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Checklist for the Best Business Address in Cebu City

The office remains one of the most important aspects of business. In Gensler’s Workplace Index, four key areas in an office space were identified that employees need: a space to focus, collaborate, learn, and socialize. Additionally, factors such as lighting, functional space, and equipment can also affect their efficiency and motivation at work. 
 
An office can also cultivate company culture and exude company branding. In fact, the workplace is one of the endemic ways a company communicates its essence to its clients, investors, and future employees. While a company’s identity and culture are not made up of tangible factors, research suggests that factors affecting an office space such as interior design, architecture, etc. can influence or even change an organization’s culture. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your business address: 

Client & Employee Convenience 
Location plays an important role in choosing the best business address. It needs to be easily accessible to local commuters and your clients, but it should also be in a building or neighborhood that offers desirable amenities for your employees. 
 
Most companies prefer locating inside central business districts for its proximity to key establishments and ease of access. JEG Tower @ One Acacia, Cebu City’s newest premium green building, is accessible through one of the metro’s main thoroughfares, Archbishop Reyes Avenue. It is also strategically located at the gateway of Cebu IT Park and Cebu Business Park. 

Proximity to Talent 
Locating in a business address near colleges and universities is also a way of promoting your brand to the next batch of labor force. Having a steady pool of ambitious talent incessantly looking for opportunities and for making a difference can help you innovate and keep up with employment trends for your tenants. 
 
Being in the heart of Cebu City, JEG Tower is located numerous educational institutions and campuses such as UP Cebu (1.2 km), University of Southern Visayas (2.0 km), University of Cebu (3.0 km), and Cebu Normal University (2.0 km) 
 
Flexibility & Provisions for Expansion 
The new normal unveiled the perks of flexibility in the workplace. Gone are the days when employees are tied to an eight-hour work shift inside their office cubicles. Office spaces that support an open office layout are also preferred to encourage collaboration and socialization between workmates and employees. 
 
Moreover, having the option to expand is also a plus for companies. Spaces that can physically accommodate businesses’ growth should also be a consideration especially in a dynamic and fast-paced business landscape. 
Brand Association 
Your office location can also tell a lot about your brand identity and what your company stands for. Job seekers today pay more attention to these details that can also contribute to recruitment and employee retainment.  
 
As one of the frontrunners of sustainability in the Visayas, JEG Development Corporation designed and built JEG Tower @ One Acacia to be the best place to work in Cebu City. This 22-storey premium green building is also a show of support for homegrown skills and talents, showcased through its workspaces and common areas. 
Locate your business in Cebu City’s newest premium green building. Contact Alexa Abella at (+63) 917-825–6884. For leasing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 
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Benefits of Cycling to Work: Health, Environment, and Community

Eco transport, manager goes to office and active lifestyle in city, businessman outdoor

Cycling is a good way of practicing sustainability in daily life. As a form of exercise, an alternative mode of transportation, and a shared activity, riding a bicycle to and from your destination can benefit your health, the environment, and the whole community. 

JEG Development Corporation (JDC) has always been an advocate for cycling, emphasizing its benefits to their tenants’ health, the environment, and the community. As the world marks this year’s International Bike to Work Day, JDC promotes the key benefits of riding bicycles to and from the workplace. 

Here are some benefits of cycling: 
 
Health 
Riding a bicycle regularly can help build and strengthen muscle, eliminate fat, lower blood pressure, and increase endurance. Many studies have proven the effectiveness of this form of workout in improving the overall well-being of individuals, having significant effects on both the physical and mental health of individuals. 
 
Cycling can improve employees’ moods and help them have a positive start in the morning before they clock in for work. In fact, one study showed that employees who bike to work are more inclined to make healthy decisions throughout the day. 
 
Moreover, riding a bike to work can ease feelings of stress, depression, or anxiety, which takes care of one’s mental health. It can also lead to improved cognitive function, better focus, and increased productivity. 
 

  • Businessman on a bike. Business man leaving his work. From back.

Environment 
Cycling to work helps push forward sustainable transport. As an alternative mode of transportation to the workplace, it can lessen the need for cars and vehicles daily that severely contributes to air pollution and emissions of smog. 
 
Opting to use your bicycle a few times a week, instead of your car, is one of the simplest ways to lower your environmental footprint.  
 
