Zurich, 3 May 2021: New research conducted by Locatee – the workspace occupancy and analytics solution, has found that employee wellbeing is the top priority for CRE managers over the next 5 years. The research details the opinions of corporate real estate managers (CREMs) from across Europe, outlining the changes they have seen during the pandemic, and how their businesses will adapt for the future. It follows research conducted in the US earlier this year by Locatee which showed US organisations were failing to adapt to post-pandemic realities.
- European Corporate Real Estate (CRE) managers are leading the charge towards progressive office models, with employee wellbeing and health the most important focus
- Over half of CRE managers plan to or are in the process of moving towards flexible working models
- 70% of the firms surveyed are planning to or have already implemented office redesigns to accommodate the shift towards hybrid work
- Despite progressive changes, 50% lack the data to effectively determine next steps
Europe sets 5-year goals firmly around employee wellbeing
Responding to employees’ needs and attracting new talent are clear priorities when it comes to re-shaping workspaces. 88% of respondents feel that employee wellbeing and satisfaction is a critical factor in shaping workspace configuration over the next two years.
59% of executives flag an increased need to focus on talent attraction and retention. This ties in with growing demand from employees for flexible working options post-pandemic.
For businesses, the past year has revolved around performance, cost management, and business resiliency. CRE managers have taken on additional responsibilities for managing occupational health and safety in the workplace, with 98% of those surveyed stating they expect their role to change to encompass this over the next five years.
Flexible working, flexible workspaces
When it comes to new models of working, 90% of respondents highlighted employees’ increased desire to work flexibly as a ‘very significant’ or ‘significant’ challenge over the next five years. The shift from full time office attendance to a hybrid model has led many CRE managers to reassess the space optimization and efficiency of their current portfolio. As a result, 70% of the firms surveyed are planning to or have already implemented office redesigns to accommodate the shift towards hybrid work.
The majority (74%) of European CRE managers are already utilizing a progressive flexible workspace strategy, in contrast to the US where 60% of office space is assigned. This preference is set to continue growing, with 90% of European firms planning to move to hot-desking, co-working and activity-based configurations in the next two years, compared to just 38% of American firms.
European CREMs falling behind US peers’ data collection
Whilst the majority (88%) of respondents surveyed feel that employee wellbeing and satisfaction is an important factor in shaping workplace configuration over the next two years, most lack the data to do so. Despite employee satisfaction ranking as a key business outcome, only 57% of EU firms use this metric as part of workspace performance measurement.
Despite European CRE managers advocating a more progressive and responsive approach to workspace strategies, US companies currently outperform Europe in all areas of data collection. European CRE managers are also severely lacking in footfall data collection, with just 59% measuring how people are utilizing and moving through space.
82% of European CRE respondents cite a lack of access to accurate data as a significant hurdle to achieving business initiatives, including improving employee satisfaction. However, the research also revealed that 29% of executives plan to decrease data collection in wellbeing areas over the next two years, revealing a misalignment between the CRE and executive functions within global corporate multinationals.
Thomas Kessler, CEO and co-founder at Locatee comments:
“The pandemic has caused many businesses to reassess their CRE priorities, and we’re seeing an increased importance placed on employees’ wellbeing and satisfaction. s. This has been driven by skyrocketing demand for flexible working models, and our research shows that European CRE managers are leading the charge in creating spaces which are fit for purpose both physically and mentally.
However, a lack of data will create real challenges for CRE managers in Europe when it comes to implementing these progressive strategies and initiatives. As society continues to move towards a fully integrated hybrid working model, companies will need to ensure that their CRE teams have access to comprehensive data in order to future-proof the office for years to come.”
The full report can be found here:
About Locatee
Locatee is the leading workplace analytics solution that transforms complex data into space utilization insights. Developed with a deep understanding of the corporate real estate challenges facing the modern world of work, Locatee empowers workplace leaders to make decisions about their business buildings with confidence.
Locatee’s solution utilizes existing WiFi and ethernet networks to measure office occupancy and can be used to answer questions such as whether to downsize, if it’s the right time to terminate a lease, or to help restructure spaces to create places where people love to work
Research methodology
To gain an up-to-date insight into evolving workspace configurations and the role of CRE managers entwined in this process, Locatee commissioned the independent research firm Verdantix to undertake independent, anonymized phone interviews with 51 executives in real estate, workplace, and facilities management roles based in Europe.
This report follows on from a previous study conducted with executives in the US, with relevant comparisons made throughout. Respondents spanned five industry sectors in four different regions and worked for firms with typically more than 10,000 employees globally.
