The Future of Offices Post Pandemic: Occupier Trends and Capital Markets
14:00 Introduction by Council Chairs
Jeppe de Boer, Founding Partner, Masterdam
Nic Fox, Partner, Fund Manager, Europa Capital
14:10 Presentations
David Hutchings, International Partner, Cushman & Wakefield
Despina Katsikakis, Head of Occupier Business Performance, Cushman & Wakefield
Bernd Stahli, CEO, NSI N.V
14:40 Discussion
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.
- 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-face communication?
- What about that spontaneous 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?
15:30 Close