According to CBRE’s Spring 2022 Occupier Sentiment Survey, over 90% of companies that use offices have plans to expand or decrease their space in the post-pandemic era.
As companies shift to more hybrid models for workers, the survey showed that 39% of the 185 respondents were expected to expand their presence, citing business growth and increased hiring needs.
However, 52% stated that they would reduce their space over the next three years due to the embrace of remote working policies.
“It’s pretty clear that hybrid work is here to stay,” said Alexander Snyder, portfolio manager at CenterSquare Investment Management. “Stadiums and restaurants are filled but offices aren’t. It’s a preference and it’s a Lindy Effect – the longer we go without going to the office full time, the more likely it is to stick.”
While this doesn’t necessarily mean that workers are done with the office altogether, the workspace they want to come in is one that emphasizes flexibility, wellness, hospitality, and culture.
This means incorporating amenities that make the work day as seamless and efficient as possible, keeping workers connected and healthy when they do come into the office.
Although some companies are adopting either a full return-to-the-office or full remote experience, most will likely fall somewhere in the middle.