The Great Return to Office: Balancing Costs, Culture, and the Chaos of Change

Dax Pedraza
Jan 22
3 min read

Let’s face it: offices aren’t what they used to be. For years, they were bustling hubs of activity, filled with clacking keyboards, coffee-fueled brainstorms, and the occasional heated debate over the thermostat. Then the pandemic hit, and suddenly, the office became a distant memory, replaced by Zoom calls and the constant battle between productivity and a barking dog.

Now, as companies navigate the Return to Office (RTO) era, the challenge is clear: bring employees back in a way that keeps costs down, fosters a cohesive culture, and doesn’t make everyone question their life choices. It’s a tough balancing act, but with a little strategy (and a sense of humor), it’s possible to create workspaces that work for everyone.

Step 1: Rethink Real Estate Without Losing Your Presence

Real estate is one of the biggest costs for any business, and nothing stings more than paying premium rent for an office that’s emptier than a haunted house. So, how do you cut costs without losing your foothold?

Shrink Your Footprint: Embrace hot desking, shared workspaces, and booking systems that let employees reserve a desk when they need it. Hybrid work is here to stay, so design spaces that reflect that reality.
Sublease Unused Space: Got extra square footage you’re not using? Sublease it to another company or startup. It’s a win-win: they get space, you offset costs, and you might even foster a sense of community.
Adopt a Hub-and-Spoke Model: Instead of a massive HQ, consider smaller regional hubs closer to where employees live. It reduces commute times, keeps people happier, and can be far more cost-effective.

Step 2: Location, Location, (Cheaper) Location

Do you really need that fancy downtown high-rise? Probably not. The pandemic changed the game, and now is the perfect time to rethink where your offices should be.

Suburbs and Tier-2 Cities: Suburban office parks and cities like Austin, Denver, or Raleigh offer lower costs, more parking, and access to great talent. Plus, they’re less stressful for employees tired of the urban grind.
Negotiate Hard: Landlords are eager to fill spaces right now, which means you’ve got leverage. Push for lower rents, flexible lease terms, and perks like buildout allowances.
Co-Working Spaces: For smaller teams or remote markets, co-working spaces like WeWork or Industrious can be a cost-effective way to maintain a presence without committing to a full lease.

Partner with Other Companies: Share a space with a like-minded company. Split the rent, share the snacks, and build an mini community while saving big

Step 3: Design Spaces That Work Harder

A smaller space doesn’t mean a smaller impact. It’s all about making every square foot count.

Multi-Functional Rooms: Meeting rooms that double as collaboration zones? Lounges that transform into event spaces? Yes, please. Modular furniture and smart layouts can turn even the smallest offices into powerhouses of productivity.

Practical Over Fancy: No one cares about a 20-foot waterfall in the lobby. Focus on ergonomic furniture, soundproof phone booths, and reliable tech.

Go Green to Save Green: Energy-efficient lighting, smart thermostats, and eco-friendly HVAC systems lower your utility bills while showing your commitment to sustainability.

Step 4: Build a Consistent Culture Across Offices

Consistency is key when it comes to office culture. You don’t want employees walking into your New York office and feeling like they’ve entered a parallel universe compared to your London or Bangalore locations.

Standardize Site Services: Whether it’s coffee bars, wellness rooms, or snack options, make sure every office offers similar perks.

Tech That Works Everywhere: Standardize your tech setup across locations so employees can seamlessly work no matter where they are.

Celebrate Local Vibes: Consistency doesn’t mean cookie-cutter. Let each office embrace its local quirks while aligning with your company’s overarching values.

Step 5: Make the Office Worth Coming Back To

Here’s the harsh truth: no one wants to come back to an office that feels lifeless. To make it worth the commute, focus on fostering connection, collaboration, and yes, even fun.

Host Events People Actually Like: Skip the cringe-worthy trust falls. Think happy hours, skill-sharing workshops, or even Mario Kart tournaments.

Lead by Example: Leaders need to be visible and engaged. Host town halls, brew the coffee, and show employees you’re all in this together.

Embrace the Chaos: Adjusting to RTO isn’t going to be perfect. Listen to feedback, adapt, and keep the humor alive.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Costs and Culture

Bringing employees back to the office while managing costs and culture isn’t easy—but it’s not impossible. By rethinking your real estate strategy, designing smarter spaces, and creating consistent, engaging office experiences, you can navigate this new landscape with confidence.

Remember, the office isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place to connect, collaborate, and build a thriving company culture. And if all else fails? Great coffee and fast Wi-Fi are always a winning combo.