The coronavirus outbreak is transforming the business world. On top of affecting the economy, businesses are searching for ways to adapt to a new way of life. In an attempt to keep business going, owners learned new ways of conducting their work online. But as many state governments begin looking for the best ways of transitioning out of quarantine, what will that mean for office work?
For many blue-collar workers, there is no way of getting around their routine. For example, employees working in restaurants, retail, distribution, and manufacturing, you need a physical space to perform your work. New procedures are being put in place like physical distancing from other people, mask and glove protocols, and more. Those who participated in traditional office work or white-collar employees will most likely face a “new normal.”
Let’s look at a few questions that many people are asking as we look to adjust working life in this new age.
How will traditional office work change post-corona?
For the past few months, businesses adapted their working platforms to conform to government mandates, which limited the industries allowed to continue and those who couldn’t. What the outbreak of COVID-19 and its resulting events proved was that commercial businesses could adapt and improve.
During the worst months of the pandemic, many business owners found ways of implementing new practices that would allow them to continue using digital formats. Now, as restrictions scale back, many employees are looking for ways to take what they learned from the experience and improve the former working structure.
For example, many businesses noticed a boost in productivity and creativity among their employees when allowed flexible working schedules and improved free-flow station work. While you will need to limit work station interactions for a while, you can ask your team for any takeaways they learned during the past few months.
In-office work should be a team effort. You can learn what pre-Corona practices unintentionally hurt your ROI and which you can change. Having open communication will allow for creative solutions to come from the unfortunate events of the last few months.
While it isn’t clear where most businesses will fall once governments lift restrictions, the coronavirus crisis proved that companies should stay connected, integrated, and collaborative. Your employees will appreciate your efforts to restructure and update any systems for their benefit.
How will commercial spaces physically adapt?
No matter how many businesses choose to WFH or work remotely, there will always be a need for commercial office space. Whether it is retail, manufacturing, warehouse, or office space, commercial buildings will need to adjust. You can expect that many workplaces will roll out new sanitation procedures.
Some sanitation protocols that could occur, include:
- Employees and visitors wear masks and gloves
- Routine sanitation of desks and other spaces
- Using antimicrobial materials and UV cleaning systems
- Installing automated sensors on doors, faucets, light switches, etc.
- Monitoring temperatures
- Directing foot traffic
- Installing new air filtration systems
One factor that will play a significant role in office work post-quarantine is spatial requirements. You can expect that the layout of your office will need to change. Companies will need to increase the amount of space between desks. However, open office spaces might have a difficult time maintaining social distancing as most employees flow from one desk to another. Businesses will need to find a solution that works well for their team, which could mean looking for a new office with increased square footage.
Along with changing the physical space, businesses will most likely take a closer look at employee health and wellness, which might include offering health service benefits. For example, a possible change that could make its way into traditional office buildings is including dedicated spaces for on-site health services or telemedicine.
What does this mean for commercial real estate?
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, commercial real estate in Utah was in high demand. The demand for Commercial real estate was bursting at the seams with many start-ups and conglomerates looking to set up shop. While it’s hard to know what will change when the dust of the epidemic settles, you can expect that commercial real estate will remain steady.
Some businesses will look for new office space that meets their needs. Other companies will expand their building offerings to better engage with employees. No matter what, many businesses will still need a dedicated office space. For example, increased demand for multi-purpose spaces could make headway.
Newer office models will provide employees the flexibility they want, but also give employees the physical space they need when they come into the office. Multi-purpose office space will allow for greater flexibility and let employers continually adapt to the new working environment. If workers elect to work from home more often, they can also use the multi-purpose space for meetings and other gatherings.
No matter what happens, Woodley Real Estate is here to help you meet your business’s demands. Our team members help companies across Utah, large and small, with their commercial lease and purchase negotiations.
Our comprehensive Utah commercial real estate services will provide you with the help you need to adjust your business to meet the demands of your clientele. Trust us to take care of the details of your commercial real estate needs.
Contact Woodley Real Estate today to learn more.
