By James A. Schnur, CCIM
President and Designated Managing Broker
Integrated Real Estate Solutions
LinkedIn
Business leaders spent years asking whether employees would “come back to the office.” That question now misses the point. People return when the office helps them do something they cannot do as well at home, and when the experience feels worth the commute. Hybrid work did not eliminate office space needs. It reshaped them.
If you plan a lease renewal, relocation, or office redesign, you need to think less about rows of desks and more about the office’s purpose. You also need to align that purpose with what your workforce expects, because talent drives performance, and performance drives revenue.
The office didn’t die. It changed jobs.
Before the pandemic, many offices served as default work locations. Now the office works best as a destination for high-value activities: collaboration, onboarding, culture-building, client meetings, and focused teamwork that benefits from real-time interaction.
That shift changes how you measure success. You should not judge your office by daily headcount alone. Judge it by outcomes: faster decisions, smoother cross-team execution, stronger retention, and better client experience. When the office supports those outcomes, you earn consistent attendance without begging for it.
Hybrid work resets space planning (and your budget)
Hybrid work creates uneven occupancy. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often feel packed, while Mondays and Fridays feel lighter. This pattern makes “one desk per person” inefficient and expensive.
Many organizations respond with a more flexible approach:
- Shared workstations for employees who come in a few days per week.
- More meeting space sized for teams, not just individuals.
- More private rooms for calls and focused work.
You do not need to eliminate assigned seating across the board. Some roles benefit from dedicated space. The real goal is balance. You want enough seats and rooms for peak days without overpaying for empty space the rest of the week.
If you hear someone say “We should just shrink our footprint,” push for a smarter question: “What mix of space supports our work patterns and growth plans?”
Amenities that actually influence attendance
Amenities became a bigger deal because the office now competes with home. People compare effort and comfort. They also compare convenience.
The amenities that move the needle tend to fall into three categories:
1) Convenience amenities:
Good parking options, secure bike storage, easy access, and nearby food. These basics remove friction. Friction kills attendance.
2) Wellness and comfort:
Natural light, air quality, comfortable temperatures, and quiet zones. Employees notice these immediately. They also remember when a space gave them headaches.
3) Collaboration support:
Reliable video conferencing setups, rooms that fit real team sizes, and technology that works without a hassle, providing efficient and effective teamwork.
Fancy perks can help, but fundamentals win. A snack wall will not fix terrible acoustics or a lack of private space.
Design shifts you can feel on day one
Post-pandemic design favors flexibility and function. You see a few common moves:
- More collaboration zones: Open areas for quick team huddles and project work.
- More enclosed rooms: People still take calls and handle sensitive work. They need access to a private space when needed.
- Better acoustics: Noise ruins productivity and increases stress. Smart layouts treat sound like a real design constraint.
- Health-conscious layouts: Wider circulation paths, touchless features in key areas, and better ventilation strategies.
You might hear the term “Class A” in office discussions. People use it to describe top-tier buildings that offer stronger locations, higher-quality construction, and better building systems. You do not need a “Class A” label to create a great office experience, but building quality often influences comfort, operating costs, and brand perception.
How to evaluate space without guessing
Office decisions carry real financial impact. You should evaluate space with a structured approach:
- Map your work patterns: Identify how teams collaborate, how often they meet in person, and what they need to do on-site.
- Define must-haves vs nice-to-haves: Technology, meeting room mix, privacy, access, and safety should land in the “must-have” category.
- Plan for change: Growth, reorganizations, and evolving work models happen. Your space should adapt without expensive rebuilds.
- Use real expertise: A broker who understands office strategy can help you compare options, negotiate terms, and avoid expensive mistakes.
In the end, you want an office that supports performance, attracts talent, and protects your budget.
You should treat your next office decision as a strategic investment. Choose a partner who helps you translate these trends into a practical plan that fits your business, your people, and your goals.
The professionals at Integrated Real Estate Solutions, Inc. offer real estate brokerage and consulting services to help businesses with all aspects of investing in commercial property. Integrated Real Estate Solutions, Inc. provides clients with the in-depth knowledge and experience that is critical to determine the right path to your next move, lease renewal, or strategic repositioning of your real estate portfolio. Contact us or call 847.550.0160 today about your needs and put our success to work for you.
