Telework is here to stay, at least in its hybrid mode!
Of the Canadians who worked mostly from home during the pandemic, only 32% expect to return to their pre-COVID-19 work routines. Three out of four (68%) expect to return to their employers’ premises only partially!
Post-pandemic telework
Canada, 2021
This situation augurs a prolongation of difficult times for commercial real estate and for the downtown cores of the province’s cities!
In addition, among these new teleworkers, we find people with a high socio-economic status, as well as many professionals – people who normally have a significant footprint in city centres!
Their values and hot buttons reveal great enthusiasm for consumption. They tend to be hooked on innovation and added value, combined with a pronounced attraction to luxury. They find shopping in downtown stores stimulating and they display a marked predilection for spontaneous purchases (and they have the means to indulge themselves).
There are undoubtedly strategies that could optimize the in-office presence of all these workers despite the increase in reorganizations to facilitate hybrid work models.
These teleworkers are also “apostle consumers.” When they are satisfied with their experience, they tend to become champions for the brands, companies and businesses involved. A possible lever to lure them back to the downtown core.
Hopefully, this new way of working will not continue to encourage online shopping to the detriment of in-store commerce.
