Colliers Study on impact of COVID-19 on Workspace

Interesting survey results that 75% of office workers have occasionally worked from home but now with shelter in place almost everyone working full-time from home. 54% report no change in productivity, while 24% reported an increase in productivity. The home environments least effective are those with children and those with roommates. The kitchen is one of the least productive rooms to work. 70% of those who hadn’t worked from home prior to COVID-19 would like to work 1-2 days a week after COVID-19. The least effective business types for working from home are retail and legal. 62% of those surveyed reports better work/life balance since working from home. 88% of managers’ report they are able to manage virtually.

Space densities for when we go back to the office vary. There may be staggering with a portion of the workforce rotating to the office so the density is 50%. High risk and those who prefer to work from home may stay at home. Returners should be prioritized and planned. Some companies may lease cheaper suburban office space to spread their workers out and reduce usage of public transportation.