Turner, Tishman Speyer provide free amenities services for construction workers at $3B Hudson Yards jobsite

Construction workers on The Spiral — a $3 billion high-rise project in Manhattan's Hudson Yards — might have the best jobs in the industry right now. They're receiving haircuts and shaves, lunch, a massage at the end of the day and much more, all courtesy of developer Tishman Speyer and general contractor Turner Construction Co.

Tishman Speyer launched the amenity app ZO. in 2017 in order to help its corporate tenants achieve a healthy work-life balance. First rolled out at its Rockefeller Center property in New York City, ZO. is now available at 37 of the company's locations in Europe and the United States. However, according to the developer, this is the first time such an amenity package has been offered to a construction workforce anywhere.

"We believe our health and wellness amenities should be available to everyone who works in our buildings and that includes those that build our buildings," Tishman Speyer CEO Rob Speyer said in a statement. "It’s a natural extension of the program to now offer it to our construction workers.”

The complimentary service is a big hit with workers and has boosted morale and enhanced safety measures, according to Christopher McFadden, vice president of communications at Turner. "Workplace safety becomes a way of life when workers are treated with respect and are provided amenities similar to those available to office workers by caring owners."

The philosophy at play here, according to Tishman Speyer, is that "an employee who feels better is more productive."

And what else can workers at The Spiral expect? They can use the ZO. app to schedule:

Personalized online video fitness and well-being classes, which workers and their families are also available to stream at home.
Ergonomics coaching.
Stretch & Flex: Morning warmups.
Wellness services.
An onsite medic who is able to provide acute medical care, as well as drug and alcohol screenings.
Blood sugar checks.
Blood pressure checks.
BMI screenings.
Nutrition consultations.
Access to online project orientation for contractors.
Safety information and resources.
Smoking cessation services.

This year, workers will also be able to take advantage of a new break room; additional wellness services like healthy eating demonstrations; a computer and printer area; private phone booths; and additional food options. Those working in Tishman Speyer's ZO.-equipped buildings also have access to extra services like social and interest group meetups; backup child care; dry cleaning pickup and delivery; personal styling; and catering.

In July 2018, Turner started construction on the Bjarke Engels Group-designed tower, which will feature landscaped terraces winding their way around the building's exterior. Tishman Speyer announced in April 2018 that, under a 20-year contract, Pfizer will lease 800,000 square feet of the 2.85 million available square feet in the high-rise, taking floors seven through 21 under a 20-year lease, which means that there likely will be plenty of new paying customers using ZO. when the building opens in 2021.

At least for now, though, it's all about making the construction crews happy. During the course of the project, Turner and Tishman Speyer expect to offer ZO. services to more than 10,000 trade workers, with plans in the works for Tishman Speyer to make ZO. available at other projects.