Of the changes and transformations that the pandemic will bring, theredefinition of work patterns will be some of the factors that will have the greatest impact on the organization of workspaces. Like the place or conditions in which we work. At the moment, it is difficult to anticipate how long remote work will continue. At the same time, it is difficult to know whether companies will establish this model as a generalized or limited commitment.
However, experts believe that companies are most likely to adopt new hybrid or flexible work models. Many of those employees who now work from home will return to the office once the health crisis is over or controlled. Companies will have to choose the option that best suits their needs. In this context, CBRE has prepared a report with eight "fundamental truths" to help and guide decision-makers in making the final decision. A study that is divided into four major areas (talent, location, occupation and design and experience) that will be key during 2021 and the years to come:
Talent: employees with greater autonomy
- Employees will demand greater autonomy that will drive new behaviors and change how and when they interact with spaces of all kinds. According to data collected by CBRE, only 28% of employees want to work 100% remotely. Most prefer to bet on a model that straddles the home and the office. This will mean less office utilization that will allow reinventing the role and functionality of physical spaces.
- Work policies and guidelines will have to be rethought to maintain a culture of responsibility, productivity, diversity and well-being. Financial obligations and employee commitment must be weighed when planning telework programs. In this vision, the unintended consequences of imposing remote work on employees who prefer a face-to-face model must also be assessed.
Location: this will change the criteria
- The concept of the decentralized office emerges as an effective tool to improve accessibility. Although CBRE points out that employees will continue to travel to offices located in urban centers, it will be advisable to create a network of satellite offices to continue maintaining the feeling of community the rest of the time.
- Migration to lower-cost markets with a high quality of life will continue to be a trend. Companies will rely less on an existing physical footprint to attract and retain talent. This will allow them to expand their placement strategies in secondary or tertiary markets with small groups of highly skilled professionals.
Occupation: the advantages of anticipating
- Companies that plan amid uncertainty can gain an advantage in today's real estate market. Evolving space utilization may require an optimization process, and demographic trends may trigger new location considerations. Identifying the appropriate steps in the short, medium and long term helps to take advantage of opportunities.
- Flexible solutions allow businesses to more easily adjust space usage. Given the current uncertainty, many companies are increasingly starting to bet on flexible office space as part of a strategy to optimize their long-term commitments and minimize the risk of having too much or too little space as the workforce fluctuates.
>Design and experience: focus on health, productivity and communication
- Rearranging spaces will maximize productivity, boost cross-team collaboration, and improve meeting efficiency. In this sense, the ABW (activity-based work) model will be the main line of action for companies, to the detriment of the distribution by areas or departments. This will help meet the needs of employees who are looking for greater flexibility and will contribute to the exchange of ideas and information as employees focus on their activities.
- Digitalization will create smarter, more efficient buildings and a more connected employee experience. Technology will be a key element in making operational adjustments, streamlining communication between building occupants, and addressing challenges such as energy efficiency. For this reason, CBRE experts say that the approach of a technology roadmap that takes employees into account is a key consideration.
