When thinking of corporate headquarter locations, you may envision downtown central business districts with gleaming skyscrapers and hip coffee shops on every corner. However, placing your corporate offices in the suburbs offers a number of significant benefits that urban cores cannot match. If you are evaluating options for corporate headquarters, here are a few of these distinct advantages you might want to consider.

Why Should You Move Your Corporate Headquarters Out of the City?

1. Less Traffic

Research shows that commuters spend an average of 54 hours a year stuck in traffic. This does not include the time used on finding a parking space or walking from the vehicle to the office.  When valuable employees commute to a bustling downtown business district, they lose time that they could be spent on making your business successful. Traffic congestion, untimely accidents and constant road construction can make matters worse.  

A suburban headquarters location addresses a majority of these issues.  There is a lower chance of traffic disruptions, employee commute time is reduced by driving in the opposite direction of the thousands of drivers head into the city, and secure parking is available right next to the building. Setting up in the suburbs generates less stress on your employees which increases work productivity, and raises the level of employment satisfaction.

2. Lower Cost

There is a reason they call central business cores "high-rent districts."  Not only is the real estate much more expensive, but the general cost of doing business (insurance, utilities, services, parking) is higher for the company and its employees. 

A suburban corporate headquarters location offers a reasonable alternative, especially for companies focused on the bottom line.  The cost of the space is always lower.  There is ample surface parking instead of expensive structured parking.  Insurance and utility costs go down and the overall cost-of-living for your employees is better.  Any CFO will tell you that when picking a corporate headquarters location, the suburban option is going to make better financial sense.   

3. Improving Employee Quality of Life

 A vast majority of your existing employees probably already live in the suburbs near good schools and open spaces with affordable housing in safe communities. The opportunity to reside, work and enjoy family life all within a small radius makes a big difference.  The evidence clearly shows that happy workers are much more productive, creative and giving of their time. In addition, suburban populations are growing, which means moving out from the city will put you in proximity to a growing pool of potential employees.  No matter what field your business is in, you'll likely find the skilled, qualified talent you need outside the city center.

If you're looking for the right area for your corporate headquarters, Select O'Fallon can help you establish a new location just like  Mastercard, True Manufacturing, Citi, Cosmos and DyanFlex. O'Fallon offers commercial real estate options, workforce assistance, demographic data, and experienced professional staff to show you why it is an award-winning suburb on the rise. Learn more about why this is fast becoming a highly desirable place to live and work by calling (636) 379-5532 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website to learn more about opportunities for business owners.