What Office Landlords Can Do to Support the Return to Office Movement

While office usage across the 10 largest metro areas is still at roughly 60.5% of pre-pandemic levels, (according to Kastle Systems’ keycard swipe data), most CEOs think the era of remote work is coming to an end. In a survey of 1,300 global CEOs conducted by KPMG, 83% said they expect their companies will shift back to requiring five days of office attendance sometime in the next three years. This is a steep jump from the 64% of CEOs who predicted the near-term end of remote work in 2023.

Boston is among those cities leading the way in the return to office race. According to Mayor Michelle Wu, the number of workers returning to Boston offices in person increased 10 percentage points this year, nearly double the national average.

As employees gradually return to physical workspaces, office landlords play a crucial role in facilitating this transition. Here are several strategies that landlords can implement to support and encourage the return to office trend, ensuring their properties remain attractive and competitive in this evolving landscape.

Healthy Spaces

First and foremost, landlords must prioritize health and safety measures. While the pandemic may be behind us, tenants and their employees still value spaces that prioritize wellbeing. This means investing in advanced air filtration systems, implementing thorough cleaning protocols and providing ample space for social distancing. Consider reconfiguring common areas to allow for more spacious layouts and installing touchless technologies for elevators, doors and restrooms. These improvements not only address immediate health concerns but also demonstrate a long-term commitment to tenant welfare.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is another key factor in supporting the return to office movement. Many companies are adopting hybrid work models, which require adaptable spaces. Landlords should consider offering a mix of traditional office spaces, hot-desking areas and collaborative zones within their properties. This might involve creating modular office designs that can be easily reconfigured or offering short-term leases for companies testing the waters of return-to-office policies. By providing this flexibility, landlords can cater to a wider range of tenant needs and work styles.

Comfort and Convenience

Amenities have always been important in commercial real estate, but they’ve taken on new significance in the post-pandemic world. To entice employees back to the office, landlords should focus on creating environments that offer experiences and conveniences not available at home. This could include state-of-the-art fitness centers, rooftop gardens, high-end cafeterias with diverse food options and dedicated spaces for relaxation and mindfulness. Consider partnering with local businesses to offer services like dry cleaning, grocery delivery or car detailing on-site. These amenities not only make the office more attractive but also help employees balance their work and personal lives more effectively.

Be Tech Savvy

Technology infrastructure is another critical area where landlords can make a significant impact. With the rise of hybrid work models, seamless connectivity between in-office and remote workers is essential. Invest in high-speed internet, robust Wi-Fi coverage throughout the building and advanced audiovisual equipment in conference rooms to facilitate hybrid meetings. Consider implementing smart building technologies that allow tenants to control lighting, temperature and room bookings through mobile apps. These tech-forward features can significantly enhance the office experience and productivity.

Let’s Get Together

Community building is an often-overlooked aspect of office life that landlords can help foster. After extended periods of remote work, many employees crave social interaction and a sense of belonging. Landlords can organize events, workshops and networking opportunities that bring together tenants from different companies within the building. This could include speaker series, fitness classes or seasonal celebrations. By creating a vibrant community within the property, landlords can offer an experience that goes beyond just a place to work.

Go Green

Sustainability is increasingly important to both companies and their employees. Landlords should prioritize eco-friendly practices and pursue green building certifications like LEED or WELL. This might involve installing energy-efficient systems, implementing recycling and composting programs or creating green spaces within the property. Not only do these initiatives appeal to environmentally conscious tenants, they can also lead to cost savings in the long run.

Open Access

Transportation and accessibility are crucial considerations as employees return to the office. Landlords should evaluate their properties’ locations and work on enhancing accessibility. This could mean providing shuttle services to nearby public transit hubs, offering secure bicycle storage and shower facilities for cyclists or negotiating discounts with local parking garages. For properties in less central locations, consider partnering with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates for tenants.

Communicate

Lastly, communication and transparency are vital in supporting the return to office movement. Landlords should maintain open lines of communication with their tenants, regularly seeking feedback and addressing concerns promptly. Provide clear information about building policies, safety measures and upcoming improvements or events. Consider creating a tenant portal or app that serves as a centralized hub for all building-related information and services.

The role of office landlords in supporting the return to office movement is multifaceted and evolving. Landlords can create environments that not only attract tenants but also inspire employees to embrace the return to physical workspaces. In this new era of work, the most successful landlords will be those who view their properties not just as physical assets, but as dynamic ecosystems that support the changing needs of modern businesses and their workforces.

For further information on this topic, please call us at 781.848.9400.