Chris Rae

The survey, based on responses from over 200 middle, senior, and C-suite executives, show that 24 per cent of commercial property occupants in Scotland expect to downsize their office requirements due to the pandemic.

While nearly a quarter of Scottish respondents said they would downsize commercial property requirements and 18 per cent expected to split offices into different locations, 52 per cent were anticipating no change.

As many offices remain closed throughout Scotland, 46 per cent of respondents said they are planning to work from home more often and 29 per cent say they’ll do less international travel in future. Only 24 per cent expect no change to how they will work post-COVID.

In terms of the effectiveness of homeworking, only 21 per cent of Scottish-based respondents believed it was better for employee productivity. 

Interviewed in late July, 22 per cent of respondents expected to return to the office this month, which is now an unlikely prospect in light of the recent tightening of social restrictions by the Scottish government. 19 per cent of those surveyed said they expected to return to the office in October while 15 per cent said they’d be unlikely to do so until 2021.

When non-essential work premises are given the green light to reopen: 56 per cent of respondents are planning to put more office cleaning in place; 53 per cent plan to introduce temperature checks for employees and implement more social distancing; 31 per cent are planning reducing density within offices; 23 per cent say they’ll be focusing on more having social connections; and 20 per cent planning more on-site mental health facilities.

Chris Rae, a Glasgow-based partner and real estate specialist, said: “There’s little doubt that COVID-19 is proving to be a game-changer for commercial property but there are also encouraging post-pandemic signs for the sector. While nearly a quarter of Scottish occupiers expect to downsize, a small majority is anticipating no change to office requirements once when we are able to return to work.

“The survey also highlights concerns about the productivity of remote working. While many employees will be seeking to work from home more frequently, the office has a key role to play across most industries where the need to interact and collaborate with colleagues, clients and customers remains essential. The office will also continue to be fundamental in establishing the right culture, camaraderie and energy to motivate people within many companies and organisations.

“Many managers say they are expecting to implement new health, safety and well-being measures in advance of employees returning to the office. While we can expect significant changes to how offices are used, our report suggests this will impact floor plans much more than floor plates in many commercial property premises in Scotland.”