Office occupiers 'stay put' as market remains uncertain. This was the key finding of BIFM’s annual Workplaces Review survey, and it is an outcome that formalises a trend already impacting on our clients’ requirements in the fit-out sector.
We are finding on an increasing basis that occupiers are now taking on the space for their business model to use now, not to grow into as was the previous trend. In many cases this is as much to do with the growing proliferation of easy in, easy out leases and short term agreements as it is to any long-term trend for a reduction in office space.
In our experience it is these changing lease terms and the incentives Landlords are giving to occupiers that is dictating this increasing density of occupiers and subsequent change in office space use, rather than any significant drive towards flexible working.
Regardless of the push factors, the resulting need to make occupiers’ space work harder is a challenge that fit out contractors must be ready and prepared to rise to. It is particularly important that our sector takes note of BIFM’s report findings with regards to the workplace requirements of the oldest and youngest members of staff. With results showing that few organisations are currently failing to take these very different needs into account, this is an area where our sector can and should add value to clients.
The divergent and changing age profile of organisations will of course have a big impact on workplace design and management and ensuring productivity and profitability for our clients. As fit-out specialists we have a responsibility to acknowledge and address this as a key part of creating the most effective workspaces we can.