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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed how and where many people work. As office buildings sat largely empty for months, remote work became the norm for office workers around the world. Now, more than two years later, organizations are still figuring out what the “new normal” looks like when it comes to workplace dynamics. According to a recent report by McKinsey &; Company, we are likely to see a lasting shift toward hybrid work models that blend remote and in-office work. Additionally, new ways of utilizing empty office spaces could reshape workplaces and communities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The Rise of Hybrid Models</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The pandemic proved that many office jobs can be done successfully from home. By early 2021, over half of survey respondents across Europe and the United States were working remotely. And most don’t want to turn back the clock – 80% of those surveyed want a mix of remote and on-site work options moving forward.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a result, companies are getting creative with hybrid remote/in-office schedules. Models include a few days per week in the office, a mix of in-person and virtual meetings, or team-specific solutions letting managers decide what works best. Giving employees flexibility over when and where they work has proven benefits: 71% of hybrid employees in a McKinsey survey reported higher work satisfaction.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Repurposing Empty Spaces</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, the rise of remote and hybrid work has left many offices around 40-60% empty at any given time. For companies that lease expensive downtown office space, millions of square feet sitting vacant builds pressure to make better use of these spaces.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some organizations opt to downsize their leased office footprint to better match their needs. But for others, there may be opportunities to repurpose portions of their space:</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">â Leasing unused space to other companies on an as-needed basis, essentially creating coworking hubs<br>â Converting spaces for new uses such as housing, retail, or community spaces<br>â Renting out meeting rooms or full floors to early stage startups who can’t yet afford their own workspace</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shared workspaces allow companies to hedge their bets on how much space they’ll need long-term. Retail and public spaces build stronger connections between organizations and their surrounding communities. Renting to startups offers mentoring and networking opportunities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Unlocking Community Potential</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Empty urban office spaces could also help address another problem amplified by COVID: the decline in the vitality of city centers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As remote work sent affluent residents migrating to the suburbs, downtowns lost their customer base. Stores and restaurants closed up shop. With fewer eyes on the street and less foot traffic, public safety suffered.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Turning vacant offices into shared community spaces could help bring people back into city centers. New civic institutions, non-profit organizations, small businesses, or public-private partnerships could make use of excess space to benefit towns and cities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Successful examples already exist. San Diego’s new Downtown Partnership office hub houses non-profits and startups alongside software and law firms. France’s “productive cooperatives” allow entrepreneurs to share unused industrial spaces.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Repurposed offices could host job training programs, childcare and education centers, makerspaces, or healthcare clinics. More vibrant, inclusive downtowns improve quality of life for all residents.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Rethinking Design</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To enable this kind of adaptive reuse, office spaces may need a redesign. Standard layouts with rows of small cubicles don’t easily convert to other functions. But more flexible “universal spaces” could better accommodate changing needs over time.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Universal spaces feature large open floorplans, moveable walls, raised floors for adjustable wiring, and accessible common infrastructure. Various zones within each floor cater to different activities – quiet focus areas, casual meeting spots, private calls booths, and group collaboration zones.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This modular design allows for multiple potential uses. Over time, a single floor could be adapted for office work, community gatherings, education, or even residential spaces with some modifications. Prioritizing multi-use spaces insulates landlords and tenants from an uncertain future.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Who Should Foot the Bill?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Converting traditional offices into flexible, universal spaces requires upfront investment. But office property owners have a strong incentive get ahead of changing trends to retain and attract tenants. Constructing for flexibility and building community connections through public spaces caters to modern employer and employee priorities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some local governments provide financial incentives for landlords to redevelop vacant offices and storefronts. Empty spaces drain city resources through loss of tax revenue and decreased public safety. Revitalizing downtowns offers cities major upside. Partnerships mixing public, private, and non-profit stakeholders can unlock synergies to get projects off the ground.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The Workplaces We Want</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the future of work still holds many questions, one thing is clear: old ways of working centered on 9-to-5 at-office days no longer make sense. Employees want flexibility, while companies want creative solutions to use their spaces efficiently.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hybrid models attempt to give both parties what they want post-pandemic. Meanwhile, reimagining empty offices promises benefits at both organizational and community levels. Exactly how these spaces will reshape our cities remains to be seen – but forward-looking leaders should consider the potential opportunities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One thing is certain: COVID permanently disrupted old workplace models. With a willingness to experiment and invest in their people, companies now have an opportunity to build the workplaces they want and prepare themselves for long-term success. The offices left empty by the pandemic could well transform into vibrant hubs benefitting workers and communities alike.</p>

The Workplace of the Future: How Empty Spaces and Hybrid Models Are Reshaping Where We Work
