The Covid pandemic altered the idea of the modern workplace drastically and unexpectedly. Unprecedented times led to a completely new definition of the word ‘workplace’. People who never considered working from home were thrust into doing just that, and adjustments had to be made. Dens, kitchen tables, walk in closets and basements became home offices. It wasn’t always ideal, but we sure figured it out.
Then a shift occurred, and people realized that they actually enjoyed working from home…No dealing with traffic jams during the rush hour commute. We could enjoy a few more minutes in bed because we didn’t have to drive into work. We saved money on gas and by not buying $4 coffees, every day. And the ‘work-up-top’, ‘pajamas-down-below’ attire that many were able to pull off while working from home was also a big plus. People were saving time and money, and they were more comfortable. Productivity increased and job satisfaction was higher. It was an unexpected plus to an unfortunate situation.
Then came the vaccine, a booster, and the kids returned to school. Offices that had been remote for over a year began to open back up. But then the second ‘ah hah’ moment came because people realized that they weren’t thrilled with the idea of returning to the office. We had become comfortable working from home, saving money with less hustle and bustle. We wanted the flexibility to continue this much more laid-back lifestyle, with less stress, and more personal time.
Many employers are offering flex schedules that include a set number of in-office hours per week along with the option to work from home or remotely. Some employers still offer fully remote options for certain positions. Others have mandated that all employees return to the office full-time.
The challenge for building owners and property managers has been how to solve for the abundance of office space that may not get leased, or which is not being paid for. This includes challenges with tenant delinquencies, inability to pay operating costs and even foreclosures. Thinking creatively and being flexible with tenants, can help. Collaboration will be key. Finding new ways to utilize space, create demand for alternative space and repurpose common areas to create the kind of atmosphere that a flexible workforce wants will be key.
More than ever employers and landlords have to work together to listen to what the modern ‘post pandemic’ workforce wants. It may not be ping pong tables and work out facilities. It may be the ability to come in, plug in anywhere, use a conference room for a team meeting, eat a quick lunch and get back on the road to work from home in the afternoon to meet your kids.
For property managers this also means that we must work that much harder to showcase the value of our property. Make it as enticing and comfortable as possible, while still serving the primary function as an ideal office space. As always, the special sauce will be in client relations and tenant satisfaction. Its up to us to determine what that means by listening and inquiring! We need a new road map but to the same destination.