Zurich, 22 March 2021
Locatee – the workspace occupancy and analytics provider that recently expanded in the US – has been recognized as one of the 20 most innovative companies in the construction and real estate industry in Switzerland. The PropTech Academy and PropTech Switzerland compiled the ranking with the aim to uncover and recognize the most impressive companies working in the Swiss PropTech sector.
The assessment was based on 12 unique categories and around 100 criteria. The innovation ranking is intended to help bring innovation to the fore as an important factor for corporate success.
2020 was a pivotal year for Locatee – with the pressures of the pandemic making us reassess what and how we should use our workplaces for. As a result, Locatee has seen a huge increase in demand for its workplace analytics solution that provides organizations with the data and insight to make intelligent decisions about the layout, structure and optimization of office spaces. Locatee has gone from strength to strength since the announcement of its Series A last year, having tripled its revenue and recently announced an expansion in the US market in February.
Thomas Kessler, CEO and co-founder at Locatee comments:
“Over the last year, the team at Locatee have been working exceptionally hard as organizations around the world reacted to the pandemic. We’ve been with them every step of the way to ensure they have the data they need to assess the occupancy and safety of their workplaces. This recognition is due to the team’s hard work, and we’re humbled to be recognized as one of Switzerland’s most innovative companies in the PropTech sector.”
The full list of companies can be found here:
PropTech Innovation Ranking 2021
- Only 57% of respondents feel they are as productive working remotely
- Just 13% can manage and train teams as effectively
- 31% would accept a cash incentive of £10 or less per day to return to the office
- 28% are concerned about job security over the next year
- 56% don’t understand the recent three-tier government lockdown system
UK office workers want to continue working remotely after Covid-19 restrictions lift, despite admitting their productivity is significantly reduced, according to new research released today by Locatee – the workspace occupancy and analytics provider. Commissioned by YouGov, the research provides insight into UK office workers’ attitudes towards productivity, job security, and the prospect of further Covid-19 restrictions.
Low enthusiasm for office working
According to Locatee’s research, if given the choice, just 7% of respondents would opt to return to the office full time. Almost one in five (18%) would choose to work from home every day, whilst a third (32%) would opt to work from home most days. Those with three or more children are the most likely to want to return to the office permanently (11%), whilst men are more keen than women to return (49% vs 44%).
Comforts of home working
Asked to identify the key reasons for working from home, 72% of respondents flagged ‘comfort’, whilst 50% stated they feel more productive. For a third (32%), fear of contracting Coronavirus in the office is still a significant concern. Half (50%) feel the time spent commuting is too high, while a quarter (25%) enjoy time away from colleagues.
Negative impact on productivity
Despite remote working proving popular, there is a negative impact on productivity. Only 57% feel the standard of their work is equal to or higher than it was when based in an office. Just 13% of respondents feel they manage or train teams as effectively when working remotely. Creativity and brainstorming are also hindered – only a quarter (26%) feel they can execute as effectively remotely.
Cash incentives
Cash incentives are a key motivator in getting reluctant workers back into offices. Almost a third (31%) would be willing to accept an extra £10 or less per day to return (an additional £2,540 per annum per employee). A further 37% would accept between £20 and £30 additional pay per day (up to £7,620 per annum per employee). Increased holiday allowance is the second most popular motivator to return (38%), followed by more desk space (23%) and better technology such as laptops and mobiles (22%). A quarter (25%) of respondents state that no incentive would encourage them to work more frequently from the office.
Concerns over job security
Job security over the next year is a concern for over a quarter of respondents (28%). Londoners are the most worried about holding onto their job (37%), followed by those in the Midlands (32%) and the East (26%). 73% of women feel secure in their jobs, compared to 70% of men. 45-54 year olds are the age group most concerned about losing their job (35%), compared to 23% of 25-34 year olds.
Confusion over ‘three-tier’ system
The recent ‘three-tier’ lockdown system imposed by the UK government has proved confusing and difficult to understand. Well less than half (40%) feel they could confidently explain the system to a friend, whilst the majority (56%) feel ‘not confident’. Only 34% of all respondents aged 18 – 24 years olds feel could explain the restrictions.
Reactions to extending lockdown
When asked to consider a scenario where the UK was still under the current lockdown measures in six months (April 2021), over a third (37%) would feel disappointed. (41% male vs 33% female). Regionally, those in London and Scotland would be most disappointed (42%), along with those with three or more children (46%). Over a quarter (26%) of those polled feel ‘neutral’ at the prospect, while 18% feel calm.
