In a world where the office seemed to have lost its essence, workplaces are reclaiming their value through the intangible. It's something deeper and more complex than the air breathed in meeting rooms or the energy flowing through the hallways. Inspiration and connection transform every corner into an almost sacred place of creativity and collaboration. Today's offices invite us to rediscover the meaning of going to work, not as an obligation, but as a journey towards personal growth and shared innovation.
In this article, we present the key insights to understand what is happening with workplaces today and to stay tuned for what lies ahead.
The 6 Key aspects defining today's and tomorrow's offices
HYBRID WORK IS CHANGING EVERYTHING:
the office landscape is evolving, and these transformations are affecting the entire corporate real estate market.
THE MAGIC IS IN THE MIX:
the new work ecosystem combines and balances the office, remote work, and alternative locations.
THE OFFICE BEATS TO THE RHYTHM OF ITS INHABITANTS:
more than just a space, today's office is the heart of creative exchange and collective learning.
THE COLLECTION OF DESKS IS NO LONGER:
the office must evolve into a true hub for the company's community.
THE OFFICE IS THE MIRROR OF THE COMPANY'S CULTURE:
the space must be designed to be an epicenter of experiences that reflect the company's brand and values.
FLY-TO-QUALITY BENEFITS THE ENTIRE MARKET:
this trend will cause some buildings to be forgotten, but others will attract new occupants at lower prices.
What do companies have to offer?
"Offices must become places that inspire and motivate. Each employee brings to the company a universe of experiences and desires that shape their ideal workspace. The key for companies is to delve into the collective mind of their employees to discover what components ignite the spark of engagement and productivity. This involves designing offices not only with functional needs in mind but also creating a habitat that fosters creativity, collaboration, and, above all, a sense of belonging. The office of the future is the one that answers the question of why someone would leave the comfort of their home to spend their day there; it offers an experience," says Jeanette Motok, Business Developer Manager at Cushman & Wakefield Argentina.
CARED-FOR EMPLOYEES ARE HAPPY EMPLOYEES
Fitness rooms, healthy food options, and comfortable outdoor spaces ar at the top the list of the most valued features by employees who, nowadays, seek well-being and enjoyment in their offices.
A PLACE FOR MORE THAN JUST WORK
People value training and attending events when they are in the office because they feel that their time multiplies its value.
WORK LIFE AND PERSONAL LIFE, CLOSER FRIENDS THAN EVER
Stopping to buy something after work or having an ATM nearby solves the everyday needs of every employee.
THE USUAL BENEFITS, BUT ENHANCED
Free coffee or parking are just two examples of a list that must captivate employees and make their lives easier.
What does this mean for the office market?
"For the corporate real estate market, all of this implies a huge change because now, more than ever, the focus is on people," warns Motok.
If buildings don´t embrace efficiency and sustainability, if they do not design experiences that captivate employees, they risk becoming ghosts in the market. Spaces that ignore the call for innovation and well-being are on the edge of a cliff, ready to be forgotten.
In recent years, the business world has discovered that companies with more dynamic and dedicated teams are the ones that give freedom to choose how and where to work. This can mean anything from staying at home, immersed in concentration, to going to the office in search of dialogue and collective inspiration. It is a balance between autonomy and collaboration: productivity flourishes not only in the silence of homes but also in the exchange and mutual learning among colleagues who share a space and achieve that connection that cannot be obtained through a screen.
Now more than ever, corporate real estate management occupies a priority place on companies' agendas. Offices will continue to be essential, not only as physical spaces but as centers of human interaction, if they adapt flexibly to the new times. At Cushman & Wakefield, we help companies develop and implement efficient real estate strategies to attract and retain inspired and committed employees.