HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE INDUSTRY EVOLVE DUE TO THE PANDEMIC ?
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE INDUSTRY EVOLVE DUE TO THE PANDEMIC ?
JL : The pandemic has introduced a new dynamic for all types of occupiers in Africa . Hospitality , student housing and regional shopping centres are some of the sectors that have been negatively impacted so far . The office sector has also recorded reduced demand as a result of the shift toward remote working . While we are unlikely to witness an extreme shift to remote working , we anticipate that flexibility and collaboration are going to prove core values to any organisation going forward .
In the short to medium term , we will probably see a change in office layouts and design , as the overall employee density remains low , and in response to pandemic containment measures across different countries . In the longrun , office premises are likely to be utilised as collaborative spaces , where talent retention and health and wellness for employees will be a key aspect of the new office-as-a-service for corporates .
In a bid to attract and retain tenants , the majority of the landlords are also proving more willing to grant lease concessions and , in some cases , renegotiate existing lease terms .
71 businesschief . asia