With 97% of senior leaders reporting that their employees are now working in a hybrid model, most organisations are introducing a range of policies that balance company and employee needs. Hybrid working is becoming more structured, with 57% of leaders reporting that office attendance decisions are set organisation-wide, underscoring the need for return-to-office strategies guided by data and tailored to the unique needs of each organisation.

Post-pandemic data shows significant improvements in the workplace experience. But meeting employee expectations of the office requires understanding them first. Defining and clearly communicating the workplace’s purpose is crucial. While this varies across organisations and should depend on employees’ needs, for 70% of senior leaders, the main reason for maintaining an office is to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The shifts in corporate real estate footprints over the past 18 months and the anticipated changes moving forward make it clear that optimising real estate portfolios remains a priority. The rise of hybrid working has prompted organisations to rethink workspace strategies, often leading to restructuring by either increasing or decreasing space. Previous trends pointed toward downsizing, and while that may continue, data indicates the trend may be slowing.