Occupancy Index - November 1st

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Notes from Tenant Interviews

While the return to the office remains a voluntary personal decision the fear of increased COVID cases in the region is restraining the growing pressure to return. The efforts companies and landlords have gone to create the best possible environment has been extensive. While evidence mounts that remote work fatigue and COVID fatigue are building it has yet to emerge in the data.

Companies are beginning to consider significant investment in reconfiguring the office premises with an eye to potentially more permanent change. Few believe that office densities of 60 sq ft per person will prevail and may be replaced by new layouts which work for collaborative, creative and communal activity.

Projecting a date when things will return to normal is no longer a matter of conversation. Expectations in the Spring, early July and mid September that people will return to the office simply did not materialize. Few are projecting a fixed date in the future. The future return to the office will likely be staged over time as companies respond to employee needs.

Links to Articles of Interest

Click to Read - England’s second largest city is enduring a second lockdown. This article explains how damage to the economic ecosystem will drive a K-shaped recovery

Click to Read - Employers keen to get their workers back in the office can face legal hurdles

Click to Read - PwC, one of England’s largest employers, commits to retaining all office space

Click to Watch - This short web video that illustrates the importance of equitable public transit during COVID to serve essential workers