Social isolation, a consequence of the 2020 pandemic, was expected to change work models and open new avenues for rethinking how we carry out our tasks, especially with regard to remote work. However, what wasn’t anticipated was the growing return to offices, either in hybrid models or fully in-person, years later, as seen with companies like Amazon.

According to Mário Verdi, CEO of Deskbee, a workplace management platform, demand for office spaces is increasing, but companies are investing in more comfortable and functional environments, with a stronger emphasis on design and optimizing spaces to facilitate in-person interactions.

• Read more: Coffee Shops, Beauty Salons, and Pet Spaces Take Over Offices to Attract Employees and Tenants Back to the Workplace 

Deskbee reports, in a survey of over 400 companies and 380,000 users, that between 2021 and 2024, desk reservations increased fivefold, while meeting room bookings grew tenfold.

However, Deskbee also observed a decrease in office density, from 8 m² per person to 15, 20, and even 30 m² per employee. The company points out that there’s also been a rise in the creation of collaborative spaces like lounges, small open meeting areas, and a significant increase in demand for meeting rooms.

For Verdi, the return to 100% in-person work has plateaued and has remained stable for at least a year. Even with the in-person model, hybrid work is expected to prevail.

“We’ve seen two key trends: the search for smaller spaces in more desirable areas, and the retention of office space with reduced density, all within a new design concept,” adds the CEO.

Some clients even canceled their use of Deskbee’s platform in 2022, only to return between 2023 and 2024 as they resumed in-person or hybrid operations.

Among the sectors that have seen the most growth in space occupancy is the FIRE sector (Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate) with 33.3%, followed by TAMI (Technology, Advertising, Media, and Information) at 11.8%, and Business Products and Services at 11.1%, according to Market Analytics data from SiiLA.

The recent moves by companies like Amazon, Meta, and Google to increase in-person work have reignited the debate over the ideal work model.

• Learn more: Amazon Joins List of Companies Requiring Full Return to Office; Demand for Corporate Spaces Remains High 

Bia Nóbrega, a human and organizational development expert, shares that after 30 years in the field, she believes the best model is one that balances business needs with employee well-being.

“This balance involves flexibility, responsibility, and the ability to attract the right talent, aligned with the desired organizational culture,” says the expert.

According to her, there are both pros and cons to in-person work, such as social interaction, instant collaboration, and strengthening organizational culture. On the other hand, flexibility is limited, and this can negatively impact employee well-being, especially in large urban centers.

The hybrid model, however, combines freedom with productivity and is a competitive advantage for companies looking to attract young talent and reduce turnover. But this model requires leadership capable of managing different dynamics and ensuring engagement, as well as infrastructure that can support both work styles.

The 100% remote model can enhance productivity by eliminating commute times and minimizing costs related to physical spaces, but the limited interaction may weaken the connection between employees and hinder creative exchange.