The coronavirus pandemic has delivered the most extensive home office experiment in history. This development has generated many positive experiences, leading us to assume that working from home will continue as a trend beyond the pandemic. The question is, to what extent?

Surveys show that the majority of employees would like to retain a more flexible working model after the pandemic. The survey results from a brief report on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs provide a useful example. Of the 1,000 employees surveyed, who worked from home between July and August 2020, 93% indicated that they would like to continue doing so beyond the pandemic. However, a good two thirds would only like to work from home “a few times” per week. In view of the skills shortage and the competition for the most talented and creative minds, companies may be left with little choice other than to cater to the wishes of (future) employees when it comes to their working location.

Consequently, the working model of tomorrow is likely to be a hybrid. The challenge now is to find the right balance of working locations. This means not only considering working from home or at the office but also in third places, such as co-working spaces (see also: How is the flexible workspace market developing?).

Looking at the home office debate from the perspective of office market participants, there will obviously be consequences if a significant proportion of employees work remotely even if this is only for an average of one, two or three working days per week. However, it would not be reasonable to assume that office space in operational use will be reduced to the same extent that working from home will increase. Rather, the further changes to the working landscape are likely to place even greater focus on the flexibility of office property.