With regulations loosening up around the U.S., employers are beginning to strategize returning to work and how to get workers back into the office. For California and the Inland Empire this has resulted in businesses and employees moving into new spaces, renovating existing spaces, and rethinking the functionality of their spaces. As a result, the commercial real estate market is experiencing growth that will only continue to increase as businesses continue to bring employees back.
After over a year of quarantine sparked by COVID-19, it may seem like work from home life is the new normal. While many individuals actually prefer the new virtual office set-up, a Monster.com survey shows that 69 percent of workers are struggling with burnout and anxiety. This number increased by 35 percent since May of 2020. Studies have shown that the average workday has increased 48 minutes, or 8 percent, as remote workers struggle to separate work and home life as efficiently.
Furthermore, research has shown that the increase in productivity early in the pandemic has since declined. With employees spending more time working and less time being productive, the psychological toll of working from home is abundantly apparent. Moreover, while some major companies, such as Google and Microsoft, have announced permanent or indefinite work from home, many businesses plan to bring employees back into the office when returning to work after COVID.
With these statistics in mind, companies are keen to move employees back into the workplace, providing new work environments, workspaces and new office buildings. The commercial real estate market is experiencing a spike in response to these new employer attitudes that is further spearing economic growth on the local and state levels.
As you move back into the office, whether it’s a new one or a newly organized one, here’s what you can expect when that day comes for you:
A slow trickle of employees returning to the office
With social distancing guidelines still in effect and the threat of COVID still alive, employers will be focusing on returning the most necessary employees to the office first. The employees who do return initially should expect to see fewer peers in the office. More workers are likely to be brought in based on COVID related data and trends in your area. Reverting to work from home is possible if the number of COVID cases increases or someone in the office discovers they have contracted it. Flexibility will be increasingly important as the pandemic wears on.
Some businesses may be looking to downsize as they allow a portion of their work force to continue remote work. For businesses that own their building, leasing the larger space while downsizing may be an option. Tenant demand will continue to rise as the pandemic ebbs and flows and employees are returning to work. Consider all options before making adjustments.
Social distancing and spacing within the office
The social distancing guidelines will likely affect the layout of workspaces within offices. Some businesses may opt to scatter employees in the office throughout the week, so no two employees are right next to each other. Other companies may opt to completely rearrange working spaces. Either way, it will be essential to remain patient if your workspace in the office changes to accommodate proper distancing. Masks indoors will also be enforced, and public break rooms may be regulated or closed altogether.
Expect new ways of working from home and in the office
Many companies have opted to invest in new software and programs to encourage greater efficiency in the office and work from home situations. After being away from the office so long, the time is ripe to revisit the standard operating procedures of pre-pandemic age and find ways to improve the processes. New automation may be a reality for your company, as well as further training and education for workers. There may be a learning curve when you go back into the office. Still, improved methods and processes will be beneficial for everyone’s success post-pandemic.
As employees are going back to work, the new environments and practices will be a challenge to adjust to after over a year of working from home. However, studies show that businesses are moving towards being more accommodating to employees and their needs both in and out of the workplace. These positive changes in employer attitudes will continue to have positive lasting effects on the residential and commercial markets in the Inland Empire encouraging economic growth and development.
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For questions on current market trends, contact Joe Stance at (909) 772-1212. Ready to move into a new space? View your options now.