Tenant experience platforms can bolster workplace culture, support a safe return to work and encourage a diversity of work styles, says Equiem’s regional head of Asia Pacific Jon Lesquereux.
Established in Melbourne in 2011, Equiem services over 175,000 people across 200 buildings in 4 countries with its market-leading commercial tenant experience technology.
Equiem surveyed more than 4,500 occupiers in April and May to gain insights into remote working, return to office expectations and safety concerns. More than 20 landlords and managing agents were also interviewed.
The survey found 82 per cent of people are productive at home, but 45 per cent miss interactions with colleagues.
Occupiers also said they were working at home with suboptimal setups. When asked what would most improve their working lives at home, they said:
- 56% better work setup
- 28% better wifi
- 25% better access to home health and wellness options
- 18% better access to work-from-home resources
- 12% increased interaction with colleagues via video chat.
Equiem’s survey also found 60 per cent of occupiers won’t return to office until they feel safe to do so.
Critical factors are information and communication. More than 80 per cent of occupiers expect up-to-date information on active in-building COVID-19 cases, new safety and cleaning procedures from their landlords or company, and 60 per cent expect current office density information.
Lesquereux says tenant experience platforms have become important channels to acquire information for occupiers.
“Seventy per cent of occupiers believe COVID-19 related updates on their Equiem platform have been highly valuable,” he explains.
Looking ahead, 65 per cent of occupiers expect to work from home once a week or more once restrictions are lifted, compared to the 28 per cent who were doing so before.
But there are also people on polar extremes: 11 per cent who expect to work from home “never or not often” and just under 10 per cent who hope to work “mostly remotely”.
“This suggests landlords and tenants will need to rethink their workplace strategies,” Lesquereux explains.
“This will require sophisticated engagement tools to support a diversity of work styles, and a suite of health and wellbeing tools, within the one cohesive workplace culture.
“It will be a real challenge to meet everyone’s needs – but a challenge that can be met with the right tools and technology,” Lesquereux concludes.
Download Equiem’s 2020 Global Office Tenant Report and learn more about how Equiem Return to Work can help you support your tenant community as it adapts to the ‘new normal’.