ULI Europe Office & Mixed-Use Product Council Day 2: Post COVID-19: Technology and the Future of Office Space

We have debated before whether working practices and technology are pushing us relentlessly towards flexible/home-working, but now there is a brand new and powerful consideration that none of us can control. Part 2 of this series will focus on the following;

• Is this the ‘death-knell’ for office-based employment?
• Have we not just proven that we can all work successfully from remote locations? Or is there a need for community and face-to-face communication?
• Importance of social aspects – lunch with colleagues, or that after-work beer?
• Will the demand for flex offices increase or will occupiers be put off by mingling with unknown third parties?
• Would remote working change the nature of business relationships, and the concept of colleagues?
• If we decide we need a base, can it be smaller (less costly) or does it need to be able to accommodate all employees from time to time?
• Will occupiers require more space per worker, thereby increasing demand?
• Will the locational criteria change? Convenience/cost, vs centrality and prestige?
• Will out of town office parks with ample parking facilities gain traction again?
• Is video conferencing, now tested by everyone, the replacement for the sense of belonging/camaraderie/community, or will we all go crazy using it?