Due to the unexpected events that have occurred worldwide as a result of the pandemic, it is important to identify and analyze how the office market will behave. Therefore, at MTS Consulting, we have been studying the five key aspects influencing the future of offices:
Hybrid Work: Hybrid work has become a solid principle for companies worldwide as they balance the desire for people to return to the office with increased flexibility (3-2 or 4-1 models). Industries that are less likely to adopt hybrid work are those depending on specific space and on-site human resource needs, or sectors like healthcare that rely on continuous interaction with people.
The Office as a Key Element of Organizational Culture Most companies expect employees to work in the office, with expectations varying by region or country. In America and Europe, no corporation expects employees to go to the office five days a week; most anticipate employees attending at least 2 or 3 days a week. In contrast, in Asia-Pacific, employees are expected to choose remote work one or two days a month, spending most of their time in the office. Worldwide, SMEs plan to return to the office full time and are unlikely to favor an equal mix of in-office and virtual work.
Employee Attraction with Space Transformation: Companies are considering shared or rotating workspaces to increase utilization, accompanied by activity-based workplaces with wellness features and amenities (collaborative spaces). As companies approach returning to the office, they are contemplating how to transform their workplace, not only into an efficient environment but more importantly, into the best environment to enhance productivity, well-being, and overall employee engagement—what we at MTS call IDEAL SPACES.
Demand for High-Quality Buildings (MTS A+ Designation): Occupants now expect their office spaces to increase in size in the long term. Companies in technology, BPO, contact centers, media, and telecommunications are particularly optimistic, with over 60% expecting to expand. Overall, occupants continue to target high-quality properties in prime locations to meet employee expectations, with amenities or shared spaces of high specifications, or a greater number of square meters dedicated to these activities.
Increased Interest in Flexible Models: The trend among companies is towards analyzing and implementing the redesign of their offices, shifting towards flexibility, sustainability, teamwork, productivity, technology, and security.
The relationship between productivity and employee satisfaction has led companies to reevaluate their workplaces, transforming them into collaboration and employee integration spaces.
Personalized workstations are tending to disappear, leading us to separate workstations when going to the office, each with the necessary infrastructure.
The pandemic, among other things, has led us to improve our workspaces with more flexible models.
Ana María Mejía Ruiz – LATAM Consulting and Market Intelligence Manager MTS Consulting + Management
Gustavo de la Torre Muñoz – LATAM Real Estate Director
