Where's My Optimism Today?

So yesterday I wrote about how in a time like this, people need to be optimistic or else everyday will be a struggle to get through.  Don't get me wrong, I am standing by that claim, but I do want to let you know about an article I read this morning from the Wall Street Journal called "End of The Office Party is Coming" (that title can't get much more doom & gloom than that right?).  The article warns that with these rising vacancy rates many landlords may be facing tough times, "As cash flow is crimped, more landlords are going

to default on mortgages. Others are going to face a crunch when their debt needs refinancing, about a third of the $600 billion in commercial-mortgage bonds outstanding will come due between 2010 and 2012. With values declining, interest rates rising and lenders reluctant to part with cash, many borrowers will have to pay off at least part of their loans, find partners or give up the property."

So how does one protect their company from getting caught up in this mess?  Well, if you are a small company, you might allow some employees to work from home.  It will end up being cheaper than what you are paying now and you will save yourself from the stress of having to worry about rising rents and the possibility of losing your space.  If you are a larger company and the "work from home" idea is just not plausable, keep in touch with your landlord.  If they are a large landlord, you can easily do some internet research and find out how they are doing but if the landlord is a small private investor, then give them a call and ask.  You deserve to know.