With the rise of remote and hybrid work, many office spaces remain empty and underutilized. A McKinsey Global Institute report reveals that office attendance has stabilized around 30% below pre-pandemic levels, highlighting a significant drop in occupancy. This absence has impacted both management and employees—creating a sense of disconnection and loneliness, even in a digitally connected world.  

Why Is the Office So Empty? 

Hybrid work is here to stay—nearly 40% of employees now view working from home as non-negotiable. According to the 2024 Workmonitor survey, 93% of respondents rate work-life balance as a top priority, valuing it as highly as pay equity. As employees increasingly split their time between home and the office, hybrid work has fundamentally reshaped how organizations operate—resulting in quieter in-office days. 

At its core, hybrid work promotes greater work-life balance and flexibility. On WFH days, employees regain valuable time otherwise spent commuting, which they can dedicate to family, hobbies, and self-care. This model also empowers individuals to set healthier work boundaries, reducing burnout and enhancing long-term productivity. 

With a growing demand for flexibility, the role of the office must shift from simply being a place to ‘clock in’ to becoming a destination with purpose–a hub fostering collaboration, connection, and innovation. 

5 Ways to Bring Life Back to the Office 

So, what’s working to help workers feel more connected? We’re finding that the most vibrant offices utilize these 5 strategies. 

1. Consolidate and Reconfigure your Workspace 

Creating intentional hubs within your workspace fosters a much more lively and collaborative environment. By incorporating designated areas for Zoom/phone calls, focused work, team brainstorming, events, wellness spaces, and more, a reconfigured workspace can better support organizational goals by encouraging more purposeful team interactions.  

We’re seeing a trend of clients increasingly looking to optimize their real estate portfolio. A 2023 report from workspace platform Robin found that 75% of businesses plan to reduce their office square footage in 2024, an increase of nearly 30% from 2022.  

In addition to benefits like lower maintenance and utility costs, reconfiguring your workspace offers a chance to leverage it as a competitive advantage, creating a more functionally supportive environment. 

2. Design Flexible Hubs 

The layout and design of these hubs within your workspace have a significant impact on comfort and productivity. According to a Q1 2023 space usage survey by VergeSense, office attendance varies throughout the week, with Tuesday being the most popular day. In contrast, Mondays see about 35% less in-office time than mid-week days, with Fridays unsurprisingly being the least popular, with about 61% less usage. 

For those WFH-popular days, incorporating flexible elements in office such as partitions, movable walls, and modular furniture allows teams to control traffic flow and create more adaptable, cozy zones. On busier days, these features offer additional privacy and help reduce noise and distractions. These design considerations improve office circulation and can help make the workspace feel high-energy throughout the week. 

3. Implement WFH Policies  

Clear work-from-home (WFH) policies provide clarity on when and why employees should come into the office. By creating a routine of specific in-office collaboration sessions and hosting fun social events, organizations ensure team members can count on productive, shared in-person time. 

Food is a simple yet powerful motivator to bring people back into the office. Designated work-provided food stations, coffee bars, and snack areas foster casual interactions and add a welcoming atmosphere to the office. Research from the University of Oxford found that 76% of people believe sharing a meal fosters closer connections–yet many individuals eat alone for over a third of their weekly meals. Establishing shared meal times or organizing team outings to local eateries can help reduce isolation, supports mental and physical well-being, and reinforces a sense of community within the workplace. 

4. Design for Noise Control 

Noise levels can significantly impact productivity and comfort in the office. While open offices can be noisy and disruptive, quieter or empty offices may feel uncomfortably silent. 

To address louder spaces, consider adding sound-dampening elements such as acoustic panels, rugs, and partitioned spaces to absorb noise and reduce distractions. In quieter areas, introducing low-level ambient music or white noise can create a balanced atmosphere that feels welcoming without being overly silent. 

Creating “dynamic zones” where noise levels are actively managed enables employees to choose a work environment that suits their preferences. Research from Harvard Business Review suggests that the ideal space for focused work is not necessarily the quietest but one that minimizes interruptions. This explains why some people find themselves more productive in a bustling coffee shop than in an open office setting. 

5. Consider Subleasing Extra Space 

If downsizing isn’t an option, subleasing unused office areas can be a cost-effective solution. CBRE reports that the availability of office subleases in the U.S. has nearly doubled since the start of the pandemic. Of these available spaces, nearly 40% are between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet, with close to 80% being under 50,000 square feet, indicating a trend toward subleasing smaller office spaces. 

Renting out a portion of the office can help offset overhead expenses while adding vibrancy to the environment, as new subtenants bring fresh perspectives and create opportunities for networking and collaboration. 

Workspace Specialists Are Here to Help  

Ready to make the jump towards a more connected workspace? Connect with our team today to explore fresh possibilities and bring the buzz back to your office. 

Share Your Insights and Stories  

Join the conversation! Share your experiences and ideas by emailing us at info@db-workspace.com. By fostering a platform of dialogue and diverse learning, we can collectively shape a better workspace landscape for all.