Lockdown weight gain
Weight gain during lockdown is an issue for more than half (53%) of respondents, with females more likely to feel they’ve put on weight than males (57% vs 50%). 60% of separated or divorced respondents feel they’ve gained weight, compared to 50% of those married.
Thomas Kessler – CEO and co-founder at Locatee – comments:
“The research shows us there’s a clear appetite for UK office workers to retain the option of remote working after restrictions lift. However the issue of reduced productivity needs consideration: it’s worrying that only 13% of managers can effectively lead teams remotely.
Requirements for UK office space will undergo a significant shift over the next year, with fewer workers needing a full-time desk. This creates an opportunity for companies to take a data-driven approach to workspace planning, and create an optimal office environment which both serves employees’ needs, and saves on unnecessary real-estate costs. Companies which optimise their workplace early-on stand to save significant amounts, and effective planning should therefore be a key priority.”
About the research
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4373 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd – 25th October 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
Too much text?
Download Infographic
Pressemitteilung
Zürich, 11. Februar 2021 – Locatee, der führende SaaS-Anbieter für Workplace Analytics, erhält eine Darlehensbürgschaft des Schweizer Technologiefonds in Höhe von drei Millionen Schweizer Franken. Der Technologiefonds vergibt Darlehensbürgschaften an Schweizer Unternehmen, die neuartige Produkte für eine nachhaltige Verminderung von Treibhausgasemissionen ermöglichen.
“Die Unterstützung durch den Schweizer Technologiefonds freut uns sehr. Mit unseren Analysen über die tatsächliche Nutzung von Büroflächen ermöglichen wir Unternehmen, die Umwelt nachhaltig zu schonen”, erklärt Thomas Kessler, CEO und Mitgründer von Locatee. “Das Optimierungspotential für unsere Kunden ist riesig: Flächeneinsparungen sind ein wesentlicher Hebel, um Emissionen zu reduzieren. Die Daten lassen sich aber auch für weitere Optimierungen zum Schutz der Umwelt einsetzen.“
Um das volle Potenzial einer Datenerhebung auszuschöpfen, erhebt Locatee – anonym und ohne den Einsatz von weiterer Hardware – die entsprechenden Daten und bereitet diese visuell auf. Corporate Real Estate Manager mit der Herausforderung, grosse Büroräume so effizient wie möglich und zugleich zum Wohl der Mitarbeiter zu gestalten, können Locatee nutzen, um Ihre Büroflächen zu optimieren. Dazu gehören auch die sinnvollere Klimatisierung der Räume, die Vermeidung von Lebensmittelabfall in Kantinen oder optimierte Reinigungsabläufe. All dies sind bereits praktische Anwendungsfälle, die helfen, Emissionen zu sparen. Im Idealfall können Unternehmen mit Locatee sogar ganze Neubaumassnahmen umplanen, Baukosten und -materialien sparen sowie Grünflächen erhalten.
Neben der Nachhaltigkeit und dem verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit Ressourcen verfolgt Locatee zudem die anhaltende Debatte um die verschiedenen Arbeitsplatzmodelle und betont auch hier die Bedeutung einer soliden Datengrundlage: “Gerade in Zeiten, in denen sich Arbeitsplatzmodelle wie Remote-Work neben dem klassischen Arbeiten im Büro fest etablieren, ist es wichtiger denn je, Erkenntnisse über die eigene Büronutzung und -auslastung zu gewinnen”, erklärt Thomas Kessler. “Wir wollen gemeinsam mit den Corporate Real Estate Managern und Entscheidern die Zukunft des Arbeitens prägen und umweltfreundlicher gestalten!”
Über den Technologiefonds
Der Technologiefonds ist ein klimapolitisches Instrument des Bundes. Die strategische Verantwortung für die Umsetzung des Technologiefonds liegt dabei beim Bundesamt für Umwelt BAFU, Abteilung Klima.
The software solutions MeteoViva Climate and Locatee are being employed in the datacentre Zofingen of Post Real Estate Management and Services. In this first-time collaboration, Locatee data have been embedded in MeteoViva Climate.
About MeteoViva
MeteoViva Climate is the future of facility management: forward-thinking, self-learning, with over 3.5 million operating hours of experience in buildings worldwide. The model-based Smart Data solution achieves an optimised indoor climate while simultaneously significantly reducing operating and energy costs as well as carbon emissions.
Challenge
To significantly reduce costs without risking quality losses but increasing employee satisfaction and productivity constitutes the pivotal challenge for the Facility Management of Post Real Estate Management and Services. By combining both solutions, the needs of employees can be addressed even more effectively.
