Big changes are happening in how companies decide on their office spaces. Surprisingly, human resources (HR) is now a major player in this process.
The 2025 What Occupiers Want report by CoreNet Global and Cushman & Wakefield shows that almost one in three companies now lets HR handle corporate real estate decisions. This shift means companies see office space not just as a cost but as a place that helps employees do their best work.
For property managers, this change brings new challenges and opportunities. Knowing how HR influences workplace needs can help keep tenants happy or bring in new ones. This post looks at key points from the report and what they mean for managing office spaces going forward.
Why HR Is Taking Charge: Putting People First
In the past, office decisions mostly focused on finances—cost per square foot, lease length, and such. That’s changing fast. The pandemic made businesses pay more attention to how workspaces affect employee health and happiness. Now, companies realize that comfortable and supportive offices boost morale and helps employees get more done.
HR naturally fits into this shift since they handle employee engagement and culture. Making a workspace that suits employees is now a must, not just a bonus. For property managers, this means talks about office space go beyond size and price. Spaces need to:
- Help people work together easily
- Offer spots for rest and wellness, like gyms or quiet rooms
- Build a feeling of belonging with designs that match company values
What the Report Shows
The
What Occupiers Want report gives some clear facts about corporate real estate today:
- 29% of companies now let HR handle real estate decisions.
- Still, many stick to just cost-focused choices and miss how space affects happiness and work quality.
- Two-thirds of companies made their office areas smaller in the last two years.
- Yet, 13% expanded their space, and one in eight plans to grow their offices on purpose.
- Occupancy rates sit between 51% and 60%. Better return-to-office rules and amenities are helping to keep usage steady.
- Nearly half of tenants are willing to pay more for better services.
What Property Managers Should Do
Property managers need to change how they work to keep up. Here are three main tips:
Create Spaces for People
Offices are now seen as a service aimed at helping people feel good and work well. That means:
- Spaces should fit different ways of working, with teamwork areas and quiet zones.
- Offer useful extras like gyms, daycare, and good food options.
- Include natural or eco-friendly features for health and comfort.
- Making sure your building matches these needs can keep tenants around and attract others.
Offer Amenities That Matter
People want more than practical offices; they want spaces that feel good and support their day. Property managers should prioritize amenities that improve the work life experience.
People want spaces that inspire.
Nearly half of tenants say they’d pay more for better amenities. Think about offering: flexible lease options and spaces that can change as business needs shift; smart tech like apps for booking rooms or managing services; and stronger customer service with 24/7 support and programs to keep tenants engaged. Focusing on the experience makes your property stand out in a crowded market.
- Connect Money Matters with People’s Needs: The report shows a big gap between usual financial numbers and how office spaces affect business results. When renewing leases or talking with new tenants, property managers should clearly explain: how the building’s design helps productivity and teamwork; what value the amenities bring back in return; and how the space supports HR goals like boosting employee happiness and keeping staff longer.
- How HR Changes the Lease Talk: With HR involved, lease talks cover more than just efficient spaces. The focus shifts to places that fit company values and workers’ needs. Property managers should learn: how tenants plan to use the space—is it for group work, quiet focus, or both? What company culture means to them, and how your space matches their values. How employees feel about their workplace, using stories or reviews that show your spaces improve their experience.
Final Thoughts for Property Managers
The 2025 report on What Occupiers Want shows property managers must rethink tenant relations and lease talks. Real estate decisions aren’t just numbers anymore, but are about people, purpose, and culture. Tenants want more than desks and chairs. They want spaces where people feel valued, build community, and connect to their company’s spirit.
If you’re ready to meet these new needs, the chance is huge. Your buildings aren’t just products now, but places that boost joy, teamwork, and work done well.
Ready to change?
To make your property more appealing, try auditing your amenities or asking tenants what they think. Together, we can shape offices that fit tomorrow’s workforce.
To get started get started with our must-read insights on the
Top 10 amenities in 2025