Office occupiers staying put
Office occupiers are increasingly looking to stay put and maximise existing space while economic uncertainty remains high.
According to the British Institute of Facilities Management‘s workplace survey almost two-thirds (58%) of employers are trying to decrease office space by increasing the density of their workforce.
It found that “under offer” space has dropped to November 2009 levels.
The survey, which echoes the findings of Bray Fox Smith research, indicates that employers are attempting to use space differently; 61% are “actively encouraging” remote and flexible working for staff.
BIFM chief executive Ian Fielder said: “Each square metre of the workplace has to work harder. It will have to both house increasing numbers of staff and act as the ‘mother ship’ to those nomadically displaced to home or elsewhere, when they do need to return for face-to-face activities or a simple corporate re-charge.”