Local companies are embracing more remote work as pandemic changes the way people work and interact with each other, according to a research conducted by the district.
Nearly half of the companies the district spoke to as part of this research are embracing more remote work for employees.
District staff interviewed 64 local companies to better understand their space needs.
Most of these interviews were conducted with companies operating in the district, and some in the Lower Mainland or Whistler.
“After experimenting with working from home during the pandemic, many are expecting to embrace a greater use of remote work and flexible work policies in the long-term,” the report says.
“The companies envision a future in which they shift their office space into a hub that exists primarily to support collaboration, with a greater proportion of independent work happening at employees’ home-based workstations,” the report says.
Most companies do not anticipate a reduction in their commercial office space, but rather new and improved layouts along with flexible work policies, the district adds.
Lack of employment space, concerns over rising lease rates, excitement about business area growth, and better environment for employees are some other takeaways of the district research.
For most companies, employee morale and well-being are key considerations in the business location.
Nearly every company with primary or accessory office space prefers a location near interesting cafes, restaurants, and vibrant businesses to enhance their employees’ overall experience of coming to work, the research notes.
Ten companies said they deliberately sought space close to parks and the trail system to help their staff enjoy the perks of living and working in Squamish.