WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In its message, it balanced the certainty that the coronavirus will inevitably spread to all parts of the world, with the observation that governments, businesses, and individuals still have substantial ability to change the disease’s trajectory.
Companies confronted with the coronavirus outbreak across the world have mandated employees to work remotely, setting up a test for what many consider a key tenet for the future of work. Technology makes it easier than ever, but there are concerns over hard-to analyze impacts like the value of spontaneous, face-to-face interactions. This has not only changed our culture of working but has also had severe business implications. Many businesses previously considering expansion and relocation of their offices are now delaying decision making. However, not all corporate real estate (CRE) heads can afford to wait too long for the uncertainty to lift, especially those faced with impending lease expirations. Although the long-term health, economic, and business impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak cannot be fully predicted, the current situation presents an opportunity for CRE professionals to reevaluate their real estate, business continuity plans, and workplace strategies in order to minimise business risks from COVID-19 and any future viral epidemics.
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Commercial Design.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Commercial Design.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WORKING TOGETHER
Professor Louise Valentine, Head of the Design School at Heriot-Watt University, on the importance of inclusive design in the workplace
WHERE CREATIVITY WORKS
Alhad Gore of Beyond Design Architects & Consultants brings his architectural expertise to life in the new office for Atul Patel Architects, blending functionality with creative flair to craft a workspace that inspires innovation and collaboration
FACILITATE INTELLIGENCE
How AI is redefining the future of facility management
DESIGNING A BETTER FUTURE
How inclusive office designs are shaping the modern workspace
ADDED VALUE
Is a good project manager the secret to success for a complex commercial design project?
RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE SPECTRUM
The Grand Jury Meet of the third edition of Commercial Design Awards, a cornerstone event in India’s commercial design landscape, unfolded amidst the awe-inspiring expanse of the Welspun Global Carpet Plant in Hyderabad.
A VISION FOR 'TOTAL BUSINESS ECOSYSTEMS'
Jitu Virwani, Chairman and Managing Director of Embassy Group, redefines India's commercial real estate landscape by pioneering integrated, future-ready, and sustainable business ecosystems.
AWFIS TO DESIGN, MANAGE 165K SQ FT OFFICE SPACE FOR NSE IN MUMBAI
Awfis Space Solutions Limited on Tuesday said it will design and manage 1.65 lakh square feet of office space in Mumbai for the National Stock Exchange.
MACROTECH ACQUIRES 2.8 ACRES IN HINJEWADI
Realty developer Lodha, listed as Macrotech Developers, has acquired a 2.8acre plot of land in Pune's Hinjewadi area from Paranjape Schemes.
EMBASSY OFFICE PARKS REIT APPOINTS RITWIK BHATTACHARJEE AS INTERIM CEO
Embassy Office Parks REIT on Thursday appointed Ritwik Bhattacharjee as its interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with immediate effect, following Sebi’s order to suspend its CEO Arvind Maiya.