CBRE: Hybrid Working Redefines Talent & Workplace Strategies
Organisations are increasingly recognising that office space decisions can significantly impact employee experience and talent strategy, according to research from commercial real estate firm CBRE.
The company's 2025 Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey reveals that workplace features supporting employee wellbeing and environmental values are becoming central to how businesses approach their real estate portfolios. For HR leaders and senior executives, this signals a fundamental shift in how physical workspace contributes to talent retention and organisational culture.
CBRE Chief Sustainability Officer Robert Bernard tells HR Chief: "Companies are willing to pay more for buildings that align with their environmental goals and support employee wellbeing."
This willingness to invest in employee-centric features demonstrates that workplace quality is being recognised as a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent, particularly as hybrid work models continue to reshape expectations around office attendance.
Employee values shape workplace investment
The survey data illustrate how employee preferences are influencing corporate real estate decisions. According to CBRE, 43% of companies say sustainable building features influence their rent negotiations, while 40% now consider electric vehicle charging stations when negotiating lease terms.
Indoor air quality has emerged as another priority, with 37% of organisations factoring it in as a key amenity. These features reflect broader employee expectations around health, sustainability and convenience that HR leaders should consider when developing talent strategies.
Robert Bernard tells HR Chief: "This reinforces what we're seeing across the market: sustainability and business strategy are increasingly intertwined and can provide immense value. As hybrid work continues to evolve, organisations want spaces that reflect their values while attracting talent."
The research indicates that 26% of potential occupiers would reject a location lacking sustainable building features and operations, with 43% saying it would impact negotiations. Additionally, 14% would walk away if no electric vehicle chargers were provided, demonstrating that environmental credentials are becoming dealbreakers for some organisations focused on employee satisfaction.
Convenience amenities support daily experience
Building and neighbourhood amenities that offer convenience and connectivity remain a top priority for occupiers when selecting office space, the survey finds. These decisions directly affect the daily employee experience and influence whether staff view office attendance positively.
More than half of respondents said they would reject a building that lacked access to public transportation (53%) or parking (52%), the two most cited non-negotiable requirements. About 40% of respondents said they would reject a building without food and beverage options, reinforcing the importance of accessible, on-site amenities.
Outdoor amenities or terraces (44%), building amenity spaces (42%) and fitness facilities (32%) are the most frequently cited experience-related features that shape rent discussions. These findings suggest that organisations are viewing office amenities as an integrated part of their employee value proposition rather than simply property features.
The emphasis on convenience amenities reflects a broader understanding that the office must compete with the home working environment. Organisations are recognising that employees weigh up the friction of commuting against the benefits offered by the physical workplace, making accessible amenities a crucial component of the overall employee experience.
Attendance policies require cultural alignment
Beyond physical features, the survey reveals evolving approaches to office attendance policies that carry significant implications for HR strategy. According to CBRE, 72% of organisations report achieving attendance goals, up from 61% in 2024, suggesting the gap between employer expectations and employee behaviour is closing.
However, enforcement approaches are intensifying. The research shows that 85% report communicating an attendance policy, while 69% measure policy compliance, versus 45% in 2024. Additionally, 37% are taking enforcement actions versus 17% in 2024.
The survey finds that 73% say office use is at capacity on peak attendance days, but only 34% report average attendance is at capacity. This inconsistency means that the lack of office vibrancy on non-peak days undermines the cultural benefits organisations seek from office attendance.
Assigned seating is becoming less popular, especially among large employers, with 25% of companies using assigned seating today, down from 40% in 2024 and 56% in 2023. This shift towards flexible workspace arrangements indicates recognition that employee autonomy contributes to satisfaction.
CBRE advises in the report that the drive to increase office attendance must be "anchored to a strong change management strategy". The firm tells occupiers that policies and mandates are "effective at boosting attendance rates", but adds: "Organisations are most likely to align expectations and behaviours when they tailor policies to different types of roles."
For HR leaders, this research underscores that workplace strategy has become inseparable from talent strategy. The physical office environment, its amenities and the policies governing its use contribute to how employees experience their relationship with their employer.
