Tenants are still reluctant to return to the office, with 60% of occupiers stating they will not return to the workplace until it feels safe, a new survey reveals.
Receiving information about the risks of returning to work and communication with their landlord are critical factors to aid their return to the workplace, the survey conducted by proptech company Equiem found.
The survey, which collected more than 4,500 responses from across the company’s US, UK, Irish and Australian portfolio, was conducted between April and May. It revealed 80% of occupiers wanted up-to-date information on Covid-19 cases within their office, as well as new safety and cleaning procedures from their landlord on their return to the office.
Nearly three quarters (72%) of office buildings had less than 10% occupancy, while 17% reported that occupancy levels were between 10-20%.
The majority of occupiers said returning to the office would pose a greater risk of infection, with just 22% saying the chances of Covid-19 spreading upon returning to the office would be low.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they expect to work from home at least once a week after restrictions are lifted, and 82% said they were just as or more productive working from home compared with in the office.
Equiem chief executive Gabrielle McMillan said: “The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown period has accelerated the evolution of the office. More occupiers will work from home after lockdown ends, therefore owners need to be even more proactive in understanding their needs and delivering solutions to address them.
“They will need to rebuild trust with occupiers, reposition the office as a safe and productive environment, while being able to communicate with tenants who are in the office and at home.”
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