RELATED: Cycling to Work: The Benefits of Sustainable Transport 

As more people shift to cycling, the demand for safer bike lanes is also pushed forward. During the height of the pandemic back when there were limited transportation options, cycling advocates in the Philippines have called for fund allocation of at least 16 million dollars from the government to build 190 miles of bike lanes to protect riders. Through this initiative, there will be less demand for roads and expansion, but increased opportunities for less concrete and more green spaces in urban areas. 
 
Community 
Cycling can significantly improve a community through public health and safety. Active transportation such as riding a bicycle can collectively improve public health and lower healthcare costs. More bikes on the road can mean fewer cars which can lead to a safer road environment. 
 
Through its newest premium green building, JEG Tower @ One Acacia, JDC shows its support for a more sustainable option for its employees’ transport. The 22-storey office and retail tower offers bike racks on its parking floors for convenience and efficiency. Shower rooms are also provided for them to freshen up before coming to the workplace. 
 
As part of its commitment to promoting holistic health and sustainability in Philippine real estate, JDC encourages more employers and developers alike to provide more options for their tenants. More than healthier and safer office spaces, JEG Tower @ One Acacia also looks after the community for the overall promotion of sustainable practices in Cebu City. 
 
 
Join the sustainable shift and make your move to the best and greenest workplace in Cebu. Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 to schedule a viewing today! For leasing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 

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Why Green Buildings are Office-Rebound Ready

Why Green Buildings are Office-Rebound Read-JEG-2

 
As the majority begin to adapt to the new normal, many companies and organizations are starting to encourage employees to go back to the traditional work setup. One of the most crucial concerns of employees when returning to the office is their safety and health protection as COVID-19 is still present. 
 
Employees have become more aware of the importance of shared spaces and have become more conscious of their well-being while in the office. Lessons from the pandemic and previous lockdowns reinforce the distinct value of green buildings, especially commercial buildings.  

READ MORE: How do green buildings keep off COVID-19?

 
JEG Tower @ One Acacia is Cebu City’s newly launched premium green building. Designed by Casas+ Architects, it is pegged to be the best place to work in the heart of the Visayan capital. 
 
“We have always planned to build a safer, healthier workplace for the Cebuanos, even before the pandemic. Moreso, our decision to go green was only validated by what happened during the last two years,” Marko Sarmiento, Chief Operating Officer of JEG Development Corp. said. 
 
In 2020, the 22-storey premium green building was named Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines by the PropertyGuru Property Awards. It has also achieved LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council for its sustainable features including solar panels, DOAS elevators, floor to ceiling windows, water recycling facilities, and rooftop garden. 

RELATED: Sustainable Real Estate – Why You Should Work in a Green Building? 
 
”With offices designed to integrate sustainability and sophistication, employees can enjoy green features, such as the use of natural daylight, optimal indoor air quality, and the roof deck garden, that all together provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs,” he added. 

Asian office workers wearing face masks working in new normal office and doing social distancing during corona virus covid-19 pandemic

Office Rebound-ready 
 
The last two years highlighted that going green is no longer aspirational, especially for buildings and shared spaces. Return to office plans should include providing a safer and healthier workplace to assure employees that they are protected and taken care of. 
 
“We’re helping companies ease employees back to the office by making sure common areas are adequately sanitized and that the building has optimal indoor air quality, among others,” Sarmiento said. 
 
With sustainable design and innovative technology, JEG Tower @ One Acacia offers commercial spaces that underscore the health and protection of its tenants. Focusing to pivot to the evolving needs of the workplace in the post-lockdown business landscape, JDC believes that intelligent utilization of technology mixed with people-centric spaces is the way to go forward post-pandemic. 

Interested to know more about this rising icon of sustainability? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 to schedule a viewing today!   

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‘Green’ building aims to become best office in Cebu

JEG DEVELOPMENT Corp. (JDC) is hoping its new “green” office building in Cebu City will address the needs of companies navigating the post-pandemic work environment.

The company recently launched JEG Tower @ One Acacia, a 22-storey office and retail development that boasts of eco-friendly and sustainable features.

“We’re confident our decision to go green will differentiate (the building) from others… JEG Tower hopes to capture the market of companies returning to office,” JDC Chief Operating Officer Marko Sarmiento said during a virtual briefing on April 21.

While office vacancy rates in the Cebu IT park are now at 20-25%, Mr. Sarmiento said he is confident the building’s focus on wellness would encourage more companies and their employees to return to the office.

