24.02.2021, 12:58
Is HSBC Jumping the Property Gun?
Kas Mohammed, VP of Digital Energy at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, comments on a recent announcement committing HSBC to halve its office space.
The pandemic has permanently transformed the world of work, forcing us all to rethink our ideal working environment.
Whilst HSBC and other companies are feeling pressure to downsize their real estate, is the bank’s commitment to reducing its real estate portfolio entirely rational?
The most likely future of work is a highly flexible hybrid model, where employees can choose whether they work from home or an office on given days. While this system may require less dedicated workspace, it does demand a change in how current offices are designed and utilised.
If businesses are hoping to see staff return to the office for the long term, wellbeing and engagement will be crucial. Companies must invest in safety, but also provide tangible benefits to going into the office – from greater personal environment control to training and collaboration. Creating a safe, comfortable, and productive workplace will be fundamental to any working model.
Integrated technology undoubtedly provides the key. We are no longer strangers to smart technology – indeed, a quarter of us use a smart speaker at home. To meet the demands of tomorrow and create a healthy, sustainable and productive office, it’s time we brought connected tech into the workplace.
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