People are returning to the office. In fact, Chuck Schreiber, CEO and co-founder at KBS, says that it isn't a question of "if there will be a return," but rather how office spaces will evolve once people do. One way that offices are already changing is in health and wellness amenities. Features like corporate gardens, outdoor areas and water features became incredibly popular during the pandemic, and it is helping to get employees comfortable with the return.

"Since the pandemic, health and wellness have become top priorities for office users," Schreiber tells GlobeSt.com. "Office amenities that promote these factors may help to coax employees back to the workplace. This includes biophilia (plants and natural lighting), corporate gardens and outdoor amenities such as water features and landscaping."

In addition to communal lounge areas that promote wellness, office owners are also making upgrades to protect against viral infection. "Inside buildings, owners are upgrading HVAC systems that sanitize indoor air more effectively, providing configurations that allow for social distancing, and all of the protocols that have been encouraged during the pandemic to reduce viral transmission will continue to be in demand."