There are reasons why companies like Amazon are demanding their people are back in the office five days a day. It has nothing to do with the company’s real estate assets. It has everything to do with culture, productivity, innovation and collaboration. Although I resign to the fact many companies will not return to the office five days a week, the pendulum has swung too far since COVID, which presented a compulsory need to work from home. The pendulum is now swinging back. Many organizations who have staff that are 100% commission or are paid by billing clients ‘choose’ to be in the office. Think about that!

An example I’ve seen is a company using IoT sensors to monitor building occupancy and energy usage in real-time. This approach has reduced energy costs by adjusting lighting and HVAC systems based on actual usage, protecting corporate real estate assets while adapting to remote work dynamics. Additionally, flexible leasing models were introduced, allowing tenants to downsize or reconfigure spaces as needed. Combining these strategies with regular remote assessments and predictive maintenance helps maintain property value and supports the transition to a more flexible work environment.