The most effective way to bring employees back to the office may not be better perks or upgraded space—it may just be fellow human beings.
That was the message from a panel of industry executives at the National Association of Real Estate Editors conference in Miami, where speakers repeatedly pointed to human connection, collaboration and a sense of belonging as the defining “amenity” in today’s workplace.
Emily Botello, managing director in Americas Consulting at CBRE, said clients often expect the answer to lie in technology, furnishings or design upgrades. Instead, she tells them the top draw is far more fundamental.
“Being with other people, colleagues, so you can work as teams on projects,” she said.
Efforts to lure workers back with one-off perks fall short if they do not reinforce that core dynamic.
“Having an ice cream social is great, but it’s not gonna bring employees into the office. But you could still do them because they make the people in the office happy,” Botello added.
See also: How micro-moments can support belonging
Wellness takes on bigger consideration for office design
That emphasis on connection is also reshaping how offices are designed and experienced. Robert Clemens of Perkins&Will said wellness has taken on greater importance than sustainability, reflecting a broader shift toward spaces that support how people interact and feel at work.
“Sustainability plays more to the corporate office, something it can tout,” he said.
Instead, creating environments that immediately engage occupants—and encourage interaction—is becoming the priority. Clemens said buildings should feel intuitive and inviting from the moment someone walks in, rather than relying on surface-level design elements.
“Today, you want to make the building really easy to ‘see’ once you enter. This can give it a sense of exclusivity and desire,” he said.
Even amenity spaces are being calibrated to foster energy and activity. In one recent project, Perkins&Will intentionally reduced the size of a restaurant to make it feel more vibrant and social.
“We want it to look crowded, creating that desire,” Clemens said.
Building experience extends to retraining security personnel
Beyond design, landlords are also rethinking how people experience a building day-to-day. Jordan Rathlev, executive vice president at Related Ross, said his company is training security personnel to act less like gatekeepers and more like hosts, reinforcing a sense of welcome and community.
“Yes, they sit behind the desk, but they are there to greet you, talk to you and ask you questions, make you feel welcome,” he explained.
That people-first approach extends beyond the building itself. In West Palm Beach, where Related Ross owns 95% of the office inventory and 85% of tenants come from out of state, Rathlev said the company is helping employers create a broader sense of belonging for workers relocating to the market.
What was once primarily a tourism destination is now attracting companies looking to establish a long-term presence. To support that shift, Related Ross provides services that help employees plug into their new surroundings, from finding neighborhoods to identifying schools.
Taken together, the panelists suggested that the future of the office will hinge less on standalone amenities and more on how effectively workplaces bring people together—and make them want to stay.
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