“Nothing will replace being with your team…. JEG Tower has features that make it more attractive for workers to go back, like the roof deck, open spaces and the flexibility to design your office spaces,” he said.

Mr. Sarmiento noted they have seen increased interest in JEG Tower in the first quarter, a sign that business activity is picking up in the city.

“There’s more interest in the first quarter than all of last year. We’re hopeful,” he added.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had prompted the developer to boost the project’s sustainability and wellness features, such as the use of natural light, reduced water usage and efficient waste management.

“It is set to become Cebu’s first commercial development to use solar energy, as we have entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with COREnergy for a zero cash-out solar photovoltaic plant,” he added.

Ayla G. Gomez, JDC brand manager, said the company integrated intelligent technology in the building, and installed thermal scanners and automatic sliding doors in an effort to minimize contact touch-points.

To reduce the risk of infection in common areas, the building also included anti-bacterial fixtures and above standards filtration.

“Another unique sustainability feature that makes JEG Tower @ Acacia stand out is its Mitsubishi Destination-Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevators. DOAS elevators are developed to ensure strategic and safe movement within the vertical development, with innovative technology designed to utilize less energy consumption,” Mr. Sarmiento said.

The building also has a rooftop garden that the company hopes will give employees a respite from work.

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JEG Development Corporation Launches JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the First Premium Green and Future Ready Building in Cebu City

CEBU CITY, Philippines, April 21, 2022 – Cebu-based real estate developer JEG Development Corporation (JDC) has finally launched JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the pioneer green, LEED Gold certified 22-storey office and retail high-rise development in Cebu City. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is JDC’s first venture into high-rise buildings. 

JDC has always envisioned JEG Tower @ One Acacia to be a frontrunner in redefining the property industry in the Philippines by uplifting the lives and communities of Cebuanos, with a heightened priority on sustainability, holistic health, and employee well-being. 

“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is characterized by its energy-efficient features, reduced water usage, and efficient waste management. It is set to become Cebu’s first commercial development to use solar energy, as we have entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with COREnergy for a zero cash-out solar photovoltaic plant,” said Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s Chief Operating Officer. 

Beyond showcasing a seamless fusion of sustainability and sophistication, JEG Tower @ One Acacia ultimately aims to revolutionize work-life balance, putting a premium on the welfare of tenants, employees, and the people of Cebu. 

As businesses are more open to going back to the office, JDC has focused on addressing the evolving needs of the workplace, especially in the post-lockdown work landscape where hybrid work arrangements are considered the “new normal.”  

“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is committed to providing the best workplace that addresses the physiological, mental, and social needs of its employees and occupants. We continuously invest in the quality of the work environment, as well as the health and well-being of our tenants, in a bid to help our tenants achieve increased productivity,” said Sarmiento. 

With offices designed to integrate sustainability and sophistication, employees can enjoy green features, such as the use of natural daylight, optimal indoor air quality, and the roof deck garden, that all together provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs.  

JEG Tower @ One Acacia features a green roof that can help reduce stress and encourage socialization, positively impacting the wellness of employees. These spaces will allow for relaxing midday breaks and can be a venue for wellness activities or social gatherings. 

The roof deck’s endemic flora can also help bolster humidity levels to the 30%–60% range required for human health. The biophilic design of workspaces inside green buildings incorporates ecological aspects that minimize stress levels, reduce mental fatigue, and elevate moods. 

JEG TOWER

“We’ve integrated intelligent technology into the building, utilizing thermal scanners, and automatic sliding doors have been installed in the main entrance. In place of manual contact tracing efforts, employees will use the free-standing scanners by the main entry point, while guests must get their temperature through a tabletop scanner available in the reception area,” explained Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager. 

Understanding the risk of infection in common areas, JEG Tower @ One Acacia added anti-bacterial fixtures and above standards filtration to minimize risks. MERV filtration has been installed to complement its energy-efficient heat, ventilation, and air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality and sanitation.  

“Another unique sustainability feature that makes JEG Tower @ Acacia stand out is its Mitsubishi Destination-Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevators. DOAS elevators are developed to ensure strategic and safe movement within the vertical development, with innovative technology designed to utilize less energy consumption,” Sarmiento asserted.  

