Abstract:
Dramatic changes in conventional work practices through the implementation of
remote access working, better known as "teleworking" or "telecommuting", is just
becoming a reality in Australia. This paper aims to research the impact of advances in
information technology on traditional office and also to investigate, examine and
determine the impact ofteleworking on office space demand in Sydney. A total of 109
questionnaires were sent out to major occupiers of space in the Sydney Central
Business Districts (CBD). North Sydney. Parramatta and Chatswood. Companies
were surveyed in 1996 and updated in year 2000 using a structured questionnaire,
augmented with formal interviews, with a view to provide an indication of the
potential impact of teleworking on office space demand. Results of the analysis
reveals that the implementation of teleworking will most significantly affect the
demand for A and B Grade office space. This is likely to lead to the majority of C and
D Grade office space becoming obsolete. The paper concludes that teleworking is still
in the early stages of the adoption cycle in Australia. This situation is sure to change
as teleworking becomes more widely accepted and cost effective. However, the full
impact of teleworking is unlikely to occur in the immediate future as rental costs are
not at a level which induces organizations to implement a teleworking programme.
This is supported by the fact that lease incentives are still prevalent in current lease
agreements.
