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<p>The demand for office space saw a major shake-up after 2020. By October 2022, office attendance was still down by an average of about <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/real-estate/our-insights/the-state-of-demand-for-commercial-real-estate">30% compared to pre-pandemic levels</a>. In many U.S. cities, workers were coming in around 3.5 days a week—a big shift from the traditional five. These changes sparked headlines claiming the death of office real estate. But that narrative missed a key point: office space isn’t disappearing—it’s adapting. In fact, it’s rebounding.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Companies still want dedicated space; they’re just more selective about how that space functions. The modern office looks different because tenants are asking for something new. And if landlords are listening, they’re finding plenty of opportunity. Today’s tenants still need space—but on their terms.</p>
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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Today’s Office Space Tenants Want Flexibility Over Square Footage</h1>
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<p>According to Gallup, <a href="https://www.gallup.com/401384/indicator-hybrid-work.aspx">26% of workers are now fully remote</a>, 55% follow a hybrid schedule, and just 19% are in the office full-time. That means nearly three-quarters of the workforce still goes into the office—but not necessarily every day. With more than half of employees showing up fewer than five days a week, it raises an important question: do businesses really need the same amount of space they once did?</p>
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<p>Many are rethinking their footprint and asking for flexibility instead of sheer size. There’s growing demand for short-term leases, adjustable square footage, and offices that can scale with team needs. Shared spaces, coworking setups, and “hub-and-spoke” models—where companies maintain smaller satellite offices—are becoming smart, strategic solutions for today’s tenants.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Location and Accessibility Matter More Than Ever</h2>
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<p>With fewer days in the office, every commute has to count. In 2024, the average travel time to work was <a href="https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/commuting/guidance/acs-1yr/Mean-travel-time.pdf">26.8 minutes</a>—long enough to make location a deciding factor in whether people view the office as worth the trip. Tenants are paying closer attention to where their offices are located, favoring properties near public transit, major highways, and walkable neighborhoods with built-in amenities.</p>
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<p>This shift is also driving demand for suburban office spaces and mixed-use developments. With easier parking, less congestion, and nearby dining or fitness options, these locations give companies a way to offer more without needing more space. For today’s tenants, the right location is about access, comfort, and making each office visit feel intentional.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Health and Wellness Features Are No Longer Optional</h2>
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<p>Today’s office isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place people want to feel comfortable and safe. And if they are going to be making the drive into work, they want to get something a little bit extra for their efforts. After a global health crisis reshaped expectations, tenants are now seeking buildings that support wellness in tangible ways. That means upgraded HVAC systems, better air filtration, and access to natural light are no longer nice-to-haves—they’re deal-breakers.</p>
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<p>Open common areas, outdoor seating, and flexible floorplans that avoid crowding are also on the checklist. Many companies are even asking about on-site fitness centers, quiet wellness rooms, or amenities that help employees recharge throughout the day. As businesses compete to retain talent, they're leaning on healthier work environments to attract people back to the office.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tech-Ready Office Space is a Must</h2>
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<p>Today, technology is the foundation of a functional office. Tenants aren’t just looking for fast internet—they want spaces built to support seamless connections and <a href="https://www.yarooms.com/blog/10-must-have-features-of-smart-office-spaces">smart features</a> from the ground up. That includes automated lighting, smartphone-controlled temperature systems, and interactive floorplans that allow teams to reconfigure their workspace as needs change.</p>
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<p>Meeting room management software and smart entry systems are also high on the wishlist, helping employees reserve spaces, access buildings, and collaborate without friction. Properties with app-based tenant portals and built-in video conferencing capabilities stand out for their convenience and flexibility. For many tenants, tech-readiness is about more than efficiency—it’s about making the office experience feel modern, intentional, and adaptable.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Office Space Amenities That Help Attract and Keep Talent</h2>
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<p>As companies work to bring employees back into the office, many are looking for features that make the space feel more inviting—and even enjoyable. Today’s tenants are thinking beyond desks and conference rooms. They want office environments that support collaboration, comfort, and a little bit of fun.</p>
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<p>As we suggested earlier amenities aren’t just perks—they’re part of a larger strategy to help businesses recruit and retain top talent. Some of the most requested features include:</p>
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<li><strong>Breakout lounges</strong> with casual seating for informal meetings</li>
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<li><strong>Café-style kitchens</strong> with coffee bars, snacks, or shared dining areas</li>
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<li><strong>Onsite fitness centers</strong> or partnerships with nearby gyms</li>
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<li><strong>Outdoor patios or rooftop spaces</strong> for fresh air and flexible use</li>
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<li><strong>Concierge-style services</strong> like package pickup, dry cleaning, or bike storage</li>
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<li><strong>Access to restaurants, retail, and green space</strong> within walking distance</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sustainability and ESG Are in the Spotlight</h2>
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<p>Many commercial tenants today are asking a new question: <em>Is this space aligned with our values?</em> ESG—short for <a href="https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/environmental-social-and-governance">Environmental, Social, and Governance</a>—is a framework companies use to evaluate their impact beyond profit. For office spaces, that means tenants are paying attention to things like energy use, environmental certifications, and community impact.</p>
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<p>Green buildings with features like energy-efficient lighting, smart thermostats, recycling programs, and low-waste maintenance routines are getting more interest. LEED certifications and solar power systems are no longer rare perks—they’re becoming deciding factors.</p>
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<p>Tenants want spaces that reflect their company culture and support long-term sustainability goals. In competitive leasing markets, a building’s ESG profile can make all the difference.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don’t Miss the Shift in Commercial Real Estate and the Demand for Office Space</h2>
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<p>The way we use office space has changed, but the need for it hasn’t gone away. In fact, commercial real estate is entering a new era—one focused on flexibility, experience, and long-term value. Businesses still want physical spaces, but now they’re looking for ones that align with how people work today.</p>
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<p>For property owners and managers in Washington State—especially in growing markets like <a href="https://mastermanagementcorp.com/unlocking-potential-transformative-commercial-properties-for-sale-in-kingston/">Kingston</a>—this shift opens up fresh opportunities. Understanding what tenants want now makes it easier to attract the right fit and keep vacancy rates low. Whether you’re adjusting your current property or planning your next investment, it helps to work with a <a href="https://mastermanagementcorp.com/unlocking-potential-transformative-commercial-properties-for-sale-in-kingston/">real estate agent</a> who knows what modern tenants are looking for—and how to deliver it.</p>
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<p>Are you ready to meet today’s tenant demands? Partner with Master Management Real Estate to make your commercial property stand out. <a href="https://mastermanagementcorp.com/#contact-us">Contact us</a> today.</p>
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