EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM PROPERTY AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT LEADERS

Written by: Katie Kasas & Trey Hafer

Katie Kasas, Senior Property Manager, and Trey Hafer, Senior Project Manager, are valued experts on our Colliers | Columbus team. With extensive experience in the industry, they possess deep knowledge of office space trends, tenant behavior, and the evolving needs of modern workplaces. Their insights help navigate the shifting landscape of the workplace, making them trusted advisors in the field.

What are the most significant changes in workplace design and usage in 2025?

Workplace design in 2025 continues to evolve with a hybrid-first approach, prioritizing flexibility and adaptability. However, this trend appears to have decreased from previous years, with some companies pushing employees back to the office. Offices are no longer just workplaces but are designed to enhance collaboration and engagement. Expect a mix of open collaboration spaces, hot desks and quiet zones tailored to hybrid teams. Additionally, companies are downsizing their physical footprints, focusing on efficiency and optimizing space for maximum functionality.

Another key shift is the rise of experiential workplaces, where office spaces incorporate hospitality-like elements to foster culture, community and engagement. Rather than simply providing a workspace, companies are designing offices that make work enjoyable and compelling. A strong emphasis on employee well-being is also shaping office environments, with natural light, improved ventilation, fitness spaces and wellness rooms becoming standard features.

- Trey Hafer, Senior Project Manager

What are tenants’ top priorities heading into 2025?

As tenants navigate evolving workforce needs, flexibility and scalability remain top priorities. Companies want office spaces that adapt easily to changing team sizes and hybrid schedules. Economic uncertainty has also placed a sharper focus on cost control and efficiency, leading tenants to scrutinize leases, operating expenses and build-out costs more than ever. Additionally, talent attraction and retention have become major drivers in office design, as companies recognize that a well-designed, engaging workplace can serve as a compelling reason for employees to return to the office.

- Trey Hafer, Senior Project Manager

From a property management perspective, what do you believe matters most to tenants when it comes to their office space and buildings?

From a property management perspective, the key to tenant satisfaction isn’t just the space - it’s the relationship. Effective communication from the landlord or their representative is at the heart of that relationship. Seamless communication builds trust. Whether delivering timely tenant announcements, providing critical building updates, clarifying lease terms, or responding swiftly to maintenance concerns. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about fostering a lasting partnership that ensures tenant retention and long-term success.

- Katie Kasas, Senior Property Manager

What role does sustainability play in workplace design for 2025?

Sustainability is at the forefront of workplace design in 2025, with energy efficiency becoming a non-negotiable aspect of office construction and renovation. LED lighting, smart HVAC systems and other energy-efficient upgrades are now standard expectations for landlords and tenants. Additionally, there is a strong focus on timeless design, with companies seeking spaces that will remain aesthetically and functionally relevant for years. Stricter government regulations surrounding energy codes and carbon reduction policies are also influencing office builds, pushing the industry toward more sustainable practices.

- Trey Hafer, Senior Project Manager

What key considerations should tenants and landlords keep in mind for 2025?

Understanding how office space is used is becoming a critical factor in decision-making for both landlords and tenants. Office space utilization data is key to making informed leasing and design choices. Additionally, lease flexibility has become a competitive advantage, with tenants increasingly favoring shorter lease terms, spec suites and move-in-ready spaces. As companies remain cautious about long-term commitments, landlords invest more in high-quality, pre-built office spaces to attract tenants quickly. Finally, the “flight to quality” trend continues as companies prioritize newer, amenity-rich office buildings over outdated Class B and C properties, leading to rising vacancies in older office spaces.

- Trey Hafer, Senior Project Manager

What major trends do you anticipate in 2025 from a property management perspective?

In 2025, several key trends are expected to shape commercial real estate management. The return-to-work movement will gain momentum as larger companies enforce return-to-office policies, prompting more businesses to follow suit and reshaping workplace dynamics. Sustainability and the integration of green spaces will continue to grow, reflecting a heightened focus on environmental responsibility and employee well-being. Offices will also prioritize comfort-driven workspaces, creating relaxed and welcoming environments that enhance productivity.

Additionally, mixed-use campuses that blend live-work-play elements will see increased demand, allowing employees to balance work and personal life within well-designed communities seamlessly. Lastly, the revitalization of city centers will accelerate as the shift back to office work breathes new life into both urban and suburban office markets, driving renewed investment in commercial districts.

- Katie Kasas, Senior Property Manager

What are the biggest trends in commercial project management for 2025?

Several key trends are shaping commercial real estate project management in 2025. Flexible office build-outs are becoming the norm, with more companies emphasizing open layouts, strong brand identity and adaptable furniture solutions. Cost control remains a significant priority, as rising material and labor costs necessitate creative value engineering strategies. Sustainability-driven design also plays a more significant role, with landlords and tenants seeking upgrades that enhance energy efficiency and long-term value.

Shorter timeframes and schedules are becoming emphasized across the industry with technology’s continued emergence and implementation to push efficiency. At the center of this is the implementation of AI. This impacts the way commercial offices function and the project management industry itself, with more data-driven capabilities available to all. - Trey Hafer, Senior Project Manager

For more information on workplace trends, case studies in tenant behavior, tenant migration patterns, interviews with industry leaders and predictions for what’s to come in Columbus office space, check out our 2025 Columbus Office Tenant Report!

2025 Foresight Report