Community 3 Things Corporate Real Estate Portfolios Need To Talk About Now And In The Future Ken FernandezAugust 20, 2024 Image from Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

In 1963, as we were on the precipice of many years of uncertainty and strife to come, legendary musician Bob Dylan wrote the song “The Times They Are a-Changin.” The song, which was an anthem for change, really understood that culture was truly downstream from politics. Fast forward to 2020 and the complete change of the world, and especially the work world as we always had known it to be. Pandora’s box had been opened and a two-year alpha test for “remote work” had begun. The world needed to keep moving, and despite turbulent times, it did, and quite successfully, on the work-from-home front. Sure, we were not devoid of problems, but somehow, we always seemed to work them out through trial and error.

The world went on and all was good, until it was time to go back, and it wasn’t. Office spaces were being paid for and not used, and it became quickly apparent work was falling off with some teams as in-person bonding rituals had stopped or were also remote. Not to mention, quality and quantity of work had fallen off and appropriate dress and the willingness to even meet on camera was a heavy point of contention. Lastly, some people are great employees, they just need people, or at least some of the time. And the battle thus began as a great many of us performed at not only higher levels but were happier than we were before.

Then, as Anthony Klotz coined in 2021, “The Great Resignation” began and people began to rethink work, life, and exactly how much power a company should dictate over their lives. Soon enough people were saving more money, spending more time with families, had lower stress and better mental health, and had the ability to once again feel a sense of empowerment. However, many who had built businesses were at the mercy of the court and the visions they worked so hard to achieve were not theirs anymore in many cases. The even bigger problem was surrounding areas were losing a ton of foot traffic for their businesses and cities were becoming ghost towns. As we all can agree, in order to have an economy we need participants. Also, in order to have profitable businesses, we also need standards and happy employees. At the end of the day, we need to remember we took a job that was not a democracy, but hopefully a well-governed meritocracy. The great thing about America is you can always start your own business.

The pathway forward will most definitely be a marathon and not a sprint by any means. Socially, financially, politically, etc. The fact is whether a business owner or an employee, we need each other, and more importantly, we need to start somewhere.

1. No, the entire office does not need to be there.

Unless it’s manual labor or hands-on, you can do it remotely. You don’t need in-person; you need better KPIs and analytics management. You can’t manage what you can’t measure, and you need to know how to measure and understand what you are looking at. Not only will your employees be more productive and have less anxiety and knowledge of how to improve, but your managers will get stronger to become more effective leaders and mentors. You are locked into that lease regardless, so unless you have a way out you are paying the piper. Let it go.

2. You need to analyze office utilization.

Just like people learn differently, they work differently. Some people love the office, some people hate it, and some people can take it or leave it. Embrace your workforce, they will thank you for it, and you will open the doorway to beginning to save some money for better margins, employee retreats, better training, and not to mention a wider and more diverse talent pool of the best to get the best.

3. Analyze your leases, every year. Yes, all of them.

Once you understand your workforce, you will be able to make your next moves. How big of an office do you really need? Once you know who’s using it and how they use it you can get to work. Can you get out of your lease and what is the cost opportunity? Can you sublease? Can you dispose? Can and how should you transform what you have?

In conclusion, the world will not change overnight, although our 2020 experiment proved that wrong. But it can change, and it can change for the better. The most important thing is to get started, to plan efficiently and effectively, and to plan together. Power with as opposed to power over is what truly changes the world. What will you choose?

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remote work {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Ken Fernandez","3":"corporate real estate, office, working from home, office utilization, office spaces, executives, remote work","2":"community","4":"08/20/2024"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 544324100, 473333499, 544398588, 479660731, 473310812], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 26736383]} } Partner Boost 11 Ways To Enjoy Summer When You’re Working A Full-Time Job Ariella CoombsJenna ArcandJune 13, 2024 Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.

When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.

1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs

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Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.

2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car​

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Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.

3. Plan An Office Outing

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Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!

4. Organize Group Walks

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Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

5. Eat Lunch At The Park

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When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.

6. Organize Office Sports

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Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.

7. Join A Professional Group

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During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.

8. Have An Office BBQ

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Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.

9. Wake Up Early

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Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!

10. Strategically Use Your Time Off

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Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.

11. Bike To Work

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If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!

There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!

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Read moreShow lesssummer {"customDimensions": {"1":"Ariella Coombs, Jenna Arcand","3":"how to enjoy summer, how to enjoy summer while working, summer activities, summer work activities, working all summer, working during summer, working full time, working during the summer, summer","2":"partner-boost","4":"06/13/2024"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 562457120, 370480899, 479660731, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548592, 19836096]} } Featured 3 Things Corporate Real Estate Portfolios Need To Talk About Now And In The Future {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Ken Fernandez","3":"corporate real estate, office, working from home, office utilization, office spaces, executives, remote work","2":"community","4":"08/20/2024"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 544324100, 473333499, 544398588, 479660731, 473310812], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 26736383]} } Now Hiring: Remote SysOps Engineer {"customDimensions": {"1":"Spark Talk, Kinsta \u00ae","3":"kinsta, hiring, remote jobs, remote work, remote workforce, remote companies hiring, remote companies 2021, sysops engineer, sysops engineer jobs","2":"popular","4":"05/18/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [370480899, 545998439, 545998440, 376489962, 526353713, 545658354, 548352055, 548352058, 543270555, 473310812, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548593, 21891195]} } 3 Important Career Lessons Learned On And Off The Field {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"career change, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, career, career challenges, overcoming career challenges, personal branding, personal development, professional development, professional growth, success, career success, pro athletes, tom brady, chris gronkowski, nfl, tiktok, social media strategy, social media, career growth","2":"popular","4":"02/10/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376489962, 526353713, 376489624, 473333499, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} } How Ex-NFL Player, Chris Gronkowski, Is Using Social Media To Change Careers {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"barstool, camera phone, career growth and development, career growth opportunities, chrisgronkowski, cowboys, dallascowboys, dinner, football, free, gronkspike, iceshaker, investor, nfl, nflfootball, nflplayer, nflplayers, nflworkout, payday, rookie, salary, sharing, sharktank, tic toc, tic tok, tick tock, ticktock, tictok, tik tok, tiktok, tiktok.com, trade, trainingcamp, video, video phone, weighin, youtube.com, chris gronkowski","2":"editors-picks","4":"01/29/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 526353713, 370480899, 376489624, 479660731, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }