Occupied office space in London set to rise despite WFH trend, study says

The firm thinks a strong economic recovery will stimulate additional demand for office space.

The company said even if staff do come into the office less days per week than prior to the first lockdown, “this does not imply that occupiers will simply be able to dramatically reduce their footprint”.

The agent pointed out that firms will still need enough space to give employees plenty of room.

Jennet Siebrits, head of UK research at CBRE said: “The pandemic has re-focussed corporate occupiers, and issues such as health and wellness are becoming increasingly important. At least in the short-term, employees are unlikely to accept working conditions that involve sitting in extreme proximity to their colleagues for the entire working day.”

Richard Smart, London managing director at CBRE said: “Though working from home will alter the central London office market, the history of the central London office market over the last few decades is one of sustained growth despite falling demand for five day a week working.”