flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Number of employees returning to the office varies significantly by city

Market Data

Number of employees returning to the office varies significantly by city

Workers want offices to have more opportunities for socialization, better technology, according to a new report.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | November 27, 2023
Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay - Number of employees returning to the office varies significantly by city
Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay

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

Adaptive Reuse | Jan 18, 2024

Coca-Cola packaging warehouse transformed into mixed-use complex

The 250,000-sf structure is located along a now defunct railroad line that forms the footprint for the city’s multi-phase Beltline pedestrian/bike path that will eventually loop around the city.

Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Jan 17, 2024

Waterproofing deep foundations for new construction

This continuing education course, by Walter P Moore's Amos Chan, P.E., BECxP, CxA+BE, covers design considerations for below-grade waterproofing for new construction, the types of below-grade systems available, and specific concerns associated with waterproofing deep foundations.

Biophilic Design | Jan 16, 2024

New supertall Manhattan tower features wraparound green terraces

At 66 stories and 1,031.5 ft high, The Spiral is BIG’s first supertall building and first commercial high-rise in New York.

Sustainability | Jan 10, 2024

New passive house partnership allows lower cost financing for developers

The new partnership between PACE Equity and Phius allows commercial passive house projects to be automatically eligible for CIRRUS Low Carbon financing.

MFPRO+ Special Reports | Jan 4, 2024

Top 10 trends in multifamily rental housing

Demographic and economic shifts, along with work and lifestyle changes, have made apartment living preferable for a wider range of buyers and renters. These top 10 trends in multifamily housing come from BD+C's 2023 Multifamily Annual Report.

Green | Dec 18, 2023

Class B commercial properties gain more from LEED certification than Class A buildings

Class B office properties that are LEED certified command a greater relative benefit than LEED-certified Class A buildings, according to analysis from CBRE. The Class B LEED rent advantage over non-LEED is about three times larger than the premium earned by Class A LEED buildings.

Office Buildings | Dec 12, 2023

Transforming workplaces for employee mental health

Lauren Elliott, Director of Interior Design, Design Collaborative, shares practical tips and strategies for workplace renovation that prioritizes employee mental health.

Office Buildings | Dec 11, 2023

Believe it or not, there could be a shortage of office space in the years ahead

With work-from-home firmly established, many real estate analysts predict a dramatic reduction in office space leasing and plummeting property values. But the high-end of the office segment might actually be headed for a shortage, according to real estate intelligence company CoStar Group. 

Transit Facilities | Dec 4, 2023

6 guideposts for cities to create equitable transit-oriented developments

Austin, Texas, has developed an ETOD Policy Toolkit Study to make transit-oriented developments more equitable for current and future residents and businesses.

Office Buildings | Dec 1, 2023

Amazon office building doubles as emergency housing for Seattle families

The unusual location for services of this kind serves over 300 people per day. Mary's Place spreads across eight of the office's floors—all designed by Graphite—testing the status quo for its experimental approach to homelessness support.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021