The Telecommuting Revolution: How NOM-037-STPS-2023 Will Transform the Office Real Estate Market in Mexico

The Mexican office real estate market, one of the country's most dynamic sectors, is poised for a profound transformation by implementing the Official Mexican Standard NOM-037-STPS-2023. This regulation, set to take effect in December of this year, aims to foster a safer and healthier work environment for remote workers in Mexico. For companies, this implies the need to invest in infrastructure and training, while for the office sector, such as coworking facilities, it could mean an increase in space demand.

Telecommuting has witnessed a significant uptick in Mexico in recent years, and NOM-037-STPS-2023 seeks to solidify it as an established mode of work. As companies roll out measures to adhere to the regulations, more employees are expected to have the opportunity to perform their duties remotely.

According to a study by the Bank of Mexico, approximately one out of every ten jobs in Mexico could be carried out from home. As per the norm above, telecommuting is a work arrangement where employees conduct more than 40% of their weekly workload from outside the central workplace, exclusively using Information and Communication Technologies.

The Impact of the New Norm on Employment

The objective of NOM-037-STPS-2023 is to ensure that companies find ways to ensure their employees remain productive and healthy even when working from their homes or coworking spaces. Consequently, it stipulates that companies must comply with safety requirements, provide training, and monitor remote workers. Additionally, it establishes specific requirements for home workplaces, including ergonomic conditions, proper lighting, and privacy. It also addresses psychosocial aspects such as work-life balance.

While this can provide flexibility to employees and reduce the need for traditional office space, it also raises questions about the balance between work and personal life, supervision of remote workers, and the possibility of digital disconnection at the end of the workday.

The Impact on the Office and Coworking Sector

One of the sectors that could be directly affected by this norm is office real estate, including coworking spaces. To meet safety and health regulations, companies offering shared workspace must ensure that their facilities meet the standards outlined in NOM-037-STPS-2023. This might entail investments in furniture, infrastructure, and other aspects related to occupational safety and health. Furthermore, they must foster communication and privacy in their spaces so remote workers can comply with the regulations.

On the other hand, some workers may opt for coworking spaces as an alternative to working from their homes, as these places often offer a more professional and work-friendly environment. This could boost the demand for these spaces, provided they meet the safety and health requirements mandated by the regulations.

One of the most notable aspects of this standard is the introduction of periodic inspections to assess safety and health conditions in telecommuting locations.

Conducted by accredited external units, these inspections aim to raise labor standards by verifying ergonomic and psychosocial conditions in offices and coworking spaces. Employers will have the flexibility to choose their inspection unit, ensuring compliance with regulations while safeguarding the well-being of their employees. This new approach promises to elevate quality standards in Mexico's office real estate industry.