The pandemic has dramatically altered many aspects of life. The workplace in particular has undergone rapid changes with organisations having to re-assess the way they work and re-structure business models in order to survive. Our collective working from home experience has taught us a lot about how our people work. Businesses can now use this knowledge to better understand behaviours, technologies and space before committing to change.
 
No workplace will be the same and as we adapt to our new normal the need to involve our people is paramount. There is an opportunity to harness the best of both pre and post COVID work styles. BRM assists organisations to survey, engage and get their people involved in order to explore preferred and future ways of working.

Back in April and May BRM ran a series of webinars titled "Where To Now For Commercial Tenants". The series explored a range of issues surrounding the uncertainty faced by both landlord and tenants as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As we continue to be in the grip of this world-changing health crisis, BRM is looking back to the key points we've learned as we've crossed each stage together with our clients. 

​The partnership between commercial landlords and tenants has never been more important. As we move deeper into unchartered waters, this partnership is likely to influence crucial decisions, and in some cases, present opportunity for both sides.
 
In the wake of substantial change to workplace circumstances, many businesses are questioning how they can better utilise their space and cut occupancy costs. In particular, those nearing the end of their lease in the next 6-12 months need to make the immediate choice to stay in their existing space or walk away

No-one could have predicted that the way we work would change so dramatically in such a short period of time. This sudden change has led to dialogue around “the future of the office” with real estate and design experts eager to see what the long term office landscape will look like.
 
But more deserving of our attention right now, is the current state of the office landscape. How will businesses approach a re-entry into the office after the latest lockdown? What are the short term implications of these lockdowns on our office space? Two things are certain:
​
1.The office itself will never completely disappear and there will always be a need for it in some form or another
2.When we eventually return, it won’t be to the office as it was pre-COVID

​Here are some of the considerations around office space right now:

The end of the Jobkeeper period is fast approaching as businesses begin to prepare for a new normal after lockdown.

​Over the last few months conversations have taken place between commercial tenants and landlords as they settle on rental relief agreements. Historically, landlords and tenants have not been expected to act in the best interest of the other party. But COVID has forced us to come together and be considerate of each other’s position. This new found co-operation will hopefully re-define the commercial landlord-tenant relationship and answer the following questions in the immediate aftermath of lockdown:

This end of financial year will be like no other. Businesses across the world are beginning to feel the true financial impact of this crisis as the need to cut costs becomes more vital than ever before. 

In this rapidly evolving marketing, organisations are forced to adapt and make swift changes in order to protect themselves financially. For many businesses, the largest expense is real estate. Rental expenses remain  a key area to consider in cutting costs and it is not too late to maximise rental savings at this stage. There are 2 ways you can take action on this right now:

This week we asked Brendan Lucas, Director of NFP Accounting firm 'Hopscotch' about how his team is coping in the face of change and uncertainty:

Today's "What's Working" Q&A is with Bellamy's Organic Director of Food, Mikki Silverman, who discusses the amazing way her team has approached the challenges of working from home. 

One business leader recently likened himself to a wombat who hesitantly pops his head out of his burrow to inspect for danger before allowing the other wombats to emerge.
 
The return to work has begun, albeit slowly and warily. Business leaders know that the office they are returning to will not be the same office they left back in early March. In fact, it will never be the same office again. It would be foolish to ignore the heightened sense of anxiety that accompanies this. While there remains a myriad of issues (economic, physical and mental health related) to deal with upon our return, businesses should first look at their strategy to help them make a successful return.