Determining The New Office Footprint Sweet Spot

"A half decade after the pandemic's nadir, the theme's being rewritten. Some employers continue to downsize. But others are choosing to increase their office space in the name of teamwork, inclusion of quiet spaces, employee comfort, and activity-based office layouts. Some are seeking extra space for amenities, expansion, smart office systems, advanced technology or simply because larger offices carry greater brand cachet."

"CBRE's 2025 Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey, released several weeks ago, found an increasing majority of office occupiers (67% this year, versus 64% last), anticipate maintaining or expanding space during the next three years. The share of companies anticipating space contraction has gone from a peak of 53% in 2023 to 33 percent in 2025. Among reasons occupiers gave for expanding: Expected business or headcount growth, responding to the over-contraction that took place during Covid, or a need to support new workplace design standards and programs."

"Reevaluations aplenty It's evident many companies are re-evaluating their office footprints in an effort to find the best size for their needs over the next five or so years. Determining a "Goldilocks" footprint - one not too large, not too small, but just right - is not an easily undertaken endeavor. Among the important considerations: Building flexibility into office leases and layouts. Proactively gauging future workplace space needs. Leveraging office design as a key element in change management."

After the pandemic many employers reduced office footprints and pursued a 'flight to quality,' paying similar rents for less square footage in higher-grade buildings. Recently trends have shifted: some firms continue to downsize while others expand space to support teamwork, quiet areas, comfort, activity-based layouts, amenities, technology, and brand presence. A CBRE survey shows 67% of occupiers expect to maintain or increase space over three years, while contraction expectations fell from 53% in 2023 to 33% in 2025. Firms are reassessing footprints to find a 'Goldilocks' size, emphasizing lease and layout flexibility, proactive forecasting, and leveraging design for change management.

Read at Forbes