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ATLANTA -- A survey of corporate real
estate managers and workplace professionals in the northeast corridor
has found that as a result of the widespread damage from Hurricane
Sandy, companies are updating their workplace strategies as part of
their overall risk management.
In the survey, in which nearly all the respondents reported that
Hurricane Sandy had affected their operations, 90 percent reported that
they instructed employees to work from home, and 21 percent told
employees to work in third places such as hotels or coffee shops.
More than two-thirds of the respondents reported that the storm is
influencing their companies to revisit or update their disaster
response and business continuity risk management plans.
The storm affected a variety of functions, including the operation of
mission-critical facilities, data storage, back up energy sources,
access to transportation infrastructure and even water supply
infrastructure.
As a result of the storm, nearly half the respondents said they will
focus on telework and other forms of mobile work, and 16 percent said
that they will rely on technology and resources provided by third
parties. More than a third would be willing to pay between 10 and 20
percent higher prices for buildings that are equipped to withstand a
hurricane.
"Companies need to address work place design and strategy as a part of
their overall risk management plans," said Richard Kadzis, Vice
President Strategic Communications at CoreNet Global. "The lesson of
Hurricane Sandy and other tragic events is that technology-enhanced
work including off-site locations is not just a matter of being
flexible, it is mission-critical."
About CoreNet Global
CoreNet Global is the world's leading professional association for
corporate real estate (CRE) and workplace executives, service providers
and economic developers. CoreNet Global's 7,800 members, who include
70% of the top 100 U.S. companies and nearly half of the Global 2000,
meet locally, globally and virtually to develop networks, share
knowledge, learn and thrive professionally. For more information,
please visit www.corenetglobal.org
