Office Trends 
As we move further into 2024, new reports highlight how the use of office space continues to evolve post COVID-19 and four years into widespread hybrid working patterns. Gone are the days of the rigid 9-to-5 office routine. Instead, we’re seeing a shift towards more flexible, hybrid work models that are redefining where and how we work. This evolution has given rise to several key trends that are shaping the future of office space occupation.
The Rise of Hybrid Work Models in 2024
One of the most significant trends we’ve seen in office occupancy has been the move towards hybrid work models. The pandemic forced many companies to experiment with remote work and, as a result, the traditional five-day office workweek has given way to more flexible arrangements where employees split their time between the office and remote locations.
Several years into pervasive hybrid working arrangements, we’re seeing most organizations introducing mandates surrounding office attendance. According to CBRE’s Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey, 80% of respondents say that their company now has a policy on office attendance. Interestingly, only 17% of companies with a policy consistently enforce it, highlighting the disconnect between employer expectations and employee behaviour.
While hybrid work models offer flexibility and convenience for employees, this shift presents a challenge for office occupiers: how to efficiently use office space? Many companies have accepted that hybrid work is here to stay, which means planning for uneven office attendance across the week. For many, the expectation is remote work on Mondays and Fridays, with more people in the office from Tuesday to Thursday. According to a study by Colliers, the average in-office mandate is three days per week. But with 40% of offices unable to handle peak attendance, there’s a growing need to rethink how space is used (CBRE).
One popular solution is desk sharing. Many companies are now moving toward a model where multiple employees share the same desk.
Most occupiers report seat sharing of up to two employees per seat, but the share of those gravitating to three or more employees per seat is growing.
—CBRE’s Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey
Creating High-Quality, Flexible Office Spaces
With the rise of hybrid work and desk sharing, you might think companies would start cutting down on office space. But in practice, we’re seeing something different—with a growing number of businesses planning to expand their office portfolios.
CBRE reports that 38% of respondents now expect portfolio growth (compared to 20% in 2023) and Colliers reports that the average square foot allocation per employee has remained steady over the past six months.
So why aren’t we seeing companies reducing their office space? It’s all about quality. More and more companies are seeking out-top notch offices that offer great amenities and create an inviting environment for employees. According to CBRE, 59% of occupiers are executing or exploring to relocate to better-quality space. They want spaces that encourage collaboration, moving beyond the confines of traditional desks, and make the office a place people want to be, rather than just somewhere they have to go.
As the demand for both collaborative and high-end workspaces grow, rethinking how office space is allocated becomes essential. It’s not just about maintaining the same square footage per employee; it’s about redistributing that space more effectively. By reorganizing offices to include a variety of seating types and amenities—such as quiet zones for focused tasks and open areas for collaboration—businesses can better support diverse workstyles. According to Colliers, almost half of tenant decision makers would like to make changes to their space, specifically, to have increased capacity for quiet-independent work.
So, what amenities do occupiers actually value? We’re seeing tenants considering both the building and surrounding neighbourhood amenities to be essential for creating an exceptional employee experience. According to CBRE, the most valued amenity is a short, easy commute, followed by in-building car parking, and convenient access to goods and services. Colliers also reported that tenants are more inclined to renew their lease if their building is located near a transit hub and/or has sufficient parking.
Smart Strategies for Office Space
In today’s rapidly changing work environment, the key is clearly flexibility. Businesses are focusing on adaptability and scalability to handle the unpredictability of hybrid work and changing business cycles.
CBRE reported that 49% of occupiers are exploring or executing shorter lease terms and 58% are exploring or executing more flexible expansion and contraction options. We’re also seeing more tenants adding flexible spaces to their portfolios to cut costs, provide on-demand meeting areas, and handle uncertain demand.
Landlords who understand these needs can work with tenants to create attractive spaces and lease terms that meet occupiers’ expectations.
Sustainability and ESG in Office Trends
Looking ahead, the future of office space will be increasingly shaped by a commitment to sustainability. With ESG remaining a priority across the board, green building certifications are becoming a crucial factor in real estate decisions. This shift is not just about aesthetics; it’s deeply tied to practical concerns like energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.
Most occupiers—57% of all respondents and 86% of large companies—have publicly stated a net-zero pledge and aim to accomplish their goal by 2030.
—CBRE’s Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey
Green lease clauses are gaining traction and we’re seeing occupiers prioritizing offices with sustainable features, such EV charging and facilities that support cycling.
26% of occupiers say that the presence or absence of green lease clauses would impact their real estate decision.
—CBRE’s Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey
The demand for green spaces and the priority for ESG is set to redefine how we view and utilize office environments. The focus is clear: it’s not just about where we work, but how we work responsibly and sustainably.
Looking Forward
Whether it’s through hybrid work models, desk sharing, or upgrading to high-quality offices with great amenities in green buildings, businesses are finding new ways to meet the evolving needs of their employees. The new era or hybrid work means people will have more choices surrounding how they work and where they work. Office occupiers will have to stay up to date on current trends and remain adaptable to continue to attract employees. As we move further into 2024, it’s clear that the office space of the future is all about creating a better, more flexible experience for everyone.
Are you ready to adapt to the evolving workplace trends? Whether you’re looking for a flexible hybrid workspace, a high-quality office with top amenities, or a sustainable solution for your team, Floorspace can help. Contact us today!
