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Flexible work arrangements and workplace wellness may rise up corporate agenda: CBRE

By Valerie Kor

/ EdgeProp Singapore |

March 25, 2020 10:54 AM SGT

SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - According to CBRE, workplace wellness and remote working are likely to become the norm in workplaces.

Many companies have already ordered their employees to work from home and meet via online platforms such as Zoom and WeChat Work to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

While some companies still struggle with “managing by performance” rather than “managing by presence”, and employees may not have conducive home environments to work in, the current Covid-19 situation creates further opportunities for office-occupiers to test the feasibility of flexible working or agile working. CBRE projects that this is likely to accelerate the adoption of flexible and home-working policies across markets in the future.

The Asia Pacific ViewPoint report by CBRE reckons that post-Covid-19, employers and office operators may also be expected to strengthen “workplace wellness”. This is measured by various indicators such as good indoor air quality, healthy food options, optimum thermal comfort and access to essential healthcare.

A light-filled office with natural light (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)

Already, companies are going a step further to ensure good indoor air quality by cleaning and sterilising air-conditioning vents. Asset managers of shared spaces such as cafes, retail and agile space are likely to keep existing hygiene policies such as cleaning meeting rooms and canteens more regularly and conducting temperature checks at entrances during flu seasons.

Many companies are already adhering to the WELL Building Standard established by International WELL Building Institute, which states 100 features that address the design and operation of buildings, and how they impact health and wellness-related human behaviour.

CBRE expects investors to place a stronger focus on high-quality properties that can provide high-quality air-ventilation systems and other indoor environmental features. This ensures that their property portfolios align with this long-term trend.

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