With these eco-friendly features, JEG Tower @ Acacia earned a LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council in 2021. The development was awarded 68 points, making it the highest-scoring LEED for Core and Shell project in Cebu.  

Moreover, JEG Tower @ One Acacia also celebrates its Cebuano roots by showcasing the skills and expertise of homegrown businesses and industries–turning the space into a portfolio of Cebuano talents and heritage. 

“We aim to support local players in the industry, which is why we have collaborated with local suppliers, consultants, and vendors in completing construction,” said Gomez. 

“With this new development, we want to inspire other developers here in Cebu City to take the first steps in offering green, high-quality, and future-proof spaces that make people feel valued and protected,” added Sarmiento. 

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Creating People-Centric Public Spaces in the Philippines

For decades, the human factor in creating public spaces has been overlooked and haphazardly addressed until the COVID-19 crisis. Over the last two years, the way of life has been changed drastically, inspiring modifications and adjustments in the way people live, work, and play. The pandemic has highlighted the need for more people-centric public spaces that will prioritize and improve the health, safety, and protection of the people in the new normal. 

What are People-Centric Public Spaces? 
 
People-centric or human-centered public spaces are spaces that are designed to provide tailor-fitted solutions to the needs of the public, providing resources that protect their interests. Since the crucial role of public health was also emphasized over the pandemic, more have been advocating for more people-centric public spaces in the Philippines. 
 
Even before the pandemic, the call for the creation of these spaces was clear. In 2016, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development conducted Habitat III, a conference where world leaders, policymakers, and advocates convened and echoed the need for “safe, inclusive, accessible, green, and quality public spaces, including streets, sidewalks and cycling lanes, gardens, and parks that are multi-functional areas for social interaction and inclusion, human health and well-being, economic exchange, and cultural expression and dialogue” 
 
Green Real Estate and People-centric Designs 

The COVID-19 pandemic also drove a significant change in real estate on a global scale. Sustainability was no longer a ‘trend’ in the industry that focuses on environment conservation, but also became a guiding principle in creating people-centric designs and promoting the health and safety of building occupants and tenants. 

RELATED: Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention 
 
Green buildings or developments that were designed and constructed following sustainable measures and operating through energy-efficient means became synonymous with healthy spaces that protect lives with resiliency, safeguard well-being, and amplify human experiences. 

As one of the most essential public spaces shared by a community, office and commercial developments remain as crucial points for public health and safety. Due to the pandemic, Buildings today give more emphasis to the health and wellness of their tenants. While other offices will only start implementing such changes to cater more towards well-being, LEED-certified buildings have long been uplifting the quality of the work environment and promoting the health and well-being of their tenants—during a health crisis and beyond.  
 
LEED-certified developments optimize space for disease prevention. With its unique green facilities and top-grade amenities, tenants inside premium green buildings enjoy optimal indoor-air quality, exposure to natural light, access to green spaces, and contact-less facilities that are key in workplace wellness and safety. 
 

READ MORE: Why LEED is a big deal in the Philippines 

 
JEG Tower @ One Acacia advocates for the holistic well-being and safety of its tenants and occupants. Committed to revolutionizing work and life balance, the award-winning building offers office and retail spaces that maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better indoor air quality in all work and common spaces, and utilize solar energy for more efficiency. 
 
Want to learn more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability and advocates for holistic health in the Philippines? Reach out to Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 

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Advantages of Green Buildings in Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness

Over the past few years, the world has experienced extreme weather conditions and severe disasters caused by Climate Change. Environment and climate experts warn that this trend will continue across the globe as widescale degradation occurs. The Philippines is not a stranger to the devastation caused by strong typhoons, flooding, and landslides. Last December, super typhoon Odette, internationally known as Rai, hit some parts of the country, especially Visayas and Mindanao. Cebu City, a known metropolis and economic center of the region, experienced its onslaught, leaving many without homes, electricity, and water.  
 
Importance of Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness  
While the occurrence of natural calamities is inevitable and to be expected, disaster risk reduction and preparedness are key in protecting lives and property. Experts say that for measures to be effective, a holistic and comprehensive approach should be in place. The government, private institutions, and individuals should cover policies and promote practices to ensure the effectiveness of programs, complemented by the structural integrity of structures and establishments. 

Disaster risk reduction is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters, including through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events.

