The number of workers working from the office has bounced back to pre-Omicron levels, with Melbourne and Canberra recording their highest occupancy levels since June 2021.
The Property Council of Australia’s latest Office Occupancy survey shows a consistent lift in workers returning to the office in Australia’s CBDs, following the record low occupancy reported in January caused by Omicron and the holiday period.
The February survey revealed that Melbourne CBD and Canberra recorded the highest occupancy levels since June 2021, recording 15% and 21% respectively, whilst Sydney followed trend with 18% occupancy.
The strongest rebounds were seen in Brisbane where occupancy bounced back from 13% to 41%, whilst Adelaide also saw an increase from 11% in January to 47% in February.
Property Council Chief Executive Ken Morrison said the results were a pleasing starting point to kick off the year.
“Given occupancy really bottomed out in January because of the Omicron wave and holidays, it’s heartening to see such a significant turnaround just one month later,” Mr Morrison said.
“There is still a long way to go and there are local factors affecting each city, but these figures are a strong start which we expect to accelerate in March, as more businesses reopen their offices.”
“It’s important that governments, councils and businesses have a big focus on bringing our CBDs back to life,” he said.
Figures are based on responses from Property Council members who own or manage CBD office buildings and cover occupancy for the period from 22-28 February 2022.