'Offices Need To Start Feeling A Little Bit More Like Hotels,' Behind One CBRE Exec's Approach To The Future Of In-Person Work

Core Viewpoint - Major companies like Paramount, Microsoft, and Novo Nordisk are implementing return-to-office mandates, joining others such as Amazon, AT&T, and Disney, requiring employees to work in-person for at least half the week [1] Group 1: Company Policies - Companies believe that increased face time will foster innovation, enhance employee engagement, and improve productivity, although many workers are skeptical about this approach [2] - The shift towards in-person work is part of a broader trend among major employers to rethink office dynamics and employee experiences [1][2] Group 2: Office Redesign - CBRE's Chief Strategy Officer, Annie Dean, emphasizes the need for companies to rethink the office experience, suggesting that offices should resemble hotels with better service, technology, and design [3] - Dean highlights that well-designed offices can foster community, which is crucial for business success [4] - CBRE is launching the CBRE x Industrious Building Experience Lab to transform various commercial spaces into more human-focused environments [5] Group 3: Changing Work Dynamics - The nature of work has fundamentally changed, with businesses increasingly relying on technology for collaboration, especially in the age of AI [5] - There is a call to shift workplace functions from being viewed as cost centers to strategic business units that deliver ROI, focusing on user-centered processes [6]