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Hybrid working models are tapering off in Greater Toronto and Ottawa areas: survey

Hybrid working models are tapering off, with 80 per cent of tenants reporting regular office attendance on peak days, and 27 per cent present five days a week, according to Crown Property Management’s annual tenant experience survey.

The survey collects insights from 6,000 commercial building occupants and 350 leasing decision makers of Crown’s 10 million square foot portfolio in the Greater Toronto and Greater Ottawa areas.

The survey highlights the correlation between amenities and tenant satisfaction. “Commute worthy” buildings with rich amenities not only attract tenants but significantly enhance the in-office experience of their employees, with 79 per cent expressing satisfaction with on-site offerings such as fitness and conference facilities and common areas.

GHG emissions, energy efficiency and water usage a factor

Regardless of where on the political spectrum respondents lie on the topic of environmental and social governance (ESG), such considerations are part of the amenity package that signals a building is managed efficiently and to a high standard. To this point, 72 per cent of leasing decision-makers prefer an office building with a decarbonization strategy in place, with 22 per cent willing to pay a rental premium for sustainability initiatives.

Tenants set their sights on expansion and growth

Eighty-two per cent of decision makers surveyed stated their business is stable or growing. This is not just a marker of tenant success, but reflective of a broader sense of stability and readiness to make long-term space decisions.

“As tenants gain greater confidence in their workplace needs and move past the shorter-term renewal trend we saw during COVID, they are considering how their workplace aligns with their own long-term business objectives. Investors and tenants alike recognize the value of well-managed assets where building management considers energy efficiency and future-readiness,” said Emily Hanna, managing partner of investments at Crown. “It is encouraging to see this strategic alignment taking place across the office building community, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful and well-timed capital investments.”

Overall, Crown said in a press release that the survey results underscore the importance of creating commute-worthy spaces that align with the evolving work habits and preferences of today’s workforce.