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 | Jul 21, 2020
Nonresidential building spending to decline through 2021
The commercial building sector is expected to be the hardest hit.
Market Data | Jul 21, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 21, 2020
Abandoned high-rise becomes mixed-use luxury apartments and researchers are developing anti-coronavirus tech for buildings.
Market Data | Jul 20, 2020
Construction employment rises from May to June in 31 states, slips in 18
Recent data from Procore on jobsite workers’ hours indicates employment may have leveled off.
Market Data | Jul 20, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 20, 2020
Never waste a crisis and robotic parking systems help developers optimize parking amenities.
Market Data | Jul 17, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 17, 2020
Kennedy Middle School's new Administration/Family Center and Tips to make optimal use of salvaged materials.
Market Data | Jul 16, 2020
Final NEPA rule will make it easier to rebuild infrastructure, reinvigorate the economy, and continue protecting the environment
Administration’s final reforms to the federal environmental review process fix problems with prior process, maintain environmental rigor, and accelerate needed infrastructure improvements.
Market Data | Jul 16, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 16, 2020
1928 hotel reimagined as a new resiential and cultural hub and Walgreens plans hundreds of doctor's offices at its stores.
Market Data | Jul 10, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 10, 2020
The world's tallest hybrid timber tower and the Florida Gators have a new $65 million ballpark.
Market Data | Jul 9, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 9, 2020
The world's most sustainable furniture factory and what will construction look like when COVID-19 ends?
Market Data | Jul 8, 2020
North America’s construction output to fall by 6.5% in 2020, says GlobalData
Even though all construction activities have been allowed to continue in most parts of the US and Canada since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many projects in the bidding or final planning stages have been delayed or canceled.