A growing number of organisations plan to lease more space globally in the coming months, according to research from MRI Software and CoreNet Global.
The findings, based on responses from more than 1,300 real estate occupiers globally, contrast significantly with those of three previous surveys conducted by the companies in 2021 and 2022.
This year, 42% of respondents reported that they plan to lease more space, compared with under 10% in December 2022, 11% in August 2021 and 9% in March 2021.
At the same time, most respondents in the latest survey reported limited seating capacity for their workforce. Researchers said this indicated a focus on improved common spaces and on-site amenities to attract employees back to the office.
In some cases, employees have little choice about where and when they work. The survey showed that many employers are formalising their policies for work arrangements, with Mondays and Fridays “re-entering” the standard on-site working week.
Meanwhile, 30% of organisations are offering a choice of environments, and remote working continues to increase. Two-thirds of respondents expect no more than 50% of their workforce to be on-site by the end of 2024.
Brian Zrimsek, industry principal at MRI Software, said: “Many organisations are discovering that creative use of space and appealing work environments can be employee perks.”
He added: “Overall, the findings are positive for the office real estate market. Commercial landlords and leasing agents can take comfort in the anticipated expansions of space. But it is also clear that attitudes and policies are continuing to shift, and the labour market will influence the extent to which employers will allow flexibility or improve their office environments.”
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