Amazon is going all in with physical offices, expanding their presence in six U.S. cities with thousands of additional corporate jobs. But they're not the only ones to bet on the physical workplace future. What does this mean for the sign industry?
When the coronavirus pandemic picked up its pace earlier this year, companies responded by embracing the work-from-home model. Since then, the idea of returning to a physical workplace has become increasingly unpopular, to the point where the future of office buildings has been called into question.
But Amazon is bucking that trend. The e-commerce giant announced a massive expansion on August 18, with plans to create 3,500 new tech and corporate jobs across six cities in the United States, with new offices in Dallas, Detroit, Denver, New York (Manhattan), Phoenix, and San Diego.
Although many people are uncomfortable working in physical office spaces, and remote work has shown some benefits, there is concern about some of the downsides, such as difficulties in training and collaboration.
While some companies are increasingly moving out of physical spaces, tech companies, such as Facebook and TikTok, are putting all their bets on physical workplaces, with large new leases.
As to why tech companies, more than other businesses, need physical spaces, Michael Mathias, an executive managing director at brokerage Savills told Commercial Observer that “They are all innovating and collaborating, and that puts a large emphasis on the workplace.”
Mathias further stated that he expects other companies to follow the giants' lead: “In different industries, everybody follows the leader,” he said. “What they do and their plans on work from home and return to the office is absolutely impacting the way others respond.”
The implications for the sign industry is to expect offices to continue to be a commercial opportunity. With more companies investing in the future of the physical workplace, sign makers can expect their services and expertise to be in demand.
Opportunities in offices include traditional signage, as well as pandemic-specific requirements such as acrylic dividers and floor decals. Etchmark is a perfect product for office privacy applications.
Feel free to contact your sales rep to discuss our offerings, for offices, or anything else.
What other opportunities are out there? Plenty! Check out our COVID-19 v2/Back to School Buyer's Guide for more info.
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