Sustainability for Disaster Preparedness

The importance of integrating sustainability in real estate and development becomes reemphasized as more recognize its importance in achieving resilience. Sustainability is an encompassing concept that is a critical factor affecting not only the environment, but also the health, safety, and productivity of a structure’s occupants and the public.

As defined by the US Green Building Council, green or sustainable real estate is the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition. Hand in hand with the standards to promote environment conservation and the promotion of overall well-being, this concept offers an opportunity to create environmentally efficient buildings for resiliency.


While green buildings are primarily designed to lessen greenhouse emissions and construction’s impact on the environment, sustainable structures exhibit mitigation and adaption strategies passive design principles to shape the built environment in a way that is both responsive and resilient to future climate extremes.

In a study, the resilience ability of green buildings may be achieved in two ways; reducing the initial damage to building systems and infrastructure and using passive design principles to increase building resilience.

Reducing the initial damage to building systems and infrastructure means designing systems that ensure safety, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. Passive design principles, on the other hand, are the techniques of placing, orienting, and massing a building to optimize the use of the sun and climate to provide natural lighting, heating, and ventilation.

Premium green buildings in the Philippines, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, do not only promote sustainability in terms of health and the environment, but also raise the bar in advocating for resilience. Being a LEED Gold-certified establishment, the 22-storey commercial tower was designed to be a safe and healthy space for businesses that are looking to relocate or expand to the Visayas.

Want to learn more about the edge of green buildings in resilience and disaster preparedness? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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2022 resolutions for a greener & healthier workplace

The new year is a perfect opportunity to start greener and healthier resolutions in the office. As the world continues to recover and adjust to a better normal, many companies and employees commit to being healthier and more conscious about public safety and the environment.

Here are some simple and sustainable New Year resolutions for a greener and healthier office and organization in 2022:


Go Paperless (as much as you can)

Going completely paperless may be a long reach but trying to limit the use of new paper or recycling old ones is always a good start. As companies transition to a hybrid work set-up, cloud-based apps and software can also be a good way of conserving paper.

‘Bike or Walk to Work’ Day

To lessen the emission of carbon monoxide, some countries observe a national “Bike to Work” day every May. This observance does not only raise the awareness of cyclists, but also promotes the health benefits of exercise and advocates for the protection of the environment.

Young Asian woman ride bikes to work she is happy and safe

Some office and commercial establishments, like JEG Tower @ One Acacia, advocates for this alternative by offering bike racks within the building and providing shower rooms on parking floors.

Organize Company Health Programs

To promote health, wellness, and camaraderie, employers can organize company-wide health programs and allot office hours for everyone to join. Various initiatives such as seminars, workout sessions, or mental health consultations can greatly impact employees’ holistic well-being.

Promote Public Health
There is a renewed global recognition of the importance of health and wellness after the world experienced a pandemic. Public health has become a focus for policy makers, government units, and private organizations.

In a report by the World Health Organization, a safe and healthy community can be ensured through effective guidelines that are observed by a group of people at all times. Providing a workplace setting that uplifts and prioritizes the overall well-being and safety of its employees creates a significant impact on public health.

Commit to Green Initiatives
Companies who want to shift to sustainability this year can start by committing to environmental initiatives. By getting involved in community-based programs and organizing projects for the environment, companies will not only greatly impact the cause but would also earn a brand image that takes care of the environment.

Conserve Energy

Conserving energy in the workplace does not only benefit the company’s utility costs, it also significantly benefits the environment. Premium green buildings, like JEG Tower @ One Acacia, address greenhouse gases by reducing the amount of energy required for building operations. With a whole-building approach, these establishments use energy more efficiently by utilizing top-of-the-line technology.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia advocates for the holistic well-being and safety of its tenants and occupants. Committed to revolutionizing work and life balance, the award-winning building offers office and retail spaces that maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better indoor air quality in all work and common spaces, and utilize solar energy for more efficiency.

Want to learn more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability and advocates for holistic health in the Philippines? Reach out to Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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CCLEX to aid economic recovery in Cebu in 1Q/2022

The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is expected to bring more economic growth and assist in the pandemic recovery of Cebu City and its neighboring areas, as the government anticipates its completion during the first quarter of 2022. 

CCLEX is an 8.9-kilometer infrastructure project that offers an alternative route to Mactan-Cebu International Airport to the world-class resorts, beaches, and expansion opportunities in the economic capital in the Visayas. It is the country’s largest water-crossing infrastructure, built with a navigational clearance to allow larger vessels to safely cross underneath the bridge. 

