Factors such as the transition from remote work to hybrid arrangements — and now the effective return to in-person work — are fueling the increase in demand. However, the sharp shift is not seen as a simple return to the pre-pandemic model, as employees now view the office as more than just a workplace: companies must foster interaction and experiences that enhance day-to-day efficiency.

According to Tanali Vargas, partner and corporate director at T2 Arquitetura, the workplace environment has become a crucial factor influencing employee productivity and performance, an issue companies are paying increasing attention to.

“When people go to the office today, they want well-being. Companies want operational efficiency, but they also want people to interact and connect. The office is no longer just a place to work. Today, it represents positioning, strategy, and a cultural tool,” she said.

In this context, neuroarchitecture has become a widely adopted concept in corporate workplace design projects. The approach involves immersive studies aimed at understanding a client’s culture and needs — aspects that are often not communicated or even perceived until the workspace is finalized, yet make a major difference in employees’ daily routines.

As a result, companies are increasingly prioritizing buildings that offer infrastructure both inside and outside the property. Everything matters in this environment, from nearby services and accessibility to workspace flexibility and redesign potential.

“After the pandemic, teams became an even more valuable asset,” Vargas added. “Companies are looking for accessible locations near subway stations, with mobility and quality of life. Businesses today are also far more concerned about governance, environmental issues, and social responsibility. The corporate environment communicates the company’s image.”

Average asking rents, which had already been on an upward trend, rose by slightly more than R$2 per sq m compared to the final quarter of 2025, signaling price stability alongside stronger demand and marking the highest rental values seen in the last ten years.

With positive market expectations, leasing activity has been concentrated in higher-quality assets, which continue to attract competition among major corporations. One example from the second quarter of 2026 was the leasing of the 11th floor at JK Financial Center even before the previous tenant had vacated the space, while rent for the asset also increased by 26%. SiiLA’s market analytics team disclosed the new rental value exclusively.

Vargas notes that corporate relocations have become the most efficient strategy for companies today. Instead of undergoing a retrofit — which often requires time-consuming structural changes and can disrupt operations entirely — relocating allows companies, in most cases, to adapt spaces more quickly and with less complex logistics. In premium assets, minimal or even no restructuring is often required to accommodate new tenants.

“All of our clients say that the quality of delivery improves after moving to a better office. Many say they should have done it earlier. This is directly linked to prioritizing quality, efficiency, and safety. These buildings deliver technology, location, infrastructure, and brand positioning.”