Is Everyone Working from Home Now? Matt LeFevere, Real Estate Expert, Debunks the Myth

Working with Colliers International Office Advisory Group, Matt LeFevere specializes in tenant representation assignments for innovative companies. He’s had the opportunity to take a peek into what’s driving workplace flexibility nationwide, especially in tech.

How many tech workers are working from home these days?

There isn’t a hard and fast number. According to Sara Sutton Fell, founder and CEO of FlexJobs, a website advertising telecommuting positions, she predicted in an interview with Fast Company that by 2020, 50% of workers will be working remotely—but this doesn’t tell the whole story.

In most white collar jobs, most employees are already “working from home” in some capacity in that they regularly take their work home with them, or work remotely once a week or more.

Why do you think companies are becoming more flexible in how employees do their work?

Progressive companies know that they need to provide flexibility and variety to attract and retain a diverse and qualified workforce. Employees are asking about remote work and flexibility as part of their total compensation packages,and companies are answering this by adding remote work policies.

The tech worker is unique and they’re the ones driving the layout of the workplace. I’ve seen talented tech workers decline an otherwise excellent job opportunity because the workspace design didn’t lend itself to the flexibility of being able to work the way they needed.

Does this mean that workers are leaving the office in droves in favor of their bunny slippers?

No, it’s all about workplace variety. When workers visit their office, they appreciate the variety of collaboration spaces and the fun amenities like outdoor workspaces, meeting venues, table tennis, golf simulators, game rooms, and food halls.

It also depends on a worker’s personality—Some people like the collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities that an office environment provides. When it comes time for tech workers to put their heads down and get to work, sometimes putting headphones in and getting down to business just doesn’t cut it, so they work from home. People want the flexibility to work the way they want, how they want.

We understand flexibility is important for employees, how is this also crucial for companies in choosing and designing a workspace?

Flexibility is very important for companies. There are some very practical reasons like reducing space allocation, which can save companies money in the long run. Companies can also minimize their lease term instead of taking a gamble on a 10-year term, which will potentially result in real estate cost savings and give them the flexibility to adapt along with their workforce as they grow.

When companies are flexible, they can easily offer employees opportunities to be flexible. Everyone wins.

What companies are being flexible with where tech workers are working?

Amazon and Apple are just two of the big tech companies with formal work remote policies. Leo Burnett just recently implemented Deskpass, so employees can work at the office, or make a reservation at a number of shared spaces. Companies like this are making it easy for employees to do their work in a way that works for them—and it doesn’t require them to sign a new lease or tackle an expensive office renovation.

Why are coworking spaces gaining popularity?

You get to work with other companies you normally wouldn’t work with and interact with people you wouldn’t typically cross paths with. You get all the benefits of a collaborative office space, the diversity of knowledge and skills, and workplace variety all-in-one.

How do you see shared workspaces taking off in your home city of Chicago?

There are almost 100 shared workspaces across Chicago. They range from traditional office spaces like Regus and Servcorp to more multi-functional spaces like Deskpass and WeWork, to tech incubators like 1871, and creative hangouts like Soho House.

Where do you see the coworking and work flexibility trend going?

I don’t predict a drastic change in what we’re seeing—I think we’re going to see more of it. We’ll see more coworking spaces, and the expansion of existing shared spaces while companies start to tap into this opportunity and offer their employees other places to work and collaborate.

The American dream used to be owning a home—today, the American dream is flexibility and companies are answering.

More about Matt:

Matt LeFevere is a Colliers International associate with the downtown Office Advisory Group where he specializes in tenant representation assignments nationally. He’s an expert in transaction management and advising clients on cost-savings opportunities including consolidations, relocations and lease renegotiations. He also helps clients manage site selection and acquisition for new facilities.