Dubbed as “The Third Bridge,” the project is spearheaded by the MPTC subsidiary, Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corp. (CCLEC), in partnership with the local government units of Cebu City and Municipality of Cordova. The expressway has a design speed of 80 to 90 kilometers per hour and is expected to serve an estimated 50,000 vehicles daily. 

Business leaders in Central Visayas have expressed their optimism over the socio-economic benefits to the province and the whole region once the CCLEX starts operating this year. Both local business leaders and multinational locators say the economic benefits that will enable Cebu to bounce back economically and start have ripple effects that will be felt across the Visayas. 

Photo from Cebu Daily News

Edward Du, governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for Central Visayas, said that this new infrastructure is a potential solution to the notorious ‘Cebu traffic’ which significantly impacts economic activity and social mobility in the province.

“Knowing Cebu, the city will bounce back and go back to normal faster than the other provinces,” Du said, sharing how the business community looks forward to this new development as Cebu adapts to the new normal.

Felix Taguiam, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), also stated the CCLEX is “truly a sight to behold, and a positive force for Cebu’s economic recovery.”  

CCLEX as seen from JEG Tower @ One Acacia‘s Rooftop Garden  

In its quarterly property report, the Philippines’ biggest real estate brokerage and consultancy firm KMC Savills noted that Cebu remains to be an attractive location for businesses seeking prime talent in the Visayas. In 3Q/2021, improvements in the commercial real estate market were observed as landlords and tenants have had room to adjust amidst the two-year pandemic conditions.

Want to learn more about Cebu’s property market? Connect with us today. Reach out to Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com today!

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Workplace Wellness Trends for 2022

The global health crisis has significantly highlighted the importance of health and well-being in a community setting. While public health has been one of the priorities of the government, COVID-19 emphasized how it should be a core concern when it comes to urban development and economic recovery.

In 2022, more companies are looking for sustainable and resilient solutions to better protect and better equip their workforce physically and mentally. Beyond pandemic resilience, the new normal office puts the spotlight on workplace wellness and safety for employees and building tenants. Here are some workplace wellness trends to expect in 2022:

Reinforcing Work-Life Balance

Prolonged lockdowns have left companies in and outside the Philippines to offer more flexible work arrangements. Contrary to the typical 8-5 office setup, many have enjoyed spending more time at home through a remote work setup, enabling them to reinforce work and life balance. This trend is expected to continue next year, as many companies consider decentralizing their workforce and provide more flexible options for their employees.

A hybrid office model means a mix of office and work-from-home setup, allowing employees to do more things outside of work. A study in the US revealed that the pandemic has significantly improved their work-life balance. Out of 1,010 respondents, 83% said that they currently have a positive work-life balance because of more flexible work options.

Focus on Mental Health & Stress Management

The new normal presents an opportunity to provide a better work environment for employees and support their mental well-being. Many studies show that office spaces impact the mental health and cognitive function of employees, especially as they face more stress and anxiety while working. According to research, employees inside a confined space for extended periods of time can suffer from mental burnout, demotivation, and added stress.

In a study, a healthy workforce can improve output due to lower stress levels and employee absences. A more holistic approach is also encouraged by some experts. In the same report, the corporate wellness program can go beyond physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. Mental health is an aspect that is most often overlooked by employees and employers alike.

Primary Care Benefits

Employees expect a more comprehensive healthcare and protection benefits from their employees in 2022. As the majority realized the importance of putting their health first and at the top of their priorities, one of the emerging trends in the new normal is the inclusion of primary care to the employees’ benefits moving forward.

Healthier Workspaces

With more employees being health-conscious, a future-proof workplace successfully incorporates sustainability, sophistication, and safety in its design and layout. Premium office spaces provide an additional layer of protection to its tenants against the virus and other threats to their holistic health.

Structural and technological upgrades help boost confidence and peace of mind, enforce protocols, and track activity for tenants to feel safer and be inspired at work.

Premium green buildings and commercial developments, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, ensure that the workplace gives utmost importance to the health, safety, and holistic well-being of its tenants. With offices designed to integrate sustainability and sophistication, employees can enjoy green features that provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs.

READ MORE: Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

Want to learn more about how the workplace can support employee well-being? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547. For leasing inquiries and more information, send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.