What do workplaces look like in the future?
A string of cubicles in an office skyscraper? Or a connected web of workers operating remotely using laptops and cell phones and meeting in a virtual 3-D world?
About 300 corporate real estate professionals gathered in uptown Wednesday to learn about the challenges of designing tomorrow’s work spaces.
Providing employees with a work space is a seemingly simple concept, but it’s one that’s becoming more difficult as baby boomers retire and the workforce becomes younger. Technology is also changing how and when people are on the job.
Companies typically provide about 250 square feet of space for each worker, according to CoreNet Global. That number may be shrinking.
Years ago, companies would simply construct new buildings if they expected to grow. Now, such a move may not prove cost effective if employees end up working remotely.
Another emerging trend: advanced teleconferencing to connect workers.
And some companies may need to forget the notion of providing bricks and mortar spaces from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., speakers said. Younger workers tend to work varied hours, such as at 2 a.m. using a laptop at home.
For two years I’ve been working for one of the largest virtual real estate companies in the US. I work from my lap top where ever I am – to me this is the wave of the future – not paying desk fees, or doing floor time. I’d rather be spending my time working on my websites, on the phone lining up my prospective buyers to fly in, and of course showing homes.
HI Carolyn,
I am a broker that struggles with having the expense od dedicated spac to bring on realtors. As my business has grown, the only way I can grow is by bringing on agents.
Many agents want a base, not a virtual conference room that’s rented.
The other isssue is the client. They expect to see an office, or meet you at an office. They want some validity of your agency. Especially with the rampant amount of unprofessional people/agents out there.
So the quandry is do I rent office space? Fill it with desks, phone, internet, conference table etc. I have the opportunity to rent space in the bottom of a highrise on the beach. This is where my business is coming from today.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Stirling
Well I am in the business of creating workspaces and two points stand out – one to one desk allocation to people is in the past and space allocation per person has also shrunk.
In a recent project we identified 40% of staff in a facility to be mobile and thus ideal for ‘dynamic working’. And this meant half their desk space was available for reallocation. Plus with a need for increased collaboration, communication and project teaming – we find new facilities and technology needs are coming to the fore.
Stirling,
It sounds as if partnering with a local executive office space provider might be a great option for you. What it seems like you are saying is that your agents like the credibility of having an office space and a place to meet their clients.
If you have executive office space in your area you could even rent a single private office which would more than likely come with receptionist services, furniture and phone/internet as well. When you sign on a new agent they can then sign for a virtual package and for around $99 per month they have the opportunity to use the address, and also have the ability to use the facility and meeting rooms provided by the executive suite to meet clients. Which as a former agent I can say is about all I needed and it is cheaper than the desk fees I was paying with Remax.
This way you will not have to manage the space per say as the executive suite takes care of the facility itself. It’s a win win.
What area of the country are you in? There are executive suites in almost every major city.
Would this be a valid option for your company?
-Julie