Hybrid workforces, growing technology, uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, and restrictions, all these factors provide an interesting landscape for the 2022 workforce. With some industries choosing to re-acclimate to a sense of normalcy in-office, and others choosing to adopt the hybrid work style for good, what will the “modern office” look like for this year? Outside of traditional workplace benefits such as pay, time off, and benefits, other areas, including innovative technology, company culture, and sustainability, will continue to play a role in establishing offices as a lifestyle hub rather than a traditional 9-5. Here, our operations software experts at SCLogic discuss what we think the modern office will look like in 2022 and how you can prepare for success and growth as a business owner. 

Continuation of a Hybrid, But Not Remote Workforce

Since the start of the pandemic, the hybrid workforce has grown exponentially. Previously seen as a contemporary benefit for industries with a heavy influence on technology, hybrid work has now become the norm across the nation. While this change is here to stay, it is important to note that fully remote work, although required for some companies currently, is not what the vast majority of workers want. In Gensler’s 2020 U.S. Work from Home Survey, they found that only 12% of U.S. workers want to work from home full-time, and 70% would prefer to be in the office most of the week, with options for social distancing and functional seating such as hot-desking. 

As a result, having efficient and effective technology available to help streamline your daily workflows is imperative. For facilities and office managers, this means that investing in software that focuses on items such as visitor tracking, hot-desking, and asset management will be beneficial. At SCLogic, our facility operations software, Intra, was made with configurable workflows to assist businesses of any size. Our Workplace Services Workgroup provides detailed visitor tracking data so that you can keep your employees safe. Workplace requests and various hot-desking requests can be completed with ease. As a manager, this provides confidence and security for you and your team, knowing that you have detailed oversight and a plethora of resources available.  

The Growth of a Sustainable & Contemporary Company Culture

Company culture, you’ve surely heard this term thrown around more and more as the years pass, but what does it really entail? For 2022, company culture is taking its place as one of the top considerations for current and potential employees, and as a business owner, prioritizing your culture is key. The “Great Resignation,” as it’s been called, is a movement since the pandemic started amongst the American workforce in which employees are quitting their jobs in record numbers and often pursuing individual passions or sparking a career change. Because of the pandemic, many employees have realized that they can adapt quickly and have taken a step back in realizing the emphasis American culture places on “hustle.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 4.5 million workers either left or switched jobs in the past year. In response, they’ve been more inclined to pursue change and take risks, prioritizing a workplace that builds community and fosters growth rather than a traditional business model. 

 You may be looking at your business from a growth perspective, but are your growth metrics solely based on finances and power? For the 2022 workforce, employees, especially those in Gen-Z, emphasize sustainability and personal growth over the financial or social clout a company has. Currently, Gen-Z “does not trust businesses to act in the best interests of society” in a 5 to 1 margin, a BBMG and GlobeScan report states. Furthermore, 83% of Gen-Z respondents said that a company’s values, particularly “a commitment to diversity and inclusion,” were an important job choice factor. For facilities managers, sustainability efforts can be improved by investing in in-building logistics software such as Intra. Efficient integrations lead to a reduction in time and energy costs, asset management and recycling programs promote a sustainable future, and you can reduce your carbon footprint by identifying gaps in central receiving. 

Corporate Real Estate Stabilization & Industrial Growth

You may have heard that the corporate real estate market has been on a steady decline since the start of the pandemic, and although there is a slow in certain areas, this statement is not entirely true. For the 2022 year, there will likely be a reduction in commercial real estate space used for companies adopting a permanent hybrid workforce. A recent report from PwC and ULI says that almost two-thirds of real estate professionals believe that office space utilization will decrease between 5-15% through 2024. If your business has not been able to move to a more suitable commercial space, there are steps that you can take this year to begin saving money through the reduction of energy costs and space optimization. Through platforms such as Intra, you can leverage digital tools such as IoT devices to monitor temperature, lighting, and smart sensors so that your amenity usage is optimized. While the popularity of the hybrid workforce has caused a decline in the need for traditional office space, the commercial real estate sector is expected to level out in 2022. 

Now, one area that is set to see exponential growth in 2022 is the industrial real estate sector, and for warehouse managers, secure, comprehensive operations software is key. Supply chain challenges and the growth of the e-commerce market in 2021 propelled the demand for space in the industrial real estate sector, and this year will be no different. According to Cushman & Wakefield, “the vacancy rate for industrial spaces is sitting at 170 points below its 10-year average between 2012 and 2021 of 5.8%.” With the boom of the industrial market, investors have been jumping on the opportunity to hone in on this market, with the first three quarters of 2021 totaling $94.8 billion in investments, which is higher than any other comparable three-quarter metric over time, according to Colliers. What does this mean for offices? If you are considering expanding your warehouse or industrial space, modernizing current technology, and setting your team up for future success, there is no better time than now. 

Optimize Your Facility with SCLogic in 2022

As we end the first month of 2022, the goals you set for your business are beginning to come into motion. With considerable changes in the modern workforce throughout the past year, you may find yourself wondering how to leverage your resources, strategize, and optimize growth for this coming year. You have shown resilience in the face of change, adapted to consumer demands, and pivoted to make your business the best it can be for your employees and consumers. Now, it’s your time to focus on internal growth. At SCLogic, we understand the need for an efficient, user-friendly, and comprehensive operations solution. We prioritize your unique needs and work diligently to solve your most frustrating pain points. But most of all, we work with your enterprise corporation, regardless of size, to help you scale effectively and ensure success. If you’re ready to level up your facility this year, email [email protected] or schedule a demo with one of our team members today.