As workers settle into post-pandemic work life, the importance of the workplace has never been greater. With hybrid schedules finding their place within the workweek, tenants are focusing on their physical locations to maintain a sense of connection, encourage collaboration, and bolster corporate culture. In other words, the spotlight is now on the quality of time spent in the office.

That’s not to say that tenants with under-utilized office space aren’t also hoping to see an increase in badge swipes. For many companies, a desired post-pandemic office experience offers a bustling “reveal” as their elevator doors open, with workers, vendors, and clients actively demonstrating the economic realities of their businesses: that work is plentiful, customers are happy, and employees enjoy being in the office.

The good news: It’s achievable.

“To focus on my work.”

In its 2023 “Work, Life and the Workplace” survey, Gensler Research Institute asked 4,000 remote and office-based employees across six major U.S. cities and metropolitan areas about their post-pandemic work life and habits. While there were some variances in motivation for in-office attendance, the #1 response across all industry, generational, and demographic segments was that workers wanted to cut away the distractions of home to concentrate on the work at hand. Something Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all agreed upon.

By shifting away from traditional occupancy benchmarks such as floor density, space utilization, and vacancy rates to employee-focused success metrics like individual and team performance, employee satisfaction scores, and overall business outcomes, companies can begin to reimagine and optimize their locations. Replacing density-optimized floor plans with functional, dynamic experiences enables employers to promote greater in-office productivity and prioritize employee well-being — both of which can lead to increases in employee enthusiasm and attendance.

“If you build it, they will come.”

If the pandemic (and the years that followed) have showed us anything, it’s that employees can work from just about anywhere. Getting them excited about returning to a physical location requires thoughtful consideration into how today’s workers work. In other words — to use the oft-misquoted line from the film Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.”

Many employees who work from home have gotten used to the comforts of home — but they also want to get away from the noise and distractions of being home — giving employers the chance to provide a refuge for productivity. According to the Gensler survey, 65% of respondents desire greater access to private spaces that promote deep focus. They also want their workspaces on their terms — with the ability to choose where and how they spend their in-office time.

Making simple layout adjustments could result in increased office occupancy — with survey respondents expressing a willingness to increase their in-office time from a current average of 48 to 63% a week — essentially an extra day — if offices provide an optimal mix of experiences.

Modifications need not be excessive, just relevant enough to make an impact. For instance, KBS’ Ridgewood Corporate Square in Bellevue, WA, has demonstrated that amenities can really raise the stakes in making a property more appealing to tenant businesses and their workers.

In early 2021, Ridgewood completed a multimillion-dollar renovation on the seven-building office campus by transforming more than 12,000 square feet of space to include collaborative work areas, a sleek tenant lounge, a new conference room, an on-site management office with concierge service, and a first-rate 24/7 fitness center featuring Peloton bikes and shower-equipped locker rooms with towel service, secure bike storage, and a yoga room. The goal was to create a stimulating environment that not only fostered collaboration and socialization, but helped contribute to a solid work-life balance.

Today’s workers are also demonstrating a preference for more casual collaborative settings. Traditional conference room spaces are being reimagined as huddle areas, kitchen islands, meeting spots, and outdoor patios. And, to address the continued proliferation of Zoom and Teams meetings, space designers are incorporating telephone booth- and pod-style workspaces that combine optimal privacy with drop-in convenience.

Well-being takes center stage

Office space optimization also requires a focus on employee well-being. Pre-pandemic, the concept of well-being was more aligned with access to fitness centers, health and wellness programs, and after-hours activities. Today, office design elements that support employee well-being are pervasive — with designers demonstrating how lighting, furnishings, air quality, and artwork can work together to create a harmonious, thriving atmosphere.

Office acoustics also are taking center stage. A recent study by Leesman, a workplace effectiveness consultancy, revealed that noise control is a primary factor influencing overall workplace satisfaction. Seventy-one percent of employees surveyed identified noise levels as being important, with only 33% finding current levels to be satisfactory.

Even more revealing, employees assigned to open plan workstations had the lowest levels of satisfaction, at just 28%. Addressing gaps in acoustic privacy — whether through dividers, movable walls or telephone booth-style pods — or by creating designated office quiet zones — employers can almost instantly improve employee satisfaction.

Companies also can use office aesthetics to reinforce corporate culture. Tasteful use of creative graphics and signage enables companies to seamlessly integrate brand values into the broader office design. And, curated artwork from local artists, whether as installations or murals, helps instill a connection with the community while also celebrating local history.

Research also has shown that biophilic design integrations encourage an emotional attachment to particular settings and places — such as living walls, indoor greenery, courtyards, and outdoor gardens — can boost productivity and creativity. Biophilic elements also can serve as a visual cue to a company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint — thus playing a dual role in supporting employee satisfaction. Additionally, bringing more natural light into the workplace has been found to be profoundly beneficial for productivity, with numerous studies showcasing a wealth of health and wellness benefits.

KBS, for instance, has been making a sweet statement with biophilic design at many of its office properties — in the form of bee apiaries. The company has established urban beekeeping programs in an effort to give back to nature and enhance the well-being of tenants. It’s a program that aligns with KBS’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) goal to make the workplace a more engaging setting in which to visit, encouraging tenants to connect to the natural environment. It’s a unique office amenity that’s allowed each building’s community to enjoy interactive and educational experiences to escape the office for a moment and get a little taste of what the “buzzy” workday of a bee is like.

Alexa, start the meeting

Not surprisingly, technology and AI are playing a strong supporting role in the evolution of the office. Voice-activated meeting technology, motion-activated lighting, and smart thermostats are reducing utility costs, enhancing operational efficiencies, and supporting employee well-being.

Occupancy sensors and traffic flow tools are playing a dual role by reducing utility usage while also providing valuable insights into how often office areas are being used. And, workplace management programs are providing employees and guests with exceptional on-demand in-office support.

Designing for efficiency, productivity, and profitability

Creating an office environment where employees want to spend more time requires a thoughtful — but not necessarily expensive — approach to adaptive workplace. Creating areas that support solo work, encourage collaboration, and promote employee well-being enables companies to attract and retain top talent, reinforce corporate culture, and enhance employee satisfaction. Done properly, when the elevator doors open, the office will be humming with activity. You’ll have built it, and they’ll have arrived.

KBS is a leader in providing optimized office locations that feature the in-demand amenities that attract top talent. To learn more about its approach to adaptive workspaces, global sustainability initiatives, and strategic capital improvements, go to KBS.com/insights.