How the Pandemic Changes Workplace Drivers – Report from CoreNet Global Hackathon

The drop in workplace use driven by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a universal inquiry into the future of the office. As one of several contributions to this conversation[1], FM:Systems recently sponsored the work of CoreNet Global Hackathon Group 6 on the theme of “Space Utilization and Metrics,” whose findings are available online[2].  I was privileged to lead this Group[3], which explored a range of sub-topics, such as changes in workplace drivers, the new the role of office space, and tactical measures that can be implemented now to make offices safer. We agreed early in discussions on two things: (a) that we will live in a permanent pandemic world (whether or not there is either a vaccine or cure for COVID-19) because this pandemic will return and there will be other pandemics in the future; and, (b) that the drivers for the workplace have fundamentally changed. Our findings are summarized in this chart.

Hackathon Group 6: Changes in Workplace Drivers

We observed that until now, the focus has been on employees working in the office and a 100% work from home model had not yet been tested. The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly changed that, and launched one of the largest social experiments in work ever, one that we will be studying for years to come. Office space KPIs pre-pandemic were focused on area per desk (equated to space per person in 1:1 settings) and a progress towards a general reduction in space per desk, which has translated to lower CAPEX and OPEX. With a phased return to the office, the focus will be on creating engaging workspaces featuring flexible work environments and rich amenities that employees need and want to come in for. The greater focus on employees will result in more CRE and FM KPI's becoming human-centric, prioritizing people over place.

Join us June 10th for our upcoming webcast “Understanding COVID's Impact on Your Organizations' Space Utilization & Metrics” where we will dive deeper into key space utilization forecasts and metric recommendations that will help you re-enter your workplace and deliver data driven insights to drive decisions in this new "normal." Register Now >

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[1] FM:Systems has compiled a resource page https://fmsystems.com/our-resources/covid-19-coronavirus/ dedicated to helping facility managers during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. It includes our Safe Space Playbook, blogs, e-books, webcasts, and additional helpful resources.

[2] https://corenetglobal.wistia.com/medias/nf1299kye3

[3] Group Six consisted of: Jason Calloway and Jason Deane of CORT, Kristi Fischer of CDM Smith, Michael Gresty of FM:Systems, Laurie Hodges of Western Office, Katya Kovbasa of Hereva Consultants, Jeffery Lang of Schimenti, Lawrence Lander of PDR Corporation, Jeff Macfarlan of SS&C Technologies, and Janet Pogue McLaurin of Gensler.