The Office Isn’t Dead — It’s Getting Smarter, Smaller, and More Strategic”

The return to office isn’t just a talking point anymore — it’s happening. And this time, companies are tracking, enforcing, and planning for the long haul.

According to new data released by CBRE, U.S. companies have made more progress in re-establishing office attendance over the past 12 months than at any point since the pandemic began.

Nearly three-quarters of companies surveyed say they’ve hit their return-to-office goals — a significant jump from 61% last year.

Perhaps more telling: 69% of companies are now actively monitoring attendance, up from 45% in 2023, while the number of firms enforcing attendance policies has more than doubled.

“It was pretty loose for the last couple of years,” said Manish Kashyap, CBRE’s Global President of Leasing. “But now, companies are putting real structure and governance around whatever hybrid model they’ve chosen.”

The average employer now expects staff in the office 3.2 days per week — though actual attendance is still trailing slightly behind. Still, the shift is clear: the era of office flexibility is evolving into one of measured accountability.

Expansion Is Back on the Table

After years of office downsizing, subleasing, and hesitation, more companies are signaling confidence — not just in bringing people back, but in reinvesting in office space.

According to CBRE’s survey of 184 major employers, 67% plan to either maintain or expand their office footprint within the next three years, with most citing business or headcount growth as the primary driver.

Only 33% of respondents said they plan to reduce space — a notable drop from 53% in 2023.

And while economic uncertainty and tariffs still have some companies taking a cautious approach, the number of organizations signing long-term leases is climbing.

Why? Because leaders are finally seeing clarity around what hybrid actually looks like — and making decisions accordingly.

“You have organizations that finally understand their workforce,” said Julie Whelan, CBRE’s Global Head of Occupier Research.

“Even with some uncertainty, they’re now moving forward with strategic deals they may have delayed in prior years.”

Prime Space Is the New Battleground

Despite the national office vacancy rate sitting at 18.9% — just under the 30-year high — demand for high-quality space is heating up. Nearly half of the companies surveyed said they’re concerned about the availability of premium space over the next three years.

Why? Because prime space — the best-located, highly amenitized, flexible office environments — only makes up about 8% of total inventory and commands much lower vacancy levels.

“Today’s office footprints are smaller, smarter, and built around collaboration,” said Whelan. “There’s a much sharper focus now on workplace experience, flexible layouts, and being located in districts that attract top talent.”

The Bottom Line

The message from the market is clear: the office isn’t dead — it’s being redesigned, redefined, and reinvested in.Companies aren’t just talking about hybrid models anymore — they’re implementing, measuring, and planning for growth.

And for landlords, developers, and investors, the race is on to deliver spaces that aren’t just functional — but future-proof.