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Workplaces Seek More Office Attendance And Update Portfolios

Individuals working from home has left a lasting impression on employees and their work-life balance, however, a new survey shows employers’ increased desire for workplace attendance.

The Spring 2023 U.S. Office Occupier Sentiment Survey, comprised of 207 companies with U.S. offices, found 65 percent of offices required in-office work. This is more than double the percentage when compared to last year, according to CBRE.

Office attendance levels were reported at 60 percent of surveyed companies have reached a long-term steady state, up from 43 percent last year. The survey also goes on to show 38 percent of offices said they anticipate attendance levels to increase in the future.

More companies prepare to shrink their office footprint to match office attendance patterns as 53 percent of companies expect their office portfolios to get smaller over the next three years compared to 46% that anticipate either no change or expansion.

“Real estate evolves to accommodate changes in human behavior, and we’re seeing that as the office market adapts to hybrid work,” Manish Kashyap, CBRE global president of advisory and transaction services said in a release. “Through it all, the office remains a cornerstone of employee engagement – our survey found that more than three-quarters of companies want employees in the office at least half the time.”

Flexibility is what offices are looking for in their portfolios as amenities become more popular.

The most desirable amenities and respective percentages according to CBRE:

  • Access to public transportation — 59 percent
  • Car parking — 54 percent
  • On-site café, food and beverage — 53 percent
  • Shared meeting space — 47 percent
  • Sustainable building features and operations — 39 percent
  • Fitness facilities — 34 percent
  • Indoor air quality MERV-13 rated equipment — 32 percent
  • Outdoor amenities or terrace — 32 percent
  • Electrical vehicle charging station — 30 percent
  • Building amenity space — 29 percent

“Overall, we found that top executives at finance companies are more focused on office attendance, especially amid economic uncertainty, than are their counterparts at tech companies,” Julie Whelan, CBRE Global Head of Occupier Research said in a release. “Similarly, finance and professional services companies are more likely to encourage employees to spend most of their workdays at the office, while tech companies are more likely to allow mostly remote work.”

Posted May 30, 2023