• Many firms are taking a wait-and-see stance regarding the implementation of changes in their head offices. 11% of firms have decided to make changes, and the figure rises to 26% if those considering changes are included.
• 24% of firms plan to lease a new office space, which is about average.
• 73% of firms have introduced "Working from Home," including around two-thirds for the first time as a response to COVID-19. Around 60% of firms expect the percentage of employees working in the office to be 80% or more in the post-COVID era.

Due to the ongoing uncertainties about when the pandemic will end and what the economic trends will be thereafter, during survey period from October‒November 2020, which was well into the pandemic, only a small fraction of firms had made important business decisions, including about relocating/resizing their head offices. Instead, most firms took a wait-and-see stance.
While many firms are implementing major changes in workstyles, only 10% expect the percentage of employees working in the office will be less than 50% in the post-COVID era, whereas around 60% expect the percentage to be 80‒100%. Meanwhile, as a result of experiences with working from home, many companies had gained a better understanding of the important roles offices play in terms of communication and idea creation. An increased percentage have introduced and/or installed workplace facilities such as "Open Spaces," "Lounges," and "Spaces for External Collaboration." Close attention needs to be paid to trends in workstyles and office use in the post-COVID era.

1．Plans to Lease New Office Space

• 24% of firms plan to lease new office space. Of these, 33% plan to expand, 25% plan no change and 42% plan to reduce.
• Around 50% of firms planning to lease a new office space intend to do so within 1-2 years.

2．Reasons for Plans to Lease New Office Space

• "Lower Rent/Lower-Priced Building" is the #1 reason for relocating, followed by "Better Location" and "Anti-seismic Design" in that order."To Expand Business/To Accommodate an Increase in Employees," which was #1 last year, fell to #8.

3．Desired Areas for Planned Lease of New Office Space

• The Nihombashi area is drawing significant attention due to its increasing supply of new offices. The Toranomon and Shimbashi areas rose in the rankings due to their new rail stations and large-scale projects.

4．2020 Rent Revisions

• 23% of firms received a rent revision within the last year.
• The ratio of firms who replied whose rent increased as a result of their rent revision was around 90%.

5．Workstyle or Workplace Changes due to COVID-19

• Concerning plans to implement changes in head offices, 11% have decided to do, and the figure rises to 26% including firms considering changes.
• 73% have introduced "Working from Home," including around two-thirds for the first time as a response to COVID-19. Compared to last year, an increased percentage of firms have introduced "Lounges," "Cafeterias," "Spaces for External Collaboration," etc.
• Around 80% expect to provide a personal desk in the office for at least 80% of all employees in the post-COVID era.

6．Initiatives Regarding SDGs

• Around three-fourths of firms replied that they are positive in regard to SDG initiatives, up from last year.
• Around 90% of firms with at least 300 employees responded that they are positive in regard to SDG initiatives.