As we enter a new year and a new phase in the pandemic, we at LPC are focusing on the theme of 'reset'.  For tenants and occupiers, it is an opportune time to focus on changing needs and resetting your property strategies. In this series of articles, we will explore the changing face of property across all sectors and how good property strategy can set your business up for the “new future”.  In this article we will look at how workplaces have - rapidly - evolved, and how they are likely to remain different from workplaces pre-2020.

“Without question, we have had to rapidly adapt to new ways of working, and designing spaces accordingly. We are having increasingly interesting strategic discussions with clients as to how they will work in the future.” - Rebecca Pelling: Director, Project Services LPC

The New Workplace

Probably the biggest impact the pandemic has had on how we work is that there is a broad acknowledgement that people CAN actually work remotely. For years many companies resisted this, but with no other choice have realised that employees can be as - or more - productive working from home. 
As workplaces reopen, many employees are wanting flexibility and balance - sometime in the workplace for those critical business and social interactions, and some time at home where they can balance their family life, work undisturbed and avoid long commutes. 
We’ve been having many conversations with clients about their changing workplace needs. Rebecca Pelling, who heads up our Project Services division, can identify a number of common areas of change in the “new normal” workplace.

Fewer Workstations

With lower occupancy rates and in-office rostering, there isn’t necessarily a need for a dedicated workspace for each employee. Agile work models are being adopted, reducing the number and density of workstations provided but giving over more space for collaboration activities or quiet concentrated work. Fewer, shared workspaces result in a smaller footprint, and lower fitout costs. 

More collaboration spaces

More and a variety of different collaboration settings are being provided. These can be large gathering spaces that will connect people both virtually and physically. Or smaller more accessible team spaces that are flexible with hackable furniture solutions that can be adapted for different uses.

App based desk reservation 

There has been an up-take in App based desk reservation systems to support Agile working. Particularly solutions that are integrated into the furniture, have occupancy sensors, wireless charging and can report on space utilisation. Daily cleaning and disinfection of ‘occupied’ workpoints can then be carried out before being returned into service on the App.

Touchless technology

To avoid viral transmission, we are seeing a large uptake of technologies and services that reduce surface contact. Things like automatic soap and towel dispensers, taps and touchless elevators are going to be the new norm. 

Meeting and collaboration tools

Modern meeting tools (such as the Microsoft Surface Hub 2S devices and suite of tools) can support remote and in office collaborative working - bring diversified teams together.

Antimicrobial finishes 

Antimicrobial finishes and materials are being specified. We’re seeing a move to replace carpet tiles with hard flooring such as laminate, polished concrete or wood which is easier to sanitise. Similarly materials once used for cubicles and workstations - such as fabric - are being replaced with non-porous and anti-microbial materials to reduce viral transmission. 

Smart heating and cooling systems

The need for better air purification and filtration is seeing a rise in the upgrade to better air conditioning systems which monitor air quality.

Aesthetic Design

Workplace design is now having to account for additional safety issues - not only in terms of spaces, materials and all we have explored above, but also in terms of Workplace Health and Safety communications (WHS). We are seeing recommend companies leverage their employee branding to create safety reminders and directional or social distancing signage which are creative, and aesthetically pleasing. The more permanent need for these elements means a move away from the floor and wall decals of the past, to elements incorporated into the fitout eg lighting, wooden arrows and e-signage.

Whether your workplace is small, or multi-story in a large tower, now is a good time to evaluate your tenancy, and to reset your accommodation strategy, your lease, and your workplace. “We are seeing an increase in clients looking to reset, refurbish, or relocate to different premises as their needs have changed. This has often resulted in financial benefits, but also a renewed energy in the organisations,” says Rebecca.

Why LPC?

At LPC, we partner with tenants and occupiers across Australia and New Zealand to optimise their office, industrial and retail property portfolios providing an integrated suite of services including transaction management, portfolio and lease management and project management.  We provide conflict-free advice and representation, meaning we have no ties with owner-developers or landlords. Tenants and occupiers interests remain at the core of what we do as we negotiate on your behalf and endeavour to rebalance the scales in a market which favours landlords.

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