How Office Location Impacts Recruiting and Employee Retention

Joanna Kurylo
May 23
3 min read

First impressions matter. So does the commute. Make both effortless at The Solarium in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent goes beyond offering great salaries and benefits. The physical location of your office plays a crucial role in shaping employee satisfaction, productivity, and company culture.

For businesses in the Madison and Milwaukee areas, understanding how location affects the employee experience can be the key to building a resilient, high-performing team.

🚗 Commute Convenience: Still a Top Priority

Long or stressful commutes can lead to burnout, lower morale, and higher turnover. A recent Gallup survey revealed that 89% of full-time on-site workers with remote-capable jobs prefer either a hybrid or fully remote work arrangement. This underscores the significant value employees place on reducing commute times and having the flexibility to work closer to home.

By choosing an office that’s easily accessible, you widen your talent pool and create a day-to-day experience that employees are more likely to stay for.

When an office is easy to get to—with minimal traffic, accessible routes, and close proximity to employees' homes—it's easier to attract applicants and reduce employee stress over time.

For companies near Madison or Milwaukee, this makes a location like Waterloo a strong contender. It’s far enough to feel like a change of pace but close enough to make the drive manageable.

🅿️ Free and Ample Parking = Less Stress

Free, easy parking might not make a splash on a job ad—but ask any employee running late or circling for a spot, and they’ll tell you that parking availability makes a big difference in the workday.

Offices that offer free and abundant parking eliminate the daily hunt for a spot, save time, reduce tardiness, and send a clear message: we value your time and energy before you even walk through the door. At The Solarium, free outdoor parking and underground garage access make it simple for staff, clients, and guests to get in and out without the extra friction.

☀️ Natural Light Boosts Energy + Mood

Natural light isn’t just a design feature. It's one of the most-requested elements in workplace design, and for good reason. According to Harvard Business Review, 78% of employees say natural light improves their well-being, and 70% report better performance when they have access to light and views.

Another survey from Cornell University found that spaces designed with sunlight and outdoor elements foster more energy, clarity, and satisfaction. That’s why our building’s architecture includes sun-drenched rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that keep the mood bright and productivity up.

🧘 Onsite Amenities That Support Employee Retention

Today’s employees are looking for workspaces that support life beyond the to-do list. Fitness centers, lounges, and communal cafés are spaces that promote well-being and create a stronger sense of community—helping teams reset, breathe, and connect.

According to CBRE, providing amenities like lounges, cafes, and fitness spaces is an investment that pays off in employee engagement and retention source. Gallup supports this too: their research on well-being includes physical and social environments as key elements of workplace satisfaction source.

At The Solarium, tenants have access to a fitness center, communal kitchen, private lounge spaces, and an onsite cafe that offer more than just convenience—they offer a moment to breathe and connect.

🪟 The Solarium: A Strategic Choice for Madison and Milwaukee Businesses

Located in Waterloo, Wisconsin, The Solarium offers an ideal blend of accessibility, comfort, and modern amenities: 📍 Waterloo, Wisconsin—just 30 minutes from Madison and under an hour from Milwaukee 🅿️ Ample free parking—easy for staff, clients, and guests ☀️ Architecturally designed for natural light—good vibes built in ☕ Onsite amenities—fitness, lounge, café, and more

At The Solarium, we’ve built a workspace that supports how people actually work today—so your team can stay focused, balanced, and inspired.

Ready to See It in Person?

Whether you're hosting an interview, onboarding new staff, or just showing your team you value their experience, office location makes a statement.

A smart, flexible, and thoughtful space signals that your company is ready to support your people and grow with them. And with turnover costs as high as 33% of an employee’s salary, every detail counts.

We’d love to show you how The Solarium in Waterloo, Wisconsin supports teams of all sizes. You can schedule a private tour here or just reach out to chat. 📞 (608) 600-0400 🌐 www.solariumwi.com