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V O L . X X V I I I N O. V M A R C H 7 , 2 0 2 2 20 WO R K P L A C E T R A N S F O R M AT I O N F O C U S levels, it could take a year or two to fill, Stevens says. "We don't generally get these big outside companies coming into Maine," Stevens says. "What we're relying on is organic growth in companies." "e dip in the market isn't a long- term issue. In 2008 through 2010 there was more panic. Landlords are not pan- icking now," Stevens says. To lure tenants, landlords are offering fairly significant free rent as many as six or nine months. Office of the future "ere's both anxiety and excitement about the return to the office. Some people were really isolated for 100 weeks, with very little socializing and visiting. e few people who have already come in are very rejuvenated and happy to see people," MEMIC's Lamson says. MEMIC occupies two buildings in the Old Port, with one featuring a new collaborative space that was built just as the pandemic hit, Lamson says. It features open space, meeting space, balconies, respite space, five meeting rooms and a pool table. When asked whether MEMIC would change its office square footage, Lamson says "I don't think this is the time to make that decision. We still need workstations. Over time, we will look at whether we keep all the space." MEMIC has offices in eight states and it will evaluate whether it will keep all of them open, Lamson says. Hybrid work and working from home gives MEMIC the opportunity to recruit talent nationally. "Offices of the future may involve some square footage reduction or at the very least some reconfiguring of that square footage," Stewart says. "A lot of these models involve activities-based spaces rather than a space for a role." Not every company will embrace hybrid work or change their offices to suit current trends. Eventually, how- ever, they may be forced to. "Some organizations are able to go to a new model and change. Some organizations can't manage it, at least not yet," SMRT's Stewart says. "e changes are not happening yet [or] as quickly as I expected. e onslaught of people feeling left behind is com- ing, though. "Maine is more traditionally minded," she adds. "But it's starting to be more of an evolution here and there's change underfoot." Je ssic a Hal l, Mainebiz staff w r ite r, can be reached at jhall @ mainebiz.biz Hardworking YOUR TEAM IS HARDWORKING, YOU NEED OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES THAT WORK JUST AS HARD. Seven clinic locations in Maine and a range of customizable services provide individual attention and team success. workhealthllc.org 1.844.WRKHLTH(1.844.975.4584) Presque Isle | Bangor | Ellsworth | Pittsfield | Waterville | Portland Help Maine entrepreneurs become successful along their startup journey. DEADLINE MAY 12 Mainebiz will produce a special magazine to examine the startup infrastructure in Maine and the resources available to help entrepreneurs at the various stages of their startup journey. SP ONSORED BY N O T F I N A L C OV E R June 27, 2022 VO L . X X V I I I N O. V I www.mainebiz.biz Startup Hub Be a resource and a guide to our Maine entrepreneurs and business leaders today. Learn more by emailing advertising@mainebiz.biz » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Jeanna Stewart, of SMRT Architects & Engineers, says there has to be a reason for employees to come back to work. Flexibility needs to go beyond a buzzword. What employers will look like will have to change so they can meet employees where they're at. — Jeanna Stewart SMRT Architects & Engineers

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