the colleagues move into new leadership positions, helping to reduce employee turnover. Not only does all of this create cost efficiencies, but it also enables clients to focus their time and energies away from the day-to-day of front of house and onto more strategic matters that will drive growth in their business. Service excellence Learning and development is a big (and necessary) investment that employers make Even more of that time is liberated by not having to invest in reception/front of house training. Learning and development is a big (and necessary) investment that employers make to hone the skills of their staff and keep them motivated. A specialist outsourcing provider can cover this and in the vast majority of cases can cover it better. The programmes are devised and delivered by subject matter experts. Portico can have more than 70 courses available to employees, many of them recognised as best-in-class within the guest services industry. This is because they are constantly evolved to remain on trend. Role of receptionists In recent years, the role of receptionists has been evolving away from traditional secretarial duties and towards a community builder responsible for creating a compelling and friendly experience for building occupants. Portico trains and develop their colleagues so they can make a buzz around their clients’ workspaces, creating events and experiences that will provide a crucial differentiation from home working. Fully engaged employees Employees are fully engaged, which itself comes from being a part of two families – Portico's and the client’s This is only possible because the employees are fully engaged, which itself comes from being a part of two families – Portico's and the client’s – enabling them to combine the best of Portico’s culture and values with those of the companies they are representing. This is another common myth associated with outsourcing, that external colleagues cannot fully engage and get on board with internal culture. Portico ensures employees join their clients’ induction programmes that cover key elements such as values, customer base, ambitions, CSR and more. If a client lacks a formalised induction programme, we offer to sit down with them and build one together. The road ahead Times are tough. Businesses are tightening their belts while also trying to open up their workplaces for employees to return following long stretches of remote working. On both of these levels, outsourcing front of house duties could help to alleviate some of the associated stresses and strains.

Knightsbridge Gate is a mixed-use development – home to commercial, residential, and retail clients – that will be staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the concierge and security teams. The development contains 15 new apartments, up to 18 retail units on the ground and basement floors, and over 18,000 square feet of commercial space above. This contract win is their first full-scale security contract and marks an important milestone for the security offering at Portico. First-class experience Their Business Development Director, Amanda Kay, said: “This is a landmark win for us, being our first fully-fledged security contract. In combination with our expert concierge team, I am confident we can deliver a first-class experience for all users of this beautiful development in Knightsbridge, be they residents, visitors or employees.” Daniel Ramrattan, Building Manager at APML Estate, added: “It was important we sought a partner who has the experience and expertise in launching properties in high-profile locations and able to deliver our objectives for excellence across the board. Portico was a natural choice, and we look forward to expanding this relationship.”