Wellness in the workplace has become vital for landlords and operators looking to attract tenants and top talent. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, occupiers are taking extra measures to ensure their spaces are as clean as possible.

Many workplaces have stepped up sanitization protocols, while others are taking it even further by implementing body temperature measuring equipment.

While many workers have had to move their everyday jobs to their homes, CBRE believes the viral outbreak will drive workplace wellness, which could lead to stronger demand for properties that have such amenities.

In order to maintain healthy hygienic levels, some workspaces are encouraging staff to work from home, advising employees to take meals and breaks at staggered intervals, promoting teleconferencing and video calls and keeping employees who have recently traveled to impacted areas from coming into the space.

While Activity-Based Workplaces have been one of the topics of health concerns in the workplace, studies have found no evidence that health risks are higher in ABW workplaces. 

CBRE believes that increased concerns over health and hygiene will permanently impact workplace features moving forward. For example, companies will be more likely to experiment with flexible and remote working options after seeing the potential benefits of this work arrangement.