The pandemic ignited a revolution in the workplace, propelling “hybrid work” to center stage. Forced by lockdowns, companies and employees overnight shifted office routines to remote settings. Even as restrictions subside, a heated debate simmers among Bostonians: what defines the modern office, and who needs it? Once a radical concept, hybrid work is now an embedded part of Boston culture, leaving both employers and the local CRE industry scrambling to adapt.
According to a recent Bankrate Survey, 68% of full-time workers support a hybrid schedule. As hybrid work continues to rise, Gartner predicts that a large portion of younger workers will crave the flexibility of multiple office spaces. This highlights the urgent need to tailor offices for hybrid work. It’s a wake-up call for leaders to rethink their understanding of employee needs, behaviors, and preferences. A hybrid worker might be in your office today, but tomorrow they could be at home, in a coffee shop, or somewhere else entirely.
While hybrid work is everywhere, it’s not a guaranteed success story. As more people head back to offices, studies reveal significant dissatisfaction among employees with their current workplace setups. This is causing property teams and employers alike to adapt to hybrid schedules by optimizing the real estate experience to meet the needs of their employees. Many Boston CRE properties are actively redesigning their physical spaces to attract and retain employees in the era of hybrid work.
The Blackstone Group
The Blackstone Group has gone above and beyond to provide tenants at 179 Lincoln with everything from floor plans to press kits in an effort to maximize work efficiency. They partner with award-winning architects to build custom spaces and best-in-class pre-built office spaces that meet the needs of today’s changing workforce. In addition to optimizing the individual spaces within the building, they ensure easy accessibility to all forms of transportation for commuting employees. They do so by offering an onsite valet parking garage, bicycle storage, electric vehicle charging all while being conveniently located to public transportation options.
Tishman Speyer
Another leader within the local CRE industry who is making waves when it comes to engaging the hybrid workforce is, Tishman Speyer. The property teams at One Federal and 125 High have invested a great deal of energy into their Fitwel Building Certification as another way to foster community within their space. Similar to HqO’s core purpose, Tishman sees real estate as much more than buildings. According to their website, real estate is “an intersection of people, communities, the environment, and your local neighborhood”. Their investment into Fitwel Certification is proof that they not only care about the health and well-being of employees, but they are not afraid to address any problem areas to create a better workplace for all.
Related
The pandemic wasn’t just a health crisis, it was a life makeover. Homes became offices, schools, gyms, and sanctuaries all rolled into one. As we cautiously return to “normal,” it’s clear: the lines are blurred, and the office needs to meet the new realities of hybrid workers. Related is one CRE leader who is paving the way for others through their innovative offerings and services. For many parents working at One Financial Center, the onsite Children’s Center is reducing a great deal of stress that pairs with returning to an office. Employees of participating companies can have peace of mind when rebuilding their daily routines knowing that their family will be cared for so they can focus on their work day.
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all workspaces. Today’s employees are juggling childcare, fitness goals, and personal commitments alongside professional ones. To thrive, they need flexibility, not just in schedules, but in the very design of their work environment. This means creating spaces that cater to diverse needs: quiet zones for deep work, collaborative areas for brainstorming, and even wellness rooms for midday meditation. The top dogs in the industry are putting in the work to optimize REX within their space to establish an engaged, productive workforce – even if it’s only a few days a week.