How it works
- The existing occupancy data compiled by Locatee are used by MeteoViva Climate in order to create detailed indoor climate forecasts
- The data is imported via API
- Daily and weekly profiles can be created based on historical data
Benefits for Corporate Real Estate and Facilities Management Teams
The use of Smart Data solutions allows for data-based decisions which facilitate the reduction of resource requirements and thus make it possible to actively save costs. Simultaneously, the reduction of carbon emissions and energy consumption contributes to the sustainability of the building. Employees benefit from an ideal indoor climate, which can be continuously adapted to current requirements, thus significantly increasing satisfaction and reducing the number of sick leaves. In addition, increased comfort has a positive impact on productivity.
Read the whole story:
Managing the physical office space has become a business-critical topic for organisations around the world. While this may be of good news for you as a corporate real estate professional, there are still many hurdles and struggles to face:
- Do you lack the appropriate information or the tools to perform your function to the best of your capacity?
- Do you still feel unable to contribute to your organisation proactively or strategically?
Therefore, we compiled a strategic guide for corporate real estate professionals who recognise their potential and wish to improve their standing within their company and on the industry market. It aims to help understand different aspects to consider, measures to take, and provides specific proposals on how to master the challenges which can be expected on the path towards the future of work.
Get the guide!
You’ll find:
- A 3-dimensional model explaining how company goals, industry trends, and KPIs can influence your action plan and long-term strategy
- A corporate real estate road map which will lead you through the 3 dimensions and suggest the most relevant aspects for your strategy
- 2 scenarios that will exemplify possible strategies on your way to becoming an influential strategist and proactive leader within your organisation
Ein Corporate Real Estate Manager zu sein im Jahr 2020 ist schwieriger als je zuvor. Angesichts so vieler Störungen und Entwicklungen, wie finden sich die Führungskräfte am Arbeitsplatz überhaupt noch zurecht?
Unser Handbuch führt Sie durch den digitale Transformation welche Ihre Unternehmens-Immobilien und -Arbeitsplätze betrifft.
Im Handbuch finden Sie Antworten auf Fragen wie:
- Wie werden die Rollen und Verantwortlichkeiten von Workplace-Führungskräften in naher Zukunft aussehen?
- Welches sind die Themen, die für den Erfolg von Corporate Real Estate Manager ausschlaggebend sein werden, in Anbetracht der heutigen Situation?
- Mit welchen neuen Instrumente sollten sich Führungskräfte am Arbeitsplatz vertraut machen?
Mit den Erkenntnissen wichtiger Führungskräfte am Arbeitsplatz und der von Memoori durchgeführten Recherche enthält dieses Handbuch Tipps und Hinweise, die Sie benötigen, um auf die aktuelle Realität in der Arbeitswelt vorzubeitet zu sein.
If 2020 is forcing you to pivot your real estate strategy, you’re definitely not alone. We are currently witnessing the world’s largest remote working experiment.
The mid-to-long-term impact of COVID-19 will lead to unexpected challenges in the world of corporate real estate as well as some important questions.
- How can corporate real estate leaders bring their workforce back to offices safely?
- How much office space will companies need in a post-pandemic world of work?
- How can facilities managers monitor their workplace utilisation in a compliant way?
To help you navigate through these uncertain times, we’ve created the COVID-19 Corporate Real Estate Handbook.
GET THE CORPORATE REAL ESTATE HANDBOOK NOW »
Containing the insight, data, as well as many tips and tricks pertaining specifically to adapting to the challenges presented by remote work and social distancing, Locatee’s playbook makes sure you’re not left unprepared.
We are happy to announced that we have secured $4 million in Series A funding, secured from San Francisco based FYRFLY Venture Partners and Zurich based Tomahawk VC. This funding enables us to grow strategically, placing a high priority on bringing the right talent and expertise onboard in order to become the global leader in the smart building market.
Philipp Stauffer, Co-Founder and Managing Director at FYRFLY Venture Partners, states “Locatee’s vision to transform how space is used will ultimately elevate the quality of life for employees and can also contribute significantly to sustainable development goals. A quantitative approach to space optimization and productivity holds both significant top- and bottom- line potential for large global organizations.”
READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE ON TECHCRUNCH
This article has been translated to English. The original article in German can be found here.
The Post Immobilien Management Services AG (Post Real Estate) is a subsidiary of Swiss Post and one of the largest real estate companies in Switzerland. It manages around 2.300 properties – including all properties owned by Swiss Post, but also third-party customers. In the DOMBLICK interview, Valerie Riedo, Head of Innovation, reveals how the „yellow giant“ positions itself on the topics of innovation and digital building.
