What is happening with the return to offices in recent months? This has been the most recurring question posed by companies, as there has been a noticeable increase in people returning to offices, although not entirely or permanently. Is it a good time for this return, or will we have to wait a bit longer? Some organizations are currently opting to conduct pilot tests of alternation, ensuring distancing and biosecurity measures that are still in place in Colombia.

As the infection rates decrease, vaccination rates increase, and mobility restrictions from government entities ease, organizations are making decisions to return to in-person work. However, after more than a year of remote work, it is also necessary to reevaluate the conditions and workspaces available.

According to a new study conducted by our company, MTS Consulting, surveying 40 properties and 688 occupying companies in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, only 1.3% of respondents indicated that employees are still 100% working remotely, with 98.7% adopting a hybrid work model. Among those in the hybrid model, 2.2% attend the office one day a week and work from home the rest of the days, 5.2% two days, 15.6% three days a week, and 75.5% 4 or 5 days a week in the office.

Thanks to this alternation, there has been an increase in requests for the updating and renewal of hardware, network infrastructure, and servers by organizations. These efforts provide connection and technology services with high security and quality, ensuring that efficiency in the work performed is not affected by changes in the workplace. Additionally, applications for desk assignments or reservations of meeting and boardrooms have started to be customized for each company. This facilitates access to offices with the appropriate capacity and allows management to monitor who attends and the time spent in the offices.

Consistent with the above, there is a particularly important aspect that every company must consider in this return, and that is the workspace, which must comply with protocols and, at the same time, foster a collaborative environment. The following parameters can serve as an initial guide for this:

• If a new space is needed to return to in-person work, regardless of the mode, an estimate should be made of the number of people who will be working, the number of fixed workstations, meeting rooms, or boardrooms needed, as well as the suitable location for comfortable and safe work.
• If retaining the current area, find ways to make that space open and conducive to the well-being of all employees.
• Take advantage of natural light and ventilation, add plants, and rearrange workstations to provide adequate distancing while allowing interaction among employees.
• Optimize furniture and create rest areas and common recreational areas where free time can be used. Collaborative spaces will be very useful for the return.
• Returning to the office does not mean neglecting biosecurity protocols; therefore, maintaining them should remain a priority.
• In the case of continuing with a hybrid model, adapting the home workspace should be considered to prevent injuries and occupational diseases in the future.
• Creating a good work environment and talent retention will be the key to a smooth return. Human Resources departments should reconsider their retention strategies in response to the increasing demand for flexibility.

Flexibility takes center stage in the return. Adapting spaces can pose a significant challenge for any organization, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how important employees and their retention are. This way, the transition will be more pleasant for everyone.

Ana María Mejía Ruiz – LATAM Consulting and Market Intelligence Manager MTS Consulting + Management

Gustavo de la Torre Muñoz – LATAM Real Estate Director