Recent research from JLL has revealed four factors that will play a significant role in the future of the office.

“Current discussion on the influence of increasing working from home is too simplistic. This is not the straightforward equation it is often portrayed as; increased working from home does not directly equal less demand for office space,” said Marius Șcuta, Head of Tenant Representation and Office Agency JLL Romania.

Remote working will undoubtedly shape how we view the workforce, and for good reason. Remote workers are able to reap numerous benefits including no commutes and flexible work hours. However, many have limited space at home to truly get their best work done. In short, offering flexibility to work from home and in the office will be key in employee satisfaction.

Office design will also experience major changes as dense capacity will no longer be acceptable in the workplace. Physical distancing guidelines and strict cleaning regimens will become the norm, at least until a vaccine is available. 

Technology is essential during this time as it helps make working from home seamless, while also ensuring that employees are efficient as possible. Even in-office technology will be vital in the future as it can be used to support sustainability, efficiency and wellness initiatives.

Commuting patterns will also have a large impact on the future of the office. Cities that heavily rely on public transport will continue to be avoided for the time being, but companies are still expected to pivot towards central locations in urban centers in the long term.