M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — March 2025 — 3A
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M id A tlantic R eal E state J ournal
By Todd Monahan, Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC/CORFAC International Return to Office: Workplace Strategies for Office, Current Trends and Challenges
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he shift to hybrid work models is one of the most significant chang - es occurring in the work- force today. Companies are balanc- ing remote work with in-office presence, leading to a reevaluation of their office space needs. Efficient use of space is becoming crucial. Companies are looking for ways to opti- mize their office layouts to accommodate flexible work ar - rangements and collaborative spaces. Advanced technology is also playing a vital role in transforming office environ - ments. Smart building sys- tems, enhanced connectivity, and digital collaboration tools are becoming standard. Experts emphasize the need for office spaces to be adapt - able. This includes flexible furniture, modular designs, and spaces that can be easily reconfigured. There is also a growing focus on employee well-being. Offices are incorpo - rating wellness features such as exposure to more natural light, green spaces, and ergo- nomic furniture to enhance productivity and satisfaction. Sustainability is also a key concern. Green building prac- tices, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials are being prioritized to reduce the environmental impact of office spaces. Frequently green ini- tiatives are mandated through corporate governance and emphasized as important to conscientious employees. Future Outlook While remote work is here to stay, there is still a demand for office space, particularly for collaborative and client- facing activities. Depending on the nature of one’s work, remote work is accepted and does not necessarily drive more productivity. For oth- ers, collaborating in the office is essential to drive perfor- mance and improve the out- come for client engagements. The future of office design will likely include more open spaces, communal areas, and technology-driven solutions to support a hybrid workforce. The commercial real estate market is adapting to these changes, with a focus on flexible Todd Monahan
their tasks and personal pref- erences. This can mean work- ing from home a few days a week and coming into the of- fice for meetings or collabora - tive projects. • Work-Life Balance: Hy- brid work offers employees greater control over their schedules, helping them bal- ance professional and per- sonal responsibilities more effectively. • Increased Productiv- ity: Employees can choose environments that suit their work styles, which can lead to higher productivity. For
example, some tasks might be better suited to a quiet home office, while others benefit from in-person collaboration. • Talent Attraction and Retention: Offering hybrid work can make companies more attractive to top talent, as many employees now ex- pect flexibility in their work arrangements. • Cost Savings: Companies can save on office space and related costs, while employees save on commuting expenses. Challenges • Managing a hybrid workforce requires effective
communication and coor- dination to ensure that all team members are aligned and productive. • Reliable technology and digital tools are essential to support remote work and en- sure seamless collaboration between in-office and remote employees. • Maintaining a strong com - pany culture and keeping re- mote employees engaged can be challenging. Regular check- ins and virtual team-building activities can help. Best Practices continued on page 4A
lease terms and innovative prop- erty management strategies. Definition and Structure Many employers are imple- menting hybrid models, which allows employees to split their time between working in the office and working remotely. The exact balance can vary depending on the company’s policies and the nature of the work. A hybrid model provides tremendous benefits to both employers and employees, which are: • Flexibility: Employees have the flexibility to choose where they work based on
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