After a long period in which offices remained vacant due to the pandemic, companies are gradually returning to in-person work, a movement reflected in the occupancy of physical spaces. As in various other sectors, several trends can be observed in the workplace during this recovery phase.

Even during the design and conception phase of new developments, builders and developers are attuned to changes in tenant behavior and are adapting offices spaces to accommodate new work models. Some of the trends that can be observed and listed are as follows:

1. Plug & Play

Plug & Play, literally, means to connect and start. Essentially, it is when a company moves into an office that has been previously refurbished and furnished to receive a new tenant. Typically, this feature is easier to find in newer developments, and usually, the cost of the renovation is included in the rent. For occupants, there is no additional concern other than bringing computers and other necessary equipment for their work.

2. Collaborative Spaces

One of the main trends in the market is hybrid work, and this employment model has directly impacted the way offices are designed. In collaborative spaces, there are no designated workstations; employees usually share desks, rotate places, and do not have a fixed spot.

The River One, a top-tier development located in São Paulo, offers floors that allow layouts with collaborative spaces. A recent example is the new office of Virgo, a fintech providing financial solutions for the capital markets, which was opened to employees in August after the company leased over 600 square meters in the facility.

3. Acoustic booths

It may seem ironic, but reserved spaces complement collaborative areas. These spaces, also known as acoustic booths or phone booths, were designed for those who need to attend a meeting, make a phone call, or require a quiet environment for concentration.

In Thera Corporate, Barzel provided a completely new floor for Ferring, a multinational leader in reproductive medicine and maternal health, with these reserved spaces. This delivery is part of a solution called Turn Key, where the manager renovates, furnishes, and decorates the space for future tenants.

4. Sustainable Environment

ESGissues, involving sustainability, are also gaining prominence in offices. From construction to day-to-day maintenance, the concern for environmental impact has become a necessity. In fact, it's a prerequisite that some companies use when choosing an office space. Water reuse, solar panels, and a layout that maximizes natural light are some examples of sustainable environments.

The Parque da Cidade complex in São Paulo is an example of a development with LEED Gold certification for sustainable construction and LEED Neighborhood recognition, which acknowledges properties that adhere to New Urbanism principles, considering the surroundings and neighborhood for intelligent and sustainable growth.

5. Relaxed Work Environments

Relaxed work environments go beyond each company's culture; there must be infrastructure that enables them. This includes areas adapted to accommodate pets (known as "pet-friendly"), game rooms, and convenience stores.

Since its arrival in Brazil in 2017, the coworking network Spaces has promoted the idea of pet-friendly work environments, establishing a model for contemporary and inclusive offices.