PHOTO
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a workplace that focuses on well being, flexibility and the adoption of present and future technologies, according to a report from global real-estate consultancy firm CBRE.
Titled “Workplace Trends: Today and in a Post COVID-19 World”, the report predicts that future workplace will be a more dynamic, fluid and digitized environment. It lists the workplace trends that impact commercial spaces and choices for developers and occupiers:
A tech-enabled future
Many employees around the world had to work from home during the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, an easily accessible virtual environment has replaced the physical environment.
By 2030 nearly all employees will be mobile and will require a network of locations to make them as productive and engaged as possible.
The work environment
For companies to retain valuable talent, a flexible work environment is a key driver. The ability to work from home or from different venues helps companies to remain flexible and agile in the wake of a changing environment.
Brought on by the pandemic, offices will be adopting newer technologies to reduce common touch points.
Important building characteristics
The need for physical space will be ever present, according to CBRE.
The internal characteristics of buildings are increasingly important, as tenants look for highly serviced, amenity-rich spaces that are also enabled with technological functions that either increase efficiency or enhance the environment.
Branded experience
Local occupiers are designing their offices to be more in line with their organization's brand and values.
Branded experiences can combine architectural elements as well as digital branding to reflect the building’s tenants and the wider community.
Work/life integration
CBRE sees workplaces including additional elements to facilitate a better work-life balance and help increase productivity.
New residential developments are creating entire common spaces devoted to co-working while others are designating alcoves within apartments to be used as an office space.
However, despite the disruption from COVID-19, for many, home is for relaxation and family and not a permanent place to conduct their everyday work.
Remote working
Remote working could become the new normal for many employees.
In offices where layout prevents proper distancing, there may be rotating shifts of remote work, to keep office density to a minimum.
Maximization of space
The flexibility of employees is important. With their ability to work from different venues or from home, an office can be temporarily transformed if need be.
Previous trends of firms looking to decrease office space may see the opposite trend taking hold due to the need for increased space between employees’ workspaces and within meeting rooms.
(Reporting by Gerard Aoun, editing by Seban Scaria)
#COVID-19 #Workplace #Jobs #WFH #UAE
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Read our full disclaimer policy here.
© ZAWYA 2020
