According to Arizona Senate Bill 1237, full-time state employees are now required to return to the office—a move that underscores what we at Keyser Commercial Real Estate are already seeing across industries: momentum toward a structured return to work.
This policy is more than a legislative update—it’s part of a broader nationwide shift in how companies approach workplace strategy. A recent survey found that 79% of U.S. CEOs expect employees to be back in the office full-time within three years, compared to just 34% earlier this year. While remote and hybrid work remain valuable tools, the pendulum is swinging back toward the office as the foundation of long-term corporate planning.
At Keyser, our market position offers a unique vantage point: business leaders often consult with us years before their real estate strategies show up in national data. From that perspective, one thing is clear—the office is not disappearing. Rather, it is being redefined as a hub of culture, collaboration, and growth.
How the Return to Work Movement Impacts Commercial Real Estate
Accelerated Demand for Premium Workspaces
Organizations across both the public and private sectors are prioritizing high-quality spaces designed to attract and retain top talent. In Phoenix, this is driving a “flight to quality”: demand for amenity-rich, thoughtfully designed environments that foster innovation, collaboration, and community.
Offices as Strategic Assets
In-person presence delivers advantages that extend beyond logistics. Offices reinforce accountability, enable real-time collaboration, and serve as the cultural heartbeat of an organization. Remote and hybrid models may complement these strategies, but the office remains the executive hub where leadership, innovation, and client engagement thrive.
How Business Leaders Can Navigate the Return to Work
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Adopt a Data-Driven Lease Strategy
Conduct utilization assessments—reviewing occupancy data, workflows, and spatial needs—to ensure lease commitments align with actual business requirements. -
Elevate the Employee Experience
Offices should feel purposeful and inspiring. Tenant improvement allowances directed toward collaborative zones, modern amenities, and thoughtful design signal that the office is both functional and aspirational. -
Secure Flexible Lease Terms
Even with a trend toward returning to the office, adaptability is essential. Flexible clauses in lease agreements safeguard your ability to pivot as business and policy dynamics evolve. -
Position the Office as a Business Advantage
The office is more than square footage—it’s a stage for innovation, culture, and client engagement. Companies that leverage this perspective differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace.
Looking Ahead
Arizona is at the forefront of a resurgence in workplace presence, with policies and market realities reinforcing the role of the office. Hybrid approaches will continue to play a role, but the prevailing trend favors in-person environments. The data is compelling: leaders across sectors are reinvesting in office strategies to strengthen organizational resilience and performance.
Sources
- “Arizona Senate passes bill ending remote work for state employees” – AOL News
https://www.aol.com/arizona-senate-passes-bill-ending-190000409.html - “The 2024 KPMG U.S. CEO Outlook Survey” – KPMG
https://kpmg.com/us/en/media/news/us-ceo-outlook-survey-2024.html - “Remote Work Might Be Disappearing Faster Than You Think” – Investopedia
https://www.investopedia.com/remote-work-might-be-disappearing-faster-than-you-think-8721894 - “79% Of CEOs Expect RTO—Here’s How To Align Office Design With Strategy” – Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/corinnepost/2024/10/09/79-of-ceos-expect-rto-heres-how-to-align-office-design-with-strategy - “CEOs who insist workers return to the office are living in an ‘echo chamber,’ a future-of-work expert says” – Business Insider
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-ceos-wont-allow-hybrid-work-echo-chambers-brigid-schulte-2024-9
Disclaimer
This content was prepared by the Keyser editorial team. It is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or financial advice.
