COVID-19 has transformed how and where we operate in just a few months, requiring innovative and adaptable methods of working. As we begin to adjust to our new normal, we look at the short- and long-term trends and changes that will influence the type of office fit out Dubai we will see in a post-pandemic world, as well as the opportunities they will provide.
The worldwide epidemic has highlighted the fragility of many of our systems, resulting in a high degree of uncertainty and the possibility of significant change. The commercial property sector has not been immune to the accelerated effects of COVID-19, and the Foresight team, in collaboration with our global property team, has set out to define what the new normal for commercial property will look like post-COVID-19.
The epidemic has raised several issues for commercial property owners, developers, and renters alike: what role does the workplace play? It is to be expected that some of the current developments will be transient, while others may have long-term consequences.
The coronavirus has also harmed businesses
What changes has it brought about, and how long will they last? Here are eight significant shifts that have happened in working life throughout the world.
- Digital transformation is accelerating
There is a growing variety of platforms that make up what we might call the "workplace" or the environment in which we perform our work, from the real world to virtual spaces. As our society grows increasingly interconnected through digital and physical platforms, the number of platforms for performing professional duties has grown significantly. The COVID-19 epidemic has only increased the demand for remote technologies that support virtual environments. Many people see the circumstances during COVID-19 lockdowns as proof that remote working can be successful, furthering digital transformation trends. The staff has had to swiftly upskill on a range of digital platforms, and this new fluency will most certainly affect our working methods and physical workplaces in the future.
This aspect will inevitably impact the function of present physical working settings, as well as the desire for technology advancements that can assist us in tracking and managing resources while lowering capital and operating expenses.
- Use of remote working
During the epidemic, millions of people all around the world started working from home. Remote employment is already becoming more popular across the world.
Remote working may take several forms, including having all employees work from home, having a percentage of employees work from home, or having employees work from home on specified days, creating a mix of continuing to work in the office and at home.
The difficulty of travelling to and from work once the COVID-19 outbreak has passed will most certainly impact how frequently individuals go to work. Others who can walk or cycle to work may still contemplate working from central workplaces, while those who have long routes or commutes that require public transit may become acclimated to working from home or a nearby office location.
- New Ideas for the Office's Purpose
Previously, the office space was focused on shared infrastructure: copiers and files, followed by computers, printers, and network connections. With cloud storage and the transition to paperless workspaces, the office is becoming known as a location to develop social relationships, create corporate culture, host customers, and attract talent.
- A re-evaluation of office space
When half of a company's workers work from home on any given day, renters may not want to pay for an office with empty desks. This may lead to a decline in individual office spaces, causing organisations to reassess their office design in the long run and migrate away from allotted places for employees.
Companies may be unable to justify the expense of square footage depending on the sort of labour that employees must undertake as well as the high cost of rent in big cities. Aside from being a tool for attracting and retaining people, working from home may be a method for saving money while lowering the cost of real estate.
- Virtual collaboration is on the rise
Organisations may now collaborate digitally because of the advancement of ubiquitous technology. Mobile devices have the same amount of memory and computational capacity as desktop computers, allowing us to work away from our desks. Staff, particularly those of younger generations, have enhanced their proficiency using virtual and platform-based collaboration technologies. Mobile virtual desktops, for example, might eventually replace heavy laptops and PCs, allowing for more mobility both inside and outside the office.
- Office Space Optimization
The pandemic also provides a chance to expedite the use of smart building technologies, which will guarantee that workplaces are structured to prevent the spread of disease through the air. Building operating systems, smart components, and sensors have advanced to the point where spaces may be very adaptable and flexible. These can also aid in optimising space use, workstation allocation, and physical separation.
Touch-free technology in offices will become more significant post-pandemic, and it may be used in elevators, security access points, and other areas. Some buildings may install health screening systems at their security gates during outbreaks. This may be seen in the increased usage of sensors and voice recognition. Adoption of touchless technology can not only help to reduce disease transmission, but can also be combined with technologies that help with space consumption tracking, optimization, and maintenance.
COVID-19 has had an unparalleled influence on the globe, influencing public health, the global economy, and, increasingly, the way individuals behave and engage with one another and with corporations. The rest of the world has served as a source of progress when it comes to office fit out solutions in Dubai – bringing concepts such as product and service workplaces and significant factors behind the current development.
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