Ms. Riedo, after six months in the new role of Head of Innovation at Post Real Estate: How are you driving forward the digital transformation and which innovation projects are being implemented?
The digital transformation in facility management lags behind the worldwide, rapid digital development. For example, while FinTech has been established in the financial industry for quite a while, PropTech is still in its infancy. The potential in digital real estate (DRE), is high. Post Real Estate has been building a culture of innovation for the past two years and consciously investing time and resources in the DRE.
As part of our innovation process, various new digital products and services are being developed and tested. The focus is on customer needs. We constantly check whether the developed solution can really solve the existing problem. For example, we are currently piloting an idea that was introduced directly by service technicians as part of an ideas competition. Actually, the app works like a GPS: it simplifies navigation in the building to find technical equipment easier and faster.
We are also proud that with Service on Demand and IntelliClean , we have developed two solutions that have already reached market maturity. These inspire customers and are currently scaled up externally on the market.
What is behind these two solutions?
With Service on Demand, we have developed the solution for demand-oriented facility management, which is now in use by various customers and has proven itself. Just press a button and the facility management is there. Regular inspections of filled crockery counters and empty file containers, intact coffee machines or functioning printers are a thing of the past. The facility management only moves out when it is called by the customer.
Internally, we were able to realize time savings of 20 percent while increasing customer satisfaction. We are constantly developing the product, whereby we are currently testing the demand report via voice (Alexa) or QR codes. With a voice input more or more individual information can be given and Alexa provides the building users even help for self-help and assigns the house service only when there is no other way.
With IntelliClean, cleaning is done on a data-only basis, and only where work has actually been done during the day. Based on different evaluations such as occupancy and weather data, there are no fixed tour plans. Instead, a dynamic route planning is created. And what’s especially pleasing is that IntelliClean is currently nominating Post ImmoClean for the CMS PURUS Innovation Award 2019, which will be awarded in Berlin at the end of September.
One could say: „Data is the new gold“. Ms. Riedo, which projects and practical examples are there besides Service on Demand and IntelliClean?
Right. At the center of digitization is the Digital Building. This includes all building data that is generated, updated and managed during the planning, construction and operation of a building. Building data, for example, is data from management systems such as SAP or ERP, from the CAFM, Computer Aided Facility Management system, building management systems or sensors. The focus is on the learning analytics platform, which uses all available data, ensures optimized and automated processes and enables the development of new services. For example, we have developed a predictive maintenance solution for our photovoltaic systems on certain properties. Instead of periodic cleanings, the optimum cleaning time is determined based on the current energy data of the systems and weather data, whereby the cleaning cycles can be reduced.
The building utilization data, which we have been cooperating with for some time now together with the start-up Locatee, are also of central importance to us for the 30 largest office premises. Employees immediately see on the display which zones are free or occupied (see Case Study Post). The workspace actually needed can be steadily optimized with an increase in part-time work and home office. For the staff restaurant, we have developed a model that enriches the historical and current occupancy data with weather data and creates a forecast for occupancy during lunch time. This allows employees to choose the most optimal time for lunch. If nice weather is forecasted the next day, more people will be eating outside, and so there will be fewer staff in the staff restaurant. This forecast data can also be used to determine the number of meals in the restaurant, further reducing food waste.
Are the new ideas and technologies also applied when it comes to project developments or new buildings?
It is a goal of Post Real Estate to play a pioneering role in investment properties and future construction projects in the field of PropTech and Digital Building. As an example: Two major project developments by Post Real Estate are Bern Weyermannshaus and Basel Nauentor. In order to be able to show the different stages of construction to the different stakeholders not only on the basis of a plaster model or 2D plans on site, we also created a 3D model using augmented reality (AR). In the process, the area will be accessible via the Microsoft Hololens, so smart glasses, presented from different perspectives and to functionalities, such as the sun or the bus stops, complemented. As an extension is now the simulation of flow of people in development. This allows the optimal positioning and design of the retail space to be defined.
Over the next 15 years, Swiss Post will invest around 1.8 billion francs in 50 yield building projects. At the same time, we are investing in real estate innovation, connecting the physical and the digital world, and hopefully setting new standards with our digital real estate products and system solutions.
Thank you, Mrs Riedo, for the very interesting conversation and the insights into the company.
From: Mathias Rinka, «Domblick»
ORIGINALER ARTIKEL (Auf Deutsch)
