As offices are now gearing back up to reopen, it's clear that the workplace we once knew has evolved.
Over the past year, COVID-19 has changed our attitude and relationship with how people work and see the workplace. Some of these changes were anticipated, such as the growth of remote working, the proliferation of technology use at work, the decentralisation of some operations, as well as employees' need for flexibility. What was not anticipated is the pace of those changes. As offices are now gearing back up to reopen, it's clear that the workplace we once knew has evolved.
This shift has put a certain pressure on building owners as they need to reassess their assets to remain relevant. The occupation of a building, how it is being used, what space is being created, and the measures needed are changing rapidly. The move into "Tenant experience" and ensuring they stay engaged and comfortable is now at the front of most minds. It is no longer just the domain of an 'occupier' but also that of a landlord.
The physical design of space has already encouraged some changes such as:
- Check-in/Check-out facilities through facial recognition, thumbprints, RFID and access cards;
- Touchless equipment such as turnstiles, lifts, doors and bathroom facilities;
- Rotating office stations to ensure micro-droplets are not spread easily;
- Physical screens (beyond plastic) create barriers – those such as plants or bio-walls;
- 'Personal' and movable storage options for individuals;
- Purposeful technology from air filters, purifiers, self-cleaning stations and robotics;
- Culture-hubs – repurposing satellite real estate to allow for reduced commuting. Town-hall concepts for major space occupiers mean that careful portfolio management is required by landlords so they can enhance a tenant's experience across multiple assets.
The Office is here to stay, and this is only a shift in the real estate requirements. Perhaps not as we have known in the past, but commercial space is an essential part of who and what we are and how we progress and grow.
There is a clear need for more innovation and creative thinking around this space. The role of the asset manager should be able to facilitate and create plans to best protect the real estate they manage. We need a holistic approach to managing an asset and consider every single aspect from placemaking to tenant selection criteria.
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