While the return-to-the-office trend is felt across the country, the percentage of employees moving back to their offices varies significantly according to geography, according to Eptura’s Q3 Workplace Index.
The business software company’s most recent study compared the numbers of third quarter office desk bookings in 2022 to those tallied in 2023. The findings:
- Dallas desk bookings grew 72%
- New York City desk bookings grew 58%
- Chicago desk bookings grew 52%
- San Francisco desk bookings grew 26%
Office occupancy is top of mind for many CEOs, with 74% of operational leaders reporting to their CEOs on occupancy metrics at least quarterly and 40% reporting to CEOs monthly. When asked what would make them want to use their workplace more, employees cited more opportunities for socialization and better technology. The top three most selected responses were:
- More social areas such as cafes and outdoor spaces at 45%
- Better technology like collaboration and scheduling software at 38%
- More recreational areas like pool tables and table football at 34%
The survey also found that many organizations are adopting automation to enhance efficiency. The top uses for building systems automation were:
- Lighting control to reduce energy consumption (87%)
- Security systems to monitor and control access (83%)
- HVAC systems to monitor temperatures and reduce energy costs (83%)
- Fire and life safety systems to detect and respond to emergencies (74%)
Related Stories
Market Data | Sep 3, 2021
Construction workforce shortages reach pre-pandemic levels
Coronavirus continues to impact projects and disrupt supply chains.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 1, 2021
Top 10 outdoor amenities at multifamily housing developments for 2021
Fire pits, lounge areas, and covered parking are the most common outdoor amenities at multifamily housing developments, according to new research from Multifamily Design+Construction.
Market Data | Sep 1, 2021
Construction spending posts small increase in July
Coronavirus, soaring costs, and supply disruptions threaten to erase further gains.
Market Data | Sep 1, 2021
Bradley Corp. survey finds office workers taking coronavirus precautions
Due to the rise in new strains of the virus, 70% of office workers have implemented a more rigorous handwashing regimen versus 59% of the general population.
Market Data | Aug 31, 2021
Three out of four metro areas add construction jobs from July 2020 to July 2021
COVID, rising costs, and supply chain woes may stall gains.
Market Data | Aug 24, 2021
July construction employment lags pre-pandemic peak in 36 states
Delta variant of coronavirus threatens to hold down further gains.
Market Data | Aug 17, 2021
Demand for design activity continues to expand
The ABI score for July was 54.6.
Market Data | Aug 12, 2021
Steep rise in producer prices for construction materials and services continues in July.
The producer price index for new nonresidential construction rose 4.4% over the past 12 months.
Market Data | Aug 6, 2021
Construction industry adds 11,000 jobs in July
Nonresidential sector trails overall recovery.
Market Data | Aug 2, 2021
Nonresidential construction spending falls again in June
The fall was driven by a big drop in funding for highway and street construction and other public work.
