Despite the fact that the return to normality has allowed economic activities to be reactivated, companies are expected to continue reducing the size or changing the location of their Offices during 2023; In addition, many others will focus their efforts on adapting their existing spaces to reduce density.
According to the real estate services firm Newmark, the establishment of a hybrid work model in many sectors is the reference trend in the corporate buildings most far-reaching in the last two years and possibly one that will last over time.
A survey carried out by the Office for National Statistics in the United Kingdom in 2021 recorded that up to 85% of the workforce opt for flexible work, which consists of going to the office some days and working remotely on others.
In this sense, María Valdez, director of sales and administration of the Newmark Facilities Maintenance division, stressed that companies will strive to create spaces that attract employees back to the corporate buildings and, at least in the short term, facilitate physical distancing and ensure a safe environment.
“Once again, this should prompt a new approach by designers to tailor design and optimize spaces with employees in mind. Companies need to place a greater emphasis on quality over square footage,” stated the specialist.
How much does it cost to set up an office?
Given this scenario and in the midst of a period of high levels of inflation, the cost of conditioning is a decisive factor in the strategies of the owners and tenants of the Offices.
A Newmark study revealed that the cost of optimizing a corporate space in Mexico It can go from 807 dollars per square meter, the most economical, up to 2,100 dollars, in Offices premium class.
These figures consider the following aspects:
- Payment of professional fees.
- Construction.
- Accessories and furniture.
- Technology equipment, such as servers, PCs and monitors.
However, Juan Zabala, director of the division of Corporate Services Project Management Globales de Newmark, highlighted that, due to the high inflation rates in the main construction supplies (steel, concrete, precast, copper, among others), it is advisable to compare prices with the most recent market values.
Secondary effect
One of the variants that could arise so that owners and tenants of the office buildings face the costs of conditioning, it is the subletting.
“In order to reduce costs, they will look to sublet what is now excess space, essentially subdividing what they need from what they don’t, putting the latter on the market,” Zabala said.
If this happens, the specialist added, an increase in demand for renovation services will inevitably begin to optimize existing space or the smaller space that companies have just moved into.
design trends
According to experts, current trends in the office design they focus on safety and comfort, but also on other elements such as colour, textures and sustainability.
In addition, Valdez reported that adding elements such as natural lighting or vegetation in the corporate environments They are not only part of the comforting and homely inclinations of the market, but also provide numerous benefits for the health of the collaborators.
Depending on the type of vegetation you choose, the benefits of adding plant life can also include:
- Productivity increase.
- Improved air quality and oxygen flow.
- Reduction of toxins in the air, carpets and other office furniture.
- Noise reduction.
“From design aesthetics like acoustics and greenery, to an increased focus on safe and secure workspaces, designers and companies are always looking for ways to maintain a healthy and happy work environment while improving productivity. “said the specialist.
