Back to the office (?)

The autumn of 2021 was all about reunions – both in the real estate industry and in other branches of the economy. Trade fairs and conferences reported good attendance, although visitor numbers were somewhat lower than before the pandemic. This did not make the debate any less lively, particularly since the organisers of these events are getting better all the time at bringing the analogue and digital worlds together in hybrid formats. Even though people are increasingly reverting to working from home and in virtual spaces as winter approaches, there is still considerable discussion about returning to the office. Recent studies of all kinds testify to this. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the voices which prophesied the doom of the office workplace, particularly at the beginning of the pandemic, are now fading away. The predicted reductions in office space, some of which were quite drastic, appear to be off the table. So will everything soon be back to what it was before the pandemic? Very unlikely.

Changes in office culture

As always, a differentiated view is required. This is also evident from the numerous studies that to some extent paint very different pictures of the future of office work. A study titled “The Evolution of the Workplace,” which surveyed more than 7,000 employees across Europe and the Middle East, found for example that 34 percent of respondents would be happy to return to the office so that they can escape the noise levels at home and work in peace. At the same time – and this may by all means seem somewhat contradictory – 42 percent dread the noise they may be exposed to when colleagues at neighbouring desks are using the phone or holding other conversations. The fact that 56 percent fear for their productivity in these circumstances can by all means be interpreted as a nod to the advantages of the home office.

In contrast, the majority of those surveyed are in no doubt that office culture has changed. 64 percent of respondents agreed with this statement. One of the examples mentioned is the office dress code. This is becoming more casual – some people are even saying that the suit’s days are numbered. Changes are also evident in the way that IT is used. While staff readily accepted the technical equipment handed out by IT departments before the pandemic, they now want to have a say in the equipment they are to use for the time being and in the future, for example by choosing the tools most suited to their requirements.

New expectations

According to a study titled “The Future of Work,” most employees want more flexibility and freedom to structure their work, particularly their working hours. In the wake of the pandemic, 58 percent of respondents say that they now attach more importance to determining their own hours of work. 40 percent would like to see their employers offer more flexible working hours. This study is based on a survey of more than 6,000 office workers in small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe, primarily younger employees aged between 21 and 30.

However, young people in particular do not want to dispense with office life altogether. 56 percent found that the opportunity to meet colleagues in person has become more important. One key argument is that this enables people to learn from one another, particularly in mixed age groups. Moreover, 61 percent found it difficult to stay abreast of events in the company when working from home.

Focus on technology

However, the return to the office also comes with strings attached. Technology in particular could tip the scales. If office conditions are not made more attractive than those at home, for example by offering a powerful internet connection or conference tools, almost one-third of respondents could see this as a reason not to return to the office. 65 percent hope that employers will provide a wider range of technology (and training opportunities) – another figure that is higher than before the pandemic. 

These results yield important insights for employers and landlords: they have to offer office users something that will lure them back to the office. Technology has an important part to play in this respect. Ideally, this should help satisfy another key requirement: bringing teams together and the ability to organise this individually. This is precisely the need that our digital ecosystem Run this place will meet in the future: users can already plan their next day in the office from the comfort of their own homes – from reserving parking spaces to booking conference rooms, from organising team brainstorming sessions to arranging lunch with colleagues or socialising after work. This enables them to get the best out of their working day – whether by focusing on cooperation in the office or by concentrating on their work at home.