Let's Talk: What You Need to Know When Returning to Office

Let's Talk: What You Need to Know When Returning to Office

As companies consider bringing employees back to the office more frequently, there are important questions for leadership to consider: How many days should they be in office? Should they all be in on the same days? How might that impact your real estate costs? Do you have the right type and amount of space to support your company’s evolving needs? These decisions have long-term implications, and finding the right balance can significantly impact your company’s success.

 

What to Consider When Returning to Office

Deciding how many days your employees should be in the office isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Business Goals: Are you aiming to boost innovation and collaboration? Or is cost optimization and flexibility the priority? Is your company planning for expansion, requiring more space to support growth and new teams?
• Company Culture: How does your team best engage and stay connected? Does in-office work strengthen collaboration and a sense of belonging, or would the flexibility offered by a hybrid model better align with your team's needs and values?
• Daily Operations: Are your day-to-day processes and team dynamics best supported by your current office structure, or do they need adjustments to support a fully in-person or hybrid model?

 

How many days should your company be in the office?

The number of days your employees spend in the office can have a significant effect on both your company’s operations and overall culture.

• Fewer Days: Less time in the office can reduce space requirements, lower real estate costs, and provide employees with greater flexibility.
• More Days: Increased in-office time can enhance collaboration, strengthen company culture, and foster deeper employee engagement. Requiring employees to be in the office on the same days each week may also increase opportunities for teamwork and connection.

 

What will it cost?

The cost implications of returning to the office varies depending on several factors:

• Office Size: Larger spaces require higher operational costs.
• Lease Terms: Flexible lease structures may allow for adjustments in space usage.
• Space Modifications: Adapting your space to accommodate a hybrid workforce may involve reconfiguring layouts, upgrading technology, or adding collaboration areas to ensure your employees work effectively.

 

Do you have the right space to support your company’s needs?

Your office should be an asset! Your space should accommodate your company’s needs, with the right size, amenities, and environment to support productivity and engagement.

 

Navigating Decisions with Confidence: How Cresa Can Help

Making decisions about returning to the office can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Cresa, we offer expert guidance to analyze workforce policies, assess space needs, and estimate potential costs.

Whether you’re exploring hybrid work models, planning for expansion, or rethinking your office strategy, our team ensures you have the right space to support your employees while optimizing financial savings. We’re here to help you make informed real estate decisions with confidence.