1. Return-to-Office Policy Updates 

The headlines are clear: organizations are doubling down on return-to-office (RTO) mandates in 2025. According to a ResumeBuilder survey, 87% of companies had  implemented some form of RTO mandates by the end of 2024, with another 23% planning to follow suit by the end of 2025. Industry giants such as Amazon, JPMorgan, and AT&T have already enforced full-time RTO, citing benefits such as enhanced team collaboration, productivity, and company culture. 

However, many employees remain firmly committed to hybrid or remote work arrangements, citing long commutes and work-life balance as primary concerns. Hybrid workers report spending an average of $51+ per day when commuting to the office–covering costs like parking, meals, commuting, and pet care.  

Regional trends reveal a stark difference in office attendance–Miami and New York lead in office attendance, with visits at or above 90% of 2019 levels, while San Francisco at just over 50%. Leaders attribute this disparity to Miami’s booming tech and finance sectors and New York’s status as a global business hub, both of which have prioritized in-office collaboration and networking as key culture strategies for post-pandemic recovery.  

2. Creating a Destination Space  

In the fight for flexibility, HR Executive reports 2025 will likely see an increase in “coffee badging,” where employees stop by the office briefly before leaving for work remotely. This trend is common among nearly half of US managers and 34% of individual employees, reflecting a broader negotiation between employees and employers over the evolving role of the office. 

This raises a critical question: Why go into the office, and more importantly, why stay?  Forward-thinking organizations are transforming workspaces into destinations that not only look impressive, but enhance worker productivity, collaboration, and connection.  From live training sessions to team-building activities with locally catered lunches, these initiatives create a more engaging in-office experience. 

At the core of these changes is respect for employees’ time. The focus is shifting toward providing a more engaging, purposeful work experience, making the office a space where employees feel their time is well spent. 

3. Bringing the Outdoors In 

The integration of natural elements, such as light, greenery, and organic textures, continues to shape both commercial and residential design trends. Biophilic design—an approach that connects indoor spaces with nature—has been proven to significantly boost employee well-being, creativity, and productivity, making it a must-have feature in modern workplaces. 

In addition to natural elements, movement-friendly layouts are transforming traditional office environments. Features such as walking paths, standing desks, and breakout zones encourage physical activity, helping to combat sedentary work habits. These design elements not only enhance health but also foster a more dynamic and energizing atmosphere. 

4. Hello, Artificial Intelligence 

The rise of hybrid work has ushered in the widespread use of sensors and advanced technologies, replacing traditional metrics like badging and manual headcounts with smarter tracking systems. Tools such as movement sensors and occupancy monitors now provide real-time insights into how spaces are utilized, enabling businesses to optimize layouts, enhance functionality, and improve the employee experience. 

A 2024 Owl Labs survey revealed that 46% of employers had added or increased the use of activity-tracking software, reflecting the growing integration of AI to measure and enhance office utilization. 

AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) technologies are gradually transforming remote workplace interactions and communication. AR enables employees to interact with digital overlays in real-world environments, offering tools like virtual collaboration boards and 3D visualizations to enhance brainstorming and project planning. Meanwhile, VR is creating immersive virtual offices where remote employees can connect with their teams, simulating the experience of being physically present. 

5. Amenities Are Still King 

The modern workplace is evolving to prioritize rejuvenation and connection, taking the form of environments that enhance well-being, collaboration, and overall engagement. As employees continue to redefine their relationship with the office, providing enriched environments has become nonnegotiable.

Some workplace amenities include:

• Entertainment spaces, include bowling alleys, golf simulators, and speakeasies 

• High-quality dining options and café spaces  

• Wellness rooms and fitness centers 

• Childcare facilities to support working parents  
  

Offices lacking these features may struggle to attract and retain tenants, often needing to increase concessions or lower asking rents to remain competitive. Workspaces that mirror the vibrancy of town squares—centralized, amenity-rich hubs—continue to thrive.

Your Path Forward: Contact A Workspace Specialist  

The future of work is here–are you ready to envision your new space? Connect with our team today, and we’ll start exploring the possibilities.