Property Management

INSIDE A s shifting workplace pat- terns challenge tenants, property managers can show value and retain more leased space by taking a pro- active role with tenants adapting to new collaborative expectations. We see a pattern of collaboration technology in workspaces of all types increasing in density for work- places with at least some back-to- office adoption. Technology-depen- dent meeting space requirements are growing, even if desk space contracts due to hoteling or shifts to work-from-home policies. Workers who come to the office today are there to collaborate face to face. Technology- enabled meeting space is central to their perceived value of coming back to the office, and property own- ers and manag- ers can seize an opportunity to help adapt. Meeting room sizes are not contracting due to fewer in-person participants. Person- al space expectations are increasing, perhaps for good. Effective meet- ings with remote video participants remove usable seats from tradi- tional conference rooms. All of this is happening while at the same time meeting room performance demands are increasing. How can property managers lower the friction for tenants to reconfigure spaces for enhanced collaboration and increase back-to-work adoption? We’ve already helped our technol- ogy solutions and construction cli- ents get more out of their meeting spaces in a number of ways. n Improve marginal acoustics. Ceil- ing tile upgrades or fabric-wrapped acoustical panels in strategic areas can improve meeting comfort by improving the auditory experience of in-room and especially remote participants for a relatively low investment. n Furniture. Boat-shaped tables are not conducive to video meetings. Work with tenants on alternative layouts like trapezoid-shaped or U-shaped tables sized appropriately for comfortable video display view- ing in each meeting room. This may affect occupancy and thus increase square-foot requirements. Pandemic lessons: People-first management and keeping buildings healthy this winter Tenant relationships Highlights on proactive maintenance tips for an asset’s roof, parking structures and façade Maintenance plans PAGE 16-19 Providing tenants with clean air continues to be a must-have amenity as the weather cools Wellness trends Please see Page 22 October 2021 PAGE 20 PAGES 6-8 Ways to refresh a building’s tech assets to attract tenants Kevin Zolitor Solutions architect, Encore Electric Encore Electric Helping with updates to audiovisual integration within an asset is one way property managers can help attract and retain tenants.