Seattle Office Tenants Plan to Phase in Workers

SEATTLE—Seattle-based commercial real estate firm Urban Renaissance Group/URG recently released results from a survey of more than 500 commercial office and retail tenants, representing more than 50,000 employees, some 80% of whom are in the Greater Seattle area. The results show that employees will not be rushing back into offices, but rather taking advantage of a more phased approach.

“As we all continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19, it is clear that our tenants are already planning on a phased-in approach with an emphasis that is safe and healthy for their employees,” said Patrick Callahan, URG founder and chief executive officer. “The office will be a different environment for some time, but with good planning and coordination between landlord and tenant, employees will remain safe and the work environment will be productive.”

Office life will look very different as “Safe Start,” phase two of Governor Inslee’s four-phased re-opening plan, begins and professional services/office-based businesses are allowed to reoccupy office buildings.

“At Urban Renaissance Group, the safety and health of our tenants and employees is the highest priority. We’re pleased that our tenants are being strategic about deploying proactive strategies to protect their employees,” Callahan tells GlobeSt.com. “With these adjustments, along with modified building operations standards, increased cleaning and adequate physical distancing, we believe our multi-tenant and single tenant buildings can perform effectively and with minimal risk.”

According to URG tenants, many adjustments can be expected, including:

A Gradual Return to Offices. Now that the stay home order is lifted, 75% of tenants have expressed reservations about a full return of staff to the office due to general safety concerns. A very small number plan for all employees to return to the office immediately (13%) and a significant majority expects no more than 50% of staff to return initially.

Staggered Staff Schedules. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of respondents confirmed they are or are likely to begin staggering schedules to address distancing requirements. Of those returning, the majority will be focused on general functions instead of functions such as information technology, leadership or food services.

Working from Home is Part of the Solution. At least one-third of the tenants surveyed expect a permanent adoption of work-from-home policies for some employees–which is twice the amount who had that option prior to the pandemic–and nearly 40% more are considering it as a new option in the future.

At-Risk Employees. Additionally, more than 40% of survey respondents will not have at-risk employees return to the office immediately and another 30% of respondents remain unsure on how to handle at-risk employees in organizations.

Personal Protective Equipment/PPE. More than half of respondents plan to offer PPE to employees, but many (one-third) need help finding the equipment. Another 33% are still considering offering PPE as well.